The Lawyer’s Playbook for Cover Letters

Mahta Talani
Oct 30
3 min read

Most lawyers (and humans?) hate writing cover letters. It feels redundant. You already have a resume, transcripts, a representative matters list, and a LinkedIn profile. So what’s left to say?

Here’s the answer: a cover letter exists to fill the gaps. It should explain anything a hiring partner cannot figure out from your other documents.

It is not about making your life story sound fascinating or dramatic. It is about giving context.

Here’s what that means in practice.

What Your Cover Letter Should Do

Answer the questions your resume cannot. A partner should finish reading your application without any open questions about your experience, moves, or intentions.

Explain firm moves. If you changed firms anytime in your career, briefly explain why. For example, a practice area shift, a move to a stronger platform, or better alignment with your long-term goals.

Address why you are looking to leave. If you are currently at a firm and exploring a move, clarify what you are looking for next. Keep it professional and forward-looking.

Highlight the value you bring. Focus on key experience that adds something to the new firm, such as industry exposure, deal volume, litigation scope, or client relationships.

Explain a city move. If you are relocating, mention why. Personal ties, client base, or wanting to align your practice with the market are all valid reasons.

Address resume gaps. If there is a gap, explain it directly. Illness, travel, study, family, or transition time, whatever the reason, own it briefly and professionally.

Explain practice area changes. If you switched focus (for example, from corporate to litigation or private practice to in-house), tell the story in a sentence or two. Show intentionality.

Reference specific partners or clients. If you are excited about working with certain people or teams, say so. Mention their names and explain why their work interests you.

Handle layoffs professionally. If you are being laid off for economic reasons, say so. If the partners at your firm can vouch for you, include their names and link to their firm bios. That transparency can strengthen your credibility.

Address visa or work authorization issues. If you are an international candidate, clearly state your current visa type, sponsorship needs, or citizenship status. It removes guesswork for the firm.

What Your Cover Letter Should Not Do

Do not retell your entire career story or summarize your resume.
Do not write about your childhood passion for debate or how you "always knew" you would be a lawyer.
Do not overcompensate with adjectives. Keep it factual and readable.
Do not exceed one page. Ever.

Quick Structure

Opening paragraph: State the role you are applying for and why you feel you are the right candidate (briefly).
Second paragraph: Explain your current situation (why you are moving or what you are looking for).
Third paragraph: Highlight the experience or skills that make you a strong fit.
Fourth paragraph (optional): Address any special considerations such as visa status, geographic move, or firm references.
Closing paragraph: Express genuine interest in the firm, mention any referrals or partner connections, and thank them for their time.

Do not shy away from headings. They make everyone’s life easier. Use clear, functional ones like "Background and Leaving Current Firm," "Experience," or "Visa." There is no need to make them fancy. They simply help the reader find exactly what they need quickly. Partners and recruiting coordinators will thank you for it.