How to Write a BigLaw Cover Letter

The BigLaw cover letter is a strange document. Some firms read them carefully. Others barely glance. But since you can't know which camp a firm falls into, you need to write a good one every time. The good news: a good BigLaw cover letter is short and follows a predictable structure.

The Structure

Three to four paragraphs. Half a page to two-thirds of a page. Never a full page.

Paragraph 1: Who you are and why this firm. One or two sentences. State your school, your year, and that you're applying for a summer associate position. Then one sentence about why this firm specifically.

Paragraph 2: Why you. Your strongest qualification, briefly. This might be your academic record, a relevant experience, or a specific interest that aligns with the firm's strengths. Don't repeat your resume, add context.

Paragraph 3: Why this firm (in detail). This is where specificity matters. Name a practice area. Reference a recent matter. Mention something you learned from talking to an associate. Use the firm directory to research practice area strengths before writing this paragraph.

Paragraph 4 (optional): Geographic tie. If you're applying to a city where you have connections, say so briefly. See our post on writing a "why city" paragraph.

What Makes It Good

Specificity. "I'm interested in Firm X's restructuring practice, particularly your work on large Chapter 11 cases" is infinitely better than "I'm interested in Firm X's excellent litigation practice."

Brevity. Every sentence should earn its place. If a sentence could appear in a letter to any firm, it's too generic.

Professionalism. Formal but not stiff. You're writing to potential colleagues, not the Supreme Court.

What to Avoid

• Flattery. "Your firm is widely regarded as the most prestigious..." They know. You don't need to tell them.
• Life story. Save the personal narrative for the interview.
• Desperation. "It would be the honor of my career to..." Relax.
• Listing every qualification. That's what the resume is for.
• Typos. In the firm name especially. Getting the firm name wrong is an instant rejection.

Do Firms Even Read Them?

Some do, some don't. Read our take on whether firms actually read cover letters. The short version: you can't afford to assume they don't.

The Customization Question

Yes, you need to customize each letter. No, it doesn't need to be a total rewrite. Build a template with strong paragraphs 1 and 2, then customize paragraph 3 for each firm. Research each firm on the firm directory so your customization is grounded in real information, not generic flattery.