Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Training Contract Model Covering Letter

[address line 1] London [POST CODE]

[date]

Telephone House 2-4 Temple Avenue London EC4Y 0HB United Kingdom

Dear [recruiter’s name],

I have completed a law degree at the [University] with an upper [grade] class degree. I am applying for a training contract with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

I am interested in corporate and commercial law because it will allow me to assume the role of a project manager and will afford me early responsibility. Given that commercial law is both transactional and ongoing, it is clear that I will have to build a rapport with the client and apply strong communication skills coupled with high technical ability when forming a clear picture of the client‟s needs and objectives and then explaining what may well be a complex area of law when advising on the best solution. This may require me to liaise with a number of legal departments thus making each day a unique, enjoyable and fulfilling work experience.

Unlike its competitors, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has a high partner to trainee ratio which means that generally speaking, trainees sit directly with a partner. Far from being intimidating, this would ensure that I am fully involved in the work being undertaken and am given both a high level of responsibility and direct guidance from experienced practitioners. The partners and assistants operate an open door policy which means that I can always find someone who is willing to point me in the right direction or simply talk something through with me. Being a member of such a transparent team will allow me to develop an in-depth understanding of legal mechanics and ensure that my professional development is signposted in the right direction.

I would especially like to train at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP because I am very much attracted by its “free market” system that is an integral part of the firm‟s culture. This system will contribute a strong sense of flexibility, freedom and individual autonomy in my working life at the firm. In effect, this will allow me to work in practice areas I am most interested in and do the work for which I am most suited. This would foster a very entrepreneurial environment and lead to a complete job-satisfaction and increased motivational levels. This would not only increase the steepness of my learning curve but also allow me to contribute innovative, savvy and focused solutions.

I am also enthralled by the training prospects at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Unlike other firms, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP provides secondment opportunities enabling its Londonbased lawyers to transfer to the firm‟s New York and Los Angeles offices. At university I especially enjoyed the advanced competition law module as it allowed me to compare and contrast EC and US law. I found „refusal to supply‟ cases to be of the utmost interest, especially the ruling of EC in the Microsoft case which produced a split between US and EU competition on the subject of consumer welfare. Comparing US/European and UK negotiating techniques and approaches to problem-solving will help me to gain a fuller appreciation of the work that I do and the markets in which I work, as well as a sensitivity to varying cultural styles and business models.

Furthermore, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has a very diverse and extensive client base, ranging from large corporate banks and utility companies to media firms. Working on matters with more than £1 billion at stake, I will find myself travelling to meet and interview clients and experts wherever in the world they are located. Last summer I have worked for [law firm] and [law firm] and especially enjoyed forging relationships with clients from New Zealand and Russia. This summer I am spending my time by managing several properties in Chelsea and Kensington, which in turns requires me to maintain a professional and affable relationship with US and South African clients.

Having worked for a number of private clients at leading legal firms I can attest to the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships. This, coupled with my fluency in [language], English and [language], would make me a valuable asset when working on crossborder transactions and responding to growing market pressures.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to attend an interview for which I am available at your convenience.

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

Yours sincerely,

[Name]