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Cover letter example

Lawyer cover letter example

Law firm partners read cover letters as a sample of your writing. Keep it precise, error-free and specific: why this firm, which practice, what files you have worked on.

Avoid generic statements about justice and show that you know the firm's work and clients.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Application: Avocat collaborateur, Employment Law team

Dear Maître [Name],

I am writing to apply for the position of avocat collaborateur in your employment law team. I was admitted to the [City] Bar in [Year] after training at [Firm], and I have since worked on employment matters for employers, both on advice and before the Conseil de prud'hommes.

My work involves drafting submissions in dismissal disputes, preparing clients for conciliation hearings and pleading at the hearings myself on smaller files. On the advisory side, I have helped clients prepare individual procedures and draft company-level agreements on working time and remote work.

Your firm's work with mid-sized industrial groups, particularly on restructurings, is the reason for this application. I would like to develop my practice in collective employment law, and your team's mix of advice and litigation would allow me to keep pleading while taking part in larger projects. I can also work in English with foreign parent companies.

I would be glad to meet you at your offices to discuss the team's current files.

Yours sincerely,[First Name Last Name], Avocat au Barreau de [City]

What to highlight

  • Your bar admission or the stage of your training
  • Practice area and type of files handled
  • Why this firm and this team specifically
  • Languages used in practice
  • Drafting and pleading experience

Mistakes to avoid

  • Grammar or spelling errors, which partners treat as a sign of careless drafting.
  • Addressing the letter without the courtesy title Maître.
  • Describing confidential files in identifiable terms.
  • A letter that could be sent to any firm.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I address a letter to a French lawyer?

Use the title Maître followed by the surname, for both men and women. If you do not know the partner's name, use « Madame, Monsieur » in French letters, or Dear Sir or Madam in English, but naming the partner is always better.

Should I apply as élève-avocat for my final internship?

Yes, the bar school requires a final internship (stage final), and firms hire many trainees for six months. Mention the school, the internship dates and your practice area, and say if you are looking for a position after admission.

Is a letter useful for international firms in Paris?

Yes. Many firms receive applications through their website but still read letters to compare candidates with similar degrees. Explain why their practice in Paris suits you and show your legal English if they work in English.

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