Legal Cover Letters - Dos and Don'ts

Let's talk cover letters!

Let's be honest—they can be intimidating to write. But in the competitive world of legal job applications, your cover letter serves as your first opportunity to leave a memorable impression on potential employers. A well-crafted letter not only complements your resume but also provides valuable insight into your motivation, skills, and fit for the role.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential dos and don’ts of crafting a legal cover letter that captures the attention of recruiters and sets you apart from the competition.

Imagine opening your cover letter with: "I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the [Position Title] role at [Firm Name]..."

Now, let's dive into what works—and what doesn’t—when crafting a standout legal cover letter.

The Dos and Don’ts of Crafting an Impressive Legal Cover Letter

Dos:

1. Research and Personalization
   Understand the law firm's values, practice areas, and culture.
   Example: "I am impressed by [Firm Name]’s commitment to innovation in labor and employment law, particularly your recent work on [specific case or project]. This aligns closely with my own experience handling complex employment disputes."

2. Highlight Your Relevance
   Showcase how your legal skills and experiences align with the firm’s requirements.
   Example: "In my role at [Previous Firm], I successfully negotiated a $1 million settlement in a high-profile contract dispute, demonstrating my ability to handle complex litigation."

3. Emphasize Your Motivation
   Clearly express why you’re excited about the position and the law firm.
   Example: "I have long admired [Firm Name]’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, and I’m eager to contribute my skills to a firm that values making a broader impact."

4. Connect to Their Practice Areas
   Illustrate how your background and experience relate to the firm’s focus areas or recent cases.
   Example: "My experience handling intricate M&A transactions directly complements [Firm Name]’s robust corporate practice, and I am particularly drawn to your recent work on cross-border deals."

5. Keep it Concise and Professional
   Limit your cover letter to one page and maintain a polished tone.
   Example: "I am excited to bring my seven years of trial experience to [Firm Name], where I can continue to achieve meaningful results for clients in high-stakes litigation."

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Generic Templates
   Resist the temptation to use impersonal, cookie-cutter cover letters.
   Example to Avoid: "I am writing to apply for the position of associate at your esteemed law firm." Instead, tailor it: "I am excited about the opportunity to join [Firm Name] because of my extensive experience in [specific practice area]."

2. Don’t Rehash Your Resume
   Provide added value in your cover letter instead of repeating your resume.
   Example to Avoid: "I worked as an associate at [Previous Firm], handling litigation matters." Instead, offer insight: "At [Previous Firm], I led a team on a complex environmental litigation case, which resulted in a favorable outcome for the client."

3. Negative Language is a No-Go
   Keep the tone positive and forward-looking.
   Example to Avoid: "I’m eager to leave my current firm because of its lack of growth opportunities." Instead, say: "I am seeking an opportunity where I can further develop my expertise in antitrust law."

4. Lack of Clarity is a Pitfall
   Avoid vague or overly broad statements.
   Example to Avoid: "I am interested in this role because it aligns with my skills." Instead, be precise: "I am eager to join [Firm Name] because of my deep experience in complex commercial litigation and my passion for resolving high-stakes business disputes."

Closing Paragraph:
"And to close, you could say something like: 'Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to bring my expertise in [specific skill or area] to [Firm Name] and contribute to your team’s success in delivering exceptional legal solutions. I look forward to discussing how my skills align with your firm’s goals. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or [email address] to arrange a conversation at your convenience.'"

A compelling legal cover letter can significantly enhance your job application. By following these dos and don’ts and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll craft a letter that effectively communicates your qualifications, motivation, and potential contributions.

At Premier Pursuit, we specialize in supporting attorneys as they navigate lateral moves to elevate their careers. If you’re ready to perfect your cover letter and stand out in your job search, reach out to us today!

Martina Ellerbe
Legal Recruiter
PREMIER PURSUIT
Expert Legal Recruitment | Empowering Attorneys. Elevating Legal Teams.
201-745-5901
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com
www.premierpursuitllc.com