3 Attorney Cover Letter Examples: Plus Recruiter Insights (Updated for 2023)

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Senior Attorney

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Attorney Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

As a passionate advocate for justice and a dedicated attorney, I was thrilled to come across the opening for an Attorney position at Morrison & Foerster. Ever since I interned at their New York office during law school, I have been captivated by the firm's dedication to pro bono work and its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. These values resonate deeply with me and I am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to such a reputable organization.

During my time at Resume Worded, I successfully managed a team of paralegals and worked on a variety of cases, including intellectual property disputes and employment discrimination cases. My strong ability to communicate effectively and strategically with clients, opposing counsel, and colleagues played a crucial role in securing favorable outcomes in 90% of my cases. I also implemented an efficient case management system that reduced the time spent on administrative tasks by 20%, allowing my team to focus more on delivering exceptional legal services to our clients.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with Morrison & Foerster's renowned Intellectual Property practice group. With my extensive background in IP law and a proven track record of success, I believe I am well-equipped to make a meaningful contribution to the firm's ongoing success in this area.

Thank you for considering my application, and I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to the continued success of Morrison & Foerster.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Effective Team Management

Highlighting the applicant's experience managing a team demonstrates their leadership capabilities and ability to work in a collaborative environment, which are valuable skills for an attorney.

Efficiency Improvement

The implementation of a case management system not only showcases the applicant's problem-solving skills but also their dedication to improving efficiency and providing better legal services to clients.

Gracious Closing

A short and polite closing is always appreciated in a cover letter. It shows gratitude for the reader's time and leaves a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Attorney Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m excited to apply for the Attorney role at Baker McKenzie. A recent conversation with an old law school friend, who happens to be a part of your team, reminded me of why I chose to study law in the first place and how much I appreciate the international reach and impact of your firm. From your pro bono work to your focus on diversity and inclusion, it’s clear that Baker McKenzie isn't just a law firm - it's a global community committed to making a real difference.

As an attorney at Resume Worded Legal Services, I've had the opportunity to take on some challenging cases, and I'm proud to say I've won 80% of them, even those deemed as 'lost causes'. My ability to dissect complex legal language and translate it into understandable terms for our clients has resulted in a 20% increase in client satisfaction during my tenure. I believe these skills will be particularly beneficial at Baker McKenzie, where the client base is diverse and global.

I'm also well-versed in international law, having represented clients from over 15 different countries in my career. I've successfully navigated the intricacies of different legal systems and cultures, and I'm eager to bring this experience to your global team.

I’m particularly excited about the possibility of working on Baker McKenzie's pro bono projects. I have always been passionate about using law as a tool for social justice, and I admire the firm's commitment to giving back to the community.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to Baker McKenzie's legacy of excellence and making a difference in the lives of our clients.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Showcase your success rate

By sharing your win-rate as an attorney, you're essentially conveying your expertise and ability to deliver results. While not all cases are won, a high success rate can be a strong selling point, especially for a role that demands consistent performance and results.

Highlight your international experience

If you've had the chance to work with international clients, make sure to mention it. It showcases your adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and ability to handle complex legal systems. This could be a major advantage, especially for global firms.

Senior Attorney Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m thrilled to apply for the Senior Attorney role at DLA Piper. I recently attended a seminar where your firm’s commitment to technology and innovation in the legal industry was highlighted. As a tech enthusiast, this resonated with me and made me realize that DLA Piper is the place where I could merge my love for law with my fascination for technology.

At Resume Worded Legal, I not only served as a lead attorney but also spearheaded the incorporation of technology in our legal processes. This resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency and a reduction in processing times by 25%. I believe that my experience with legal tech would align perfectly with DLA Piper's vision of a more streamlined and modern legal industry.

In addition to my technological expertise, I have a proven track record of leading teams to success. I've led a team of junior attorneys to win complex cases and have mentored several of them who have gone on to become successful attorneys themselves. I'm excited about the opportunity to mentor the next generation of attorneys at DLA Piper.

The dynamic nature of DLA Piper, with its diverse client base and innovative approach to law, is what makes this role particularly appealing to me. I am eager to be a part of a firm that is not only shaping the future of law but also making a positive impact on society.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to DLA Piper's future successes and look forward to potentially discussing my candidacy further.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Quantify the impact of your tech initiatives

Wherever possible, show the results of your efforts. You may have introduced a new software or streamlined processes, but what matters most is the impact of these changes. By quantifying the increase in efficiency, you're giving the hiring team an idea of what you could bring to their firm.

Speak to your leadership skills

When you're applying for a senior role, it's not just about your individual contributions. You need to show that you can lead a team, mentor junior attorneys, and drive the team to success. Speaking to your track record in this area can make a big difference.

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.

After participating in a pro bono clinic during law school, I knew I wanted to work at a firm like Perkins Coie that cares deeply about giving back to the community. My past internship experiences at both large and boutique law firms have prepared me to tackle diverse legal issues, and I am eager to bring my passion for justice and commitment to client satisfaction to a firm that genuinely values pro bono work and community engagement.

This intro effectively connects the applicant's personal experiences and values to the company's focus on community engagement and pro bono work, showcasing their enthusiasm for contributing to the company's mission.

Having grown up in a family of engineers, I've always been fascinated by intellectual property law and the role it plays in protecting innovation. When I learned about the opportunity to join the talented Intellectual Property team at Kirkland & Ellis, I was excited about the prospect of working at a firm that has been at the forefront of groundbreaking IP litigation and continues to shape the legal landscape.

By mentioning a personal connection to the field of intellectual property law, this intro offers an engaging story that demonstrates genuine interest in joining the company's renowned IP practice group.

As someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, I was drawn to the dynamic culture and global reach of Baker McKenzie. With a strong interest in cross-border transactions and international law, I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside seasoned attorneys and contribute my skills and expertise in handling complex legal matters to a firm with a truly global perspective.

This intro effectively highlights the applicant's fit for the company by emphasizing their interest in international law and how it aligns with the firm's global presence and practice areas.

What caught my attention about Wilson Sonsini is its reputation for fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As an attorney who values teamwork and believes in the power of collective problem-solving, I am excited for the opportunity to join a firm that encourages collaboration and supports the professional growth of its employees.

By focusing on the company's positive work environment and connecting it to their personal values, this intro demonstrates that the applicant is a strong fit for the company culture.

As a recent attendee of DLA Piper's Women in Law event, I was inspired by the firm's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. As an attorney who values inclusive workplaces and the benefits of diverse perspectives, I am eager to contribute my legal expertise to an organization that actively supports diversity initiatives and creates equal opportunities for all.

This intro effectively connects the applicant's personal experience attending a company event to their motivation for applying, showcasing their commitment to the company's diversity and inclusion efforts.