General Counsel Cover Letter Examples

General counsels are the top lawyers in a company. They provide legal advice to the company’s executives and manage the company’s legal affairs.

To be successful in this role, you need to have a strong legal background and excellent communication skills. In your cover letter, you should highlight your legal experience and the skills you have that would be beneficial to the company.

Use these examples to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Formal/Professional Writing Style Example

With over 10 years of experience in the legal field, I am confident in my ability to excel as your General Counsel and contribute to the continued success of your company.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and client-focused service. My years of experience as an attorney have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of complex legal issues in various industries. In my previous role as Senior Legal Counsel for a global corporation, I was responsible for ensuring legal compliance across multiple jurisdictions, managing risk exposure, and facilitating crucial transactions. My proactive approach and drive to deliver results enabled me to identify and mitigate legal risks effectively, save costs, and strengthen the company’s legal infrastructure.

I hold an LL.M. in Corporate Law from a reputable institution and am a member of the bar association in multiple states. My strong communication and negotiation skills have been honed through years of collaborating with cross-functional teams, executive leadership, and outside counsel. Moreover, my ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining a keen attention to detail has been essential in my successful navigation of legal landscapes.

Your company’s commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence greatly aligns with my professional aspirations. As your General Counsel, I would bring an unwavering dedication to building lasting relationships with your stakeholders, optimizing your legal strategy, and providing expert guidance to support your company’s interests.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your outstanding team and contribute to your company’s long-term success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications and experience in greater detail.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Entry-Level Writing Style Example

As a recent graduate from XYZ Law School with a Juris Doctor degree and a passion for corporate law, I believe my theoretical knowledge and enthusiasm make me an ideal candidate for this role.

During my time at XYZ Law School, I was exposed to various areas of corporate law through courses such as Securities Regulation, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Contract Law. Furthermore, my participation in the Business Law Clinic provided practical experience in researching, drafting, and reviewing legal documents for small businesses and startups. This hands-on experience, paired with my strong academic background, has prepared me to contribute meaningfully and make a positive impact in your company’s legal team.

I am also diligent, detail-oriented, and have a strong ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders. As a member of the law review journal and a teaching assistant for Legal Writing and Research, I developed strong research and writing skills that I can apply in the General Counsel role.

I am drawn to your organization due to its strong reputation and commitment to ethical business practices. I am confident that my academic and professional experiences make me a strong candidate for this role, and I look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate to you how my skills and passion align with your organization’s goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications during an interview.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Networking/Referral Writing Style Example

I was referred to this opportunity by Mr. John Smith, the Vice President of Legal Affairs at XYZ Company, who believes that my skills and experiences align perfectly with your organization’s needs and values.

Having collaborated with Mr. Smith on various complex legal matters, I trust his judgment and his recommendation has further cemented my confidence in my ability to excel as your General Counsel. Over the past ten years, I have amassed extensive legal experience, providing sound legal advice and risk management strategies to protect the interests of my clients. My expertise includes drafting and negotiating contracts, overseeing compliance with regulations, and providing guidance on corporate governance matters. I have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in managing legal teams and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that business goals are achieved while safeguarding the company’s legal interests.

I understand that your organization is committed to innovation and growth, and I am eager to contribute my legal knowledge and experience to help guide and navigate the company through its endeavors. In addition to my professional qualifications, my ability to build and maintain strong relationships, as evidenced by Mr. Smith’s referral, demonstrates my commitment to teamwork and collaborative problem-solving, two essential qualities for a General Counsel.

Please find enclosed my resume for your review, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Enthusiastic/Passionate Writing Style Example

Having attentively followed your company’s growth and achievements over the past few years, I am excited for the opportunity to join your exceptional team and contribute to your ongoing success.

My passion for law began in my early years of university and has been a driving force throughout my career. With over a decade of experience, I have honed my skills in corporate law, litigation, compliance, and negotiations. I have also developed a keen sense for identifying business risks and employing effective mitigation strategies. My proactive and creative approach to problem-solving, combined with my unwavering dedication to ethics, make me a perfect fit for this position.

What truly excites me about this role is the chance to contribute to a dynamic and innovative company such as yours. I admire your commitment to excellence in all aspects of your business, and I would be elated to bring my legal expertise to support your continued growth and expansion.

Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with cross-functional teams and have developed strong, lasting relationships with colleagues from all levels of the organization. I firmly believe that fostering a collaborative environment is key to achieving excellent results, and I am eager to lend my experience, knowledge, and passion to your remarkable team.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how my experience and passion align with your organization’s needs. My enthusiasm for my work and my eagerness to contribute to your company’s ongoing success make me confident that I will be a valuable addition to your team as General Counsel.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Problem-Solving Writing Style Example

Having thoroughly researched the company, I understand that there have been recent challenges in staying compliant with the ever-evolving legal landscape while continuing to innovate and maintain a competitive edge in the market. As an accomplished legal professional with over 15 years of experience in corporate law and a proven track record of driving positive results, I am confident in my ability to provide valuable strategic legal guidance and risk management solutions for your organization.

In my previous role as General Counsel at a well-respected technology company, I was responsible for leading my team in addressing complex legal matters, regulatory compliance, and litigation issues. With my strong background in contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property rights, and corporate governance, I was able to implement effective legal strategies and initiatives to support business growth, minimize risk, and reduce potential liabilities. I developed a compliance program tailored to company and industry-specific requirements, which led to a significant improvement to the company’s risk posture.

In addition, I am well-versed in managing and resolving issues pertaining to employment law, privacy, and data security, which are critical in today’s digital age. My comprehensive understanding of these areas ensures your organization’s legal and regulatory obligations will be met while allowing you to focus on your core business objectives.

I am eager to contribute my strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills to the General Counsel role, all the while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence across the legal department. It would be an honor to be a part of your esteemed company and work collaboratively to overcome any challenges that may arise.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and explain how my expertise as General Counsel can benefit your organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Storytelling/Narrative Writing Style Example

As I strolled through the bustling streets of New York City, briefcase in hand, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that led me to this point. It was in that moment, amidst the tall skyscrapers and the cacophony of car horns, that I realized how my passion for law had shaped my life and career.

When I was a junior associate at a prestigious law firm, I was entrusted with a high-stakes intellectual property case. The pressure was immense, but I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. I spent countless hours meticulously reviewing documents, consulting with experts, and engaging in negotiations, all with the goal of defending our client’s rights. In the end, not only did we win the case, but the experience ignited a fire within me to continue pursuing a career in this field.

Over the years, I have honed my skills and expertise in various aspects of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and litigation. My experiences have taught me the value of empathy, collaboration, and strategic thinking in achieving successful outcomes for my clients.

As I stand before the towering glass building that houses your renowned company, I am confident that my passion for law, coupled with my diverse experiences, make me an ideal candidate for the role of General Counsel. My unwavering dedication to justice and protecting the interests of my clients will be invaluable in helping your organization navigate the complex legal landscape and achieve its goals.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to your esteemed organization and look forward to the possibility of joining your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]