Cover Letters for Jobs in Law and Legal

What is a Legal Cover Letter and Why It Matters

• A legal cover letter is a formal communication sent alongside a CV or application for law and legal positions.
• Its purpose is to introduce the candidate, highlight relevant skills and experience, and demonstrate professional suitability for the role.
• It allows the sender to personalize the application, express interest in the firm or organization, and showcase unique qualifications.
• In cases of internships or provisional positions, it conveys enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
• Overall, it serves as the first impression a potential employer will have, often determining whether the CV is considered.

Who Should Send Legal Cover Letters

• Law graduates applying for roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.
• Experienced lawyers seeking career advancement or a lateral move.
• Law students seeking internships, clerkships, or research assistant positions.
• Legal professionals applying for temporary or contractual positions.
• Individuals submitting applications for specialized legal fields such as intellectual property, litigation, or compliance.

Scenarios Requiring a Legal Cover Letter

• Applying for full-time legal positions or in-house counsel roles.
• Submitting an internship or clerkship application.
• Following up after a job interview.
• Requesting a legal reference or recommendation.
• Communicating urgent legal matters or updates to clients or colleagues.
• When responding to a job posting that explicitly requests a cover letter.

Steps to Writing and Sending a Legal Cover Letter

1. Research the organization and understand the role requirements.
2. Select the appropriate tone and style: formal for official positions, casual or enthusiastic for internships.
3. Begin with a clear subject line for emails or a strong opening for printed letters.
4. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements in legal practice.
5. Personalize the content to show alignment with the organization’s goals.
6. Conclude with a courteous call-to-action or expression of interest.
7. Proofread meticulously for grammar, tone, and legal terminology accuracy.
8. Send via email or physical mail depending on the position requirements.

Formatting Legal Cover Letters

• Length: Ideally one page, concise and focused.
• Tone: Professional, respectful, and serious. Use formal language for official roles; casual can be used for student inquiries.
• Structure: Include opening, body paragraphs highlighting skills, closing statement, and signature.
• Mode of Sending: Email for digital applications; printed letters for formal submissions or references.
• Wording: Avoid slang; use precise legal terms and clear articulation.
• Etiquette: Address the correct recipient, use appropriate salutations, and thank the reader for their time.

Key Elements to Include

• Subject / Heading: Clearly indicates purpose.
• Salutation: Address recipient by name if possible.
• Introduction: State reason for writing and position applied for.
• Body Paragraphs: Highlight relevant legal skills, experience, and achievements.
• Closing Statement: Express interest in further discussion or interview.
• Signature: Include full name and contact details.
• Attachments: CV, references, or supporting documents as required.

Checklist Before Drafting a Legal Cover Letter

• Updated CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Understanding of the role and organization.
• Knowledge of the recipient’s name and title.
• Awareness of applicable legal terminology and professional tone.
• Copies of certificates, licenses, or legal references if needed.
• Clear goal for the letter: job application, internship, or follow-up.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Sending a generic letter without personalization.
• Overloading with legal jargon that reduces clarity.
• Ignoring spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.
• Failing to align skills and experience with the job description.
• Not providing contact information or follow-up instructions.
• Using overly casual language in professional contexts.

Best Practices

• Keep the letter concise and targeted to the role.
• Highlight quantifiable achievements or case results when possible.
• Customize each letter for the specific organization or position.
• Use active language to convey confidence and initiative.
• Proofread multiple times and consider peer review.
• Follow up within a reasonable timeframe after sending the letter.

What to Do After Sending

• Confirm receipt if the position requires acknowledgment.
• Track deadlines for interviews or application responses.
• Prepare documents and references in case of a follow-up request.
• Send a polite follow-up email if no response is received within 1–2 weeks.
• Maintain professional correspondence in all follow-up communications.

Advantages

• Personalizes your application and sets you apart.
• Demonstrates communication skills and professionalism.
• Provides a platform to highlight achievements not evident in a CV.

Disadvantages

• Time-consuming to tailor for each application.
• Risk of errors negatively impacting impression.
• May be overlooked if recipient prioritizes CV/resume.

Comparison with Other Documents

• CV / Resume: Lists qualifications; cover letter explains relevance and context.
• Recommendation Letters: Written by others; cover letters are self-authored.
• Emails Without Cover Letter: Direct applications may appear less personalized or professional.
• Alternative Modes: Online application forms may not allow extensive personalization; a cover letter can provide depth and narrative.

Authorization and Attestation

• Typically, cover letters do not require legal attestation or formal authorization.
• Reference or recommendation letters may require signatures from supervisors or legal professionals.
• Always ensure claims made in the letter are accurate and verifiable to maintain professional integrity.