Training Contract Cover Letter Sample

[address line 1]
London
[POST CODE]

[date] [year]
Olswang LLP
90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6XX

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 to commence in [year] advertised on Latestlawjobs.com.

I have developed my interest in law throughout my academic career at [university]. In my second year I have completed a legal practice course where I was working in a group on a mock-trial case involving a breach of contract. This course has allowed me to incorporate my knowledge of law in a simulated solicitor’s environment. I genuinely enjoyed the team work and problem-solving elements of the course. As follows, I am actively involved in mooting competitions at the university as I genuinely enjoy debating and disputing a legal position of a client. Applying law to a particular scenario stimulates my intellectual curiosity and arouses a sense of passion in me when it comes to communicating the legal argument to the judge.
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.

I am attracted by the small intake of trainees which I feel will offer me bespoke training that is individually tailored to my interests, experience and aptitude. Small teams also suggest that I will have increased responsibility and operate as a lawyer from day one in an informal and collegial working environment. More importantly, I will receive the excitement and challenge of working on high value, complex transactions and disputes, in the size of office where everyone knows who you are. For me this will mean getting involved in real work from the start whereby I will be able to add something to the cases I work on. This environment will unquestionably foster my professional and personal growth in my capacity as a lawyer.

Olswang’s impressive growth attracts me as a potential employee. Olswang’s graduation from high street firm to large regional practice in a short space of time implies that it possesses some very dedicated teams who can perform a wide range of work to the highest standard. This also means that each team member makes an important contribution to every task, and to the growth of the business as a whole, making work both personally and professionally rewarding.

What sets Olswang apart from other firms is the culture. It’s genuinely not hierarchical in the slightest. Having spoken to Olswang representative at the careers fair at [University] I was told that everyone’s taken at face value and the partners are all approachable and supportive. This would allow me to express my ideas openly and would thus create a canvass for creativity. This would subsequently increase the steepness of my learning trajectory and would foster the development of my entrepreneurial character.

Another factor that attracts me to Olswang is its very diverse and extensive client base, ranging from large corporate banks and utility companies to media firms. Last summer I have worked for [law firm] and [law firm] and especially enjoyed interacting with clients from New Zealand and Kazakhstan. I was especially enthralled by an opportunity to forge and maintain client relationships. This was a great opportunity for some cultural learning as well as a study into specific sectors. Forming and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of clients would therefore expose me with the unique and exciting challenge of being a solicitor.

Unlike its competitors, Olswang operated in highly dynamic practice areas. Working in innovative sectors calls for imagination and initiative. Advising on landmark transactions requires discernment, confidence and sharp judgement. Having won a gold medal for England in amateur [Sport] I have developed great self-control, coordination and agility. As a result I would be able to react to legal challenges in these dynamic sectors with a great sense of creativity, perseverance and enthusiasm. I am especially interested in the IP property practice area as it was labelled as an area that needs to be developed further in the UK following the Dyson judgment against the Chinese firm. For me, there is nothing more exciting and enjoyable than leaving my comfort zone and taking on new challenges.

Having worked for a number of private clients at leading legal firms, [law firm] and [law firm], 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 cross-border transactions or with international clients.

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]