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Associate Cover Letter Template

Professional template and example for Australian job applications

Associate Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager, I’ve spent the last few years supporting complex matters from first draft to filing, and at [Previous Company] I helped streamline research and document preparation across several large matters. In that role, I built a practical filing system and kept key documents in order, reducing time spent chasing overdue items by a noticeable margin and keeping matters moving smoothly. I’d bring that same steady approach to [Company Name]. My day-to-day focuses include thorough legal research, drafting and reviewing documents, client intake and response, and matter management. I’m comfortable using practice management software, prioritising tasks, and communicating clearly with clients and teammates. I’m particularly drawn to a role that blends rigorous research with practical support, so I can help teams stay on top of deadlines and produce reliable work. There was a matter last year where fast, accurate research and a well-organised bundle of submissions made the difference in a key application. I coordinated between junior researchers and senior solicitors, mapped out timelines, and kept everyone aligned with checklists. The result was a clean, on-time submission and fewer follow-up questions from the court. It reinforced how concrete processes and clear documentation support the team’s confidence. I’m available to discuss how my experience fits [Company Name] and the Associate role. I’m happy to chat at your convenience and share more detail about how I approach research, documents, and matter support. Kind regards, [Your Name]

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Our AI analyses your experience against the job requirements to create a targeted cover letter that gets noticed.

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Matches your experience to job requirements

Complete both steps above to generate your cover letter

What happens next: Our AI will match your skills to the job requirements, highlight relevant achievements, and create a compelling narrative that positions you as the ideal candidate.

Why This Associate Cover Letter Works

Opening Paragraph

Hook with specific achievement + role alignment

Skills Match

Maps experience to job needs + company research

STAR Example

Situation-Task-Action-Result with numbers

Professional Close

Forward momentum + availability

Key Requirements for Associate Roles

Essential Skills to Highlight

Make sure your cover letter demonstrates these key skills:

Legal researchdocument preparationclient supportmatter management

Tip: Include specific examples of how you've used these skills in your STAR example paragraph.

Core Responsibilities to Address

Align your experience with these typical responsibilities:

  • Research law
  • prepare documents
  • support clients
  • manage matters

Tip: Reference 2-3 of these responsibilities when describing your relevant experience.

Associate Cover Letter Best Practices

Structure (4 Paragraphs)

Opening (40-60 words): State the role and company, plus one compelling hook
Match (100-130 words): Map 2-3 achievements to their top requirements
Proof (80-100 words): One detailed STAR example with quantified results
Close (30-40 words): Confirm fit and invite discussion

Essential Requirements

  • • Length: 250-350 words (one A4 page)
  • • Australian English spelling and dates (DD/MM/YYYY)
  • • Address to specific person when possible
  • • No photos or personal details (DOB, etc.)

What Makes It Strong

  • • Specific achievements with numbers
  • • Company research in second paragraph
  • • Keywords from the job description
  • • Professional but personable tone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Generic opening lines
  • • Repeating your CV chronologically
  • • Including salary unless asked
  • • Exceeding one page

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