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Legal Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024
Writing a compelling legal cover letter is your ticket to landing an interview in the legal field. Whether you're an experienced attorney or an aspiring paralegal, understanding how to build an attention-grabbing cover letter is just as important as your resume .
In this guide, we'll deep-dive into practical tips, share some compelling examples, and teach you the art of creating a standout legal cover letter!
Keep reading and find out more about:
- Formatting your cover letter
- Building an effective legal cover letter header
- Crafting an eye-catching cover letter headline
- Writing a strong legal cover letter introduction
- Highlighting your skills and accomplishments
- Writing a compelling conclusion
- Avoiding common mistakes in a legal cover letter
- Average salary and job outlook for legal professionals
- Job seeking resources for legal professionals
1. How to properly format your legal cover letter
Correct formatting is vital when it comes to leaving a strong first impression. Here's how you can refine your legal cover letter, ensuring it's smooth to read and easy to navigate:
- Choose a clear layout: Stick to traditional cover letter format. Start with your contact information, the date, the employer's contact details, a formal greeting, the body of the letter, closing, and your signature.
- Use professional font: Use simple, professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should ideally be 11 or 12 points.
- Margins and spacing matter: Aim for 1" margin on all sides of your document. Single or 1.15 spacing between lines ensures readability.
- Get straight to the point: Legal professionals appreciate conciseness. Immediately introduce the purpose of writing the letter in the first paragraph.
- Organize your content: Use bullet points or short paragraphs to discuss key accomplishments or qualifications. This will help guide the reader's eye to the most important information.
- Close with confidence: Summarize why you're the right candidate and express appreciation for consideration in the concluding paragraph.
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2. how to write a header for your legal cover letter.
The header of your cover letter plays the role of introducing your personal and professional details. It should be crisply formatted, containing accurate, necessary information.
The contents of the header should include:
- Your full name
- Your phone number
- Your professional email address
- The current date
- The hiring manager's name and title
- The law firm's name and address
Understand better with the following examples:
Incorrect legal cover letter header example
Lawyer Tom Phone: 123456789 Email: [email protected]
To: Pearson Specter Litt
Why isn't this correct? This example doesn't reflect the standard professional legal cover letter header. Here's why:
- The name should be the full name without any titles.
- The phone number isn't correctly formatted. It is standard to include area code in brackets followed by the rest of the number.
- The email address isn't professional. Stick to a combination of your name/initials, avoiding nicknames.
- The current date and your personal address are missing, both of which are customary inclusions.
- The hiring manager's name, title, and firm's full address are missing, which are fundamental to a strong, professional header.
Correct legal cover letter header example
Thomas Brennan (123) 456-7890 [email protected] March 3, 2023
To: Mr. Jonathan Adams Hiring Manager Pearson Specter Litt 456 Barrister Blvd, New York, NY 10012
What makes this correct?
- The full name is used and it's professional.
- The phone number is correctly formatted.
- The email address is professional and easily identifiable.
- The date is specific and current.
- The hiring manager is respectfully addressed.
- Law firm's complete address is mentioned.
By following these tips, you ensure your header is professional, making it easier for the hiring manager to contact you.
3. How to craft an eye-catching legal cover letter headline
Your cover letter's headline is essentially your first impression, making it key in capturing the hiring manager's attention . A powerful headline is concise, targeted, and indicates the value you bring to the role.
Incorrect legal cover letter headline examples
- Looking for Legal Position
- Law Graduate Seeking Job
Why are they weak?
- They're vague and generic.
- The headlines don't convey any specific value or differentiate the candidate from others.
Strong legal cover letter headline examples
- Results-Oriented Attorney with 10+ Years in Corporate Law
- Harvard Law Grad Specializing in Environmental Legislation
What makes them strong?
- They're specific and tell the hiring manager immediately what the candidate offers.
- They use targeted language that portrays a strong, professional image.
- They highlight impressive achievements or unique specialization areas.
Remember that your headline works similar to a captivating tagline representing your professional identity. Invest thought into crafting it. Showcase your unique strengths and features boldly.
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4. How to personalize the greeting on your legal cover letter
Addressing your cover letter properly is a crucial step that shouldn't be overlooked. It shows respect, professionalism, and that you've done your homework.
Customizing the greeting specifically for the hiring manager takes your game up a notch. Ideally, you can find their name on the job posting or on the company's website . If not, LinkedIn and the firm’s official website are other good places to look for it.
Personalized cover letter greeting examples
- Dear Mr. Adams,
- Dear Mr. Michael Adams,
- Dear Hiring Manager Micheal Adams,
When the hiring manager's name is unknown , it's best to use a generalized professional greeting. Avoid using "To whom it may concern," as it's overly formal and outdated. Here's how to better address your cover letter:
Generalized professional greeting examples
- Dear Hiring Manager, — This is a safe and universally acceptable option. It's appropriate for any circumstances.
- Hello Legal Team, or Dear [Lawfirm's Name] Team, — These are great options when you want to address the whole team. It signifies that you see yourself fitting in with the group.
- Dear [Lawfirm's Name] Recruiter, — Use this option if you know that your cover letter will be read by a recruiter or if the job posting was shared by a recruiter.
Remember, every detail counts. Tailoring your greeting demonstrates initiative and respect, and these small touches could give you a competitive edge over other candidates.
5. How to craft a strong introduction for your legal cover letter
The introduction of your cover letter sets the tone for the rest of the document. It should capture interest, radiate enthusiasm, and briefly highlight professional achievements or academic acumen.
Include why you're applying for the specific position, and if applicable, leverage a mutual connection to further enhance your credibility.
Incorrect legal cover letter introduction
I came across your job posting and thought I should apply, given my background in law.
Why is this not effective?
- It lacks enthusiasm and appears insincere.
- It fails to share any relevant experiences or qualifications.
- It doesn't articulate why you're interested in the role.
Correct introduction for an experienced attorney
As an accomplished attorney with over 12 years of experience in corporate law, and a track record of securing favorable outcomes in over 85% of my cases, I am excited by the opportunity to bring my skills and expertise to ABC Law Firm's legal team.
What makes this good?
- It shows the candidate's experience upfront.
- It reveals a specific achievement that stands out.
- It expresses interest in the job posting.
Just out of law school and ready to conquer the legal world? Now, let's see how a hard-hitting introduction for a recent law graduate should look like:
Correct introduction for a recent law graduate
With a Juris Doctor degree from XYZ University and an internship experience at a reputable law firm, I am keen to apply for the Associate Attorney position at ABC Law Firm. My academic achievements and hands-on experience in handling various legal cases make me a strong candidate for this role.
What sets this apart?
- It highlights relevant academic achievement and professional experience.
- It expresses an eagerness for the specific job role.
- It forwards the prospect's suitability for the role.
In crafting your cover letter's opening, be bold and specific. Highlight the best parts of your career or educational background and make them intrigued to keep reading.
6. How to highlight your skills and accomplishments in a legal cover letter
The body of your cover letter is essentially your stage, it's where you impress the audience with your star qualities. In a neat and structured format, it should showcase your top skills , key achievements , and explain how these align with the requirements of the job role.
To effectively spotlight your legal skills and achievements:
- Use bullet points or short paragraphs for clarity and brevity.
- Quantify your achievements if possible. Legal professionals appreciate hard data.
- Tailor your skills to match those requested in the job description.
Top legal skills that you might highlight in a legal cover letter
- Detail-oriented
- Strong research skills
- Excellent communicator
- High moral integrity
- Proficient in legal software
These are just a few examples of the key skills you might want to highlight when applying for a legal role. Remember, it’s not just about listing your skills, but demonstrating how they have made a tangible impact in your career or studies.
Cover letter body paragraph example for experienced legal professionals
My successes in the legal field have been thanks to my combination of skills and experience. For example:
- I saved my previous firm a substantial $2M through effective negotiation strategies.
- I implemented new legal software, reducing the research time by 30%, increasing productivity within the team.
- My rigorous attention to details was upheld in over 250 cases, where I found critical information that swayed the case in our favor.
If you're just starting your legal career , focus on transferable skills , academic achievements , or relevant internships . Perhaps you led a successful group project in your law course, or you have honed your researching abilities during your internship. Make these the highlight of your letter.
Cover letter body paragraph example for fresh graduates
Despite my lack of professional experience, my training and academia have equipped me with a robust skill set:
- My detail-oriented approach was recognized during my internship at XYZ law firm where I examined a complex 200-page contractual document and unearthed crucial irregularities.
- As a graduate, I managed a successful law project that involved research into data privacy, displaying my ability to handle intricate details and understand complex legal terminologies.
Remember, writing a cover letter is about promoting yourself without sounding boastful. The goal is to show the reader why you're the best fit for the job. So shine a large spotlight on your skills, qualifications, and experiences that align with the requirements of the job.
7. How to write a strong legal cover letter conclusion
The conclusion of your legal cover letter is equally as important as the introduction. This is your closing argument and final chance to emphasize your interest in the position, and how you can be an asset to the company.
Your conclusion should include:
- A reiteration of your interest in the role
- When and how you can best be reached, and an expectation of hearing from them
- A commitment to follow-up within a certain time frame
- A formal sign-off
Here's an example of an effective conclusion for a legal cover letter
I am genuinely excited about the prospect of bringing my unique blend of skills and experience to your esteemed legal team. I am confident that my expertise in corporate law will be beneficial to XYZ Law Firm. I can be reached at any time via phone or email, and I am looking forward to your feedback by the end of this month, at the latest. In case I have not heard from you by then, I will take the initiative to follow up to ensure my application has been received. Thank you for taking time to consider my application.
[Your Name]
Remember, a persuasive conclusion leaves a lasting good impression, and that's exactly what you're aiming for. Wrap it up professionally, confidently, and courteously.
8. How to avoid common mistakes in a legal cover letter
Despite your best intentions, easy-to-make mistakes can creep into your legal cover letter, potentially jeopardizing your chances of landing the job. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid :
- Lack of specificity: Saying you're a "hard-working legal professional" is good, but not enough. Highlight specific skills and experiences related to the job.
- Typos and Grammar Errors: These can cast doubt on your attention to detail. Always proofread your cover letter, if possible, have someone else review it too.
- Being too lengthy: Employers don't have time for prolonged narratives. Stick to a single page, highlighting your key skills and experiences. Scrutinize each sentence — if it doesn't clearly add value, consider revising or removing it.
- Repeating your resume: Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. It's an opportunity to present your skills and experiences in a narrative format that connects them to the needs of the job.
- Addressing it to the wrong person: Failing to address the correct person can send your application straight to the trash. Always double-check the recipient’s name and title. If it isn't mentioned in the job ad, consider calling the company to ask or do an online research.
By circumventing these common errors, you enhance the potential of your application, making it more compelling and professional.
9. Average salary and outlook for lawyers
Choosing a career in law comes with impressive financial prospects. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average yearly salary for lawyers as of May 2022 was a handsome $135,740 . This salary can of course vary depending on your specialization, location, and level of experience.
But it's not just about the money — the job outlook for lawyers is also promising. Employment of lawyers is set to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032 . This growth rate surpasses the average for all other occupations, making the legal field a viable and attractive career path.
Digging deeper, the data reveals an anticipated average of 39,100 openings for lawyers each year over the next decade.
With its attractive salary and robust employment outlook, pursuing a career as a lawyer could lead to a bright and prosperous future.
10. Job seeking resources for legal professionals
Navigating the job market can be challenging, and having the right resources at your disposal can make a significant difference. Whether you're a student considering a career in law or an experienced lawyer seeking a new opportunity, the following resources can be invaluable:
- Legal job boards: Websites like Lawjobs.com or Indeed.com compile countless job listings in the legal field, making it easy to find opportunities that align with your interests and qualifications.
- Networking: Connect with other legal professionals on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Moreover, consider joining legal associations and attending industry conferences to meet peers and mentors in the legal profession.
- Continued education: To advance in the legal field, consider acquiring additional certifications or attending workshops and seminars. Websites like Coursera or Lawline offer a range of online courses and seminars.
- Legal blogs/news: Keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends and topics is crucial. Sites like Law.com or the ABA Journal provide updated news, articles, and insights on the legal landscape.
- Mentorship: Reach out to experienced lawyers who can share their experiences and give you insights into the profession.
- Career counseling: Many universities and colleges offer career counseling services for their students and alumni. These can help with resume and cover letter writing, interview practice, and job search strategies.
- Social media engagement: Harness the power of social media. X , for example, is a dynamic platform to engage with legal influencers, partake in industry discussions and stay abreast with the latest industry updates. Following relevant hashtags like #LawJobs or #LegalCareer can open up a treasure trove of information and potential job leads.
Stepping into your legal career or seeking the next big opportunity can be a daunting task. However, using these resources can guide you on the right path, equipping you with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in your legal profession. All it takes is a little direction and a hefty dose of determination. Good luck!
Legal Cover Letter FAQ
What should the tone of my legal cover letter be.
Your tone should be professional and confident. Though you're writing a formal legal document, avoid overly complex legal jargon. It's essential to show your personality and passion for the role.
What if I'm applying for a job in another city or state?
In your cover letter, make it clear why you're interested in the job and willing to relocate. However, focus primarily on your qualifications and why you're the best choice for the role.
Should I explain any employment gaps in my cover letter?
If you have significant employment gaps , it may be wise to address them briefly in your cover letter. Be straightforward, focusing on the positive outcomes like any skills or knowledge learned during the gap.
Can I use the same cover letter for every job application?
It's always best to customize your cover letter for each job application. Using the same cover letter for different job applications might come across as lazy and could potentially cost you the job.
How should I choose references to include in my cover letter?
Only include references if the job advertisement specifically asks for them. Otherwise, wait until the interview. When choosing, find professional contacts who can attest to your skills and qualifications.
Julia Belak
Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.
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Guide to Writing Cover Letters for Legal Professionals
Cover letters are often an afterthought in a job search. They are written quickly, mainly to make an introduction. Legal professionals are trained to write and, in some instances, will write lengthy cover letters.
How then, do you get an employer’s attention while also writing a clear, concise cover letter? Use your training as a legal professional to craft the perfect cover letter.
Tips for Writing Cover Letters
1. be clear and to the point.
Keep your letter to one page and say only what you need to say:
- What you know about the employer and the needs of the organization;
- How your qualifications match those needs; and
- What the ideal next step would be on your part.
Occasionally, an employer will include a length requirement for cover letters. As a best practice, try and keep your cover letter between a half of a page and one full page. Use short paragraphs to emphasize your main points.
2. Research the company
Employers are impressed when candidates take the time to get specific information about their organizations. It sends the message that you’re being selective and are not willing to work for just anyone.
Start with stating why you are applying (someone referred you, you’re responding to an ad, etc.). To prove that you are not recycling the same cover letter for multiple applications, try to make it as personal as possible. After you’ve introduced yourself, use information gathered from your research to support why you are applying and would be a strong candidate.
Explain what sets the company apart as a potential employer. Is it their company culture? Rapid growth? These are all examples of information you can gain from researching the company. Use social media as well as your typical Google search to find out information.
For example: “I have followed the success of your organization and am impressed by your growth rate of 55% last year.”
3. Persuade the Employer
Follow your opening sentences with recognition of the employer’s needs. Then lead to your specific qualifications that match those needs
For example: “My extensive experience in working with corporations and in-house counsel can benefit your bottom line by helping you cut your outside legal costs. Following are additional qualifications that I can bring to your organization:” (Add 3-4 statements such as: “Handled a wide variety of general business matters including drafting commercial contracts, regulatory work, and real estate transactions.”)
4. Write a Strong Conclusion
Summarize the points of your letter and close with an open-ended statement that shows you’re expecting an interview (rather than passively saying, “I’ll wait for your call”).
For example: “It would seem in our mutual interests to further discuss the knowledge, experience and demonstrated results I can bring to your open attorney position. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to a personal meeting to discuss this opportunity further.”
This method for writing cover letters can set you apart from your competition. It is personal, professional, and shows thought and preparation.
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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2025
- Attorney Cover Letter
- Lateral Attorney
- Associate Attorney
- Senior Attorney
- Trademark Attorney
- Writing Your Best Attorney Cover Letter
As an attorney with unparalleled writing skills, legal acumen, and a knack for winning justice, your first challenge is to prove your worth. Although your history of victorious cases speaks volumes, securing a job hinges on the strength of your attorney resume and cover letter, highlighting your on-the-job skills and qualifications.
The task of crafting these documents might seem daunting, especially after long days filled with legal research and complex language. However, our resources, including a free cover letter builder , five attorney cover letter examples, and a comprehensive writing guide, are here to simplify the process.
With our assistance, you’ll easily write a cover letter that not only gets you noticed but also establishes a strong precedent for your career moves.
Attorney Cover Letter Example
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Copy this text for your Attorney cover letter!
123 Fictional Lane Everett, WA (123) 456-7890
January 23, 2025
Heather Adams, Firm Administrator Reed McClure 1215 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1700 Seattle, WA 98161
Dear Ms. Adams:
I am impressed by Reed McClure’s commitment to practical knowledge and exceptional service as demonstrated by the extensive awards your attorneys have won. It is clear your team excels in a multitude of practices and has provided quality legal services to your community for quite some time. I would be honored to join your firm to independently manage civil litigation cases and provide attentive legal assistance to clients.
For the last three years, I have prepared, researched, and settled over 40 medical malpractice cases regarding surgical errors as an attorney for Thomas J. Henry Law. While there, my focus revolved around intense investigation and testing to determine validity of evidence. Using this method, I tried and won two jury trials for local medical providers, resulting in full compensation for both clients.
During my time as an insurance attorney with Cross Insurance Agency, I drew up legal documents, clarified misunderstandings, and reviewed all legal documentation before completion. During my two years with the company, I caught roughly 200 false claims. Many were exaggerations of losses owned to the policyholder, but several were completely fictitious incidents. Through careful claim investigations, we successfully mediated 93 percent of cases internally without going to trial.
My goal has always been to provide clients with trustworthy, honest service that makes clients feel safe and valued. Reed McClure shares my vision of providing litigation services to improve the lives of both clients and the community. At your convenience, I welcome the chance to further demonstrate how our goals are aligned and how I can personally contribute to Seattle’s civil case resolution.
Nastasiya Vlasenko
Enclosures: Resume Job application Writing sample
Why this cover letter works
- Just as you would for your resume, include metrics in your attorney cover letter. If you drafted a new substantive motion, explain how your efforts created a positive impact for the client or company.
- As much as you can, include experience that matches the attorney job description .
- If you don’t have experience in the chosen field, share your transferable skills and your eagerness to transition to a new practice area.
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Lateral Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Lateral Attorney cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Columbus, OH 43201 (123) 456-7890
November 26, 2025
Evelyn Martinez Bricker & Eckler 123 Fictional Lane Columbus, OH 43201
Dear Ms. Martinez:
I wholeheartedly concur that every legal case has its unique rhythm and story, much like a well-orchestrated symphony, and I share Bricker & Eckler commitment to delivering exceptional service to every client. Given my knack for untangling complex legal issues, I’m suited for the lateral attorney role, well-equipped with experience in drafting legal documents, trial preparation, and client counseling.
While operating in a senior role at Stavroff Law Firm, my fascination with the intricacy of legal document drafting grew. I drafted 750+ intricate contracts and legal instruments, effectively outlining the rights, obligations, and remedies of parties. This key role drastically increased client satisfaction.
Moving on to my tenure at the legal department of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, my focus was on trial preparation. Here, I fine-tuned my skills, extracting crucial information from the mounds of documentary evidence obtained through discovery. I prepared an impressive 374 trial-ready cases for the firm, contributing to a 32% increase in our victory ratio.
Earlier in my career at Frost Brown Todd, it was the responsibility of client counseling that deepened my passion for law. Aided by legal tech software like Clio and MyCase, my interactions fostered more solid relationships with our clientele. There was a noticeable 22% acceleration in case resolution times, enhancing the overall client satisfaction and trust.
Believing that each legal case affects real lives, not just abstract principles and statutes excites me about the prospect of working at Bricker & Eckler. Much like a conductor brings every instrument together for a powerful finale, my goal is to orchestrate successful case outcomes. I’d be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to your renowned team. Thank you for considering my application.
Ava Johansson
- It’s like riding back in time through your career, starting from your latest, most senior roles and backward to the junior positions. You bet the recruiter will be hooked on an intriguing tale of your progression from rookie phases to the top leagues.
Associate Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Associate Attorney cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Charlotte, NC 28201 (123) 456-7890
Henry Robinson Alston & Bird 123 Fictional Lane Charlotte, NC 28201
Dear Mr. Robinson:
As I reflected on the journey of a close friend, who, after a challenging legal dispute, finally secured justice thanks to exemplary legal representation, I was prompted to explore opportunities at Alston & Bird. With advanced legal analysis skills, articulate communication, and a solid sense of empathy, I’m ready to enhance your team’s solid legal track record and contribute to excellent legal outcomes for your clients.
At Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, I exercised my legal writing and drafting proficiency to compose 217 cogent documents ranging from pleadings to briefs. That proved instrumental in facilitating successful case outcomes, ultimately increasing the firm’s success rate by 27%.
During my tenure at Morgan Law, another Charlotte-based firm, my adeptness in legal analytics allowed me to excel in stratagem and risk assessment. Using legal research tools like LexisNexis and Westlaw, I pinpointed case-winning legal authorities and devised assertive legal arguments that bolstered the firm’s victory ratio by an impressive 34%.
Early in my career at Hunton Andrews Kurth, I argued passionately on behalf of clients in appellate courts. Here, I contributed to a 17% rise in overturned judgments thanks to clear articulation and crafting persuasive legal arguments.
As an associate attorney, I’m deeply committed to skilfully navigating the legal playing field. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skill set can further elevate Alston & Bird’s esteemed legal team. Thank you for considering my application.
Jayden Patel
- Just like Jayden recalls his friend’s legal tussle, all thanks to remarkable representation, a powerful personal narrative instantly captures the attention and sets the right tone for the rest of the masterpiece.
Senior Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Senior Attorney cover letter!
Valente Ferreira [email protected] Indianapolis, IN 123-456-7890
Andrea Lutz, Director of Advancement Conservation Law Center, Inc. 116 South Indiana Bloomington, IN 47408
Dear Ms. Lutz:
The Conservation Law Center’s mission to provide legal assistance to conservation organizations exemplifies my goals as a senior attorney. Throughout my career, I have offered at least 60 hours a year of pro bono work surrounding environmental law. The senior staff attorney position at your law center is a way to combine my passion for conservation, my love of mentorship, and my years of experience to provide assistance where needed most.
During my time as an associate general counsel at the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS), I provided legal assistance for all documentation and initiatives, including presentations and chapter events. Most of my time was spent communicating with INPS partners and external parties to grow trust and build strong relationships. By my second year, we had increased our external funding from partners by 38 percent and grown our community reach by 20 percent.
As a senior associate with Pincus & Associates, PC, I mentored summer and junior associates throughout their onboarding process. After the initial training period, I realized many mentees struggled with repeat issues, such as voir dire and preparing witnesses. To combat this, I created video lectures and PowerPoint slides to help them build their litigation skills. After two months of video training, the new hires completed double the number of tasks, and their client satisfaction scores rose by 18 percent.
I am ready to conserve Indiana’s native flora and fauna by contributing my legal expertise to societies such as the Conservation Law Center. I would be honored to supervise your legal team, lead cases, and build relationships with your partners. I deeply respect your efforts toward saving our environment, and I look forward to meeting with you in the future.
Valente Ferreira
- In your senior attorney cover letter, follow an outline (like the one we’ll provide in a bit) to ensure you’re including the necessary details.
- Specifically for your body paragraphs, shoot for three objectives: explaining your experience, a specific task or requirement you accomplished, and what resulted from it.
- Derive a theme (or multiple) from the organization’s mission or job description to center your cover letter around; then, include details from your experience that relate to that theme.
Trademark Attorney Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Trademark Attorney cover letter!
123 Fictional Lane Cumberland, RI (123) 456-7890
Becky Lukacs, Senior Talent Acquisition Hasbro 1027 Newport Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02862
Dear Ms. Lukacs:
When I heard you needed a trademark and copyright attorney, I started my application right away. Hasbro played a huge part in my childhood and still binds my family and friends together every time we play Monopoly or Betrayal. I believe gaming and entertainment have deeper impacts on our culture than many realize, and it’s my vision to help Hasbro create and protect its trademarks, so future generations can continue to enjoy quality entertainment.
As an associate attorney with KPMG, my team and I worked to provide quality service to over 90 clients. I managed legal risks by proactively identifying legal issues and suggesting revisions to resolve disagreements, prevent non-compliance, and drive future action. By the end of my time there, I had annually exceeded our sales targets by 19 percent and added 7 new clients through referrals.
Later, as a trademark attorney for Classics United Entertainment, I had the opportunity to work with a cross-functional team of designers, actors, producers, directors, and artists to create trademarks for all six departments within the Spears & Things division. For each trademark, I conducted a rigorous trademark clearance search to ensure trademark law compliance and eligibility. Once completing the trademark clearance process, my team and I successfully gave our efforts to developing clearance search procedures for future legal staff, creating a cohesive system across the three CUE divisions.
Establishing unity through trademark creation and protection has been a hallmark throughout my career, and I endeavor to do the same at Hasbro. I’m inspired by Hasbro’s ability to promote creativity, empathy, and ethical action across the globe, and I’m eager for the chance to protect and maintain your assets as your trademark and copyright attorney. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours respectfully,
Stella Drake
Enclosures: Resume J.D. transcript Writing sample USPTO Law School Clinic Certificate
- It’s okay to get a little personal if you can connect it with the job description. Use your experiences and knowledge of the company to discuss a goal, ideal, or passion you both share.
- Not every past position you’ve held will perfectly fit this new role, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t transferable skills you can include in your trademark attorney cover letter.
- Scour the attorney job ad for general responsibilities instead of strict specifics. Look for keywords like “collaboration,” “develop,” “identify,” and “research;” then incorporate positions where you used those job skills .
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Attorney Resume
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Beat the Competition with Your Best Attorney Cover Letter
As an attorney, you know how you can best help your client, but do you know how to advocate for yourself? Your cover letter must present a favorable argument for your qualifications, exhibit knowledge of the company, and relate your skills to the job description’s requirements—all with a professional yet ardent tone.
It’s a lot, but if anyone can effectively present their accomplishments to a tough crowd, it’s you. Write a hard-hitting attorney cover letter with these simple tips.
Tip 1: Due diligence is a must
There’s no point in submitting a generic cover letter . If your cover letter looks like it’s been submitted to multiple organizations, employers will assume you’re not all that interested in the job.
Moreover, if your cover letter doesn’t speak to their job description, they’ll assume you aren’t a good fit. Instead, hit the books (figuratively) and research the company. Then address their specific needs based on what you find online and in their job description.
If you reveal a strong link between your qualifications and their requirements, employers will be hard-pressed not to consider you.
Tip 2: Detail a couple of major accomplishments
No one likes a broken record, so your attorney cover letter can’t simply repeat your resume. A cover letter’s purpose is to relate your experiences and skills to the company in a way your resume can’t.
A cover letter also gives you the space to examine specific accomplishments in detail. You may argue that you’ve covered everything in your resume, but we know that’s not the case. Go beyond the basics to explore the motivations behind your achievements and how they reveal your value on the job. Are you exceptionally thorough? Find a task that highlights your attention to detail. Are you a whiz at research? Integrate that detail into a metric about your cases.
Here’s one example that gives you a glimpse into the candidate’s methods and motivations.
As a senior associate with Pincus & Associates, PC, I mentored summer and junior associates throughout their onboarding process. After the initial training period, I realized many mentees were struggling with repeat issues, such as voir dire and preparing witnesses. To combat this, I created video lectures and PowerPoint slides to explain procedures and laws surrounding the issues and gave examples, both good and bad. After two months of video training, the new hires completed double the number of tasks, and their client satisfaction scores rose by 18 percent.
These examples show the candidate’s passion for the job and their relevant experience. Moreover, the candidate demonstrates the value they’ll bring to their next role.
Tip 3: Nail down a winning tone & persuasive message
You’ve successfully incorporated your research, accomplishments, and personal style into your cover letter, but a cover letter is more than that. Here comes the tricky part: adjusting your message and tone.
The correct message and tone can mean the difference between getting dismissed or getting noticed. Remember, although we’ve compared a cover letter to a trial, your letter shouldn’t sound like a cross-examination. It also shouldn’t come across as flattering, casual, or confusing.
Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication. Nailing the right message and tone isn’t easy, but there is good news: unlike a trial, you can start over.
Revision plays a huge part in writing cover letters. No one has a perfect first draft, and oftentimes, even the second or third drafts aren’t ideal (ask us how many times we’ve revised our cover letter examples). Luckily, you can keep revising and editing until you have an error-free draft that accurately sums up your experience and fervor for the job.
If you think your judgment isn’t perfectly sound, you can appeal to a coworker and ask them to suggest edits. Their new perspective is more likely to catch content errors and grammatical faux-pas.
Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication.
All that’s left is one last round of revision before you save it and send in your application to the attorney job you’ve been eyeing.
How to Format an Attorney Cover Letter
Building arguments are your strong suit, which will help you immensely when writing your cover letter. But even the most experienced of writers can find themselves paralyzed by the blank page. Use our outline to build a case employers can’t refuse.
Attorney cover letter header and greeting
Your contact info: Don’t leave your future employer wondering how to contact you. Include your email, number, and address (city and state) at the top of your cover letter. Many employers also like to see your LinkedIn profile.
- Formatting: Don’t include your name in the address, whether in a template or block format. In block format, you’ll only need to include your name in the signature. In a template, your name goes on the letterhead, too.
Date: Adding a date to your cover letter is a professional touch, and it can help both you and the employer keep track of your documents. Just change the date to reflect the actual day you submit your application.
- Formatting: Write out the full date, e.g. January 3, 2025.
Inside address: Although a virtual cover letter doesn’t need to be sent by post, you should still include the employer’s address, also known as the inside address. Include the hiring manager’s name, their official title, and the company’s physical location.
Some companies are a bit tricky to track down, especially if they have multiple locations. Scouring Facebook, LinkedIn, and the company’s website usually yields favorable results. Also, check the job description—sometimes they specify where or to whom your documents should be sent. If there are multiple locations, use the address of the location in which you’ll work.
- Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double-space between the inside address and greeting.
Greeting: Every word of your cover letter matters, including your greeting (also called the salutation). A poor greeting indicates a lack of etiquette (dangerous in the highly competitive legal field). The good news? A good greeting is pretty easy to get right. Use “dear” and the name of the hiring manager.
- Formatting: Plenty of letters use a comma in the greeting, but colons are more professional, especially for an attorney.
Attorney cover letter introduction
Introduction: Applying to job after job might get monotonous, but your opener has to sound genuinely excited. Don’t underestimate the power of sincere enthusiasm for the organization and knowledge of its operations. It can also help to include personal details to empathize with the employer. Although, we would urge you not to include intimate details like this:
Your law firm values hard work and dedication, which sums up my career. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become a lawyer. I even acted out cases with my stuffed animals! As I grew older, I made sure I received top marks in every class so I could attend Harvard, the law school of my dreams. My commitment was so intense that I never had a relationship that lasted more than 3 months, but it was so worth it.
Although this opener definitely keeps the hiring manager reading, it’s probably because they find your cover letter funny (also known as you don’t stand a chance) instead of compelling. It’s far too personal and has no real relevance to the job. Instead, include details that relate to the company and what you can offer:
Here, Valente explains his background in environmental law and why he wants to work for the company. He leaves no doubt that he wants to work for them specifically, which will make any hiring manager take notice.
Attorney cover letter body
Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should substantiate your claims in the opening paragraph. Your space is limited, so focus on the highlights. Ideally, keep each paragraph focused on one accomplishment like this:
Although this paragraph isn’t focused on one task, it is focused on one process, and one aspect of that process in particular. Stella explains the overall trademark clearance process but keeps the focus on teamwork with phrases like “work[ing] with a cross-functional team” and “[giving] our efforts.” She effectively shows her legal abilities and her team-building strategy, both of which bode well for future employers.
Attorney cover letter closing
Closing paragraph: Good endings are hard to achieve because they have to leave the recruiters both curious yet satisfied. Scale back and reiterate the big-picture view of your values and qualifications and how they align with what the company/organization needs. End with a call to action that encourages the employer to reach out. Just don’t fall into arrogance like this:
This job requires someone who has years of experience and who values justice. In that case, I am your perfect candidate. In my 10 years of work, I have never lost a case, and I love to argue until everyone knows I’m right. I know I can win the most cases for your company; reach out to me if you want to hire a winner.
Not only is this arrogant, but it’s also unprofessional. Instead, write something that humbly indicates your enthusiasm:
This close reminds the employer of the candidate’s persona, values, and aligned goals. It’s also clear that a follow-up is desired and anticipated.
- Formatting : Single-space your paragraphs, but double-space in between paragraphs.
Signature: Mind your manners and say “thank you” if you haven’t already said it in the closing paragraph. Then, sign off with a professional closer along with your name.
Respectfully,
- Formatting : If you’re presenting any hard copies of your attorney cover letter, quadruple space to sign your name in blue/black ink.
Enclosure(s): This is an important piece to include although many cover letters miss it. This section delineates any other documents you’re attaching, which shows employers you’ve done your research regarding their requests and requirements. In addition to your resume, you may need to include documents like your law school transcript, a writing sample, and/or the job application.
- Formatting : Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on what you’re enclosing.
Your Dream Attorney Role Awaits…Almost
Your cover letter is finished! Case closed, right? Objection—you still have to perfect your attorney resume . Both resume and cover letter work in tandem to affirm and defend your qualifications, so both must be polished and complete.
But don’t stress—we have you covered. We offer free modern resume templates for you to use, or you can try one of our Word resume templates (there’s one created especially for a lawyer). You can craft a winning resume in no time; in fact, if you like this attorney resume example, you can begin editing it now.
Senior Attorney Resume
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Whether you’re outlining your resume or checking it over a final time, an AI resume generator will help you identify gaps and errors. We’re here for you every step of the way, so you can keep doing what you do best—fighting for justice.
You know the significance of formalities in the legal profession, so optimizing the greeting is an important step. Carefully review the attorney job description to see if a hiring manager or decision-making partner is listed as a contact person. Additionally, check the law firm’s website or LinkedIn profiles to see if you can find the name of a specific person in charge of hiring. If you still can’t find anything, you can simply lead off with “Dear [Name of Law Firm] hiring staff” or a similar greeting.
Legal cover letters should be more formal than other careers. Think about all the formal correspondence you must write up for contracts and legal proceedings. However, you should still review the job description’s tone to determine the level of formality. Some firms do value a more friendly and casual atmosphere, so adjusting your tone in those instances is a good idea.
Consider the stylistic choices you’d make when writing up a case brief for a client. Everything should be concise, well-spaced, in an easy-to-read 11-12 point font, and ideally addressed to a specific person. It helps present a professional feel and allows hiring managers to easily identify your top skills in aspects like settlements and tort laws.
