Writing a legal CV and cover letter

Knowing how to write a great legal CV and cover letter is an essential tool for any ambitious lawyer. Here’s how you do it.

How do I write a legal cover letter?

Knowing how to write an impactful cover letter is essential for any ambitious lawyer. It helps to persuade employers that you’d be a great addition to their firm. Make sure that you keep to one page and remember that you need to:

• demonstrate how much you know about your perspective employer
• talk briefly about your key skills, experiences and characteristics
• explain why you wish to work for this firm

Employers will look at your legal cover letter as an indication of your writing skills so make sure it is clear and confident.

Write about why you’re interested in working for this firm. For example, if you’re applying for a position in the personal injury department, have you had work experience within that department before? If you’re applying to a law firm with many corporate clients, do you thrive under pressure and like working long hours?

To achieve your objectives, your cover letter should follow this general structure: