How to Write a Legal Cover Letter

Article written by Caitlin Graham, Lancaster University LLB graduate.

This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a legal cover letter – whether it is for a vacation scheme, a mini-pupillage, or a more general legal work placement.

Font

Your first step is to select your font. As I’m sure you will assume, it is advisable that you choose a traditional and clear font, such as Times New Roman or Calibri, so that your letter looks formal and professional.

Further, it is a good idea to use the same font that you used for your CV to show consistency.

Overall Layout

The first thing you should write is your full name and address out in the top right-hand corner.

Below on the left-hand side, write the address of the addressee of the covering letter.

Next, underneath the addressee’s address, write the date out on the right-hand side in full e.g. 1^st December 2022 (instead of 01/12/22).

After this, on the left-hand side below the date, you should address the letter. It is preferable to find out what the name of the person who oversees applications for work experience placements. However, if you are unable to find this out, you should write: ‘Dear Sir/Madam’.

It is important to note that it is generally asked by companies to keep cover letters to a one-side A4 page. If you find that you have extra space, you could add another paragraph explaining why you are interested in law.

Introduction

The first paragraph of your cover letter should be kept relatively short (around two to three sentences).

You should begin by briefly introducing yourself e.g. “I am a final-year undergraduate law student from [name of university]”.

Then, you should explain why you are writing this letter. For example: “I am writing to apply for a mini-pupillage at [name of chambers]”.

Why them?

The second paragraph of your cover letter should explain why you are applying to that particular company.

Aim to link your personal motivations and qualities with that of the company’s whilst explaining what attracts you to that firm/chambers/company.

Why you?

The third paragraph of your cover letter should show why you are a suitable candidate for the position that you are applying for.

First focus on the skills and qualities that you have which are most relevant to the job advertised.

Further, remember to support your claims that you have certain skills by giving evidence. For instance, you may have developed good verbal communication skills by having worked in a customer-facing environment such as a shop or a bar.

Concluding your Cover Letter

A simple and effective way you could draw a close to your covering letter is by thanking the addressee for taking their time out for reading your application.

Finally, you should conclude your cover letter by writing “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”, depending upon how you addressed the letter. By this, it means, if you wrote “Dear Sir/Madam”, you should finish your letter with “Yours faithfully”, whereas if you know the name of the addressee, your cover letter should end with “Yours sincerely”.