As you dive into the competitive world of law, your lawyer cover letter could be the key to unlocking the doors of your dream job. Writing this crucial document can be daunting, especially when you've learned you need more than a stellar resume to stand out. The secret? Weave a narrative around your proudest legal triumph, and avoid the resume echo. Remember to ditch the clichés for genuine professionalism and keep it succinct at just one page. Let's unlock the formula for a cover letter that lands you the gavel.
- Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
- The best structure and format for your lawyer cover letter;
- Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
- A creative twist on your lawyer cover letter intro.
Upload your lawyer resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.
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Lawyer cover letter example
JAMES JOHNSON
Houston, TX
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting specific quantifiable achievements such as a "95% success rate in court outcomes" and "40% increase in client satisfaction" provides concrete evidence of past success and capability in the criminal defense arena.
- Emphasis on leadership and mentoring with the creation of a "mentorship program" showcases management skills and a dedication to improving the team's overall performance, suggesting the candidate will bring added value beyond their individual caseload.
- The mention of balancing "tradition and innovation" implies an adherence to the best practices of law while also being open to new approaches, which can be relevant and appealing in the dynamic field of law where continuous learning and adaptability are crucial.
What should your lawyer cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information
Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your lawyer cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:
- Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
- Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
- Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
- Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.
Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your lawyer cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.
Ensure that both your resume and lawyer cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.
Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your lawyer cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.
The top sections on a lawyer cover letter
- Header: Includes the applicant’s contact information, the date, and the addressee's details, providing a professional appearance and ensuring that the letter reaches the correct individual.
- Introduction: A concise statement that clearly articulates the applicant’s interest in the firm and the specific legal position, grabbing the recruiter’s attention and outlining the lawyer's suitability for the job.
- Experience and Skills Section: A focused overview of the lawyer's relevant legal experience, notable cases, and specialized skills that demonstrate their competency and fit for the role.
- Career Achievements: Highlighting significant legal accomplishments or high-profile cases managed by the applicant, emphasizing their capability to handle the responsibilities of the position effectively.
- Closing and Call-to-Action: Politely wrapping up the letter with a reiteration of the applicant's interest and a request for an interview, indicating a proactive and eager approach to joining the legal team.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Strong analytical and research skills: Lawyers need to be able to analyze complex legal concepts and case law to build strong arguments and strategies.
Attention to detail: Precision is vital in legal documents and contracts, as small oversights can have significant legal implications.
Persuasive communication: Effectively arguing cases in court and negotiating settlements require persuasive oral and written communication skills.
Ethical integrity: Lawyers must adhere to strict ethical standards and confidentiality, maintaining trust and professionalism in all legal matters.
Resilience under pressure: The legal field often involves high-stakes situations and tight deadlines, making stress management and resilience valuable traits.
Relevant legal experience: Previous work in a particular area of law (e.g., intellectual property, criminal defense, corporate law) is highly desirable, indicating the candidate can handle job-specific responsibilities.
The lawyer cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers
After covering the format of your lawyer cover letter, let's look at the salutation.
Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.
But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.
So, what to do about your cover letter salutation?
If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").
Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.
If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear [Name of the Hiring Manager or Partner],
- Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],
- Dear Hiring Committee,
- Esteemed Members of the [Name of the Firm/Department],
- Dear Members of the Selection Committee,
- Dear [Name of the Department] Team,
Using your lawyer cover letter intro to show your dedication
We know just how difficult it is to start writing your lawyer cover letter introduction.
There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?
How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?
Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.
A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated lawyer professional.
How to write an achievement-focused lawyer cover letter body
We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your lawyer cover letter - the body.
In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.
What better way to do this than by storytelling?
And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.
Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.
Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.
Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.
The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.
Ending your lawyer cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise
If you're thinking of finishing your lawyer cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.
End the final paragraph of your lawyer cover letter with a twist:
- a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
- a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.
A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.
Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience lawyer cover letter
Even though you may not have any professional experience, your lawyer cover letter should focus on your value.
As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.
Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.
If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.
Key takeaways
We hope this lawyer cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:
- Format your lawyer cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
- Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
- Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
- Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your lawyer cover letter body;
- Write no more than two sentences in your lawyer cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.
Lawyer cover letter examples
Explore additional lawyer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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