How to Prepare Outstanding Cover Letters

Some attorney candidates do not fully appreciate the importance of cover letters. Instead, they assume that their resume will do all of the "selling." While resumes are certainly important, they are very limited in their format, content and space. Cover letters, by contrast, do not have any such limitations. Consequently, the cover letter is clearly the most effective opportunity to create a critical positive first impression and to successfully "sell" the candidate to the firm. Even when the attorney does understand the importance of a good cover letter, however, they often do not know how to write one properly. This is understandable, and it is also one of the reasons why at BCG Attorney Search all cover letters are typically written by our top tier recruiters. Thus, having your cover letter done by a top tier professional is clearly the best way to go if you want to maximize your chances of obtaining an interview.

This is not always possible, of course. Accordingly, this article will provide a general guide for attorneys on how to construct a winning cover letter. Even where a candidate has retained a top notch recruiter - such as at BCG - it is to the candidate's advantage to have at least a general understanding of such letters. The letter or at least its content is likely to come up in interviews. Moreover, the best cover letters are not the ones that are written entirely by top tier recruiters. The best cover letters are written by top tier recruiters with substantial input from the candidate. Even the most practiced and brilliant recruiter does not possess the deep insight and knowledge that the candidate has regarding their own practice, experience, goals, reasons for looking, etc.

For this reason, I typically request that my candidates send me a 1-2 page summary on key topics related to their cover letter. I then use this information to help "personalize" the letter and make it more accurate, authentic and persuasive. Another approach that can be used is to obtain reference letters from the candidate's prior superiors and include this information as well.


The following is a general outline of what goes into an effective cover letter.

Introduction

Like all introductions, the one to your cover letter should be brief, persuasive and thorough. It should begin by introducing the candidate, including basic information such as practice area, level, current firm and the position sought. The introduction should then quickly summarize the primary reasons or points that demonstrate why you are a superior choice for the position.

Education

If you attended a stellar law school, this should be emphasized in this section (as well as in the introduction). It is also appropriate to include any truly impressive things that you did in law school (such as law review or legal aid). But in general this section should be kept to a minimum. This is especially true with respect to undergraduate activities. In addition, educational background is normally less important for partners than it is for associates.

Law Firm Experience

With a few exceptions, actual legal experience tends to be less important for partners than for associates. For partners, this section should focus primarily on what the firms will really care about -portable business. The cover letter is not the place to go into great detail on the numbers concerning the partner's practice (that comes later with the Business Plan). But it should at least include a general description of the type/industry of the partner's clients. If the partner has an impressive "household" name client, or if the partner shares an important client with the firm, then specific client names may be disclosed. The partner's billing rates should also be included, along with some indication of the partner's collections in recent years. Finally, there should be a reasonable, good-faith estimate of the amount of the partner's portable business.

With respect to associates, such information is necessary only in the rare instances where a senior associate has developed or could develop significant portable business. For most associates, the focus will be on the exact nature and level of responsibility of their legal work. Also important will be the associate's billable hours in recent years, as well as the specific areas of expertise that the associate has developed. This is also a good place to add information regarding the associate's "intangibles" such as quality of work, dedication, work ethic, good people skills and other valuable qualities. Citing positive reviews can also be very helpful.

Other Relevant Experience and/or Interests

This is the place to discuss a candidate's unusual - but still relevant - background (if any). For example, a corporate candidate may have worked as a CPA or for a major bank before law school. Non-legal backgrounds tend to be especially important if they are technical and the candidate is in IP.

Reasons for Looking

This is a critical section. Firms tend to assume - sometimes correctly but more often not - that attorneys looking for a job have some sort of "problem"- such as poor work quality, a difficult personality, a bad attitude, etc. This is the section in which that assumption needs to be dispelled and replaced with a strong, believable (and true) reason why the candidate is looking. A good way to start is to say (if true) that the candidate is performing well at their firm and they get along well with everyone. Ideally, you want to persuade the firm that the candidate does not have any significant problems with their firm - and their firm has no significant problems with them. If, however, there is such a problem, it will have to be dealt with delicately. This is especially true if the candidate is no longer working for whatever reason. This is also an area where a strong reference letter explaining the situation in a positive way could be of help.

The most common - and usually most effective - reasons for looking for associates include the desire to get into a different practice that is not offered by their current firm, a lack of work at their current firm, or a desire to get into a different type of firm for some sensible reason.

For partners (and sometimes senior associates), the primary reason for looking has to do with business development. Either something has happened at the current firm that is inhibiting the partner's ability to grow their practice, and/or there is something that the prospective new firm has that would allow the partner to grow their practice more effectively.

Conclusion

Like the introduction, the conclusion should be very short and summarize the most important reasons why the candidate is superior to the competition and thus should be interviewed. Finally, the contact information of the candidate or their recruiter should also be provided.

See 6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from Their Resumes ASAP If They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms for more information.


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
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• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.