When applying for a legal position—whether at a global law firm or a small local practice—one of the most overlooked, yet incredibly powerful, components of your application is the salutation in your cover letter. Many attorneys and law students make the mistake of using a generic greeting, thinking it's harmless or simply unavoidable. But in the competitive legal industry, especially in today’s market where firms are more selective and applicant pools are more saturated, every small detail matters—and addressing your cover letter to a specific person is one of the easiest ways to stand out for the right reasons.
Personalization Signals Professionalism, Effort, and Respect
Let’s break down the benefits of personalizing your greeting:
It immediately separates you from less thoughtful applicants.
It creates a personal connection with the reader, however slight.
It shows respect for the structure of the organization.
It signals genuine interest in the role and the firm.
These seemingly small details can influence whether your resume gets a closer look or is quickly scanned and discarded.
How to Find the Right Contact Person
If a job posting or law firm website does not explicitly mention who to send your materials to, don’t settle for “Dear Hiring Manager.” Instead, take a few minutes to research. This can be the most worthwhile time investment you make in your job search.
Practical Ways to Identify a Recipient:
Call the firm directly and politely ask, “May I ask who is overseeing associate hiring for [practice area] at your office?” Most front desk staff or office managers will be happy to tell you.
Check the firm's website. Look for a recruiting coordinator, head of HR, managing partner, or practice group leader. Many firms have a section labeled "Careers" or “Our People” where attorney titles are listed.
Use LinkedIn. Search for employees at the firm with titles such as “Legal Recruiter,” “Hiring Partner,” or “Recruiting Manager.”
Review alumni networks. If you share a law school connection with someone at the firm, you might reach out to them for advice—or at least confirm who the best person to contact is.
Tip: If you're unsure whether to choose a recruiter or a partner, go with the partner—particularly in smaller firms where leadership is more involved in hiring decisions.
What to Do When Applying to Small Law Firms
In this case:
Address your cover letter to one of the named partners, ideally the first name listed in the firm’s title. This is usually the founding or senior partner.
If the firm is named after multiple attorneys (e.g., Johnson, Blake & Thomas), it’s often best to address the letter to “Mr. Johnson” or “Ms. Johnson” unless you have a reason to choose another partner.
Avoid using generic greetings like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern,” which can come off as cold or careless.
Pro Tip: Smaller firms often appreciate personalized, handwritten or printed cover letters even more than large firms. If possible, send a hard copy in addition to an email version. It sets you apart and communicates seriousness.
Should You Ever Address a Cover Letter to “Recruiting”?
Some larger law firms, especially those with structured summer associate programs or formal lateral pipelines, instruct applicants to send materials to “recruiting@firm.com” or submit via an online portal. While it’s acceptable to follow that instruction for logistical purposes, that does not mean you should omit a personal salutation in your actual cover letter.
Even if you are uploading your application into a general system, personalize your greeting in the letter itself:
Correct approach:
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Please find my resume and cover letter attached in application for the litigation associate position...
Avoid this approach:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to apply for the position...
If the firm only gives a general email or portal submission, still try to identify the correct person behind the scenes. This extra effort can give you a competitive advantage. Law firms frequently forward application materials to the relevant partner or practice group leader—and when that person sees their name at the top of your letter, they take notice.
Addressing a Printed Cover Letter? Still Personalize It.
Sending a printed copy of your cover letter in addition to your email application can be especially effective for firms that value tradition or receive fewer applications. In these cases, never default to a generic salutation just because it's on paper. Your printed cover letter should also be addressed to a specific person.
It may feel redundant, but it’s not. Attorneys and recruiting coordinators will appreciate your thoroughness and attention to detail. A thoughtfully crafted letter, properly addressed, sets the tone before the reader even gets to your qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I Can’t Find a Name After Researching?
If all else fails:
Use “Dear Hiring Committee” or “Dear [Practice Group Name] Hiring Partner.”
Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” at all costs—it's outdated and signals a lack of effort.
Can I Address It to Multiple People?
It’s best to choose one person. If you're applying to a firm with co-chairs or multiple recruiters involved, pick the most senior person—or the one in your target practice area.
Does It Really Make That Much of a Difference?
Yes. In a saturated job market, attention to small details like this can push your application to the top of the pile. Firms often receive hundreds of applications for a single role. If you can demonstrate that you’re willing to go the extra mile before you’ve even been interviewed, that speaks volumes.
Why Harrison Barnes Recommends This Strategy
Harrison Barnes, founder of BCG Attorney Search, has reviewed thousands of resumes and cover letters over his 25+ years in legal recruiting. One consistent observation: the most successful applicants are those who tailor every aspect of their applications—especially the greeting.
“When you don’t address your letter to a specific person, it sends a message that you’re not serious about the job,” Harrison says. “But when you personalize it, you’re already a step ahead. It shows confidence, professionalism, and care—qualities law firms value highly.”
Final Tips to Elevate Your Legal Cover Letter
Here are several bulletproof strategies to improve your cover letter beyond just the greeting:
Customize each letter for each firm. Mention why you’re drawn to their work, recent wins, or firm culture.
Use active voice and legal precision. Avoid vague language; be concise and compelling.
Highlight how you align with the firm’s needs. Don’t just talk about yourself—talk about how you’ll contribute.
Keep it to one page. Clarity, brevity, and relevance matter more than word count.
Always proofread. Typos in a legal application are unacceptable. Read it out loud or have a colleague review it.
