When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for lawyer
Explore additional lawyer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Lawyer
- Emphasises specific skills such as "Litigation Management," "Drafting Legal Documents," and "Court Advocacy," which are critical for a Junior Lawyer in Public and Police Law.
- Highlights a significant achievement by mentioning a "30% increase in successful civil litigation cases in 2023," demonstrating a proven track record of success in the field.
- Showcases relevant experience with "representing the Chief Constable" and "managing high-stakes litigation" which directly ties to the responsibilities of a Junior Lawyer in the public law sector.
- Mentions pertinent courses like "Advanced Criminal Litigation" and "Police Law and Ethics," underscoring specialised legal training that aligns with the role.
Senior Lawyer
- Role Specific Skills and Experience: The cover letter highlights critical skills such as property law expertise and client relationship management, which are essential for a senior property lawyer in local government advisory roles.
- Tangible Achievements: The detailing of a 20% increase in successful property acquisitions and a 30% improvement in client retention showcases the candidate's proven impact in their field.
- Leadership and Mentorship: The mention of leading teams and developing training programmes for junior lawyers accentuates the candidate's leadership capabilities, which are integral for senior positions.
- Professional Development: Courses such as "Advanced Property Law" and "Commercial Lease Negotiation" from recognised institutions enhance the candidate’s qualifications, making them appealing for a specialised legal role.
Associate Lawyer
- Highlighting Key Experience: Specifically detailing experiences such as leading a £500 million acquisition and working with FTSE100 clients on IPOs shows the candidate's real-world impact and capability in high-stakes scenarios, making them a valuable asset for senior roles.
- Emphasising Relevant Skills and Courses: Underlining skills such as Mergers & Acquisitions, Initial Public Offerings, and UK Listing Regulations, further supported by completed courses explicitly relevant to the role, provides concrete evidence of expertise.
- Showcasing Leadership and Mentoring: Mentioning mentoring associates and trainees enhances the candidate’s profile by demonstrating leadership qualities while contributing to the firm’s internal capability growth.
- International Scope and Adaptability: Describing collaboration across 8 jurisdictions and participation in cross-continent mergers conveys adaptability and proficiency in handling complex, international legal transactions.
Partner Lawyer
- Highlighting specialised certifications and courses such as "Advanced Property Law and Practice" and "Business Development for Legal Professionals," which add credibility to the candidate's expertise in property law and business acumen.
- Emphasising a proven track record in successfully leading high-value projects, such as the £10M estate project, reinforces the candidate's leadership and project management capabilities.
- Including quantifiable achievements and results, like a 40% increase in departmental efficiency and generating £500K in new business revenue, demonstrates the candidate's impact and value to potential employers.
- Listing specific skills relevant to the role, such as "Asset Management" and "Estate Planning," ensures the candidate's qualifications align well with the job requirements for a Property Lawyer.
Consultant Lawyer
- Highlighting Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases significant accomplishments, such as reducing title defect rates by 25% and managing high-value transactions, which are critical for demonstrating expertise and impact in a conveyancing role.
- Emphasising Skills: Key skills like client relationships, legal documentation, and digital conveyancing systems are prominently featured, underscoring the candidate's suitability for roles requiring these proficiencies.
- Education and Courses: The inclusion of advanced educational qualifications and relevant courses highlights the candidate’s commitment to professional development and specialised knowledge in property law and digital systems.
- Effective Use of Metrics: The use of quantifiable metrics to describe improvements and successes, such as a 20% increase in repeat business and a 15% boost in client feedback scores, provides concrete evidence of the candidate’s contributions and effectiveness.
By Role
Corporate Lawyer
- Highlighting Achievements: The cover letter effectively outlines significant achievements, such as negotiating high-value licensing agreements and implementing efficient contract management processes, which showcase the candidate's ability to deliver impactful results in a corporate legal setting.
- Relevant Certifications: Emphasising certifications, such as the CIPP/E in data protection and privacy, provides credibility to the candidate's expertise in data privacy compliance, a key aspect of their role as a corporate lawyer.
- Experience in Global Contexts: The inclusion of roles involving complex global commercial contracts and cross-border transactions highlights the candidate's capability to navigate international legal landscapes, which is critical for a corporate lawyer.
- Education from Prestigious Institutions: Noting degrees from renowned institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge underscores the candidate's strong academic foundation and legal expertise, enhancing their credibility for strategic advisory roles.
Criminal Defence Lawyer
- Emphasise specialised certifications and courses, such as the "Advanced Health and Safety Compliance" and "Transport Regulatory Masterclass", which demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development relevant to the role.
- Highlight quantifiable achievements, such as successfully managing a complex caseload with a 90% success rate and achieving a 20% increase in departmental revenue, to illustrate a proven track record of success.
- Underpin specific skills pertinent to the role, like "Health and Safety Compliance" and "Transport Regulatory Law", which are crucial for a solicitor in regulatory defence and health & safety.
- Showcase involvement in impactful projects and cases, such as leading regulatory reviews and achieving a 25% improvement in operational efficiency, to reflect strong leadership and strategic capabilities.
Family Lawyer
- Highlighting Key Skills: The cover letter effectively underscores essential skills such as advocacy, client retention, and team leadership, which are crucial for a Family Lawyer role. These skills are emphasised in both the summary and throughout the experience descriptions, illustrating how they align with job responsibilities.
- Specific Achievements: It highlights quantifiable achievements, such as a 30% increase in client retention and a 25% improvement in case turnaround times, which demonstrate the candidate's impact and success in previous roles, making a compelling case for their potential value to a new employer.
- Relevant Experience and Education: The inclusion of relevant work experience, such as managing complex Finance and Private Children Act matters and leading a team at Irwin Mitchell LLP, coupled with an LLM in Family Law from University College London, effectively positions the candidate's qualifications and specialisation.
- Community and Professional Engagement: By showcasing activities such as organising community workshops and participating in professional courses, the cover letter highlights the candidate's passion for community engagement and continuous professional development, which can be attractive traits in a Family Lawyer who must remain informed and connected.
Immigration Lawyer
- Emphasise extensive experience in immigration law, particularly focusing on vulnerable families, showcasing expertise and understanding of complex cases integral to the role.
- Highlight leading roles in policy development and training, demonstrating abilities in both the advancement of legal strategies and the upskilling of staff to improve organisational performance.
- Showcase ability to collaborate with local authorities and community organisations, crucial for fostering partnerships that enhance service delivery and reduce legal costs effectively.
- Mention multilingual capabilities, particularly in English and Spanish, as valuable assets in assisting a diverse client base and navigating multicultural legal challenges.
Intellectual Property Lawyer
- Highlighting specific and quantifiable achievements, such as leading a team to negotiate a multi-million licensing deal, demonstrates the ability to produce concrete results that match the requirements of an IP Lawyer.
- Emphasising client satisfaction rates and retention figures provides evidence of strong client relations skills, crucial for non-contentious IP work with high-profile clients.
- Including specialised education and certifications, like the LLM in Intellectual Property Law, aligns with the specialised nature of the IP field and shows a commitment to professional development.
- Demonstrating leadership and mentorship by guiding junior lawyers highlights the capability to manage and enhance a department's capabilities, a valuable trait for a prospective employer.
Employment Lawyer
- Highlight of tribunal advocacy proficiency with a 90% success rate, thereby reinforcing expertise in resolving complex employment disputes favourably.
- Emphasis on strategic leadership and policy development skills, demonstrated by the successful reduction of grievances and disputes, aligning with organisational goals.
- Reinforcement of qualifications through advanced education, such as a Master of Laws in Employment Law and specialised courses in TUPE regulations, showcasing in-depth legal knowledge.
- Use of quantifiable achievements and successful outcomes to substantiate claims of high competence and value addition to previous employers.
Bankruptcy Lawyer
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter emphasises Sophia's extensive experience as a Conflicts Analyst, with a focus on achieving high compliance and reducing errors, crucial for a role in risk management and legal expertise.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter effectively uses numbers to convey Sophia's successes, such as a 98% success rate in conflict resolution and reducing conflict resolution times by 40%, which showcase proven results.
- Implemented Improvements: Mentioning the development and implementation of new protocols that increased reporting efficiency by 25% highlights her proactive approach to enhancing operational processes.
- Mentoring and Leadership Skills: Addressing the mentoring of junior analysts, resulting in a productivity increase, demonstrates leadership capabilities essential for senior roles.
Real Estate Lawyer
- Highlighting Key Achievements: The cover letter effectively points out significant achievements such as leading a £20M transaction and increasing a deal closure rate by 25%, which showcases the candidate's capability and success in delivering impactful results.
- Relevant Experience Detailing: It includes specific experiences like orchestrating complex joint venture agreements and streamlining operational processes, directly aligning with the advanced requirements of a corporate lawyer role in M&A and real estate.
- Relevant Education and Courses: The educational background and specialised courses in corporate law and real estate law demonstrate the candidate's commitment to continuous learning and expertise, reinforcing their suitability for the role.
- Skills and Certifications: The emphasis on skills such as negotiation, contract drafting, and investment structuring, paired with certifications like Corporate Finance for Lawyers, highlights a well-rounded skill set pertinent to the M&A and real estate sectors.
Civil Rights Lawyer
- Highlighting Specific Skills and Expertise: The cover letter effectively mentions pivotal skills such as derivatives law, regulatory compliance, and risk management, which are essential in a derivatives lawyer role.
- Showcasing Measurable Achievements: It provides measurable results such as a 20% increase in compliance efficiency and a 30% improvement in transaction efficiency, which strongly underline the applicant's contributions.
- Mentioning Relevant Certifications and Courses: The inclusion of certifications pertinent to the financial services regulatory environment bolsters the applicant's credibility as a regulatory expert.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Collaboration: By describing leadership experiences in collaboration with cross-functional teams, the letter highlights important qualities for driving projects and introducing new products.
Personal Injury Lawyer
- Emphasise specialised skills pertinent to the role, such as proficiency in MOJ Portal management and strategic problem solving, which demonstrate the applicant's capability to excel in personal injury litigation.
- Highlight notable achievements like exceeding case resolution targets and contributing to client satisfaction, showcasing the applicant’s success in enhancing firm efficiency and client outcomes.
- Incorporate specific examples of professional growth and community involvement, such as leading marketing initiatives and coordinating with organisations, to illustrate a well-rounded candidate who not only advances business objectives but also integrates into the community.
- Detail relevant certifications and courses, like Advanced Personal Injury Law and Negligence Claims Strategy, to underline an ongoing commitment to professional development and specialised knowledge in personal injury law.
Tax Lawyer
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The cover letter showcases significant accomplishments in tax advisory and M&A transactions, such as achieving a 25% increase in cross-border deal success rates, which are directly relevant to the role being applied for.
- Highlighting Specific Skills: Skills like cross-border taxation, VAT expertise, and contract negotiation are highlighted, demonstrating Freya's specialised knowledge critical for the role in tax advisory and M&A transactions.
- Professional Achievements: Freya effectively presents key achievements, such as developing bespoke incentive schemes that led to a significant reduction in clients' tax rates, showcasing the ability to deliver impactful results.
- Relevant Education and Certifications: The LL.M in Tax Law and Chartered Institute of Taxation’s Advanced Taxation course are pointed out, underscoring specialised education and training pertinent to the senior associate position.
Environmental Lawyer
- Highlight Legal Expertise: Emphasise over 7 years of experience in public sector legal services, showcasing expertise in managing complex caseloads and improving client outcomes as a pivotal strength for potential employers.
- Specific Legal Achievements: Focus on tangible achievements such as reducing litigation costs by 15% and improving child welfare outcomes, providing concrete evidence of strategic impact in previous roles.
- Certifications and Education: Mention advanced legal certifications and a Master of Laws degree to underline specialised knowledge and formal training, important for a law professional seeking to demonstrate comprehensive legal proficiency.
- Skills and Collaborative Success: Highlight key skills such as contract negotiation, team collaboration, and litigation alongside achievements like enhancing team productivity by 25%, indicating ability to work effectively in multidimensional environments and drive results.
Estate Planning Lawyer
- Highlight Specific Expertise: Ava effectively highlights her expertise in estate planning and tax systems, essential for a solicitor role in this field, by providing detailed descriptions of her case management and client satisfaction rates.
- Emphasise Relevant Achievements: The cover letter underscores Ava's significant achievements, such as developing a training programme that improved productivity, showcasing her leadership and innovation skills.
- Detail Continuous Professional Development: By including courses like "Advanced Estate Planning" and "Taxation for Legal Professionals," Ava demonstrates her commitment to staying updated with advanced knowledge necessary for handling intricate estate and tax law cases.
- Showcase Soft Skills: Ava's passion for community volunteering and client relations speaks to her people skills, an often underrated yet crucial aspect of a solicitor's role, ensuring effective communication and client satisfaction.
Military Lawyer
- Highlighting High-Value Deals: The cover letter effectively showcases Chloe's significant achievements in closing property deals worth over £500 million, which is crucial for demonstrating her capabilities in handling large, complex transactions in commercial real estate law.
- Emphasising Expertise in Risk Mitigation: By detailing her expertise in reducing risks in construction agreements by 25%, Chloe presents herself as skilled in protecting client interests, which is vital for a Commercial Real Estate Attorney.
- Demonstrating Efficiency in Legal Processes: The mention of implementing technology to enhance legal processes highlights her ability to innovate and improve efficiency, a valuable trait for improving operations within a legal practice.
- Relevant Education and Courses: Specific reference to her Masters in Commercial Law and courses like Advanced Real Estate Finance strengthens her credibility and specialised knowledge in relevant areas, reinforcing her suitability for a role that requires specialised expertise.
Public Interest Lawyer
- Emphasise successful outcomes using quantifiable achievements, such as the 20% improvement in case outcomes, to demonstrate measurable impacts in previous roles.
- Highlight leadership experience and the ability to lead teams through complex legal issues, as seen in the example of overseeing a legal review process.
- Showcase expertise in statutory compliance and risk mitigation, which is critical for roles involved with public sector legal advisory.
- Incorporate instances of cost-saving and efficiency improvements, as demonstrated by the reduction in legal costs and case preparation time, to attract employers seeking resourceful professionals.
Lawyer cover letter example
Theodore Green
Liverpool, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Theodore Green
123 Main Street
Liverpool
Merseyside
L1 1AA
help@enhancv.com
linkedin.com/username
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the opportunity at your organization, drawn by the prospect of contributing my extensive experience in education law and policy development. Your commitment to fostering innovative legal solutions aligns closely with my professional track record, particularly my work in spearheading educational policy reforms.
During my tenure as In-House Legal Counsel at Manchester Metropolitan University, I championed policy improvements that significantly enhanced governance efficiency by 20%. By leading a cross-functional team, I revised university statutes and regulations to meet contemporary educational mandates, undeniably establishing a more robust legal framework. This achievement underlines my ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and craft solutions that drive tangible results.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to your team's objectives. Thank you for considering my application, and I am eager to explore how I can support and advance the mission of your esteemed department.
Sincerely,
Theodore Green
Solicitor
What makes this cover letter stand out:
- Emphasize relevant experience, such as prior roles in legal counsel and policy development within educational institutions, which directly aligns with the position and showcases specialized knowledge.
- Highlight specific achievements, such as improvements in governance efficiency and successfully leading policy reforms, to demonstrate the ability to deliver impactful results.
- Align personal and professional motivations with the organization's mission by expressing enthusiasm for contributing to innovative legal solutions, showing a clear fit and interest in the role.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a lawyer cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your lawyer cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your lawyer cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
With a profound appreciation for your firm's commitment to integrity and innovation in the legal sector, I am eager to bring my extensive experience in corporate law to your team, contributing to your stellar track record of client success. Having followed your impactful work with emerging businesses and noted your recent accolade for legal excellence, I find your values and ambitions closely aligning with my professional ethos.
RIGHT
How to write your lawyer cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at Smith & Wesson LLP, I successfully led a complex litigation case involving intellectual property rights, which culminated in a landmark win for our client. This case demanded acute attention to detail, strategic legal analysis, and effective negotiation skills. I spearheaded a team of four junior associates, guiding them through meticulous research and evidence accumulation, resulting in a successful compensation claim of £1.5 million.
This achievement not only enhanced the firm’s reputation but also strengthened client trust and loyalty. By navigating through intricate legal frameworks and maintaining an unwavering focus on client objectives, I demonstrated the ability to deliver outcomes that align with both legal and commercial perspectives. My efforts directly contributed to a 30% increase in our department’s case success rate in that financial year, showcasing an enduring commitment to excellence and precision in legal practice.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Looking to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter closing?
Then, you should certainly end with a promise—one that outlines what you aim to achieve in the role. Ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company’s needs.
You might also include a call to action, enquiring when you can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
Cover Letter Closing
I am eager to bring my extensive experience in law and commitment to delivering exceptional service to your esteemed firm. I am confident that my skills and dedication make me a strong candidate for the role. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working together to achieve remarkable results.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance your job application and set you apart from other candidates. Begin by personalising your message to the hiring manager and connecting your experiences to the company's values.
Emphasise your key accomplishments that reflect your skills and passion for the role, while maintaining a professional tone throughout. Ensure that your cover letter and CV present a unified and polished image to maximise your chances of success.
