First Name, Last Name

Address, Post Code

M: Mobile Number | E: Email Address

Date

Graduate Recruitment
X Firm LLP
Address
Post Code

Dear (specified individual/graduate recruitment),

I am a … (degree) undergraduate/graduate from the University of X, and am writing to apply for a training contract
with X firm/place on X firm’s vacation scheme. I became interested in the firm after … (state experience which
sparked you interest in firm), where I learnt about … (USP A: strength in practice group), (USP B: unique firm
strategy) and … (USP C: firm’s training programme).

I became interested in pursuing a career in commercial law during … ((1) what sparked your interest in
commercial law (e.g. “an open day”, “a university module”)). During … ((2) name an activity (1) involved (e.g.
“case study”, “mock negotiation”)), I enjoyed … ((3) name aspect of activity you enjoyed (e.g. “developing an
understanding of the commercial issues industries encounter”, “collaborative work”)). I particularly enjoyed
applying these skills … ((4) how did you apply and build from this experience (e.g. “during an informal placement
at Z LLP”, “subsequently, I went to X talk”)), during which I enjoyed … ((5) Repeat steps (2) to (4) until your
story spans from your initial spark to the point you are at today, refining itself into a particular niche you are
interested in). I want to train at a firm which … ((6) state key features which align with your niche), where I will
be challenged with … (an aspect of this niche which aligns specifically with USP A).

X firm’s … (USP A: strength in practice group), as evidenced by … (mention recent ranking/award/well-

researched statistic setting it apart from other firms), will provide an ideal environment in which to align my
training experiences with my career ambitions. (Note seamless transition from preceding paragraph.) The firm’s
… (researched fundamental element pertaining to USP A (e.g. “close ties with market leading private equity
houses”) present an exciting opportunity to … (attractive training opportunity referred to in (6) (e.g. “maximise
my exposure to headlining energy transactions”)) as a trainee. (Note fully develops earlier point and consistent
with commercial law motivations.) Reading about X firm’s role in advising … (mention thoroughly researched
client transaction/dispute of interest in USP A practice group (e.g. “Q Ltd on its acquisition of R Ltd”)), I was
intrigued by… (USP B: unique firm strategy (e.g. “seamless cross-border communication between international
offices”, “in-depth industry knowledge X firm showcased to fast-forward Q’s bidding process”)). I particularly
enjoyed learning about/practising… (aspect of strategy X firm employed) during… (an event which sparked your
interest in this (e.g. “relevant module”, “open day workshop”, “vacation scheme”)), and am excited by the
opportunity to apply these skills in practice… (state unique opportunity at X firm (e.g. “to the niche client issues
characteristic of the dynamic oil & gas sector”, “in liaison with jurisdiction leading ‘best friend’ firms”) with
which X firm deals. Reading about/Listening to… (mention event which triggered interest in USP C: firm’s
training programme (e.g. “open day Q&A”, “speaking with (named member of) graduate recruitment at a law
fair”)), I became interested in the … (unique aspect of firm training (e.g. “high client-exposure”, “holistic”, “non-
rotational”, “entrepreneurial”)) X firm employs. Following this approach, I imagine, is key to X firm’s success,
as… (show awareness of why training structure is used (e.g. “high exposure to clients at an early stage is crucial
to strong longstanding client relationships”)), providing X firm with a competitive advantage, given that… (show
commercial awareness by explaining tangible benefit to the firm (e.g. “cost-conscious clients are increasingly
preferring individual practice areas over firms as a whole”)). I look forward to… (unique aspect of firm training
(e.g. “high client exposure”)) because I … (show match between personal competencies and training style (e.g.

For more insights or queries, contact Joe Mallet via www.linkedin.com/in/jm16328/

“enjoy the prospect of being challenged from the start”)), as shown when I… (input ‘CAR’ method (context:
describe an extracurricular or work experience (e.g. “volunteer teacher abroad”)). During this experience, I…
(action: how did you develop/exhibit said competency in a relevant way? (e.g. “learnt to communicate intricate
concepts with clarity and impact”)). Resultantly, I… (result: quantify your impact (e.g. “improved reading age of
class by an average of two years”)).

Speaking with/Reading about the firm’s trainees, it became clear that, in addition to … (aforementioned quality
elaborated in ‘CAR’), (P competency), (Q competency) and (R competency) are particularly important to the
commercial solicitor’s skillset at X firm. (Note seamless transition from preceding paragraph, whilst showing
researched focus on which specific competencies X firm values.) (P competency) is important because at X firm,
trainees … ((7) explain why competency is uniquely important (e.g. “communication skills: because trainees talk
to clients at a uniquely early stage”). I developed this skill when I … (input ‘CAR’ method as above). (Q
competency) is also valuable because… (repeat steps (7) and ‘CAR’). I have exhibited (R competency), which
is important for… (7), when I… (input ‘CAR’).

I am confident that the competencies I have developed from my degree, work experience and other activities will
enable me to excel as a trainee at X firm.

Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

First Name, Last Name

Notes

Be attentive to what the firm specifically asks you to include. Try to include in your letter only that which you
haven’t discussed elsewhere. E.g. if “why commercial law?” question already answered in application form, skip
straight to Step (6)).

The above proved to be an effective structure to follow for my applications to MC and US firms, but is by no
means an all-encompassing solution. Try to avoid replicating words used exactly (especially, on the off chance,
if my template ends up becoming quite popular!) and really tailor it to you. The success of your letter will also
heavily depend on the detail/relevance of your research and the perceived authenticity of your interest in the firm,
among other factors.

Try and keep your cover letter to one page if possible (the above has been expanded for teaching purposes).

Good luck, and feel free to find me on www.linkedin.com/in/jm16328/ to view my other posts, or reach out with
any questions!

For more insights or queries, contact Joe Mallet via www.linkedin.com/in/jm16328/