Application for a newly qualified associate position with Sullivan & Cromwell

Re: Application for a newly qualified associate position with Sullivan & Cromwell

Dear Recruitment Team

I would like to submit this covering letter in support of my application for a newly qualified associate position with Sullivan & Cromwell LLP’s London office.

I have chosen to apply to Sullivan & Cromwell LLP because I am attracted by its generalist approach. During my employment, I have received a lot of quality exposure to different practice areas and developed a good working knowledge of multiple industries. I feel that the firm’s generalist approach will allow me to build on my experience whilst developing in new areas by working broadly within a legal practice area. This means that I will not need to abandon my experience and knowledge, which would normally be the case with most law firms that are more specialist and operate a rigid practice area structure. In turn, I feel that I would be able to leverage this experience to the firm’s competitive advantage, especially when it comes to the emerging markets. The fact that Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has grown organically is a testament to the firm’s long-term success and loyal customer base, both of which will present me with a stable working environment. 

I feel that the low ratio of associates to partners is an important aspect that will see me work closely with the firm’s partners and assist with my personal development as a newly qualified lawyer as well as expose me to quality work. What makes Sullivan & Cromwell LLP different from other law firms is the close integration and synergies between its international offices. This is a very important aspect for me because it will present me with an opportunity to work closely with the firm’s lawyers from other offices, which will not only expose me to quality international work but will also allow me to forge personal and professional relationships. This will, in turn, make for a very exciting and intellectually stimulating environment. Being qualified in New York and England and Wales, I believe that Sullivan & Cromwell LLP will afford me the opportunity to apply my knowledge of New York law whilst working on international legal matters.

I feel that the firm will present me with an opportunity to work in one of the largest international law firms with the intimacy of a smaller office, which will allow me to get to know my colleagues and clients on a more personal level whilst still having access to the depth and breadth of the firm’s global resources. 

During my employment at some of the leading international and US law firms, I have received direct exposure on some of the most high-profile legal matters. This experience helped to develop my entire set of skills which will enable me to operate successfully as a newly qualified solicitor. I was vested with high levels of responsibility and have demonstrated an outstanding ability to manage my workload and prioritise competing deadlines.

I possess very good teamwork and communication skills, which will allow me to work successfully with lawyers and clients from different countries and jurisdictions. During my employment, I have received quality exposure to multiple industries and legal practice areas. This has developed my commercial awareness which, in turn, allows me to align all of my work with the requirements of clients and their respective businesses. I have received a lot of direct contact with very high-profile clients and their associates, which has developed my client-facing skills. I always undertake my work with utmost attention to details. My language skills will allow me to add value to international cases and forge effective relationships with overseas lawyers and clients. I possess very good problem-solving skills and enjoy working on complex cases to devise cutting-edge solutions to problems without any precedents.

I am very motivated and enjoy new challenges. In my spare time, I regularly do [sport] and help to coach others. [sport] has helped to hone my discipline and resilience to pressure and developed my leadership skills.

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely