You want your cover letter to strike the perfect balance between being professional and showing some personality. But how do you achieve this?
If you write too formally, your tone may come across as stiff. If you're too casual, it may sound overly conversational.
While modesty is always valued, how can you confidently present your skills without sounding arrogant or boastful?
This guide will help you find the right balance, ensuring your cover letter is both professional and personable, while focusing on the key job requirements.
Cover letter examples for legal
Explore additional legal cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Legal Trainee
- Highlighting specific achievements, such as leading a team on a high-value property acquisition project, showcases the candidate's ability to handle significant responsibilities and contribute to successful outcomes.
- Emphasising skills like client care and negotiation, as well as experiences that resulted in substantial client satisfaction improvements, aligns well with roles requiring client management and interaction.
- Mentioning educational credentials, such as a Master of Laws degree, can add credibility and demonstrate extensive legal knowledge necessary for a specialist role.
- Including successful implementation of technical solutions, such as a case management system, indicates the candidate's innovation and potential to improve operational efficiency within a legal setting.
Legal Intern
- Highlighting Specific Legal Experience: The cover letter effectively draws attention to specific legal experiences, such as volunteering as a Legal Research Volunteer for the Mozilla Foundation and a Contract Analysis Intern with TechUK, showcasing relevant industry involvement.
- Emphasising Relevant Skills: Skills such as Contract Drafting, Legal Research, and Intellectual Property are prominently featured, aligning perfectly with the candidate's aspirations to work within contract law and the software industry.
- Education and Specialised Courses: The inclusion of a Bachelor of Laws degree along with specialised courses like "Introduction to AI and Law" enhances the candidate's expertise and adaptability to the technological aspects of modern legal work.
- Achievements and Recognition: Mentioning awards and recognitions, like the National Legal Research Award, reinforces the candidate’s credibility and contribution to the legal field, adding weight to their application.
Senior Legal Counsel
- Role-Specific Experience: Highlighting over a decade of legal experience in technology and commercial contracts establishes credibility and directly ties the candidate's background to the job needs.
- Proven Track Record: Emphasising achievements like a 20% improvement in transaction efficiency and securing $1M annual savings showcases not only success in the legal field but also financial impact.
- Relevant Certifications: The candidate's completion of an Advanced Technology Law and Practice course with distinction underscores their specialised knowledge in AI and blockchain, valuable for technology law roles.
- Comprehensive Skill Set: Demonstrating a mix of skills such as ICT contract negotiation, legal advising, and project management reveals the candidate's capability to handle various aspects of legal work effectively.
Head of Legal
- Emphasising Leadership Experience: The cover letter effectively underscores leadership skills through roles such as VP, Head of Legal, and Director of Legal Affairs, showcasing the ability to lead legal teams and contribute to strategic decisions.
- Highlighting Strategic Achievements: The letter provides concrete examples of successfully negotiated contracts and compliance frameworks that resulted in cost reductions and increased efficiencies, which are crucial for roles involving legal strategy and compliance.
- Relevant Educational Background: With credentials from the University of Cambridge and the University of Leeds, the educational history reinforces the applicant's strong legal foundation and analytical prowess, beneficial for the VP, Head of Legal position.
- Showcasing International Experience: The inclusion of international market expansion and cross-border law certification reflects an understanding of global legal environments, aligning well with roles that involve international operations and compliance.
By Role
Legal Secretary
- Highlighting Quantifiable Achievements: Demonstrating specific, quantifiable achievements, such as the 15% cost reduction in travel arrangements, effectively shows prospective employers the candidate's impact.
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The cover letter successfully ties the candidate's robust experience in finance and business development directly to the qualifications needed for a PA Support Specialist role.
- Articulating Strong Skill Set: Focusing on key skills that are essential for such roles, like CRM administration and diary management, showcases the candidate's proficiency in operational tasks and strategic support.
- Identifying Complementary Passions: Including passions like event planning not only humanises the candidate but also underscores their enthusiasm for aspects of the job such as event coordination.
Legal Advisor
- Highlight specialised certifications: For a role as a Legal Advisor specialising in Family, Child, and Education Law, emphasising the completion of a Family Law Certificate adds credibility and shows dedicated professional development in that area.
- Showcase relevant achievements: Including specific accomplishments such as significantly improving client satisfaction scores and securing substantial legal aid funding demonstrates impact and expertise in Family Law.
- Emphasise skills and experience: Mentioning skills like Legal Research, Client Management, and Case Management directly relates to the critical functions of a Legal Advisor in this field, proving competency.
- Incorporate passion and commitment: Expressing passion for Child Rights Advocacy and Community Development highlights a personal commitment to the field, aligning with the role's values and objectives.
Legal Analyst
- Emphasise relevant experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Alfie's extensive experience in IP administration, patent processing, and document management, emphasising roles that led to significant efficiency improvements, which is crucial for a Legal Analyst position.
- Cite quantifiable achievements: Alfie's ability to improve operational efficiency, retrieval speed, and client satisfaction by notable percentages adds substantial evidence of contributed value, enhancing the credibility of the candidate's skills.
- Highlight specialised education: The mention of advanced degrees in Intellectual Property Law alongside the CIPA Patent Administrator Certificate underscores specialised knowledge and commitment to the field, which is instrumental in a legal analyst's role.
- Showcase language and software proficiency: Highlighting proficiency in patent databases like PatBase and Espacenet, along with software skills in Microsoft Office Suite, demonstrates Alfie’s readiness to handle specialised tasks in patent management, enhancing the application for such roles.
Legal Operations Manager
- Highlighting Specific Certifications: The cover letter effectively emphasises the candidate's Lexcel accreditation, which is vital for a role focused on legal compliance and quality management.
- Demonstrating Quantifiable Achievements: The document details specific achievements, such as a 30% increase in operational efficiency and £500,000 in annual savings, showcasing the candidate's ability to drive tangible results.
- Relevant Experience and Skills: It underscores extensive experience in legal operations, financial management, and process improvement, aligning closely with the responsibilities of a Legal Operations Manager.
- Passion for Innovations: By mentioning a passion for "Legal Technology Innovation," the cover letter conveys an alignment with the growing emphasis on integrating technology in legal services, showcasing forward-thinking capabilities.
Legal Researcher
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter underscores over 5 years of experience in compliance, with specific achievements like enhancing compliance processes by 30%, which aligns with the responsibilities of a Compliance Specialist.
- Showcase Technical Skills: Emphasising proficiency in Excel and data analysis not only supports the candidate's ability to manage regulatory tasks but also demonstrates their capability in handling complex data-driven decision-making, crucial for compliance roles.
- Detail Education and Credentials: Mentioning a Master's degree in Business Analytics and an Advanced Compliance and Risk Management Certification strengthens the application by pointing to formal education and specialised training in compliance frameworks.
- Achievements and Results: The cover letter effectively communicates past successes, such as a 40% increase in data accessibility and recognition for compliance research, showcasing quantifiable results that underline expertise and value to potential employers.
Legal Compliance Officer
- Highlighting specific achievements such as reducing regulatory violations and improving compliance efficiencies, which demonstrates a proven track record in enhancing compliance operations.
- Emphasising specialised skills relevant to the role, such as European Union Deforestation Regulation expertise and audit management, aligning with potential employer needs.
- Incorporating educational credentials and courses that reinforce expertise in regulatory frameworks and auditing techniques, supporting the candidate's profile as a well-rounded compliance officer.
- Showcasing involvement with industry bodies and policy development, which adds value to an organisation through influencing and aligning with industry standards.
Legal Executive
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Alice's extensive experience in legal roles, particularly focusing on her accomplishments in securities lending and FXPB documentation, which are crucial for the role of a Legal Executive.
- Quantifiable Achievements: By including specific metrics such as a 15% improvement in process efficiency and a 20% decrease in processing time, the letter powerfully demonstrates Alice's ability to deliver tangible outcomes through her work.
- Tailored Skills and Expertise: The cover letter highlights Alice's skills in legal research, drafting agreements, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that her expertise aligns with the requirements of a PS&S Legal Executive role.
- Professional Development and Education: By mentioning relevant courses and educational background in law, Alice reinforces her commitment to ongoing professional growth and her preparedness for evolving regulatory challenges.
Legal Editor
- Highlighting Key Achievements: The cover letter is effective in showcasing specific achievements, such as boosting user engagement by 20% and cutting content errors by 30%, which underscores the applicant's impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Skills and Certifications: Mentioning a certification in "Advanced Legal Research" and skills like 'Digital Publishing' and 'SEO' aligns well with the role, demonstrating the applicant's proficiency in specialised areas required for an Associate Editor in legal content.
- Industry Experience: Emphasising over 5 years of experience in legal publishing with reputable companies like LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters conveys credibility and a deep understanding of the industry, beneficial for the targeted role.
- Team Leadership and Mentorship: The letter effectively highlights leadership skills, such as mentoring junior editors and leading cross-functional projects, which are valuable for overseeing editorial teams and projects.
Legal Project Manager
- Expertly highlights specialised legal project management skills and certifications relevant to the role, such as the Legal Project Management Certification, which underscores advanced project management techniques.
- Emphasises strong results within the banking finance sector, underscoring successful project execution, client satisfaction, and cost management, aligning with industry specific requirements.
- Illustrates proficiency in leveraging legal technology tools, illustrating the candidate's ability to improve efficiency and reduce lead time, which is crucial in a dynamic legal environment.
- Demonstrates achievements and leadership in process improvement and client portfolio expansion, portraying a proactive approach to meeting organisational goals and driving revenue growth.
Legal Technician
- Highlight experience in document accuracy and consistency improvements, as Henry's achievements in boosting accuracy by 30% signify strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Emphasise technical skills in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Microsoft Word and PDF software, as they are crucial for legal document technicians.
- Showcase leadership and training abilities, as demonstrated by Henry's initiatives to enhance document processing efficiency and train junior team members.
- Mention relevant education and specialised courses, such as the MSc in Information Management and advanced skills in document structuring.
Legal Services Director
- Emphasising Strategic Leadership: The cover letter effectively showcases strategic leadership skills with specific achievements such as leading legal strategies and governance frameworks, which are critical for a Director of Legal Services role.
- Highlighting Community Engagement: It underscores the importance of community engagement by detailing how previous projects increased public participation and awareness, aligning with the role's focus on governance and public service.
- Showcasing Resource Optimisation: The applicant highlights their ability to optimise resources and reduce costs through innovative legal solutions, which is essential for enhancing service delivery in a director-level position.
- Demonstrating Educational Excellence: The mention of advanced degrees and relevant courses from prestigious institutions like the University of Cambridge and LSE substantiates their expertise and dedicated learning in law, governance, and policy development.
Legal Assistant
- Specialised Experience: Emphasising 7 years of experience specifically in commercial property law shows deep expertise and dedication to the field, a significant advantage in this specialised role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific statistics such as reducing average case resolution time by 15% and boosting client satisfaction scores by 20% provides concrete evidence of effectiveness and success in previous roles.
- Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Highlighting certifications like the Certificate in Commercial Property Practice demonstrates ongoing professional development, essential in legal roles to stay updated with industry standards.
- Team and Leadership Skills: Showcasing involvement in training junior associates and enhancing team productivity by 35% indicates strong leadership and collaborative skills, valuable in any team-driven environment.
Legal Document Reviewer
- Highlights extensive experience in FCA compliance and wealth management, which aligns with the role's regulatory focus.
- Emphasises the development and implementation of compliance training programmes, showcasing leadership and a proactive approach to regulatory education.
- Details specific achievements, such as reducing regulatory breaches and increasing department productivity through automation, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
- Mentions certifications in FCA compliance and advanced wealth management, indicating a strong commitment to industry standards and best practices.
Legal Support Specialist
- Emphasis on Specific Achievements: Highlighting tangible achievements such as a 25% increase in data processing speed or a 30% reduction in material loss demonstrates concrete improvements and effectiveness in past roles.
- Relevant Certification: Mentioning certifications like "GDPR Compliance and Data Protection" underscores knowledge of important legal frameworks and data handling protocols, which is critical for a data and administration role.
- Skills Consistent with Job Requirements: Listing skills such as "Specialist Administration Systems" and "Training Evaluation Systems" reveals alignment with the technical aspects necessary for a Specialist Support Administrator role.
- Focus on Passion for Continuous Improvement and Team Work: Expressing passion for 'Administrative Systems Innovation' and 'Team Collaboration' shows a commitment to advancing existing systems and working effectively within a team, both of which are vital in administrative support positions.
Legal Clerk
- Highlight Certifications: Mention certifications like the "GDPR Practitioner Certification" for roles focused on data protection and compliance, showcasing expertise in specialised areas.
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: Detail specific past roles that directly relate to the position being applied for, such as "Medico-Legal Administrative Officer," which demonstrates direct industry experience in a Medico-Legal setting.
- Quantify Achievements: Use specific metrics such as a "95% customer satisfaction rate" and "97% accuracy in request processing" to quantify achievements and underscore contributions to previous organisations.
- Detail Skills and Technologies: Highlight proficiency in relevant systems and tools like "NHS IT Systems" and "Data Protection," which are crucial for roles in administrative and healthcare settings.
Legal cover letter example
Alexander Jackson
Leeds, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Legal Officer position at your esteemed organization. Known for my expertise in adult social care law, I have dedicated over eight years to driving successful outcomes and positive changes within the public sector, aligning closely with your team's mission of impactful service delivery.
During my tenure as a Legal Advisor at Templeton Legal Services Ltd, I led a high-profile case that resulted in a precedent-setting decision in adult social care law. This achievement underscored my contract negotiation and case management skills, enabling local governments to safeguard client interests effectively. By streamlining adult social care processes, my team improved service delivery by 25% in just one year.
I am eager to bring my collaborative approach and legal expertise to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills align with your needs in more detail. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Alexander Jackson, Legal Officer
Why this is a strong cover letter:
- Specialized Expertise: Emphasizing expertise in adult social care law, which is directly relevant to the Legal Officer role, demonstrates specialized knowledge and strengthens the candidate's fit for the position.
- Proven Track Record: Highlighting a concrete achievement, like leading a precedent-setting case, not only showcases the candidate's skills but also provides tangible evidence of their impact and effectiveness in prior roles.
- Quantifiable Outcomes: Mentioning a specific improvement, such as enhancing service delivery by 25%, quantifies the candidate’s contributions and appeals to organizations looking for results-driven professionals.
- Alignment with Company Goals: Expressing a desire to contribute to the organization's mission aligns personal achievements and motivations with the company's objectives, presenting the candidate as a well-suited addition to the team.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters provide recruiters with the opportunity to learn more about your career aspirations, hinting at how you’d integrate within the organisation over the long term.
Here are three additional reasons why cover letters are important:
- Making an excellent first impression (and a formal introduction): Your cover letter is often the employer’s first introduction to you, showcasing your personality, communication skills, and motivation for the role.
- Complementing your career history: While your CV lists qualifications and experience, a cover letter provides the context, explaining how your background fits the role.
- Demonstrates your genuine interest: A well-crafted cover letter reflects the effort you’ve put into researching the company and role as well as your attention to detail.
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 legal cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your legal cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your legal cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having closely followed your firm's impact on human rights law through your ground-breaking campaigns, I am keen to contribute to your ongoing mission of delivering justice with integrity as a prospective solicitor.
RIGHT
How to write your legal 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 Hartman & Co Solicitors, I spearheaded a comprehensive review of contract management processes which resulted in a 30% reduction in contractual disputes within a year. By leveraging my meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills, I was able to identify and rectify discrepancies in our contract documentation procedures, ultimately improving the accuracy and reliability of our legal documents. This initiative not only enhanced client satisfaction but also contributed to a significant decrease in the firm's liability, underscoring my ability to implement effective legal solutions that drive measurable business outcomes.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you sincerely for considering my application for the legal position at your esteemed firm. I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to your team and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organisation. I warmly invite you to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my experience aligns with the needs of your firm. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information from my side. I look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to your success.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name and tailoring your content to reflect the role’s requirements.
Include a specific example of your greatest achievement to illustrate your suitability for the position, while also expressing your enthusiasm for the company. Remember to format your letter professionally, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your CV.
