Lawyer Cover Letters

Approved by real hiring managers, these Lawyer cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2023. A hiring manager explains why.

Hiring Manager for Lawyer Roles
Compiled and approved by: Marie-Caroline Pereira
Senior Hiring Manager - Lawyer Roles
10+ Years of Experience
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Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Lawyer position at Baker McKenzie, a firm I have long admired for its strong global presence and commitment to pro bono work. As a child, I recall being fascinated by my aunt's stories about her international travels and work as a lawyer at Baker McKenzie. It was those stories that sparked my passion for law and inspired me to pursue a career in it. Your firm's focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment truly resonates with me, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Baker McKenzie's ongoing success.

During my time at Resume Worded, I successfully negotiated settlement agreements in over 50 cases, resulting in combined savings of over $3.5 million for the company. This experience has honed my negotiation skills and strengthened my ability to think critically and strategically, which I believe would be valuable in handling complex cross-border legal matters for Baker McKenzie's clients. Additionally, I have led several pro bono initiatives, working with local non-profit organizations to provide legal assistance to underprivileged communities. This aligns with your firm's dedication to giving back and making a positive impact on society.

I am genuinely excited about the prospect of joining the Baker McKenzie team and embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with working at a top-tier global law firm. I am particularly drawn to your firm's strong commitment to professional development, which would enable me to grow and excel in my legal career.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my experience and passion for law can contribute to the continued success of Baker McKenzie.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Highlighting Negotiation Skills and Savings

This cover letter demonstrates the candidate's negotiation abilities and quantifies their impact, showing how they can be an asset to the company. Always try to incorporate specific numbers and accomplishments in your cover letter.

Aligning Pro Bono Work with Company Values

By mentioning their pro bono work, the candidate connects their personal values with the company's values. This can help demonstrate that you are a good cultural fit for the organization and care about their mission.

Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Lawyer position at Baker McKenzie. As a kid, I used to accompany my father, a long-practising attorney, to his office at the local courts. I remember being fascinated by the legal discussions and debates that unfolded there, which sparked my interest in law. Having grown up in a city with a Baker McKenzie office, I've observed firsthand the company's commitment to delivering quality legal services and its unique global perspective.

In my role as a Senior Associate at Resume Worded Legal Services, I took the initiative to streamline our clients’ contract review process, which resulted in a 30% reduction in time spent on contract reviews. This achievement showcases my ability to identify and implement efficiency improvements, a skill I know Baker McKenzie values. Additionally, my experience successfully managing a high volume of complex cases has taught me the importance of communication and teamwork, both qualities I'd bring to your company.

What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to work with a diverse, international team and contribute to the company's cross-border legal services. My experience working with clients from different cultural backgrounds has given me a deep understanding and respect for diversity, which aligns well with Baker McKenzie's global ethos.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and passion for law can contribute to Baker McKenzie's continued success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Personal Anecdotes Connect

Bringing up these childhood memories of your father's law practice not only paints a vibrant picture, but also subtly implies a lifelong dedication to the field. It's these personal stories that can form an emotional connection with the reader, making your cover letter memorable.

Quantifiable Achievements Build Confidence

By including specific figures like '30% reduction in time spent', you're showing the tangible impact of your work. It gives hiring managers a clear picture of what they can expect from you. It's these results-oriented examples that can really set you apart in the legal field.

Aligning Personal Drive with Company Culture

When you talk about the things that excite you about the role, namely diversity and international exposure, you're aligning your personal goals with Baker McKenzie's global ethos. This is a clever way of showing fit with the company culture.

Senior Lawyer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am eager to bring my expertise to the Senior Lawyer position at DLA Piper. Growing up, I was always the mediator among my friends, helping resolve conflicts and ensuring everyone felt heard. This innate ability to facilitate open dialogue led me towards a career in law. I've always admired DLA Piper's dedication to maintaining open communication with its clients and its commitment to delivering tailored legal solutions.

At RW Law Firm, where I currently serve as a Partner, I led a team that won a high-profile corporate litigation case, securing a $5 million settlement for our client. This accomplishment not only reflects my litigation skills, but also my ability to lead a team under pressure. Furthermore, I successfully implemented a new case management system that improved our case handling efficiency by 25%. I believe these experiences make me a strong fit for DLA Piper, a firm known for its innovative approach to legal services.

I am particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of working on complex, multi-jurisdictional cases at DLA Piper. I am confident that my extensive experience and proven track record in corporate litigation will allow me to make a significant contribution to your team.

I appreciate your time and consideration. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with DLA Piper's vision and needs.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Relatable Stories Show Characteristics

By sharing that you often played a mediator role among friends, you are showing that you're a natural problem solver with robust communication skills. This story is relatable, engaging, and shows that your interest in law isn't just academic but deeply ingrained.

Demonstrating Leadership with Success Stories

Detailing your role in leading a team to secure a $5 million settlement, you are providing solid proof of your leadership skills, litigation expertise and ability to perform under pressure. This is exactly the kind of compelling, concrete evidence that can make a hiring manager sit up and take note.

Highlighting Alignment with Job Requirements

Your enthusiasm for complex, multi-jurisdictional cases not only shows your readiness for challenging work, but also aligns well with the job description of a Senior Lawyer at DLA Piper. This shows you understand what the role entails and are eager to tackle it head on.

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.

1
As a child, my family would gather around the television to watch the nightly news, and I was always captivated by the legal issues that arose in cases covered by the media. This fascination eventually led me to pursue a law degree and a career in the field. Now, as an experienced lawyer, I am excited to apply for the Lawyer position at DLA Piper, a firm that shares my passion for international law and tackling the legal challenges in today's rapidly changing world.
This intro effectively establishes a personal connection to the field of law and demonstrates a genuine interest in joining a company that shares the candidate's professional values.

2
While attending a recent conference on cross-border litigation, I had the opportunity to listen to a panel discussion featuring a representative from Jones Day. As I listened, I couldn't help but be impressed by the expertise and insight they shared about the complexities of international law. I am thrilled to apply for the Lawyer position at Jones Day, where I can contribute my own skills and learn from top-notch professionals in the field.
This paragraph highlights the candidate's genuine engagement with the industry and showcases their eagerness to contribute to and learn from a company that's known for its expertise.

3
When I first read about White & Case's involvement in Project Homecoming, I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that places such a high value on pro bono work and community outreach. As someone who has dedicated countless hours to providing legal assistance to underprivileged communities, I am eager to apply for the Lawyer position at White & Case and work alongside colleagues who share my commitment to making a difference.
This intro effectively connects the candidate's personal values with the company's mission, demonstrating a strong fit and desire to contribute to the organization's goals.

4
Growing up in a bilingual household, I have always been drawn to the challenges and rewards of working in a multicultural environment. As an experienced lawyer with a background in international law, I am excited to apply for the Lawyer position at Latham & Watkins, a firm known for its diverse and inclusive culture and dedication to providing top-notch legal services to clients worldwide.
This paragraph establishes a personal connection to the company's culture and effectively demonstrates the candidate's enthusiasm for working in a diverse and global environment.

5
During a recent visit to London, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar on international arbitration hosted by Linklaters. The event provided me with valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of international law and left a lasting impression. As a lawyer with a passion for tackling complex legal matters, I am excited to apply for the Lawyer position at Linklaters, where I can contribute my skills and expertise to this prestigious and innovative firm.
This intro demonstrates the candidate's proactivity in staying informed about the industry, while also showcasing their enthusiasm for joining a company that is at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the field of law.