Mastering the Art of Cover Letter Writing: Harrison's Rules for Success

 

 

Introduction

In today's competitive job market, more is needed to submit a generic cover letter that only talks about yourself and your experience. Employers want to see a personal connection and a genuine interest in the firm and its people. While your experience is important, what truly sets you apart is your ability to connect with the audience and the people you are writing to. Making a personal connection in your cover letter can be the key to standing out among other candidates. Everyone desires personal connections in their lives, and the same holds true for job seekers. By taking the time to understand the firm and its people, you can increase your chances of making a lasting impression. Informational interviews, for example, can be a valuable tool in helping you gain insight into the firm and connect with individuals who may assist you in your job search. This introduction underscores the importance of personal connection in the cover letter and emphasizes the value of taking the time to understand the firm and its people.
 

• If you’re unsure what pitfalls to avoid, the Do’s and Don’ts of Attorney Cover Letter Writing offers a clear checklist of mistakes that frequently sink otherwise promising letters.

Most people think you just want a job. They do not care about that. Everyone wants to date the most desirable men and women, attend the best schools, and belong to the best social groups. Very few people can make personal connections to make that happen. Anyone can declare themselves a political candidate, but only a few people can connect with the others they need to to make stuff happen. Most cover letters are generic, and the writer just talks about themselves. What the cover letter needs to do is make a personal connection. No matter how great you think you are, whoever reads your cover letter will know someone much better than you.  Your experience speaks for itself. What your cover letter needs to do is connect with its audience and the people you are writing to. If you take the time to understand the firm and its people, you will do much better than if you do not. Informational interviews help a great deal, for example.
 

• Cover letters are a great place to gauge dedication; see more on this in Commitment Matters: How to Hire Attorneys Who Will Stick Around.

Need personal connection.  Everyone wants a personal connection. The more personal connection your cover letter makes, the better off you are. Do you know anyone at the firm? Have you spoken to anyone there? Is there anyone you admire from the firm? Are you from the area? Have you worked with anyone from the firm?

 

1. Your Cover Letter Needs to Show You Can Do the Job. 

Most positions are specialized. Most positions are seeking one thing. You should talk about that. Law firms are not impressed if you have done a variety of things. In most instances, they have a position and want someone to do one thing. That is what you need to talk about. Large firms and firms in major markets typically require specialists—law firms in smaller markets, or small firms may want you to be more of a generalist. You need to understand your market. You need to read the job descriptions and understand what the firm is seeking.
 

• Given how firms are evolving, Law Firm Recruitment Trends in the USA: 2025 Insights provides essential context on what firms currently value and the role a compelling cover letter still plays in 2025.

 
In today's job market, ensuring that your cover letter highlights your ability to perform the job you are applying for is essential. Most positions are specialized, and employers seek candidates with the specific skills and experience required for the job. Your cover letter should focus on how your experience and expertise align with the job's specific requirements. Law firms, for instance, are looking for someone who can perform a particular task, and they are not usually impressed by candidates with experience in many different areas. It is crucial to understand the requirements of the position you are applying for, and to tailor your cover letter accordingly. This can involve reading the job description thoroughly and ensuring that you address the specific requirements of the role. By highlighting your specialized skills and expertise, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job.
 

• Especially in competitive legal markets, it’s helpful to grasp The Brutal Truth About Legal Careers: Here’s Why Only the Extraordinary Make It — it offers sobering context for why every letter (and interview) must count.

 

---

See Related Articles:

• How Law Firms Choose to Interview and Hire Attorneys and Law Students: The Only Three Questions Law Firms Evaluate Applicants By
• The Do's and Don'ts of Attorney Cover Letter Writing

---

 

2. Your Cover Letter Needs to Show You Can Be Managed.

This means you will do the work the law firm needs done, in the way the law firm needs it done and follow orders. It is never about you. Talk about being eager to work hard. Refrain from discussing your pro bono achievements or activities and organizations irrelevant to what the law firm needs done. Refrain from talking about how you want to work remotely, work reduced hours and so forth. You need to focus on showing that you are a reliable soldier. The more you talk about stuff that has to do with activities that are not part of practicing law for the firm, the more you are hurting yourself.
 

• If you’re drafting a letter as someone with multiple years of experience, The 7 Steps Attorneys with 5+ Years of Law Firm Experience Must Take can help you tailor your narrative to maintain relevance and trajectory.

 
Your cover letter should demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a law firm's structure and follow orders. This means showcasing your willingness to perform the necessary tasks in the manner prescribed by the firm. It's important to avoid discussing personal achievements or activities irrelevant to the firm's needs. Instead, focus on your eagerness to work hard and be a reliable team player. Avoid discussing flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or reduced hours, as this could give the impression that you need to be fully committed to the role's demands. By emphasizing your ability to be a dependable and obedient team member, you can increase your chances of being considered for the position. Remember, the cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the job, so it's crucial to tailor your approach to meet the employer's specific needs.
 

• Remember that your cover letter is not just prose — it reflects how you present yourself. Avoiding habits covered in Why Attorneys Lose Jobs and Opportunities: The Top 5 Toxic Behaviors to Avoid can protect against unconscious red flags.

 

---

See Related Articles:

• How Law Firms and Other Hiring Organizations Can Determine if an Attorney Can Be Managed
• How to Prepare Outstanding Cover Letters

---

 

3. Your Cover Letter Needs to Show You Can Write Clearly and Directly.

This is your writing sample. You need to be able to be direct, concise and show that you can edit. No abbreviations. No saying more than you need to.
 
Your cover letter is an important writing sample demonstrating your ability to write clearly and directly. You must showcase your writing skills by being concise and to the point. Avoid using abbreviations and slang terms that can detract from the professionalism of your message. The cover letter should convey your ability to communicate effectively, demonstrating that you have a strong command of grammar and syntax and can edit your work to remove any unnecessary words or phrases. It's important to remember that the cover letter is different from the place to elaborate on every detail of your experience but to provide a brief overview of your skills and qualifications. By writing clearly and directly, you can convey your professionalism and impress potential employers with your ability to communicate effectively. As this article shows, written persuasion is invaluable—and Exploring the Possibilities: Unveiling the Benefits of Attorneys Becoming Journalists reveals how those same writing instincts can empower attorneys to succeed in journalism.
 

• While drafting, if you’re battling imposter syndrome or second-guessing every line, you may find Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Your Legal Career a useful mindset companion to help you stay bold in your approach

 

---

See Related Articles:

• What Law Firms Want to See in Your Cover Letter
• Attorney Resume and Cover Letter Advice
• How Attorneys and Law Students Can Craft the Perfect Cover Letter

---

 

4. Your Cover Letter Needs to Show You Are Likely to Work for the Employer for the Long Term.

You need to commit to your practice area, the geographic location, the size firm, working in a law firm and more.  The employer needs to believe that you will stay if they interview and hire you.  If you are applying to a firm that pays less than you might otherwise make, the law firm needs to believe you have compelling reasons for working there. Law firms hire people that are trying to move up in some reason. They want to hire people who are likely to feel good about working there and make others feel good there.
 

• For deeper template ideas or sample letters, see Attorney Resume and Cover Letter Advice, a BCGSearch repository dedicated to cover letter + résumé strategies.

To make a compelling case for your long-term commitment to the employer, your cover letter should demonstrate your dedication to the practice area, geographic location, size of the firm, and working in a law firm environment. You need to convince the employer that you have compelling reasons to work for them, even if they pay less than other firms. Law firms want to hire people motivated to move up in their careers and who will contribute positively to the work environment, so showcasing your enthusiasm and potential for growth within the organization is crucial. Demonstrating your commitment and passion for the firm's mission and values can increase your chances of being considered for the position and successfully landing the job.
 

• You might also appreciate Harrison Barnes’ Advice to Legal Recruiters About Resumes and Cover Letters, which reveals what recruiters look for (and what they quietly penalize) when reading your materials.

 

---

See Related Articles:

• How Law Firms and Other Hiring Organizations Can Determine if an Attorney Will Do the Job Long Term
• Commitment Matters: How to Hire Attorneys Who Will Stick Around
• The Top 5 Long-Term Benefits of Attorneys Remaining Employed With a Single Law Firm

---

 

Conclusion

Crafting a successful cover letter requires a strategic approach and careful consideration of the employer's needs and requirements. Harrison's Rules for Success, outlined in this article, emphasize the importance of making a personal connection, showcasing your ability to perform the job, demonstrating your willingness to be managed, writing clearly and directly, and demonstrating your commitment to the employer for the long term. By following these guidelines and tailoring your approach to the employer's specific needs, you can increase your chances of standing out among other candidates and successfully landing the job. Remember that your cover letter is your opportunity to make a lasting impression, so take the time to carefully craft your message and showcase your value to potential employers. To ensure your post-interview thank-you note aligns with the refined tone of your application materials, see Should Attorneys and Law Students Send Thank You Letters After Law Firm Interviews?.
 

• For some lesser-known, high-impact tweaks, refer to Things No One Tells You about Cover Letters, which surfaces hidden angles many writers miss.

 

---

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.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• 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.