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Cover Letter Advice & Samples

Cover letter advice and samples.

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  • Draft your cover letter knowing it is your first writing sample.
  • Understand that a cover letter should persuade the reader.
  • Use the cover letter to “connect the dots” of your experiences.
  • Resist the temptation to restate your resume.
  • Keep your cover letter to one page.
  • Use the font style and point size that match your resume.
  • Remember that the reader is busy: less is more.
  • Ensure your cover letter is error free.

Cover Letter Construction

Address block and salutation.

Sample cover letter address block and salutation

  • Address the cover letter to an actual person.
  • Research websites or call employer to determine recipient’s name.
  • If you cannot find the name of a hiring contact, address your letter to the head of the unit, department, or office.
  • While this is the least-preferred option, you may address your letter to “Dear Hiring Committee” if you cannot locate the name of an actual person.
  • For firms, address your letter to the recruiting director. For larger firms, contact information for recruiting directors is available at www.nalpdirectory.com in the Basic Information section.
  • In the salutation, include the recipient’s title and last name (e.g., “Dear Ms. Raintree”) or write the recipient’s entire name (e.g., “Dear Jamie Morales”).

Paragraph One

Sample cover letter paragraph one

  • Tell the employer who you are and what you are seeking.
  • Highlight (past, present, and future) geographic connections.
  • Indicate if you have talked to students/faculty/friends/alumni who speak highly of the organization.

Paragraph Two

Sample cover letter paragraph two

  • Show that you understand the employer’s mission/practice, the work its attorneys do, and the clients it serves.
  • Demonstrate your proven interest in and connection to that mission/practice, work, and clients.

Paragraph Three

Sample cover letter paragraph three

  • Describe skills you will contribute to support that mission/practice, work, and clients.
  • Provide evidence from your experiences and coursework.

Paragraph Four

Sample cover letter paragraph four

  • List the documents included with the letter.
  • Tell the employer how to get in touch with you by email, telephone, and mail.
  • Convey your availability for a conversation, mentioning upcoming trips to the area.
  • Thank the employer for considering you.
  • Mention availability of Yale summer funding, if applicable.
  • Optional: Promise that you will follow up in a few weeks if you think the employer would appreciate the diligence.

Sample Cover Letters (PDF)

First Year Student Examples | Second Year Student Examples | Third Year Student Examples

  • Business Posts

How to Write a Legal Cover Letter for Law Firms (that Gets you Noticed)

Sharon Miki

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Personal injury demand

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Whether you’re just starting your legal journey or are an experienced legal professional seeking a new role, there’s no way around it: demand for legal positions is high. As the 2022 Legal Trends Report explains, in the 12 months before April 2022, nearly one in five lawyers left the law firm they were working for, and nine percent planned to leave their firm in the next six months. 

Despite a high demand for legal positions, however, people still need legal expertise—and law firms need capable legal professionals to fill open roles.

Whether you’re a law student, recent graduate, or experienced legal professional, this post will help you with your legal cover letter writing. We’ve started by providing sample cover letters for legal positions below and will then guide you through the essentials of writing a compelling cover letter for law firms. 

Legal cover letter examples

If you’re feeling overwhelmed when drafting a cover letter for law firms, don’t worry. Seeing a legal cover letter example can give you the confidence to write your own. Below, we’ve compiled a few different sample cover letters for legal positions, covering different backgrounds and levels of experience.

  • Cover letter examples for summer associates and interns, Columbia Law School.  
  • Cover letter examples for 1L – 3L students, Harvard Law School .
  • Cover letter examples for 1L – 3L students, Yale Law School .
  • Cover letter example for applying to an immigration law firm by a recent graduate with previous paralegal experience .
  • Cover letter example for big law cover letter, Boston University. 
  • Cover letter example for an IP lawyer with 11 years experience .
  • Cover letter example for a litigation attorney with 12 years experience .

Berkeley Law also provides an excellent guide for legal cover letters. 

You can start by using one of these examples as inspiration for how to structure your cover letter and what you may want to highlight. You can also simply take insights from these sample cover letters for lawyers—insights you can apply to your own cover letter when following our tips below.

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Cover letter etiquette

Even after reviewing some legal cover letter examples, the dos and don’ts of legal cover letter writing aren’t always easy to spot. You may ask yourself: what should a legal cover letter include for a law firm? While the content of your cover letter will differ between employers, these points of etiquette should not.

  • Don’t skip it. The first, and potentially most important element of legal cover letter etiquette is writing one. While job sites and hiring portals may state ‘Cover Letter Optional’, disregard this, and ensure you always send a cover letter.
  • Be concise. It’s likely that the hiring manager is receiving dozens, maybe even hundreds of cover letters a day. Respect an employer’s time by getting straight to the point. Long legal cover letters may also indicate an inability to achieve quick and succinct results.
  • Match their tone. Write as if you’ve already been hired for the role. It’s subtle, but an employer will appreciate this personal touch.
  • Prioritize the employer. Don’t include unnecessary details about your life that won’t have any impact on how you’ll perform the job.
  • Don’t recycle legal cover letters. Be original. It’s time-consuming work, but it’ll show your potential employer that you’re dedicated.
  • Triple-check it. Spelling and grammatical errors should be avoided at all costs. Given the highly competitive nature of the legal job market, you don’t want to be passed up over a simple error.

Person researching legal cover letters for law firms

Addressing cover letters for lawyers

To whom it may concern: Always take the time to find the correct contact. When writing cover letters for law firms, it’s a common misstep to dedicate so much time and attention to the body of the letter that you overlook the basics—like who and how you’re addressing the letter. 

Here are some best practices for addressing your legal cover letter:

  • Know who you’re speaking to. Do your research and be specific. Address your cover letter to the person responsible for hiring at the firm you’re contacting, like the senior partner or hiring manager. If you don’t have this information, the law firm’s website might come in handy, or you can contact the law firm’s human resources department for guidance. 
  • Be careful with salutations. The salutation is a place to convey respect and showcase that you’ve taken the time to personalize the letter. Mistakes in the salutation are a sign that you’ll miss details, which won’t bode well for your chances at impressing your potential employer. If you’re certain of the recipient’s preferred gender-identifying language, you can write the salutation as “Dear Ms.” or Dear Mr.;” however, if you aren’t certain (and don’t make assumptions) or you don’t want to use gender-identifying language, drop the “Ms.” or “Mr.” and write out the person’s full first and last name.
  • Double-check your spelling. People will always notice if you spell their name wrong, and there are multiple ways to spell even common names. Ensure you start on the right foot by getting the basics right.

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In your cover letter’s opening paragraph, you have two main goals:

  • Introduce who you are.
  • Explain why you’d be a good fit for this particular firm. 

In the first paragraph, include details about:

  • Who you are. Are you currently a law student? Are you an associate at a law firm?
  • Who you know. Mention any referrals or mutual acquaintances right away.
  • Why you’d be a great fit for the firm. Include specific reasons, as you’re looking for a way to create connections with the senior partner or hiring manager.

Main cover letter body

The body section of your cover letter is your chance to shine—and to succinctly summarize exactly how you meet the requirements set out in the job description. 

In one or two paragraphs, give a high-level overview of your legal education and experience to show:

  • Why you want to work for this firm. Elaborate on what makes you genuinely excited about the firm—whether it is an area of interest you’ve specialized in, the firm’s reputation or mission, or past experiences that will make you a uniquely good fit.
  • Why this firm should hire you. Make clear connections between your qualifications and aspects of the role you’re applying for. If there is a job posting, look closely for key attributes that the firm is looking for, and then detail how you meet those expectations. 

Highlighting your qualifications

Above all else, ensure your legal cover letter highlights your skills. Relevant qualifications for a law firm cover letter include: 

  • Past legal work experience or positions.
  • Community service roles.
  • Academic or research specializations.
  • Publications.
  • Relevant awards you’ve received.
  • Your personal background.

For example, in the job posting (shown below) for an Associate Lawyer, the ideal candidate is described as having personal injury litigation experience, as well as someone who is “confident, highly motivated, possesses excellent communication skills, works well independently and as a part of a team. They must work well in a fast-paced office environment and take pride in exceeding expectations.” 

Image of a job description for an Associate Lawyer position

If you were applying for this role, your cover letter’s body paragraphs might detail your past personal injury litigation experience and specific examples of how you’ve successfully communicated within a team and in a fast-paced environment.

Remember: Be specific, but keep in mind that this is not the place to restate your resume —if you can grab the hiring manager’s attention here, they will read your resume for those details. Your cover letter is where you can entice the reader to move on to your resume by providing context and highlighting how your experience lines up with what’s needed for the role.

Concluding paragraph

Finally, your concluding paragraph is where you’ll succinctly wrap the cover letter up, close the loop, and leave a positive impression. In your closing paragraph, be sure to:

  • Say thank you. Gratitude can make a difference, so always thank the reader for their consideration.
  • Assert your next steps. It’s fine to clearly outline how and when you will follow up on your application, rather than waiting indefinitely for an answer. And, if you say that you’ll follow up at a specific time, be sure to do it—and hold yourself to your own word.
  • Provide relevant contact details. Let the reader know how to reach you by phone or email, if these details are not already outlined in your letter’s header.

Tips for using your legal cover letter to stand out

The legal industry is rapidly evolving, and job hunters need to set themselves apart in order to get hired (unless, of course, you decide to start your own law firm ). 

If you’re applying for a job as a lawyer, whether it’s a traditional position or a legal work-from-home job , here are five tips to make sure your cover letter lands at the top of the pile.

Person writing a legal cover letter for a law firm

1. Make it personal

Perhaps the most important tip for writing cover letters for lawyers is to make it personal. 

Many of your competitors have similar education and professional experience, so being generic is a fast track to being forgotten. 

Use a personalized cover letter to showcase the unique reasons why you’re the best candidate. Show that you know the person that you’re writing to and highlight any connections. If that isn’t possible, you can always write about the firm to show that you’ve done your research. 

2. Prioritize the positive 

When you’re writing a lawyer cover letter, focus on what you have to offer. Regardless of the reasons why you’re looking for a new job, you bring a unique mix of attributes to the table. Highlight these attributes, whether they’re your: 

  • Other legal careers
  • Relevant work experience 

If you’re a law student or recent graduate, you may not have a long legal career to highlight. However, you can still note strengths like technology skills that make you an asset. 

As the 2022 Legal Trends Report found, for example, technology has significantly changed the way lawyers work over the past two years.  To a hiring law firm, being tech competent and familiar with certain cloud-based tools like Clio could be an advantage that sets you apart from other candidates.

3. Get to the point

Legal cover letters are not the place to be long-winded, and droning on will almost certainly have the opposite effect of what you’re going for. Keep cover letters for attorneys short, to the point, and persuasive—the trick is to be memorable and limit yourself to one page.

Because you want to make a lasting impression in a single page, it’s also a good idea to check your cover letter’s sentence structure. Do you start all of your sentences the same way? Are they all the same length? Ensure there’s some variety so your reader stays engaged.

4. Set the right tone

Tone matters. While what you say in a cover letter for lawyers is obviously important, it also matters how you say it. 

No matter what type of legal job you’re applying for, you always want to convey a professional tone. However, depending on the law firm you’re applying to, using a personal tone may work to your advantage. Tailor your tone to match that of the law firm you’re applying to.  

If you’re writing a big law cover letter, for example, you’ll want to err on the side of being more formal. For a smaller local law firm? Check their website and match the tone to demonstrate your familiarity with their firm. 

5. Proofread

There is zero room for typos or grammatical errors in cover letters for lawyers. With the high level of competition for legal jobs, don’t give hiring managers a reason to eliminate you. Take the time to carefully proofread your cover letter. It’s also a good idea to enlist someone else to proofread your cover letters.

In a crowded legal job market, there’s no better way to set yourself apart than an excellent legal cover letter. Ensure you’re putting your best foot forward with your future employer by: 

  • Making it personal. At every step, customize your cover letter to the firm you’re applying to—from the tone to the specific skills you detail.
  • Keeping it brief. Cover letters for lawyers are a one-page summary to let the hiring manager know that you’re a candidate they should talk to further. You want to give them enough information to draw them in, but not overwhelm them and risk losing interest.
  • Showcasing your strengths . Focus on the positives, and don’t be afraid to highlight how your past and experiences make you uniquely qualified.

While finding a new legal job in a competitive market isn’t exactly easy, staying resilient and adaptive will lead you to success. By crafting a great cover letter, you’re more likely to be noticed in this—and any—job market.

How do I write a cover letter for a law job?

Start by introducing yourself. In the first paragraph, include details about your current role (or education, if you’re a student). Be sure to mention any referrals or mutual acquaintances. Next, explain why you’d be a great fit for this particular firm. Include specific reasons.

What do law firms look for in cover letters?

Senior partners and hiring managers will be paying attention to your qualifications. It’s helpful to connect your past legal work, academic specializations, and other life experiences with the job description. Remember, they want to hire someone who can do the job.

How to write a cover letter for legal internship?

Your cover letter for a legal internship should be concise, non-generic, error-free, and employer-focused. Use your opening paragraph to introduce yourself, the main body to summarize your qualifications, and the concluding paragraph to leave a positive impression and outline next steps.

How to address a legal cover letter with no name?

Address your legal cover letter to the person responsible for hiring at the firm, such as a senior partner or hiring manager. If you do not have this information, consult the firm’s website or contact its human resources department.

We published this blog post in June 2020. Last updated: April 28, 2023 .

Categorized in: Business

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 entry level legal assistant cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Entry Level Legal Assistant cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Hiring Manager for Entry Level Legal Assistant Roles

Table of contents

  • Entry Level Legal Assistant
  • Junior Legal Assistant
  • Legal Administrative Assistant
  • Junior Legal Administrative Assistant
  • Legal Assistant Trainee
  • Alternative introductions for your cover letter
  • Entry Level Legal Assistant resume examples

Entry Level Legal Assistant Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, highlighting relevant experience.

In this cover letter, the candidate demonstrates their ability to manage a large caseload and meet deadlines, showing they have experience in a fast-paced legal environment. This is a strong selling point for an entry-level legal assistant role.

Showing Impact and Initiative

The candidate highlights their initiative in spearheading a pro bono project and the positive impact it had on the organization. This not only showcases their passion for helping others but also their ability to make a difference in their work.

Showcasing Specific Skills

Spelling out that you've previously wrangled a ton of legal documents and contracts, and did it with precision and efficiency, tells me you've got a firm grip on the organizational skills required for a legal assistant role. It's not just about saying you're organized, you've given clear evidence of this skill in action.

Demonstrating Initiative

When you tell me about the digitization project you initiated, and the quantifiable positive results it yielded, it shows that you're not just a doer, but a thinker as well. You're someone who spots inefficiencies and does something about it. That's the kind of go-getter attitude that can add tremendous value to a team.

Expressing Enthusiasm and Growth Mindset

By highlighting your strong work ethic and your eagerness to learn and grow, you're painting a picture of a highly-motivated self-starter who's excited about the job at hand. The positive attitude you convey here can be infectious, and quite frankly, it's a breath of fresh air.

Connecting Personal Interest With Firm's Focus

By expressing your excitement about the opportunity and highlighting how your interests align with the firm's focus, you're showing a genuine connection. This is not just another job for you, it's a chance to contribute to a cause you're passionate about. It shows you've done your homework on us and that you're motivated by the same things we are.

Demonstrating Fit Through Past Experiences

It's not enough to say you have skills; you've got to show it. Here, you're laying out exactly how your past experiences have prepared you for this job. By tying your past accomplishments directly to the demands of the job, you make it easier for me to picture you in the role.

Highlighting Alignment with Company Culture

Here, you're showing your excitement and alignment with our company culture and values. This tells me that you've done your research and understand what our firm is all about. This is likely to resonate with us because we want people who will fit in and contribute to our ethos.

Offering to Discuss Potential Contributions

Job seekers often leave it to recruiters to connect the dots between their skills and the job requirements. But you're not waiting for that. You're offering to discuss how exactly your skills and experiences align with our goals. This proactive approach makes a strong impression.

Show your excitement for the legal assistant role

Expressing your passion for the legal field and your interest in the firm makes your application stand out. It shows you're not just looking for any job, but you're excited about this specific opportunity.

Highlight your attention to detail

Detail orientation is key in the legal industry. By mentioning your experience with legal documents, you're showing that you understand what's important for a legal assistant position.

Demonstrate your ability to learn and organize

Your ability to pick up new legal concepts and stay organized is crucial. It tells me that you can handle the fast-paced and complex nature of working at a law firm.

Connect with the firm’s mission

Showing that you've done your research on the firm and align with their values and goals makes your application more personal and thoughtful.

Express gratitude and eagerness to contribute

Ending your cover letter by thanking the recipient and stating your eagerness to discuss your fit for the role is polite and shows your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

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Express excitement for the legal assistant opportunity

Opening your cover letter with a personal reaction to the job posting makes your application memorable and shows you're passionate about the role.

Demonstrate your attention to detail

Detailing your experience with drafting legal documents and emphasizing your meticulousness reassures the employer of your capability to handle responsibilities with high precision.

Showcase your efficiency under pressure

Highlighting your ability to manage large volumes of work efficiently, like organizing case files quickly, proves you can handle the demanding pace of a legal environment.

Highlight the firm's culture as a draw

Pointing out specific aspects of the firm's culture that appeal to you indicates that you've researched the company and are looking for a good fit, not just any job.

End with a clear expression of interest

Closing your application by thanking the employer and expressing a strong desire to join their team reinforces your interest and leaves the conversation open for future discussions.

Show your enthusiasm for the legal assistant role

Expressing genuine excitement about the opportunity shows that you will bring passion and dedication to the job.

Highlight relevant experience

Describing specific skills you have developed through your academic and volunteer experiences demonstrates your readiness for the job.

Connect your skills to the legal team’s success

By confidently stating how your abilities can contribute to the team, you make it clear why you're a good fit for the role.

Express eagerness to grow with the firm

Communicating your desire to learn and contribute to the firm’s mission indicates your long-term interest and commitment.

End with a strong call to action

Inviting further discussion about your qualifications shows initiative and a proactive mindset.

Paralegal Cover Letter Example

Efficiency and problem-solving.

You've told me that you didn't just do your assigned task of legal research but found a way to make it more efficient. This tells me that you're a problem solver who's always looking for ways to do better. It also indicates that you're likely to bring this same efficiency-driven mindset to a new paralegal role.

Highlighting Complex Task Coordination

Coordinating over 50 cases while juggling the needs of attorneys, clients, and court personnel is no small feat. This shows me you can handle high-pressure situations, multitask effectively, and keep everything running smoothly. That's a seriously valuable asset to have in a paralegal.

Enthusiasm for the Company's Values

You've made it clear that you're not just looking for any paralegal job, but specifically one at Jones Day because of its dedication to comprehensive strategic legal solutions. This tells me that you're interested in the firm's mission and approach, and that you're eager to contribute to this specific environment.

Sharing Personal Motivation

You're not just looking for a job, you're looking for a place where you can make an impact and align with your values. This tells me that you're likely to be dedicated and motivated in your work, because you're driven by more than just a paycheck. It's a big plus.

Combining Tech Savvy With Legal Expertise

In today's digital world, having a knack for technology can give you an edge. By highlighting your technological skills alongside your legal knowledge, you're showing that you can navigate the modern landscape of the legal field. This gives you a unique advantage and makes you stand out.

Expressing Interest in International Scope

By stating your interest in working across borders and cultures, you're showing that you're open-minded, adaptable, and comfortable in a diverse environment. Given our firm's global reach, this is a quality we're definitely looking for.

Aligning Passion With Firm's Mission

Here, you're aligning your passion for social justice with our firm's mission. This tells us that you're not only going to be driven to succeed, but that you will also be invested in our work. This kind of alignment is exactly what we look for when searching for the best fit.

Junior Legal Assistant Cover Letter Example

Start with passion for the junior legal assistant role.

Stating your excitement and seeing the role as a perfect fit for your career aspirations immediately grabs attention. It shows you're motivated and have a clear direction.

Showcase your teamwork and leadership

Leadership and collaboration are essential in a law firm setting. Highlighting your experiences in these areas suggests you'd be a great addition to the team.

Align with the firm's values

Demonstrating that you share the firm’s commitment to excellence and a supportive culture indicates you’ve done your research and are likely to fit well within their team.

Emphasize your readiness and detailed nature

Confidence in your skills and your focus on detail shows you're not just capable but also understand the demands of the junior legal assistant role.

Close with appreciation and openness for discussion

Thanking the hiring manager and expressing desire for a discussion about your potential contributions speaks to your professionalism and interest in the position.

Connect your passion with the firm's profile

When you express excitement about joining a firm because of its global presence and your interest in corporate law, it creates a personal connection. This shows you have done your research and are genuinely interested in what the firm stands for.

Show your legal assistant impact with specific examples

Detailing how you improved efficiency with a color-coded system highlights your proactive approach and ability to contribute positively. It provides a clear picture of how you can bring value to the team.

Highlight teamwork in legal projects

Mentioning your role in a significant merger showcases your capability to handle responsibility and your dedication. It also indicates that you can be trusted with important tasks and are committed to seeing them through successfully.

Align your values with the firm's mission

Expressing your admiration for the firm's commitment to pro bono work shows that your values align with theirs. This suggests you would not only fit in with the culture but also be motivated by the firm's goals.

End with enthusiasm for the opportunity

Closing your letter by reiterating your excitement about the possibility of joining the firm reinforces your genuine interest. It leaves a lasting positive impression on the reader.

Legal Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

Show your genuine interest in the legal assistant role.

Starting your cover letter by expressing genuine interest in the position and the firm helps set a positive tone and demonstrates that you've done your homework.

Highlight your problem-solving skills

Talking about a specific improvement you made in your past role, like enhancing efficiency by 25%, shows you're not just a doer but also a thinker who can solve problems.

Connect your passion with the position

Expressing excitement to apply your skills in a legal setting adds a personal touch and shows that your career choices are driven by genuine interest, not just necessity.

Emphasize learning and contribution

Mentioning your eagerness to learn from professionals and contribute to the team's success demonstrates humility and ambition—a great combination for a legal administrative assistant.

Close with enthusiasm and openness

Concluding your letter by reiterating your enthusiasm and openness to further discuss your qualifications leaves a lasting, positive impression on the hiring manager.

Match your skills to the job's pace

Stating that you thrive in fast-paced environments and have a keen eye for detail directly addresses key qualities needed for a legal administrative assistant. It communicates that you are well-suited for the challenges of the role.

Demonstrate efficiency improvements in legal settings

By sharing how you reduced errors and saved time with your document system, you effectively showcase your ability to make significant contributions to operational efficiency. Such achievements make you a compelling candidate.

Showcase your contribution to legal cases

Detailing your involvement in a complex case illustrates your capability to manage and organize critical information. It highlights your reliability in high-stakes situations, an invaluable trait for a legal administrative assistant.

Express enthusiasm for the firm's reputation

When you convey admiration for the firm's work on high-profile cases, it shows that you are eager to be part of a team that faces challenging work. This enthusiasm for the firm's mission can make you stand out.

Close with gratitude and a strong desire to contribute

Thanking the reader for considering your application while expressing a desire to contribute to the firm’s success demonstrates both humility and ambition. It's a respectful and positive way to end your cover letter.

Junior Legal Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

Communicate your admiration for the firm.

Starting your cover letter by sharing your respect for the firm's work establishes a personal connection.

Demonstrate impact through past experiences

Sharing concrete examples of your contributions and their outcomes shows you can deliver results.

Emphasize your fit for the junior legal role

By highlighting qualities that match the job's requirements, you present yourself as a suitable candidate.

Express your commitment to contributing

Showing enthusiasm for supporting the firm's goals reflects your willingness to be a team player.

Invite further discussion

Closing with an invitation to talk more about your fit for the role suggests you are open and eager for the next step.

Legal Assistant Trainee Cover Letter Example

Show your passion for the legal field.

When you express a strong interest in both the role and the company, you outline a personal connection. This reflects well on you, showing that you've researched the company and see yourself as part of their mission.

Highlight your relevant experience

Talking about your work at a legal aid clinic and your academic background shows that you have a practical understanding of the legal world. It makes you a more credible candidate for the legal assistant trainee role.

Demonstrate eagerness to contribute and learn

Emphasizing your desire to apply your skills while also learning from professionals at the company suggests you're looking to grow and not just fill a position. This attitude is highly valued in trainee roles.

Connect your goals with the company's values

By stating your confidence in the company's ability to foster your growth, you're aligning your personal aspirations with their commitment to employee development. This shows foresight and a long-term interest in contributing to the company.

Thanking the reader for considering your application and expressing eagerness to discuss your qualifications further is a polite and assertive way to close your letter. It invites the next step in the application process without assuming it's guaranteed.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Entry Level Legal Assistant Roles

  • Entry Level Legal Assistant Cover Letter Guide
  • Experienced Legal Assistant Cover Letter Guide

Other Legal Cover Letters

  • Attorney Cover Letter Guide
  • Contract Specialist Cover Letter Guide
  • Lawyer Cover Letter Guide
  • Underwriter Cover Letter Guide

legal trainee cover letter

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legal trainee cover letter

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Legal Intern Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Legal Intern cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

legal trainee cover letter

Table Of Contents

  • Legal Intern Example 1
  • Legal Intern Example 2
  • Legal Intern Example 3
  • Cover Letter Writing Tips

Legal interns work with attorneys to help with a variety of tasks, such as conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and interviewing clients.

To get a job as a legal intern, you need to submit a well-written cover letter. Use these examples and tips to learn how to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Legal Intern Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Legal Internship at the law firm of Smith, Stevens, and Tucker. I am currently a law student at St. Helena University and I am passionate about pursuing a career in law. I believe that this internship would be an excellent opportunity for me to gain experience in the legal field and to learn more about the day-to-day operations of a law firm.

I have experience in legal research and writing, and I am confident that I can provide valuable assistance to the attorneys at Smith, Stevens, and Tucker. In addition, I am a strong team player and I am motivated to learn as much as I can about the legal profession.

I am eager to have the opportunity to speak with you in person about the Legal Internship at Smith, Stevens, and Tucker. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Legal Intern Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the Legal Intern position that was recently advertised on your company website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization.

As an experienced legal professional, I have a deep understanding of the law and the legal system. I am also an effective communicator and have a proven track record of working well with colleagues and clients. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team, and I look forward to contributing to your organization in a meaningful way.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this position further or ask any questions. I thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Legal Intern Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Legal Intern position that you have posted. I believe that I would be a great fit for this position and would enjoy working with your firm.

I am currently a senior at the University of Michigan Law School, where I will graduate in May of this year. I have been a member of the Moot Court Honor Society since my first year of law school and have served as an officer on the Executive Board for two years. I have also been a member of the National Moot Court Team for three years, and was recently selected to serve as the team’s captain for next year.

I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best professors in the country, including Professor Michael Schulman, who has been named one of the top ten teachers in the nation by The Princeton Review. I have also had the privilege of working with Professor David Moran, who is widely considered to be one of the most influential legal scholars in the world.

I am very interested in pursuing a career in corporate law and believe that your firm would provide me with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in this field. I am confident that my academic achievements, combined with my enthusiasm and dedication, would make me an asset to your firm.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Legal Intern Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. use a professional tone.

When writing a cover letter for a legal internship, it’s important to use a professional tone. This means avoiding any informal language or slang terms. You should also avoid using contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t, won’t) and instead use full words (do not, cannot, will not).

2. Introduce Yourself

The first paragraph of your cover letter should introduce yourself to the hiring manager. This paragraph should include your name, the school you’re attending, the year you’re in, and what type of legal internship you’re applying for.

3. Outline Your Relevant Skills and Experience

In the second paragraph, you should outline your relevant skills and experience. This should be a brief overview of your experience and should not include any details about your education.

4. Mention Why You’re Interested in the Position

In the third paragraph, you should mention why you’re interested in the position. This should be a brief overview of your experience and should not include any details about your education.

5. Thank the Hiring Manager

In the fourth paragraph, you should thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

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How to write winning covering letters for law firms.

targetjobs editorial team

24 Mar 2023, 17:42

When applying for a training contract or vacation scheme, your covering letter may be the first part of your application a law firm considers.

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Your covering letter creates a powerful first impression, so make it easy for the recruiter to see that you have strong potential as a lawyer.

Many law graduate jobs at solicitors’ firms in the UK will ask you to apply for a training contract with a covering letter. Read this advice from recruiters at Slaughter and May, Cleary Gottlieb and Ince & Co, then follow our law cover letter template.

Some recruiters will want you to upload your covering letter as part of an online application form (such as Baker McKenzie and Jones Day), while others – usually smaller, high street law firms – will want you to send the letter alongside a CV (see our law CV example here ).

  • Cover letter template: see our annotated law covering letter sample for more tips and format examples .

How to write a law cover letter tip #1: use the letter to explain why you want to be a solicitor at that particular law firm

A covering letter is a golden opportunity to explain your motivations for becoming a lawyer and for applying to that specific firm. ‘My advice is to use the cover letter to introduce yourself and to explain why you are applying to that firm,' says Janine Arnold, trainee recruitment manager at Slaughter and May . ‘Be sure to include any additional information that you feel is relevant to your application.’

If you’re uploading a covering letter as part of a larger application form you should avoid repeating examples you’ve used to answer questions on the form. Give as broad a picture of your skills and experience as possible and only repeat something if you think it is particularly significant to that law firm. Your covering letter is an introduction to get the recruiter’s attention – a sample of your potential, if you like – not your overall application.

‘A well-written, succinct, persuasive covering letter crafted by an aspiring trainee solicitor who has really thought about the firm stands out,’ says Nichola Rowe, director of legal human resources at Cleary Gottlieb . ‘Ask yourself: what sets this firm apart from other law firms and how do my individual skills and experiences marry with that firm?’.

How to write a law cover letter tip #2: how long should it be?

A covering letter should be a maximum of one page, with a font size of 11 or 12. Slaughter and May ’s Janine Arnold agrees: ‘A lengthy covering letter is not necessary; aim for it to be no longer than one side of A4.' Remember that some firms will give a word count for the covering letter they want you to write as part of your application. It's important to stick to that word count. It shows that you can write succinctly and follow instructions.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. We’ll show you exactly what goes into a convincing cover letter, so you can give yourself the best chance of getting to the next stage of the application process.

How to write a convincing cover letter

How to write a law cover letter tip #3: the format law firms like

The best law cover letter examples have a clear structure, such as:

1. The introduction to your cover letter

Introduce yourself, explain what stage you are at in your degree course (including the university you’re attending), state that you are applying for a training contract and where you read about the law firm. This should only be a sentence or two.

2. A paragraph on why you want to work at that law firm

The second paragraph should cover why you want to be a solicitor and why you want to work for that law firm in particular. Highlight any experiences you’ve had that have convinced you that you want to be a solicitor, such as vacation schemes, open days or insight days. You can even mention mini-pupillages – it will impress graduate recruiters if you’ve put the effort into comparing the two sides of the legal profession, as long as you have good reasons for picking a career as a solicitor (this could come up at interview).

Make it clear why you want to work in the particular area of law that the firm focuses on. For example, if it’s a commercial firm you’ll want to draw on any work experience you’ve had at other commercial firms. Show off your research about the firm by explaining your interest in their main legal practice areas – don’t just say ‘I am interested in shipping law’, for example, but provide evidence of that interest.

You might also want to mention the firm’s training structure. Some firms will have compulsory seats, in which case you’ll need to show an interest in those areas. If you’ve chosen a firm that doesn’t have compulsory seats, or has no seat structure at all (such as Jones Day for example), then you could explain why this appeals to you above a more defined training contract structure.

3. A paragraph highlighting why you're a good fit for the law firm

Next, you need to pitch yourself to the recruiter. Make it clear that you are suited to a career as a solicitor: highlight achievements that show you have the competencies the firm has asked for. If the firm hasn’t specified exactly what it's looking for, see our article here on the skills most legal recruiters want from applicants. Don’t just say ‘I have good communication skills’ – you need to mention an achievement that hinged on your use of those skills.

4. The ending to your law covering letter

Close by referring the recruiter to your CV or application and stating your availability for interview(s) or assessment centre(s).

How to write a law cover letter tip #4: explain any extenuating circumstances

'Covering letters should also explain any mitigating circumstances relating to exam results and to address any questions that you may reasonably expect to arise from your application, such as any gaps in your CV,’ explains Janine.

How to write a law cover letter tip #5: proofread your cover letter before you hit ‘send’

Once you’ve put your covering letter together, don’t be tempted to rush it off. Ask friends, family and your university careers adviser to check it. ‘There is no good excuse for spelling errors, especially when you’re applying for a job that requires scrupulous attention to detail,’ points out a legal recruitment adviser at Ince & Co . ‘The number of applications we receive that contain errors is surprising. Your application is all we’ve got to go on, so you owe it to yourself to ensure it’s not let down by something so easily avoidable.’

Remember that law firms will be judging your ability to communicate professionally with clients on the professionalism of your covering letter – you’re making a pitch, just like you would do as a practising lawyer.

Legal recruiters at major law firms read through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications from aspiring trainee solicitors each year and will only spend a minute or so reading your covering letter. Some recruiters say that they make their decision paragraph by paragraph – if you haven't impressed upon them that you would be a good fit for their firm halfway through the cover letter, they might not even read the rest. Your covering letter creates a powerful first impression, so make it easy for the recruiter to see that you have strong potential as a solicitor by following the tips above.

In other news: Massive changes to the way solicitors qualify are on the horizon. Do you know how they will affect you? Find out here .

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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Lawyer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

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You've come a long way to reach your legal goals.

From your early dreams to helping justice thrive to making a career in the world of law, your journey has been amazing. 

But as you’re preparing for your next big professional step, there's a challenge: writing a great lawyer cover letter.

We don’t blame you; showing off your legal skills can be tough. 

That’s why, in this article, we'll help you create a cover letter that highlights your skills and gets you closer to your dream legal job.

Here’s what’ll cover: 

  • An Outstanding Lawyer Cover Letter Example
  • 5 Essential Steps to Crafting a Top-tier Legal Cover Letter
  • 3 Lawyer Cover Letter Tips

...and much more!

Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Lawyer Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Law Cover Letter

You've just had a glimpse of what a stellar cover letter looks like, and now you're well-equipped to craft your own . 

It's as simple as following a few straightforward steps to make it shine, starting with:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Your cover letter should start with your contact information neatly placed in the header, just like on your resume. 

Here's what you should include:

  • Full Name: Your complete name should be at the top of the page.
  • Professional Title: Tailor your professional title to match the precise job you're seeking. Hiring managers juggle applications for several roles at the same time, so making the position you’re interested in clear can help make their lives easier.
  • Email Address: Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, like a combination of your first and last name. Those quirky high school email addresses won't cut it. (e.g., [email protected] is good, but [email protected] isn't)
  • Phone Number: Ensure the number you provide is accurate for easy contact. If you're applying for an international position, include the appropriate dial code.
  • Location: Typically, your city and state or country suffice. However, if you're pursuing a remote position or considering relocation, make that clear in your lawyer cover letter.
  • Relevant Links (Optional): You can include links to pertinent websites or social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn.

Next, it's time to include the hiring manager's details:

  • Company Name: Specify the name of the company you're applying to.
  • Hiring Manager's Name: If possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. You can check the job listing, the company's website, or their LinkedIn page to find this information.
  • Hiring Manager's Title: If you discover the name of the hiring manager for the specific job listing and realize they're the head of the department, use that instead of "Hiring Manager."
  • Location: Mention the city, state, or country, particularly for globally operating companies. If you want to be more specific, you can add the company's exact street address.
  • Email Address (Optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
  • Date of Writing (Optional): Consider adding the precise date when you composed your cover letter for a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After jotting down all the necessary contact details, ensure you address your cover letter to its intended audience.

And, skip the old-fashioned "To Whom It May Concern" while you’re at it.

The way you address your cover letter can set a positive tone with the recruiter, especially if you give it some thought.

Start with a bit of digging around. Scour the job advertisement, law firm's website, or LinkedIn profile to pinpoint the person in charge of hiring for the position you're eyeing. A bit of effort can help you discover their name and email contact.

Next, greet them respectfully. Opt for Ms. or Mr., followed by their surname. If you're uncertain about their gender or marital status, simply use their complete name. For instance:

  • Dear Mr. Thompson,
  • Dear Jordan Thompson,

If you can’t find out their details, though, no worries! You can address your letter to the specific department or the law firm more broadly:

  • Dear Legal Department,
  • Dear Legal Hiring Committee,
  • Dear HR Selection Team,
  • Dear Lead Attorney,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just seven seconds scanning an application to decide whether it’s worth their time and attention.

So, it's crucial to grab their attention fast with your lawyer cover letter.

Start your cover letter with your name and why you're interested in the legal job. Show your passion for law to make them want to know more about you.

Researching the law firm also helps. Knowing about their work and values lets you show what a great fit you’d be for the job. Not to mention, it proves you're really interested in this specific role, not just any role out there.

If you've got lots of legal experience, mention an important achievement , like a big case you've won, or special skills you have that are relevant to the position. But remember to keep your introduction short. Your aim is to get the hiring manager to read the rest of your cover letter.

Check out our other cover letter examples to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph. 

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The main part of your legal cover letter lets you explain why you're the right fit for the job in more detail.

The trick here is to not merely repeat your lawyer resume. This is where you get to put your top legal skills and experiences into the spotlight. Your goal? To show the hiring manager you're the best choice among all the candidates. 

For starters, mention any big achievements in law and explain how you accomplished them or what skills it took you. Let the job ad guide you through for the best possible outcome. For example, if the role you’re gunning for is related to intellectual property law, focus on your knowledge of that instead of other law areas.

Additionally, show that you know about the firm's big cases or how they work. This proves you're really interested in working with them and that you fit their culture.

End by showing how passionate you are about the role. Say how you believe you can add value to their team with your legal skills and experience.

Also, make sure to avoid making any of these common cover letter mistakes to make sure your application is spotless. 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Ending your cover letter is like giving a strong closing in court.

Make sure your ending leaves the hiring manager convinced about your abilities and interested in calling you in for an interview. It should build trust in what you offer and remove any doubts that you may not be the right fit for the role.

Your cover letter’s ending is your time to summarize your top legal skills and why you're a great fit for their team. Alternatively, talk about your biggest achievements or the unique things you can bring to the table. 

After that, urge the hiring manager to take the next step by including a call to action. That could be a chat or an in-person meeting. This shows you're invested in the position and could help you get an interview.

Finally, when you sign off, stay professional. End with a simple sign-off and your full name. For example:

Should you wish for further clarification or insights regarding my legal qualifications, please reach out via the provided email or contact number. I eagerly anticipate the prospect of delving deeper into how I can contribute to your esteemed legal firm.

Yours sincerely,

If you feel "Yours sincerely" is rather commonplace, here are some alternative sign-offs tailored for the legal profession:

  • In utmost respect,
  • With appreciation,
  • Thank you for your due consideration,

lawyer cover letter structure

3 Essential Law Cover Letter Tips

You've mastered the cover letter fundamentals! Let's step it up and delve into some key cover letter tips specifically designed for lawyers to make your letter truly stand out:

#1. Match Your Resume

When applying for a legal position, consistency is your best friend.

Make sure your cover letter matches your resume visually as much as it matches it in content quality. This will help you come across as attentive to detail and well-organized.

Your name and contact details should sit tidily on the page. Also, keep your fonts and their sizes uniform throughout both documents. Remember to also adjust the margins and space between lines to keep your cover letter to a single page . 

Ready to make a great impression?

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Starting from scratch can be a drag. 

Take advantage of our cover letter templates for a swift fix. Together with our free resume templates , they can be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

Made hand-in-hand with global hiring pros, they hit all industry marks and just pop. Go on, match that resume with style!

lawyer cover letter examples

#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

Highlighting your achievements isn't just about a humble brag; it's about showcasing the tangible results of your dedication and expertise. 

When hiring managers sift through stacks of cover letters, they're not just looking for claims. They want evidence. They want to see that spark of exceptional talent and commitment. Achievements offer a snapshot of what you've accomplished and hint at what you're capable of achieving in the future.

Now, here's the tricky part. While your resume might list your achievements in bullet points, your cover letter should weave them into a compelling narrative. Think of it as telling a story, where your achievements serve as key plot points and demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and achieve results.

For instance, instead of just stating you led a high-profile case, delve a bit into the complexities of the case and how your innovative approach made a difference. Link these accomplishments directly to the requirements of the job you're applying for. This not only reinforces your capabilities but also illustrates your deep understanding of the role.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Including relevant links in your cover letter is like opening a door for hiring managers to step right into your professional world. While your resume provides a structured outline of your career journey, links offer a more dynamic glimpse into your accomplishments, be it published articles, notable cases, or a well-curated LinkedIn profile.

Imagine the hiring manager's perspective. They’re intrigued by your cover letter and think you might be a good fit. Now, instead of Googling you or hunting down that specific case you mentioned, they have instant access via a link you provided. It's immediate, efficient, and showcases your proactive nature.

Links also offer a chance for you to steer the narrative. By guiding hiring managers to specific pages or platforms, you're highlighting the parts of your career you're most proud of. It might be a detailed portfolio, showcasing your prowess in legal briefs, or perhaps glowing recommendations on your LinkedIn profile.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to crafting a stellar lawyer cover letter! Hopefully, you’re on track to secure that ideal legal position in no time.

But before you send off your cover letter, here are some main points from our article:

  • Start your lawyer cover letter by detailing both your contact information and that of the hiring attorney or law firm's HR representative. Ensure your details are accurate so that they can reach out to you for a potential interview.
  • The opening paragraph of your lawyer's cover letter should capture the interest of the hiring party, compelling them to continue reading.
  • In the main section of your cover letter, emphasize your most notable achievements and skills that align with the legal role you're pursuing.
  • It's effective to include a persuasive call to action towards the conclusion of your law firm cover letter, prompting the hiring party to consider calling you or arranging an interview.
  • Maintain a consistent design between your cover letter and resume. If you're short on time, think about using one of our resume and cover letter templates for a cohesive appearance.

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Legal Trainee Cover Letter Sample

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Table of Contents

Best Legal Trainee Cover Letter

What is the Legal Trainee cover letter?

Why do Legal Trainee cover letters matter?

  • Structure of the Product Manager cover letter

How to write a great Legal Trainee cover letter?

Legal Trainee Cover Letter Example Tips

Whenever a job seeker applies for a Legal Trainee role in a new company, he/she must signal their value through multiple mediums. While the Legal Trainee resume will be the most well-known part of the Legal Trainee job application, but, do consider the Legal Trainee cover letter equally important for landing a job. Writing a great Legal Trainee cover letter plays an important role in your job search journey.

Many employers no longer ask for cover letters these days, whereas, many employers still ask for cover letters from job seekers. And if you are sending an email to the recruiting team to apply, your email itself acts as a cover letter.

An engaging Legal Trainee cover letter can help you grab an employer's attention, which can lead to landing an interview for a job. Before creating a job-winning cover letter that really works for you, you need to know what content and format are to be used. Check out our perfect Legal Trainee cover letter example and start creating one for you on our easy to use cover letter builder.

When writing a Legal Trainee cover letter, always remember to refer to the requirements listed in the job description of the job you're applying for. Highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications to help employers see why you stand out from other candidates and are a perfect fit for the role.

CV Owl's Legal Trainee cover letter example will guide you to write a cover letter that best highlights your experience and qualifications. If you're ready to apply for your next role, upload your document on CV Owl for a review service to make sure it doesn't land in the trash.

Here we will discuss what a cover letter is, how to write a cover letter, why it matters for your job search, and what its structure should look like.

Must Read: How to Write a Cover Letter & Cover Letter Writing Tips explained

A cover letter is a narrative about who you are and why the recruiter should invest time in evaluating you, rather investing in other candidates. You need to showcase that you're the right fit for that specific job opening. It's important to always remember that the role of the cover letter is to share a narrative which is completely different from a resume for your job application.

Whereas, the Legal Trainee resume should highlight all your quantitative values where you need to prove your worth through concrete numbers. Your Legal Trainee cover letter should be different from your resume where you need to demonstrate a story about yourself in a way that your resume will never be able to do so. Alternatively, students who study web development can ask for Python assignment help at AssignmentCore whose experts handle various projects in Python language.

Your resume acts as a demo video for employers, which includes quick hits and stats on why you are the best solution whereas your cover letter acts like a customer testimonial white paper. Make it sound like an in-depth discussion with a couple of concrete and impactful experiences that bring you to life as a human being.

Check out professional cover letter templates at CV Owl's cover letter directory and you can use those templates for free for creating your Legal Trainee cover letter using our professional cover letter builder.

Must Read: How to Get Your Cover Letter Noticed by Employers

The cover letter is kind of a test for you. It tests to see whether you can craft a compelling narrative about yourself. By testing your cover letter writing abilities, the company is trying to assess whether or not you would be able to craft compelling narratives on behalf of that company in the future.

Many companies will let you optionally attach a cover letter along with your application. If you take this as a challenge for yourself and do so, it will showcase your firm commitment to the company, and allows you to tell a story about yourself as a leader and as a collaborator. A solid cover letter will leave a long-lasting impression in the recruiters mind and will help make you stand out from other candidates.

And here's the most important reason of all: the process involved is more important than the output. When you get into the cover letter writing process, you're compelled to figure out the story about yourself, and how you are the best solution for the company's pain.

You're advised to conduct pre-interview research about the company so that you know exactly what you're meant to tackle, and you know exactly how to position yourself throughout the interview. Once you've written your Legal Trainee cover letter, you'll have a mental reference point about how you want to talk about yourself across all of your interviews, and that's incredibly valuable!

Must Read: Things you need to know before start writing a Cover Letter

Structure of the Legal Trainee cover letter

The most effective and impact making cover letters consists of three core parts.

The first part is the introduction. The first paragraph should include the following key details: which company you're applying to, what role you're applying to, and a summary of how you will add value to the company.

Many cover letters fail to mention either the job title or the name of the company. This provides a clear indication to the employer that you're using the same cover letter for many companies, which further indicates that you aren't serious enough or you don't care enough about making a good impression. If this is the case, it's better to not write a cover letter at all! And, always make sure you're sending the right cover letter to the right company.

Most of the time, applicants take advantage of cover letter examples or cover letter samples , and forget to clean it up. You need to ensure that you've put in all the hard work in personalization of your cover letter - be professional!

It shouldn't really be about you - rather, it should be about how you're excited about what the company is doing, and about how you're the perfect fit to solve their needs. And if you feel that you can't directly address the job requirements on the company website, you may need to consider applying for a different role instead.

The second part is the narrative. The second paragraph includes your story where you tell about yourself, and where you showcase that your past experiences have made you capable enough to be the best suited candidate available for that specific position.

Use it to address questions that might come up in an interview, such as “what was your proudest moment”, “how did you overcome failure”, and “tell us about a time when you took an initiative from start to end successfully.”

Always remember to customize your cover letter to the specific employer and the specific role that you're applying for rather than using a standard one for all which lands in the bin.

Finally, the last part is the conclusion. In the last & closing paragraph, summarize what value addition you'll bring to the company and why you're the perfect fit for the specific role. Express your excitement about being a part of the team in the near future. Remind them that they should reach out to you to schedule an interview so that they can learn more about how you're the best person to solve their problems.

With a cover letter created with the above structure, you're definitely gonna leave a solid impression that will grab the attention of hiring managers which significantly increases your chances of getting a job interview.

Must Read: Tips for Customizing your Cover Letter

Before you write a single word of your cover letter, you must first prepare your thoughts and pen down on a blank paper.

Ask questions to yourself like: What are your strengths? Where do you stand as a Legal Trainee? Which of your work experiences is the best so far for the companies you've worked with?

Similarly, conduct research on the company . What is their product, their competitors, their mission, and what is their culture? What problem statement are they trying to solve with the Legal Trainee role that you're applying to?

So now you must be having 2 stories - one for you and the other of the company. Write down both the stories on a paper. Review your two stories and your pre-interview research, and use that to hammer out your introduction and your conclusion. !

Now bring the whole thing down to a single page eliminating all the unnecessary and unrequired stuff. When the hiring managers assess your cover letter or your resume, they do not evaluate you on the basis of your sum of your experiences but on the average of your experiences. Hence, try to eliminate or cut out every single irrelevant word you've put in as it's gonna bring down the averages of your experience.

One of the simple ways to make sure that your cover letter stands out from the numerous other candidates' cover letters is to personalize your cover letter which helps you grab the hiring manager's attention. Express your enthusiasm about the job showcasing why you're the perfect fit for that specific role and how excited you are to be the part of the team.

Make use of the job description to which you are applying for which will help you to write a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how your skills, experience, or background make you the best available candidate to be a Legal Trainee for the company. You should demonstrate exactly how much you are interested in the organization and the position, showing that you are able to meet the needs of the company.

Don't forget to learn about the organization. Take some time out to peruse the company's website and learn their values, mission, and then incorporate that information in your cover letter. Let the recruiters know how you came across this position and detail how your ideals are in line with the organization's goals and how your plans for your career can benefit their objectives.

Always make sure you only focus on the skills in the cover letter which the organisation demands and have highlighted in their job description. Specifically, the ones that are listed as being required separately, do not forget to put them in. Give a brief on these skills by offering concrete examples of how you are using or have used them with any success story(if any).

Proofreading & Iterating - Once you're finished writing your cover letter, edit your cover letter and ask for the feedback from your friend or of you have any consultant/mentor, and repeat this process until you and your reviewer agree and are satisfied that you are the best fit for the job from all other candidates that are applying. Learn to use grammarly .

Key points to remember - don't worry too much about the salutation or the greeting. It doesn't matter whether you use "dear sir or madam" or "dear hiring manager" or "to whomsoever it may concern" - the ultimate goal is to demonstrate that you're the stand out candidate out of everyone who's applying for that job posting. Just focus on the core value that you're bringing to the company! If you experience difficulty in composing your cover letter professionally, you can hire an essay writer at CustomWritings to have your cover letter or job application paper written from scratch.

Must Read: Things to remember while sending a Cover Letter

Even with a use of a cover letter sample or template, sometimes it can get even more trickier to make a perfect cover letter. Below listed are some tips to keep in mind when writing your Legal Trainee cover letter.

  • Use a proper cover letter format (one-inch margins, line spacing of 1.15, and an 11pt or 12pt classic font).
  • Always have an attractive yet professional cover letter header.
  • Show you're the best for the position and explain why you want to be part of the company and the value you will bring.
  • Always remember to provide your contact information (e.g. phone number and email address), and if possible add a link to your LinkedIn profile which brings more professionalism.
  • Do not add or share other social media links such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
  • Always proofread your cover letter before sharing with hiring managers. Double check for any typos or grammatical errors. Spell check is your best friend here! Use grammarly!

Make note of these key points and remember that you're selling yourself to not only the hiring manager but also the company.

Must Read: Avail Professional Cover Letter Writing Services

Your Legal Trainee cover letter is an opportunity for you to tell your story, without being stuck in the formatting constraints of the Legal Trainee resume. Make use of this chance and let the hiring managers know why you're the best fit for the role!

Start with an attention grabbing introduction, followed by your key narratives as you were answering an interview question . Make sure that your key narratives focus on the pain of the company and how you can take them out of it. Conclude with a conclusion summarizing your value proposition and expresses your excitement about the role.

Notice how your cover letter answers multiple Legal Trainee interview questions. It should answer the questions “tell me about yourself,” “what are your strengths”, “tell me about a time when you led an initiative”, and “tell me about a time when you overcame a challenge.” If you know how to write a good cover letter , you know how to crack a solid portion of the interview process too!

As you write more and more cover letters, you'll find that you've become better at positioning yourself as a product.

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