The Best Attorney Cover Letter Examples and Tips

Use this convincing attorney cover letter example and three most important tips from ResumeHelp to write your own cover letter and get a job at any law firm.

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Attorney Cover Letter Example

The Best Attorney Cover Letter

Whether you’re fresh out of law school or you’re an experienced attorney who is looking for a new job, the cover letter is one of the most important assets in your job search. In the legal profession, communication skills are extremely important. Your cover letter can display your writing skills to the hiring manager while telling them why you are perfect for the job.

This guide will show you:

Why a cover letter is so important to your future legal career
Easy steps to format a cover letter for an attorney or any legal profession
Attorney cover letter examples that you can use

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Who Can Use This Cover Letter Template

This cover letter example will work for a variety of jobs in the legal field. Whether you are a law student studying to be an attorney or a top corporate law litigator, a great cover letter can help you get the job.

Great Attorney Cover Letter Example

This cover letter sample for a clerkship, paralegal, law clerk, or attorney position will show you everything you need to include to make the best impression on the hiring manager at a law firm.

[Today’s Date]

[XYZ Company Address]

[Phone Number]

[HiringManagerEmail@xyzcompany.com]

Dear (Mr./Mrs./Ms. [Name]),

I’m applying for the paralegal position listed on the XYZ website. I am an advocate for human rights and helping others, which led to my time at XYZ law firm in the summer associate position. I was referred to the position at XYZ Company by my former colleague, Ms. [Name].

During my experience at XYZ law firm in New York, I gained firsthand knowledge of the legal profession. I worked with the legal team to file claims on behalf of the family of 9/11 victims. My education and experience will make me a great fit for the role.

Some of my responsibilities during my time at XYZ law firm were:

Legal research and due diligence
Attending trial preparation meetings
Following up with existing claims
Screening new claimants for eligibility

I am a hardworking individual who takes pride in my attention to detail and passion for advocacy. I would be honored to be a part of the legal services at XYZ law firm. I believe that I would greatly contribute to XYZ Company in the paralegal position and am eager to practice areas of law that I have proven experience in.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m looking forward to discussing the position further.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

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Four Tips for Creating Your Attorney Cover Letter Using This Writing Sample

It is crucial to tailor your cover letter for each job application. You may apply to a variety of jobs in your legal career. Your cover letter is a chance to show your research skills and attention to detail. Use the example above and follow these four writing tips to create the perfect cover letter.

1. Contact Information

Make sure your contact information is included so the recruiter can contact you. You can include basic information such as name, address, email and phone number. You may also choose to include a portfolio or job networking profile link.

2. Introduction

In your salutation, use the hiring manager’s full name. Then, use the first paragraph to introduce yourself. Discuss what makes you perfect for the position. If you have specific skills or experiences that are relevant, you can use bullet points to make these items stand out. Proofread this section a couple of extra times to make sure it is flawless, as this is the first impression the hiring manager will have of you. Your introduction should make them want to keep reading.

3. Why They Should Hire You

In the next paragraph or two, let the hiring manager know why you are excited about this role. Tell them what you will contribute. You can include topics like:

A referral you have from the legal profession
Tasks listed in the job description and how you will fulfill them
What inspires you about working with a law firm, e.g. human rights

4. Call to Action

Your closing paragraph should include a call to action where you can request a follow-up with the hiring manager. A call to action includes:

Thanking the recruiter for their time and consideration
A reminder of why you are a good fit for the job
An invitation to discuss the position further at another time

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FAQ: Attorney Cover Letter Example

Q: Do I really need a cover letter to get a job in the legal profession?

Yes. A cover letter shows the hiring manager that you are enthusiastic about the position. It also gives you a chance to explain any gaps in your resume or work history. For anyone in the legal profession, writing skills are important and your cover letter is the first impression you will make. A great cover letter can make the difference between whether or not the hiring manager will read your resume at all.

Q: How important is a referral for my cover letter?

Including a referral in your cover letter for an attorney position can get the attention of the hiring manager. A referral gives a positive impression of you and can be influential when it comes to the hiring process. If you have a former teacher, boss or colleague who has a connection to the job you want, it can put you ahead of the competition.

Q: Does this cover letter example work if I’m a second-year law school student?

Yes, you can use this cover letter example as a student to apply for an entry-level job or internship. If you don’t have many years of experience, use your academic, volunteer or internship experiences. Follow the example above to show the hiring manager why you are qualified. Find skills and keywords in the job posting you may already have knowledge of, such as legal writing, legal research and communication skills.

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