How To Write A Legal Job Cover Letter (With Examples)

Cover Letter Examples

How to Write a Legal Job Cover Letter (With Examples)

While your application showcases your qualifications, your cover letter is an opportunity to articulate why you are the ideal candidate for a legal position. Therefore, crafting a compelling cover letter is essential when applying for a legal job in 2026.

To assist you in this endeavor, we have compiled detailed instructions and valuable tips on how to write an outstanding legal job cover letter. Additionally, we’ve included a sample letter to guide you in structuring your own.

Key Takeaways

Utilize your cover letter to highlight why you are the best fit for this specific role at the law firm.
Your cover letter should focus on your most impressive and relevant qualifications—avoid the temptation to reiterate everything on your resume.
Tailor your cover letter to the position by emphasizing how you meet the qualifications outlined in the job description and align with the firm’s cultural values.

How to Write a Legal Job Cover Letter

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How to Write a Legal Job Cover Letter

Use the correct legal cover letter format. As with all legal documents, your cover letter must adhere to precise formatting standards. Given the formal nature of the legal industry, avoid creative layouts. A well-structured cover letter is essential for making a professional impression.

Use a clear, professional font such as Helvetica, with 1.15-inch line spacing and one-inch margins on all sides.
Match the header to your resume. Ensure that all details—both visually and content-wise—align with your resume. Your cover letter and resume should appear as two components of a cohesive application package.

A legal cover letter should include the following in order:
- Your full name (make this the most prominent text)
- Your current occupation (optional)
- Your address, city, state, and zip code
- Your phone number
- Your email
- Any relevant contact information or social media (optional)
- Today’s date
- The full name of the recipient. If unknown, research the hiring manager’s name.
- The title of the recipient. E.g., “Hiring Manager” or “Partner”
- The name of the law firm or organization
- The address, city, state, and zip code of the law firm or organization
Start with a personal greeting. Address your cover letter directly to the recipient if you know their name. Use “Dear Ms./Mr./Mx. [full name],” for a professional yet personal touch.

If you have a prior relationship, you may consider using “Dear [first name],” but exercise caution. The legal profession tends to favor traditional greetings.

Avoid generic salutations like “To whom it may concern,” as they may come off as impersonal.
Introduce yourself and specify the position you’re applying for. In the first sentence, introduce yourself and clearly state the position you are applying for. While you don’t need to repeat your name, providing context about who you are is important.

Also, mention how you learned about the position, including any mutual contacts who referred you.
Explain why this position and law firm matter to you. Share your thoughts about the job and the firm. The reader wants to know why you chose to apply for this specific position at this organization. Express genuine interest in the role and the company’s mission.

Employers seek candidates who not only possess the necessary skills but also fit within their organizational culture. Demonstrate how your values align with those of the firm.
Highlight your best, relevant skills and experience. Your cover letter is the perfect platform to elaborate on your skills and experience. Align your qualifications with the requirements in the job posting, employing the same language to enhance compatibility with applicant tracking systems.

However, avoid overloading your cover letter with every detail—it’s meant to spotlight your most relevant achievements.
Focus on how you can serve them. Connect with the hiring manager by highlighting how you can contribute to their success. Mention the firm’s achievements or values, demonstrating your understanding and appreciation for their work.

While it’s good to share your story, ensure it complements the firm’s narrative.
Include a call to action at the end. Conclude your letter with a clear request for the next steps, such as scheduling an interview. This shows your enthusiasm and eagerness for a response.
End with a professional closing. Use a closing that matches the formality of your letter, such as “Sincerely,” or “Kind regards.” Following this, include your full name or a digital signature for an added personal touch.
Proofread for perfect spelling and grammar. The final step is to meticulously proofread your cover letter. Ensure that all spelling, grammar, and details are accurate. Errors can undermine your professionalism.

If you’ve applied to multiple positions, double-check that you have the correct firm’s name and details to avoid awkward mistakes.

Cover Letter Example

To ensure you are including everything you need and doing it correctly, review the example below. This cover letter exemplifies proper formatting and effectively utilizes the aforementioned tips.

Begin with this sample for inspiration, then apply the steps and tips outlined above to create a cover letter that is uniquely yours.

Leah Kim
Lewis & Clark Law School Student
618 Seneca Drive
Portland, OR 97205
503-998-0286
leahjkim@gmail.com

10/29/26

Wilma Corwin
Partner
The Immigration Law Office of Jacobson, Nicolas, and Corwin
919 Hope Street
Portland, OR 97204

Dear Ms. Corwin,

I’m a second-year honors student at Lewis & Clark Law School, and I’m writing to apply for your 2026 summer internship position. I first learned about the incredible work of Jacobson, Nicolas, and Corwin during Janet Leech’s lecture for the Lewis & Clark Law Society last year. After expressing my continued interest, Ms. Leech recently informed me that your office has begun accepting applications for the summer internship program. I’m eager to leverage my passion for immigration and public interest law, along with my research and writing skills, to assist your office in providing exceptional service to its clients.

Since attending Ms. Leech’s lecture, I’ve been deeply inspired by Jacobson, Nicolas, and Corwin’s commitment to innovative solutions. In my academic and extracurricular pursuits, I’ve demonstrated the innovative thinking, leadership drive, and excellent communication skills you seek in your interns. During my time as a student, I optimized the LC Law Society legal journal and won multiple legal writing competitions at the state level. As an intern for Stoltenberg-Gibson, I contributed to drafting legal research and assisted in managing approximately 50 cases.

My passion for serving local immigrant communities is also rooted in my background as a second-generation immigrant. In my volunteer work, I’ve utilized my fluency in Korean and communication skills to advocate for immigrant families. I am enthusiastic about taking on responsibilities such as translation, intake, research, organization, or case preparation.

I am excited about the opportunity to apply to such a well-respected law office. Thank you for considering my application. My resume and references will further illustrate why I would be a strong fit for your summer internship position.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my writing and advocacy skills could contribute to the Immigration Law Office of Jacobson, Nicolas, and Corwin’s mission of delivering innovative strategies for your clients.

Sincerely,

Leah Kim
Lewis & Clark Law School Student
503-998-0286
leahjkim@gmail.com

Tips for Writing a Legal Job Cover Letter

Customize your letter. A generic cover letter raises doubts about your interest in the position. Research the law firm to understand their culture and expectations, then explain how you can fulfill those needs.
Keep it concise. Limit your cover letter to one page to maintain focus. Be personable yet succinct to maximize the impact of your message.
Match your tone to the firm’s culture. Each law firm has its own voice, which can be discerned by reviewing their website. Align your letter’s tone with that of the firm, whether formal or more conversational.
Highlight your unique skills. Use your cover letter as a platform to showcase what makes you a standout candidate and what you can bring to the organization. Be honest, but don’t hesitate to highlight your strengths.

Cover Letter Examples

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Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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