As you embark on your legal career, mastering the art of crafting an entry-level attorney cover letter is crucial. It's the hurdle you didn't expect when you began job hunting, often discovering its necessity only after diving into applications. Your cover letter is your narrative, where a resume's bullet points transform into the story of your proudest professional triumph. Keep it concise, authentic, and free of clichés to leave a lasting, one-page impression on your prospective employer.
- Personalize your entry-level attorney cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
- Format and design your entry-level attorney cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
- Introduce your best achievement in your entry-level attorney cover letter to recruiters;
- How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your entry-level attorney cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.
What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your entry-level attorney resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.
If the entry-level attorney isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Entry-level attorney cover letter example
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- Relevance to Position: The cover letter specifically highlights experience in litigation and contract law, which are directly relevant to the role being applied for, showcasing the candidate's expertise in areas that are critical for the job.
- Demonstration of Success: The cover letter cites a specific instance of formulating a successful litigation strategy leading to a landmark victory and increased client acquisition by 30%, demonstrating tangible achievements that can appeal to the hiring manager.
- Leadership and Team Management: Reference to efficiently managing legal teams shows the candidate's ability to take on responsibility and indicates potential for handling complex projects within the firm.
- Commitment to Pro Bono Work: The mention of dedication to pro bono work adds an ethical dimension to the candidate's profile, aligning with the social responsibility values that many firms prioritize.
The format of your entry-level attorney cover letter: structure, fonts, margins, and more
Your entry-level attorney cover letter should include a header (with your name, position, and date); a greeting and introductory paragraph; a body and closing paragraphs; and an optional signature.
Remember that you're writing your entry-level attorney cover letter for recruiters - as the Applicant Tracker System won't scan this content.
Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when formatting your entry-level attorney cover letter:
- Use the same font in your entry-level attorney cover letter and resume. We recommend modern fonts, e.g. Lato and Rubik, to help you stand out, instead of the stereotypical Arial and Times New Roman.
- Each paragraph should have single spacing, which is already set up for you in our cover letter templates.
- Our cover letter builder follows industry standards for your entry-level attorney cover letter formatting - with a one-inch margin, surrounding your content.
- Always export your entry-level attorney cover letter in PDF to ensure the image or text quality stays the same and your writing isn't moved about.
The top sections on a entry-level attorney cover letter
- Header: Includes the applicant's contact information, the date, and the employer's address, setting a professional tone and providing essential details for the recruiter to follow up.
- Opening Greeting: Addresses the recruiting attorney or hiring manager by name if possible, which shows attention to detail and a personalized approach, rather than a generic greeting.
- Introduction: Briefly states the applicant's intent to apply for the entry-level attorney position, mentioning where they found the job posting, and introduces their legal educational background, which is crucial in the legal field.
- Body: Contains one or two paragraphs that highlight legal experiences such as internships, clerkships, or moot court participation, demonstrating relevant skills and providing examples of how the applicant meets the specific requirements of the legal role.
- Closing & Call to Action: Ends the letter by thanking the recipient for considering the application, reiterating the applicant's enthusiasm for the opportunity, and inviting further discussion or an interview, reflecting the applicant's advocacy skills and persuasive communication which are essential in the legal profession.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Strong research and analytical skills: To effectively support legal arguments and provide thorough legal advice.
- Attention to detail: Essential to ensure all documents are error-free and comply with legal procedures.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills: For drafting pleadings, contracts, and legal correspondence, and for effectively advocating in court or negotiations.
- Internship or clinical experience in a legal setting: Demonstrates real-world legal practice experience and the ability to apply law school knowledge.
- Knowledge of substantive and procedural law relevant to the practice area: Shows the ability to hit the ground running and contribute effectively from day one.
- Ethical judgment and integrity: Critical in maintaining client confidentiality and trust, and for upholding the profession's standards.
Personalizing your entry-level attorney cover letter salutation
Always aim to address the recruiter from the get-go of your entry-level attorney cover letter.
Use:
- the friendly tone (e.g. "Dear Paul" or "Dear Caroline") - if you've previously chatted up with them on social media and are on a first-name basis;
- the formal tone (e.g. "Dear Ms. Gibbs" or "Dear Ms. Swift") - if you haven't had any previous conversation with them and have discovered the name of the recruiter on LinkedIn or the company website;
- the polite tone (e.g. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear HR Team") - at all costs aim to avoid the "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as both greetings are very old-school and vague.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
- Dear Hiring Committee,
- Dear [Law Firm Name] Team,
- Dear [Department Name] Department,
- Good Day [Hiring Manager's Name],
Your entry-level attorney cover letter introduction and the value you bring
Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction.
Use those first two sentences of your entry-level attorney cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.
Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.
That is - what is your value as a professional?
Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?
What to write in the body of your entry-level attorney cover letter
Now that you've got your intro covered, here comes the heart and soul of your entry-level attorney cover letter.
It's time to write the middle or body paragraphs. This is the space where you talk about your relevant talent in terms of hard skills (or technologies) and soft (or people and communication) skills.
Keep in mind that the cover letter has a different purpose from your entry-level attorney resume.
Yes, you still have to be able to show recruiters what makes your experience unique (and applicable) to the role.
But, instead of just listing skills, aim to tell a story of your one, greatest accomplishment.
Select your achievement that:
- covers job-crucial skills;
- can be measured with tangible metrics;
- shows you in the best light.
Use the next three to six paragraphs to detail what this success has taught you, and also to sell your profile.
Ending your entry-level attorney cover letter to avoid "sincerely yours"
Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.
But you want to give recruiters something more with your entry-level attorney cover letter ending.
Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).
Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.
Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.
Which story should you tell in your entry-level attorney cover letter when you have zero experience
Candidates, lacking professional experience in the field - this one is for you.
Your entry-level attorney cover letter is an exercise of integrity, honesty, and, above all, spinning a positive narrative around your strengths.
And what better way to capture recruiters' attention than with your most job-relevant achievement (this could be from your internship or volunteering experience)?
Make sure to back up your success with transferrable skills that are relevant to the job (e.g. how your year, studying abroad, has taught you to be more motivated and handle multicultural environments).
Another safe card you can bet on is your career dream: in the body of your entry-level attorney cover letter, go into the details of how your ambitions would help make the company you're applying for better.
Key takeaways
Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your entry-level attorney cover letter, remember to:
- Create a personalized entry-level attorney cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
- Format your entry-level attorney cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
- Always start off your entry-level attorney cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
- Your entry-level attorney cover letter body should feature your biggest accomplishments and the job-relevant skills it has taught you;
- Instead of opting for the "Sincerely yours" ending, close your entry-level attorney cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.
