sample cover letter for paralegal position

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5 Paralegal Cover Letter Examples for the Job in 2024

• Paralegal Cover Letter
• Entry-Level Paralegal
• Corporate Paralegal
• Immigration Paralegal
• Litigation Paralegal
• Write Your Paralegal Cover Letter

When attorneys need help with trial prep and research, they know they can count on you to get the job done right. 

But have you made the effort to create a cover letter to accompany your paralegal resume , ready to withstand the scrutiny of the intensive legal hiring processes?

You’re used to putting together top-notch legal correspondence, but as with any profession, you too can use some help during the hiring process. We’re here to assist with our paralegal cover letter examples and cover letter generator that have proven effective in 2024.

Paralegal Cover Letter Example

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Why this cover letter works

• While you want to seem grounded, refrain from being too modest about your legal prowess—because that could make your resume too vague and end with your document in the recycle bin.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Entry-level Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Try highlighting instances on your entry-level paralegal cover letter where your efforts yielded positive results at internships or for academic/personal projects.

Corporate Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• But it’s not just about hard skills . Soft skills such as team collaboration, clear communication, positivity, and problem-solving are pivotal.

Immigration Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Showcase yourself as an agile professional who stays on top of the ever-changing landscape of immigration regulations. That way, you transition from a run-of-the-mill to a cat with nine lives that will keep the hiring company safe from potential non-compliance mishaps.

Litigation Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Recall that company that tasked you with managing legal documents. Specify the volume. And what if you helped expedite document retrieval in a different company? Quantify the improvement rate to make your professional accomplishments tangible and cement your competence. Don’t inflate the figures, though!

Related cover letter examples

• Administrative assistant
• Human resources
• Executive assistant

Writing an Exceptional Paralegal Cover Letter

When you meet with clients, you understand every case’s preparations must be tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. The same is true for your cover letter. 

While reviewing job descriptions , consider how you can customize your cover letter to each law firm’s needs. Do they specialize in personal injury law? Then you may want to connect to how you’re skilled at analyzing medical records and doing investigative research into personal injury cases.

How to draft the opening and greeting of your paralegal cover letter

You know that lawyers do a lot of research to hook judges with their opening statements in the courtroom. Opening your paralegal cover letter requires a similar level of detail to get the legal hiring staff’s attention. 

Consider ways you can connect with each law firm you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re applying to a firm that practices family law, you could explain how you want to help parents and their children get the best results during divorce cases. 

Additionally, try to nail the greeting by addressing a specific person from the legal hiring staff. You can sometimes find that information in the job description or the law firm’s website, or on LinkedIn. If you can’t find anything, simply leading with “dear [name of law firm] hiring team” will work well too. 

The example below is an ok start, but the applicant could do more to try to connect with the services the law firm provides and their specific skills in the opener.

Try to connect more than this! 

Dear J.L. Associates hiring team,

I’m very interested in the paralegal position you have available. I’m very familiar with the legal system and have studied a lot about it, so I think I’ll be a great fit for your firm.

Instead, focus specifically on the law firm’s needs and how your professional skills in trial assistance and legal documents fit in, like the example below. 

Connect with the law firm’s mission and needs! 

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I have always respected Dykema Cox Smith’s commitment to justice and fair representation, so I am thrilled at the opportunity to further your mission as a paralegal. Sharing your aim of ensuring justice and quality legal help to all clients, I’m certain I can add value to your team by identifying legal precedents, furnishing substantial trial assistance, and maintaining citation accuracy in your legal documents.

Guidelines for writing the body of your paralegal cover letter

Once you’ve hooked the legal hiring staff’s attention with your intro, it’s time to discuss how your credentials and previous work experiences have equipped you for the paralegal position. 

A great way to stand out is by using metrics like accuracy or the percentage of successful cases you worked on. You can also include grades or how the materials you learned in your paralegal associate’s degree equipped you for the position if you don’t have as much experience. 

Take a look at the example below that does an excellent job of citing metrics like reduction in errors and decreasing data breaches while managing legal documentation.

A good body paragraph full of relevant metrics

An internship at ICW Group nurtured my legal research and citation formatting abilities, impacting up to 17 client cases monthly. Dealing with a wide array of legal documents solidified my growth in citation formatting, reducing errors by 67%. I also formulated a data privacy and security guideline for solicitors, decreasing information breaches by 23%.

Finalizing and signing off on your paralegal cover letter

Just like the opening statement is essential in legal cases, a top-notch closing statement is equally vital to achieving a fair ruling on your case. Try to do the same with the closing of your paralegal cover letter . 

Ideally, you want to return to your main points and revisit how you connect with the company. For example, if you’re applying to a firm that does senior law, you could reconnect to how you want to help improve the lives of those in need of senior care. 

You should also include a light call to action toward the end, such as “I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.” It helps show your interest in the position. 

What you don’t want to do is get too generic and not relate to the specifics of the paralegal position at all, like the example below.

Yikes, too generic!

I am eager to start my career as a paralegal, and your firm seems like the ideal place for me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

James Smith

A better way to close out your cover letter is the example below, which clearly relates back to the firm’s legal innovations and services in the scientific industry. 

A well-connected closer for the win! 

As an aspiring paralegal, I see every legal challenge as a chance to learn, adapt, and thrive. This eagerness to contribute makes me the perfect candidate for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s reputation for innovation and reliable service in the scientific industry. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.

Paralegal Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

• In your field, legal jargon is extremely precise, and small errors can make huge differences. If you’re preparing paperwork to support attorneys at your firm, you’ll definitely be double-checking your work: And things should be no different with your paralegal cover letter! Refer to your dream employer’s website and professional social media accounts like LinkedIn for a golden sample of their general tone. In addition to reflecting this writing tone in your paralegal cover letter, see if there are any standout phrases or keywords like “case turn-around time” or “diverse legal knowledge” to reference. By nodding to these tidbits in your cover letter, you demonstrate your preparedness for crucial legal research!
• From shorthand in the courtroom to efficient document preparation and data entry, concise and clear writing is essential. Don’t find yourself slipping on to a second page—and if you do find yourself pushing the limits or considering page margin adjustments, try prompting ChatGPT to condense your cover letter . The primary topic of each body paragraph should be the quantifiable impact you’ve made during your professional journey. Context is awesome, but keep it brief.
• This should be the other way around—the paralegal role is all about assisting legal professionals and their clients. Demonstrate your understanding of the company’s client-focused mission through the focal points in your body paragraphs. Instead of talking about how much you enjoyed working at Tarleton Law Firm, consider how your helpfulness and client retention rates contributed to their success. And, again: Consider measurable examples of the difference you made for your team and furthered the company vision.

While it may seem like a hassle, writing a unique cover letter for each law firm you apply to is essential to stand out amongst other candidates. It’ll help show how you connect their specific mission and the type of law they practice. 

Ideally, you want your paralegal cover letter to be no longer than one page. It’s the same as legal correspondence, where you want everything to be concise and relevant to why you’re writing the message. 

Each law firm will have a different culture, so review the job description to get an idea of the tone they write it and try to match it as best as possible. For instance, if the tone is more formal, focusing on formal practices and being more fact-driven about data from cases and work experience will be the best idea. 

• The Ultimate Guide for Paralegals

How to Write a Paralegal Resume and Cover Letter (With Examples!)

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Contents: Guide To The Ultimate Guide for Paralegals

1. what is a paralegal, 2. legal assistants vs. paralegals: what’s the difference, 3. how to become a paralegal.

4. How to Write a Paralegal Resume and Cover Letter (With Examples!)

5. 5 tools every paralegal needs, 6. a guide to paralegal billing, 7. everything you need to know about paralegal automation, 8. choosing the right paralegal software program: a guide.

The wait is over…gain an edge with the latest report.

The legal industry occupies a critical role in our society, and legal professionals face many demands and pressures. This naturally leads to lawyers expecting nothing but the best from the paralegals they work with. Accordingly, it’s important for a paralegal to put their best foot forward in their job application by crafting a top-notch paralegal resume and cover letter.

The good news is there has never been a better time to look for a paralegal job, with employment of paralegals and legal assistants expected to increase by 14% from 2021 to 2031 . To compete in this growing market, paralegal job applicants need all their ducks in a row.

What are the skills that employers are looking for in a paralegal?

Law firms look for a number of skills when hiring paralegals, including:

• Attention to detail
• Case management
• Legal research
• Administrative support
• Customer service
• Familiarity with legal practice management software programs

Be sure to highlight these skills—and other relevant skills, depending on the firm you’re applying to — in your paralegal resume and cover letter.

How do I write a paralegal resume?

When crafting your paralegal resume, be organized and concise. A paralegal resume details your career history, while your paralegal cover letter provides you with the opportunity to highlight more specific details that demonstrate why you are a great fit for the position.

Your paralegal resume should include your contact information, education and certifications, work experience, and other relevant experience or skills (for example, additional languages spoken, volunteer experience, or proficiency with various legal practice management software programs). Under each category, you can highlight job duties, responsibilities, achievements, and skills acquired through your experiences.

What should a paralegal put on a resume?

Your paralegal resume should provide law firms with a snapshot of your work experience, education, and abilities. It should also concisely highlight your relevant skills, such as the following:

• Client relationship management
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Research and writing
• Technological capabilities

Paralegal resume examples

While it’s critical to tailor your paralegal resume to your unique experience (and the firm you’re applying to), it never hurts to review paralegal resume examples to get a sense of what your resume should look like.

Sample resumes specific to paralegals can also be helpful. If you’re applying for paralegal jobs but lack experience, be sure to check out some examples geared to your situation.

How do I write a paralegal cover letter?

When crafting your paralegal cover letter, first focus on the main purpose of the letter. While a resume details your career history, a cover letter provides more specific details and insights into why you would be a good fit for the role. A cover letter is also a great opportunity to get creative and highlight useful skills in the legal industry. This is especially important if you lack industry experience.

What should a paralegal cover letter include?

A paralegal cover letter should include an introductory paragraph, a main body, and a conclusion. Your main body should highlight your skills and experience. We delve into these different sections in more detail below.

Introductory paragraph

In your introductory paragraph , you should both (1) introduce yourself and (2) provide a brief summary of why you’d be a good fit for the firm. Explain who you are—an experienced paralegal? Someone who was recently certified as a paralegal? Now is the time to mention any referrals or mutual acquaintances. Finally, include a few reasons why you’d be a good fit for the firm.

In the main body , you have one or two paragraphs to explain two things: (1) why you want to work for this firm and (2) why this firm should hire you. Avoid the trap of simply summarizing your resume. While you should provide an overview of your education and experience, you should primarily focus on answering the above two questions.

Specify what makes you excited to work for this firm in particular. Does the firm work in a practice area that interests you, or in which you have experience? Is it the firm’s stellar reputation?

Finally, elaborate on why the firm should select you as their new hire. Explain how your qualifications would assist in fulfilling paralegal duties at the firm. Look for the key attributes named by the firm in their job posting, and detail how you meet those standards.

The concluding paragraph of the cover letter should succinctly wrap up the letter and leave the reader with a positive impression. Thank the reader for their consideration and outline how and when you will follow up on your application. You can also specify how you can be reached, but preferably your contact information is already included in the letter’s header.

What do law firms look for in paralegal cover letters?

Here we summarize the main points employers are looking for in your paralegal cover letter. These items all relate to how law firms hire paralegals and how they assess candidates for paralegal roles.

Read more in our paralegal resource hub .

A personal touch

Ensure your cover letter doesn’t look like generic mass-mail correspondence. Include a personal touch that shows the letter is directed to the hiring firm in particular.

This could include writing about the firm’s specific practice areas. Not only does this show you’ve done your research, it’s sure to be more compelling for the hiring personnel reading it. Highlighting your interest in real estate work will not be appealing to a personal injury firm—so do your homework.

It’s also critical to outline your relevant experience. You can rest assured that attorneys will be checking your previous paralegal experience and the firms you have worked for.

Keep in mind even if your experience doesn’t line up exactly with the job description, it may still be worth applying. Just be sure to highlight what you bring to the table despite your lack of experience. For example, you may have copy editing experience, or you may have developed writing and editing skills in another role outside of the legal industry.

Soft skills

Be sure to highlight soft skills that aren’t the easiest to emphasize on a resume. Not only does this help the firm see you as a living and breathing human, it illustrates what it might be like to work with you day-to-day. For example, if you work well as part of a team, definitely let them know! And be sure to provide one or two specific examples that highlight these skills, as opposed to simply declaring “I am detail oriented.”

Make an attempt to let your enthusiasm shine through in your cover letter. Highlight why you’re excited about this job in particular. For example, has it always been your dream to work for a personal injury firm because you were injured in a car accident as a child and now want to help others? Personal touches like this can help, since attorneys want to be confident you will bring high energy levels to the job every day.

Tips for writing a winning paralegal cover letter

Beyond knowing the basic format and structure of the cover letter, you should also remember a few key points as follows. Highlight what makes you unique (early!)

If you have any skills or experience that make you uniquely suited to this role, highlight those items early in the cover letter. It’s best practice to summarize the top things you want the firm to know about you in the introductory paragraph.

For instance, if you have experience with cloud-based legal practice management (LPM) software and the firm uses Clio , you should state this early and expand on the point further in the main body.

Get to the point

Your paralegal cover letter should be memorable without exceeding one page in length. This means you’ll have to avoid any temptation to be overly wordy or long-winded. Instead, get to the point quickly while adding enough polish and substance to be persuasive.

When trying to be compelling and concise at the same time, it’s important to also make sure to add variety to your sentence structure. Vary the length of your sentences, as well as how you start sentences, to keep the reader engaged.

Set the right tone

Any written letter conveys a certain tone , and you want to be sure your cover letter conveys the right one. For a paralegal position, you must definitely use a professional tone. However, making the tone a bit more personal may help in certain instances.

If you’re applying and wanting to work at a Big Law firm , you should err on the side of a more professional style. But for a smaller firm, check their website and see if they use a more lighthearted or conversational feel. Matching that tone in your cover letter could be a positive sign in the eyes of their attorneys. Plus, it’s yet another way to show you have done your homework on the firm.

You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression. Don’t let spelling or grammatical errors ruin an otherwise excellent cover letter. From the firm’s perspective, if you can’t catch these errors in your own cover letter, how will you avoid critical errors with their court filings and other legal documents? It may be worthwhile to ask a friend or family member to review your cover letter to ensure you don’t miss any mistakes.

Paralegal cover letter examples

Looking at paralegal cover letter examples can give you a sense of what your cover letter should look like. Sample cover letters specific to paralegals can also be helpful. If you’re a paralegal job applicant lacking experience, be sure to check out some examples geared to your situation.

While samples can be helpful, it’s important to remember the best cover letter emphasizes your skills and experience while being tailored to the firm you’re applying to. Feel free to look at cover letter samples for assistance, but don’t forget the guidelines above.

Final thoughts on paralegal resumes and cover letters

A well-crafted paralegal resume and cover letter can help you land the opportunity to fill a demanding role in our growing industry. Simply be sure to structure your letter properly, keep your mind on what firms are looking for, and follow the tips outlined above. With a great cover letter, in addition to experience with the right tools and a well-written paralegal resume , you’ll be well on the way to the successful paralegal career you deserve.

Law firms are looking for paralegals who know their way around the latest tech. Watch how law firms use Clio here to give yourself an edge.

Want more paralegal resources?

How to Become a Paralegal

10 Paralegal Interview Questions you Need to be Ready For

Legal Assistants vs. Paralegals: What’s the Difference?

Paralegal Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples

How To Write a Paralegal Cover Letter

• Cover Letter Text Examples

A paralegal cover letter should highlight your resourcefulness as both a researcher and communication specialist. Emphasize your ability to draft complex legal documents with accuracy and precision while meeting hard deadlines. This guide provides expert tips and examples to help you build a winning cover letter and secure your next big job opportunity.

Paralegal Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

To write a great paralegal cover letter , focus on telling your unique story within the legal field. What types of cases have you supported throughout your career? How have you positively impacted your previous law firms? Use this opportunity to show potential employers how your expertise in legal research and administration can help drive favorable verdicts for their clients.  Below, we’ll walk you through each step of building an eye-catching paralegal cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information at the top of your paralegal cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This is preferable to salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as these types of greetings are largely considered outdated.

2. Introduction

Lead your paralegal cover letter with a strong opening paragraph to grab the hiring manager’s attention and entice them to read further. Highlight your years of experience as a paralegal and emphasize the types of cases you’ve worked on throughout your career. Demonstrate how you’ve supported attorneys and positively impacted previous employers.

Notice how this candidate provides a concise yet compelling overview of their background within the legal field. In addition to their years of experience, they also focus on their versatility as a paralegal by showcasing their ability to liaise with various parties across a variety of cases. Showcasing these types of unique insights is a great way to strengthen the introduction of your own paralegal cover letter.

I would like to apply for the senior paralegal position with Smith & Klein Law Firm. As you can see from my attached resume, I have over eight years of experience performing legal research for a wide range of criminal and civil cases. I’ve also liaised with judges, opposing counsel, clients, and courtroom staff during trials. My dynamic legal background makes me an ideal candidate for this role.

3. Body paragraphs

Continue to describe your professional experience, qualifications, and achievements in the body paragraphs of your paralegal cover letter. Start by mentioning something specific about the law firm’s reputation or legal specialty and why this draws you to apply for the position. Feature accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to support attorneys during trials.

In the example below, the paralegal highlights their experience conducting critical research for multi-million dollar transactions within the real estate industry. These details show the nuances of the candidate’s legal background, which can help make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Keystone Law Partners’ reputation for excellence in real estate law draws me to apply for this opportunity. During my six years with Folgers Legal Team, I advanced from a legal assistant to a senior paralegal charged with training new hires. My supervisory and legal experience would be an asset to your team based on my professional achievements:

• Conducted legal research and due diligence on multi-million dollar commercial real estate transactions, which included title searches, zoning laws, and environmental regulations
• Identified potential risks, performed contract management reviews, analyzed legal and financial documentation, and maintained case databases
• Drafted correspondence and facilitated meetings with clients and legal parties

4. Paralegal skills and qualifications

Rather than providing a comprehensive list of skills on your paralegal cover letter, tactically integrate keywords from the job description into your paragraph. Focus on legal terminology and skill sets that match the needs of potential employers. Below, you’ll find a variety of key terms you can add to your paralegal cover letter:

5. Closing section

Feature a call to action in the conclusion of your paralegal cover letter. Invite the hiring manager to schedule an interview or reach out for more information on your legal background. Reinforce how your unique experience can create value for the law firm you’re targeting. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

I hope to speak with you further regarding how my extensive background in both criminal and civil law would be an asset to your legal team. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Aliya Jackson

Paralegal Cover Letter Tips

1. feature specific case types.

Although it is recommended that you never disclose confidential details about cases while crafting your resume, you can paint a picture of the types of cases you worked on as a paralegal. It’s appropriate to talk about your experience as long as you aren’t disclosing sensitive information related to an individual case. For instance, you might mention you provided legal support for multi-million dollar personal injury cases. This establishes a sense of scope for your accomplishments without breaching client confidentiality.

2. Highlight your legal expertise

In addition to showing your experience with various types of cases, it’s also important to emphasize other areas of legal knowledge. For instance, you could mention you performed research to inform pre-trial motions or identified legal precedents for dismissals. As you build your cover letter, be specific in how you supported attorneys and legal teams.

3. Showcase your communication skills

Being a strong communicator is an essential aspect of any paralegal role. You’ll be regularly tasked with drafting motions, emails, and other forms of legal correspondence. In some instances, you may also serve as a liaison between your law firm, opposing counsel, judges, and courtroom staff. Rather than simply listing communication as a skill, feature tangible examples from your career that speak to this.

Paralegal Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Allison Rosenberg Paralegal | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

George Franklin Hiring Manager Fitzgerald & Simpson Law Firm (974) 654-0202 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Franklin:

I’m reaching out regarding the paralegal position with Fitzgerald & Simpson Law Firm. At Alvarez Legal Associates, I improved the firm’s filing database system by introducing a checklist for opening litigation files, reducing the amount of time it takes to catalog new cases by 15%. I’ve also assisted senior paralegals with organizing exhibits for five high-profile criminal cases. My expertise in legal research would be an asset to your organization.

Fitzgerald & Simpson’s reputation as a successful criminal law firm is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. My acumen for preparing and filing complex court documents would benefit your legal team based on my career achievements:

• Coordinated with a team of paralegals and attorneys to organize exhibits, prepare discovery responses, and draft correspondence to opposing counsel and clients
• Improved the firm’s filing database system by introducing new standardized review processes, which reduced cataloging time for new cases by 15%
• Conducted legal research for criminal cases and maintained confidential client documentation

I’d like to set up an interview to discuss how my experience providing paralegal support for criminal cases would be an asset to your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Allison Rosenberg

Anthony Gentile Senior Paralegal | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | New York, NY | LinkedIn

Patricia Jones Hiring Manager Keystone Law Partners (837) 774-3300 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Jones:

As a senior real estate paralegal with Folgers Legal Team, I’ve coordinated multi-million dollar commercial real estate transactions as well as residential contracts for five attorneys. Also, I meticulously maintained case databases, conducted title searches, and prepared financial documentation. I can achieve similar results for your organization in the senior paralegal position.

Keystone Law Partners’ reputation for excellence in real estate law is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. During my six years with Folgers Legal Team, I advanced from a legal assistant to a senior paralegal charged with training new hires. My supervisory and legal experience would be an asset to your team based on my professional achievements:

I hope to speak with you further regarding how my experience in commercial real estate law would benefit your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Anthony Gentile

Aliya Jackson Senior Paralegal | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 12345 | LinkedIn

Michelle Smith HR Manager Smith & Klein Law Firm (765) 553-2266 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Smith:

Smith & Klein Law Firm’s reputation for professionalism and integrity is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. During my time with Hamlin Legal Associates, I managed and trained over 15 paralegals and provided high-level support to five attorneys. My leadership skills and legal knowledge would benefit your law firm based on my career accomplishments:

• Conducted research on a wide range of legal topics and precedents to support pretrial motions, dismissals, and summary judgments for high-profile criminal, civil, and personal injury cases
• Managed case documents and confidential client files, including eyewitness accounts, financial statements, and medical documents
• Liaised with judges, clients, opposing counsel, and courtroom staff during trials

I hope to speak with you further about how my extensive background in criminal and civil law would make me an asset to your legal team. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Paralegal Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i submit a paralegal cover letter -.

While not every law firm will require a cover letter, submitting one is never a bad idea. This allows you to display your acumen for written communication, which is critical for success as a paralegal. The cover letter also provides an opportunity to express why you’re enthusiastic about joining a particular law firm, which may help differentiate you from other applicants.

How long should my cover letter be? -

It’s best to keep your cover letter relatively brief, limited to no more than three or four paragraphs. Concise and clear language is important when drafting motions and legal correspondence, so it’s important to demonstrate that you can articulate your points in a succinct yet compelling manner.

How do I make my cover letter stand out? -

To grab the attention of prospective employers, you’ll need to customize your cover letter for each individual job application. Mention a specific detail about the firm you’re applying to and how your legal background would be an asset to the team. Capture your unique story as a paralegal and avoid relying on generic buzzwords and phrases.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Paralegal cover letter example

The importance of a good paralegal cover letter

The reason for a cover letter, finding the right tone.

Paralegals are an increasingly important component of the legal landscape, playing a vital support role that decreases the workload of attorneys and increases efficiency in law offices. With the workforce demand for these professionals growing rapidly, an exceptional paralegal cover is essential to make your best job-winning case.

Paralegals often generate billable hours, but they do so at a much lower rate than attorneys. This allows law firms to pass on lower costs to their clients, which in turn attracts more clients. The good news for paralegals is that the job outlook is outstanding. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029— roughly double the average for all professions.

For an irresistible pitch to get the job you want from all that are out there, you need a compelling paralegal cover letter, along with your resume. That’s where resume.io comes in — offering more than 350 occupation-specific writing guides and free cover letter examples.  In addition, we offer formatting advice, plus field-tested templates and builder tools to help you create both resumes and cover letters.

In this guide, along with the corresponding cover letter example, we’ll give you step-by-instructions on how to write an outstanding cover letter for a position as a paralegal. Here's what we’ll cover:

• What a paralegal does
• Why it’s critical to establish a personal connection with a cover letter
• How a cover letter should be structured and how to optimize the impact of each component: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Writing psychology — how to trigger both rational and emotional responses in your reader
• How to avoid common mistakes that could send your cover letter to the trash

Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.

What does a paralegal do?

The qualifications to become a paralegal, while not carved in stone, usually include a combination of education, training, work experience and certification. Paralegals assist attorneys directly in preparing cases — doing, in the words of the American Bar Association , “substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”

There’s some confusion about the differences between legal secretaries, legal assistants and paralegals — and the definitions of these terms have been a state of flux. 

• Legal secretaries tend to perform less specialized administrative tasks like word processing, filing, billing, office management and answering phones. However, legal secretaries today are commonly called legal assistants.
• Paralegals work more directly in support of attorneys, doing legal work including research, interviews with clients and case preparation. However, paralegals are also sometimes called legal assistants.
• In 2020, the American Bar Association changed its 1997 definition of “legal assistants” by replacing the word with “paralegals.” However, the ABA did not offer any new definition of “legal assistants,” leaving the term in limbo.
• The primary professional organization for paralegals in the U.S. is still called the National Association of Legal Assistants — although it refers to its members as paralegals.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics has not caught up to the ABA’s definitions, treating the terms “legal assistant” and “paralegal” as synonymous, while specifying that this occupation “excludes legal secretaries.”
• Bottom line, be aware that not everyone agrees on what these terms mean, and you should strive for clarity in your job application to describe exactly what your skills and qualifications are.

Why do I need a paralegal cover letter?

You’re well aware that lawyers often write letters. But maybe they don’t like to write letters, or they’re too busy, so what they’d REALLY like is an assistant to write their letters for him. As a paralegal, your cover letter is literally a demonstration of your ability to perform a basic function of the job you’re seeking. And it’s not just letters — paralegals may be called upon to draft legal briefs, case histories and summaries of case law. It’s a job that requires a buttoned-down mind, a talent for legal analysis and excellent writing abilities. Your cover letter is your way of demonstrating that you have all these qualifications. 

Whether you’re a bricklayer or a barber, it’s always best to include a cover letter unless the job listing specifically instructs you not to. But for paralegals in particular, it should be considered an essential component of any job application. 

The purpose of the cover letter is to establish a personal connection between yourself and the hiring manager at the firm where you want to work. 

While your resume will cover much of the same ground as your cover letter, the resume is a much more impersonal document. The cover letter is a personal pitch that establishes a person-to-person connection — not with a resume intended for the entire world, but with a private conversation. It’s literally an appeal — you ARE asking for a job — but at the same time you are describing all of your experience and training for this job. You’re not talking about how you “deserve” a job, you’re talking about how your contribution could solve a potential employer’s problems.

In most cases, a cover letter should be one page containing 200 to 400 words. It should specify the job you’re looking for and describe your experience, skills and qualifications for that job. 

These are your main objectives in writing this cover letter:

• To establish a personal dialogue with a potential employer
• To describe how your experience and skills make you an ideal candidate for the job
• To demonstrate by your letter that you have writing skills
• To close with a call to action looking forward to future contact

If anything in your cover letter isn’t accomplishing any of these goals, it probably needs to be cut. After learning in the following chapter what your cover letter should contain, go on a search-and-destroy mission to remove everything that doesn’t belong from your final version.

Best format for a paralegal cover letter: Structure and examples

Cover letters for paralegals, or pretty much any occupation, should follow the same basic structure. Here are the elements you need to include.

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

When you're writing your paralegal cover letter, you are making your case to a potential employer. The aim is to show them that you have what it takes to succeed in the position. 

You can use this space to cover any gaps you may have in your resume, or tell your career story so far. If you are struggling to figure out what to include, keep in mind that the employer is looking for what value you bring to the business. What specialist skills do you have that set you apart from other candidates. Focus keenly on these talents. 

If you are looking for some more inspiration to help you along the way, check out our comprehensive cover letter guide now.

Dear Mr Hancock, 

Having worked as a paralegal in the family courts for the past eight years, I have been involved in all aspects of family law, seen many potentially destructive disputes resolved and relationships put on a firmer footing. I have worked on over 300 cases, partnered with 40+ lawyers and enjoyed a 97% approval rating of my work with clients. 

I am AAfPE qualified, have a BA in Criminal Justice and received advanced qualifications from the National Association of Legal Assistants in Adoption and Assisted Reproduction; Child Custody, Child Support and Visitation; and Division of Property and Spousal Support. 

My accuracy rate in preparing documents for cases, statements and judgements is 100% — I have developed a method for checking my work which means that mistakes are avoided entirely. Your clients expect and deserve no less. I enjoy maintaining case files, compiling trial notebooks and conducting client interviews for my attorneys, because I know that my work provides an essential foundation for a beneficial outcome. 

The lead lawyer for our child custody team was regularly published in the legal press and I assisted with research and was credited on much of their work. I acknowledge that the role will have a strong focus on this area, and this is certainly one of my areas of expertise. As such, I have assisted to resolve over 150 individual cases — all with differing circumstances and the accompanying emotionally-charged subtext. 

My work as a liaison between my clients and the lawyers was particularly impactful in the family law sphere. Communicating with anxious and nervous clients was a big part of my work. When you are unsure of the outcome, you need to understand that there is a fair and robust process. My role was to ensure that the process worked exactly as intended.

I would welcome an interview to discuss my experience in further detail. 

Yours sincerely, 

Wes Andover

Cover letter header

The cover letter header is the space at the top of the letter that has your name, address, phone number and email. The contact info is crucial for obvious reasons — you don’t want to create any mystery about who you are or how to contact you.

The name of the letter writer is often placed top and center in the largest text on the page. As well as displaying your confidence in yourself, this makes your name stand out and makes you more memorable. Always include your phone number and email. In some cases, a snail mail address may be unnecessary, but where you live may be relevant to the employer, so it’s usually best to include one.

Align document styles

Your cover letter and your resume should use the same fonts and formatting styles, giving them a matching look. In fact, you may want the header on your cover letter and resume to be identical. 

Suppose the hiring manager prints out 10 resumes and 10 cover letters, but gets them all mixed up. He or she should be able to page through them and easily identify which resume goes with which cover letter because of their matching visual styles. Aligning your document styles shows that you pay attention to detail and you’re organized and sharp-minded — all of which are essential qualities in a paralegal.

Finally, the header should be attractively designed with an appropriate amount of white space within and below it. The rest of your letter will be solid black text divided into paragraphs, but the header is the one place that allows for some variation in style.

Goal of the cover letter header: Distinguish yourself from other job applicants with a visually attractive document that shows your regard for detail and professionalism. 

Cover letter greeting

The introduction to your paralegal cover letter generally needs three words, like “Dear Mr. Bond:” or “Dear Ms. Moneypenny:”.

You may find this dreadfully formal in the age of email, with the “Mr.” and “Ms.” and the colon at the end. But for decades, this has been the preferred format for business letters, whereas friendly letters use first names and commas. It’s true that email has relaxed these rules considerably, especially in replacing the colon at the end with a comma. Even the once-universal “Dear” has fallen out of favor, replaced by “Hi,” “Hello,” “Greetings” or other variations. 

But beware of being too informal: “Wassup James” is just not going to work in a job application letter written to someone you don’t know. As a paralegal, bear in mind that writing formal letters is part of the job description, and you need to demonstrate that you have mastered the style.

It’s almost always best to address an individual by name in a cover letter. People like seeing their own names, and it’s another sign of your attention to detail that you’ve gone to the trouble of finding out who makes the hiring decisions. 

Also, a letter written to a named individual is more likely to get a reply. If a letter is written to an entire company or a department within the company, any of the recipients may feel that it’s somebody else’s job to reply. But if you address an individual by name, it suggests that you would like the courtesy of a reply. 

If you’re responding to a job listing with no information about whom to write to, it may be worth calling the company to find out. Or the person’s name may be Robin, Dale or Jordan, and you need to know if that’s a “Mr.” or a “Ms.” However, some hiring managers deliberately obscure their names, wishing to remain anonymous for whatever reason. In such cases, they might find it troubling if you’ve gone to stalker-ish lengths to learn their identities, and you may have no choice but to address your email to an entire law firm or an anonymous hiring manager.

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off on a professional note by making a direct personal connection with the employer, using the recipient’s name if possible.

Cover letter introduction

The introduction to your paralegal cover letter should generally be one or two provocative sentences that identify the job you’re seeking and quickly highlight your qualifications for it. 

You don’t need to say you are writing — your recipients know you’re writing because they’re reading your letter right now. You don’t need to mention the letter itself. And the “thank you” opening presumes that the employer has extended some special invitation to you to apply for this job, which they haven’t.

The introduction to your letter should be an attention-grabbing appeal written in an appropriate tone. It should never be bland or boring, nor should it be written in a tone that makes you look arrogant or presumptive.

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Capture the attention of hiring managers with a preview of your qualifications that intrigues them enough to read more.

“I am writing to….” 

“This letter is in regard to….”

“Thank you for the opportunity to apply for….”

Cover letter middle part (body)  

The middle paragraphs of cover letters are where you must make your primary pitch. 

The body of a cover letter is the place to reference your relevant work experience, job skills and other qualifications, and for paralegals this would certainly include any certifications in the field. Examine your record, relive your victories and highlight your achievements. Be as specific as possible in reporting your accomplishments, ideally using facts and figures. How many cases have you handled in your experience as a paralegal? How many briefs have you written? What was the dollar value to your firm of the clients you represented? 

Is there one anecdote from your career that illustrates how you brought game-changing skills to the table to make the difference between winning and losing a case? Everybody loves a good story. What if you’re in the unhappy position of having little or no work experience? Maybe you still haven’t graduated from college, or maybe you’re changing careers. In such cases, you might shift your focus to your education and credentials, while also mentioning any internships, volunteer work or other relevant experience.

Finally, in addition to covering your past achievements, the body of the cover letter should highlight your skills, passions and long suits. Remember that you are not trying to convince anyone that you deserve a job. You are trying to convince people that hiring you will help solve their problems and will make them a stronger company.

Goal of the cover letter body: Highlight your most relevant accomplishments in a way that convinces the employer you will contribute to the firm's future success if hired.

How to close a paralegal cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Your final paragraph should be both a summary of your pitch and a call to action. 

The last thing you want your correspondent to do is set your letter aside and never look at it again. Your close should imprint the idea on the recipient of your letter that s/he should respond in some way.

Goal of the cover letter closing: End on a positive, self-assured note with a call to action that suggests you expect a response, and ideally, an interview.

The psychology of writing a paralegal cover letter

Never forget that you are writing this letter to a human being. And human beings have both hearts and heads — they function on a rational as well as an emotional level. 

Don’t overlook the emotional aspect of the human psyche, and don’t be afraid to use language meant to trigger a response that comes more from the heart than the head.

I am often oddly thrilled to be presented with a complex, messy case that has no easy answers. I enjoy wading into its murky waters and finding the facts that will make the case for my clients. I derive satisfaction from bringing order to chaos.

This is very personal language — “thrilled,” “enjoy,” “my clients,” “derive satisfaction”— yet at the same time it may describe the very talents an employer is looking for. 

Psychology is the art and science of trying to understand what is in other people’s heads. What are their problems, what are their needs, what are their concerns?

Most of the entities that employ paralegals have a distinctive voice, a tone that sets them apart, a verbal signature. For example, there is the “Better Call Saul” style of bus-bench advertising — “You don’t pay unless we win!” And there is a more sophisticated, more understated style at top law firms that may represent large corporations or high-profile individuals.

Do your homework. Study how your prospective employers talk, and talk to them in a language they understand.

Paralegal cover letter with no experience

So, you've recently qualified as a paralegal. What happens next? If you are applying for your first job, you can still write a stellar application letter. Here's what you should focus on: 

• The skills and expertise you honed when you were in education
• Any placements (voluntary or otherwise) where you developed yourself
• The core reason that you want to work in the legal sector
• Prior roles in which you learned valuable, transferable skills
• Your long-term career aspirations and why you are ideal for the role

Everybody has to start somewhere. Hiring managers know this as well as the rest of us do. For that reason, you shouldn't shy away from applying for entry-level paralegal roles. 

Basic mistakes in a paralegal application letter (and how to avoid them)

Here are some of the common mistakes people make in writing cover letters:

• Language mistakes . The most common misstep in a cover letter or resume is bad spelling, grammar, punctuation or capitalization. Reread your letter again and again before you send it off. Correct English is not optional. If your letter contains simple errors that anyone could spot, it’s probably dead on arrival.
• Copy-and-paste letters . If your strategy is to send the exact same cover letter to 500 potential employers, then you can confidently expect that this exercise will result in zero jobs.
• Word bloat and clichés . Have you mentioned that you’re a “self-starter” and a “team player”? Have you mentioned that you work well with others or alone? Eradicate these timeworn phrases from your letter and tell us something we haven’t heard before. Also, delete any irrelevant information and focus on describing how you can help this company work faster, better and cheaper.
• Formatting fails . Do not use exotic fonts or splashy colors, and avoid anything that looks “gimmicky.” And beware of saving your document in a file format that your recipients may not even be able to open — or they may be able to open it, but the text jumps all over the place and looks terrible on their screen. Using a professional cover letter template eliminates the guesswork and can save you time and hassle for high-quality results.

Key takeaways for a paralegal cover letter

• The job outlook for paralegals is excellent, with 10% job growth expected between 2019 and 2029. Your path to getting the right job for you starts with an excellent resume and cover letter.
• Your cover letter is literally a demonstration of your ability to do a key part of the job, so it needs to reflect your familiarity with formal business-letter style.
• The cover letter should include a header, greeting, introduction, body, conclusion and signature. Understand the purpose of each of these sections and write them accordingly.
• Remember that your recipient is a human being, and your goal is to establish a person-to-person connection, so use a combination of rational and emotional language to trigger a personal response.
• Avoid English mistakes, clichés, irrelevant info and formatting fails.

Your best bet for circumventing any of these traps and keeping your letter on point is to use the field-tested templates and professional guidance at resume.io. 

You are an expert in your field — now let us help you get the job you deserve. For more ideas and inspiration, take a look at these cover letter writing guides and examples from the legal, administrative and business & management categories: 

• Lawyer cover letter sample
• Executive assistant cover letter sample
• Administrative assistant cover letter sample
• Personal assistant cover letter sample
• Office assistant cover letter sample
• Legal Assistant cover letter sample

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Paralegal Cover Letter Example

Are you ready to land your dream Paralegal job? The key to success lies in crafting an outstanding cover letter that features your strengths and grabs the attention of hiring managers from the very first paragraph.

Resume and Cover Letter Experts

Paralegal Cover Letter

As a Paralegal, featuring your exceptional communication, organizational, critical thinking, and research abilities in your cover letter is crucial to setting yourself apart from other candidates.

A well-crafted cover letter allows you to present these in smart ways that will impress recruiters in the legal field.

In this article, you will look into:

• Which  essential Paralegal skills  you should highlight and how
• Invaluable advice and  proven strategies to stand out , even with no experience
• Expertly crafted examples  to help you “build your case” compellingly

Combine our valuable tips with the efficiency of our  cover letter creation tool , and you’ll have a powerful cover letter crafted in just a few minutes.

Now, let’s begin your journey toward writing an excellent Paralegal cover letter!

4 Skills Every Paralegal Should Feature in Their Cover Letter

As an integral part of a legal team, you play a vital role in ensuring the success of legal cases and initiatives.

You possess a wide range of qualifications that enable you to provide first-class support to attorneys and clients, but there are 4 skills hiring managers pay special attention to and that you should  highlight in your Paralegal cover letter :

• Communication:  Mention any experience you have working directly with clients, attorneys, or court personnel. Provide examples of how you have effectively communicated complex legal concepts or information in writing or verbally.

Example: In my previous role as a Paralegal at [company name], I worked on a complex litigation case where I was responsible for drafting legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests. In doing so, I was able to use my knowledge of legal terminology and concepts to communicate effectively with attorneys, judges, and court personnel.

• Organization:  A great Paralegal is detail-oriented and has excellent organizational skills. They can manage and organize large volumes of information, and they pay close attention to every detail to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Example: At [company name], I was responsible for maintaining case files, managing calendars, and scheduling meetings for multiple attorneys. There, I developed a new filing system for case documents that reduced the time it took to locate and retrieve important documents by 50%. This not only saved time for the attorneys but also improved the accuracy and completeness of the case files.

• Critical thinking:  A top-notch Paralegal has strong critical thinking skills and is able to analyze complex legal issues and identify potential problems or areas of concern. They can provide valuable insights and perspectives to attorneys and develop creative solutions to legal challenges.

Example: In one case, I worked on a dispute over the division of assets in a divorce proceeding. Through my analysis of the relevant legal precedents and statutes, I was able to propose a creative settlement agreement that enabled both parties to receive a fair share of the assets and avoid a protracted legal battle.

• Research:  An outstanding Paralegal has strong research skills to locate and analyze relevant legal information and sources. They contribute to the development of legal strategies and the building of cases by providing comprehensive research support.

Example: I worked on a case involving a complex merger and acquisition deal, where I was responsible for researching regulatory compliance and industry standards. Through my research in exisNexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law, I was able to identify relevant legal precedents and regulations and provide valuable insights to the attorneys that helped them to build a strong case and negotiate a favorable settlement.

In case you need to  quickly customize your resume  to complement your cover letter, our  user-friendly resume builder  can be of great help.

Crafting an Effective Paralegal Cover Letter When You Have Experience

A Paralegal cover letter contains all the typical elements that should be included in this type of document.

However, the ones listed below are designed to help you  improve your chances of getting an interview  dramatically.

Read carefully and analyze the examples to get the most out of this section:

• Start with a strong opening:  Consider starting with a compelling statement or anecdote that demonstrates your passion for the legal field or your relevant experience as a Paralegal. A strong opening can help ensure that the recruiter continues reading your cover letter and is excited to learn more about your qualifications and experience.

I am writing to express my interest in the Paralegal position at your law firm. I have attached my resume for your review.

This opening statement is  generic  and does not provide any specific information about the candidate’s experience or qualifications.

It is unlikely to capture the hiring manager’s attention and may cause them to skip over the rest of the cover letter.

As an accomplished Paralegal with a passion for advocating for clients, I am thrilled to apply for the Paralegal position at your prestigious law firm. With over 5 years of experience in civil litigation, I have had the privilege of working on a variety of cases, from high-stakes corporate disputes to personal injury claims.

In this case, the opening is more compelling because it emphasizes the candidate’s passion for advocating for clients and their confidence in their ability to contribute to the firm’s continued success.

The language is  more descriptive  and demonstrates the applicant’s skill set persuasively and engagingly. This is sure to capture the attention of the hiring manager and encourage them to read on to learn more about the candidate’s qualifications.

• Showcase your familiarity with sources:  Research being a key responsibility of Paralegals, employers want to see you have a deep understanding of legal tools and resources. This can make you a valuable asset to a law firm and help set you apart from other candidates.

Ensure you mention in your cover letter at least one of these  databases :

• Legal Information Institute (LII)

Here is how to do it:

Example: With 4+ years of Paralegal experience, I possess a deep understanding of legal research tools, including LII, Westlaw, and LexisNexis. I excel at navigating databases of case law, statutes, and regulations to identify relevant information for each case.

• Use keywords to your advantage:  Many employers use  applicant tracking systems (ATS)  to screen resumes, which means that including  relevant keywords  can increase the likelihood of your resume being selected for further review. To identify relevant keywords, carefully review the job posting and make note of any specific skills, qualifications, or job duties mentioned.

Example: Replying to a Paralegal job advertisement that contains the keywords contract drafting, due diligence, and corporate governance.

As a corporate Paralegal at [company name], I gained extensive experience in conducting  due diligence  reviews on corporate acquisitions. I was responsible for analyzing purchase agreements and employment contracts. Additionally, I  drafted and negotiated contracts  with third-party vendors and customers to ensure compliance with  corporate governance  requirements.

A Sample Cover Letter for Experienced Paralegals

Reviewing the provided sample will provide you with a deeper understanding of  what to feature  in your cover letter when applying for Paralegal positions.

Hiring Manager’s name

Company name

Company address

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am thrilled to express my strong interest in the Paralegal position recently opened at [Name of Firm]. I was excited to learn about this opportunity from Mr. [Name of Referee], an associate at your firm whom I worked with at [Name of Previous Firm]. He has graciously offered to provide a reference for me, should you require one.

As a Paralegal with seven years of experience, my passion for the law has only grown stronger. In my current role at [Name of Current Firm], I assist senior attorneys specializing in property law. I enjoy taking on new challenges and cases that keep me on my toes, and I thrive in a diverse environment with pressing deadlines. My solution-driven mindset constantly seeks new ways to streamline processes and increase efficiency.

To that end, I spearheaded the creation of a new user-friendly, keyword-based database that has been instrumental in helping Paralegals and attorneys locate relevant information and solutions for past cases. The system received high praise from all users and reduced the time dedicated to research and investigation by 26% within the first three months. Additionally, I created a guide for new team members that directs them to the specific resources they need across all our files, resulting in a 97% satisfaction rate among new hires.

My strong communication skills have allowed me to liaise effectively with courts, clients, and other firms, consistently representing my organization in the best light. I have prepared countless preparatory pieces of research, discovery demands, motions, and case-status reports, while also showing dedication to optimizing operations and maintaining professionalism.

My resume, which details my work history and educational background, is attached for your review. Please do not hesitate to contact me after 9 am on workdays to schedule a meeting to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Address Phone number Email address

Use our comprehensive  cover letter writing guide  to craft your letter with ease and confidence, and put your best foot forward in your job application.

Creating an Impressive Paralegal Cover Letter Without Experience

Crafting a cover letter with no experience may seem daunting, but the process is fundamentally the same as if you had prior experience.

The real difference lies in knowing where to focus to boost your odds of success.

In this section,  you’re going to learn :

• How to show contagious  enthusiasm  in your cover letter
• Which  areas you should specialize  in to make your application more appealing

3 Ways to Show Your Enthusiasm for the Legal Field in Your Cover Letter

Demonstrating your  enthusiasm  for the legal field is an essential aspect of crafting a persuasive Paralegal cover letter. By showing your passion and commitment, you can convey to potential employers that you are motivated to succeed and will be a valuable addition to their team.

Read the following advice carefully:

• Share your motivation:  Discuss what initially sparked your interest in the legal field and how that passion has evolved. This might include personal experiences, influential mentors, or a specific area of law that you find particularly captivating.

Example: My interest in the legal profession was ignited during a high school internship at a local law firm, where I witnessed firsthand the impact that skilled legal representation can have on people’s lives.

• Connect with the employer’s mission:  Research the firm or organization you are applying to, and mention specific aspects of their work that resonate with your values and interests. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to understand their goals and are genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing to their team.

Example: I am particularly drawn to [company name’s] dedication to advocating for environmental justice and promoting sustainable practices, values that closely align with my passion for environmental conservation.

• Explain your career goals:  Clearly articulate your long-term career objectives within the legal profession, and explain how the position you are applying for aligns with those goals. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your desire to grow professionally.

Example: My long-term career objective is to become an expert in employment law, helping to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. This Paralegal position at your esteemed firm would be an invaluable opportunity to advance toward that goal.

Choose a Specialization area and Write an impressive Resume Objective

Embarking on a Paralegal career is an exciting journey, made even more thrilling by the opportunity to specialize in a particular and highly sought-after area of law.

The online resource for Paralegal professionals,  Paralegal411 , lists some of the most popular ones. We have compiled them below for you.

Combine them with a meaningful  resume objective , and you’ll be sure to grab the attention of recruiters:

• Bankruptcy:  These Paralegals usually focus on either individual or corporate bankruptcy law and spend much of their time on document preparation and gathering, including forensic research and accounting.

Example: Enthusiastic and detail-oriented Paralegal specializing in bankruptcy law, seeking an entry-level position as a Bankruptcy Paralegal at a prestigious [law firm]. Adept at conducting thorough research and analyzing complex financial data.

• Corporate:  They assist corporations with compliance, lawsuits, and mergers, and often work directly for corporations or as third-party counsel due to the complexity and constantly evolving nature of corporate law.

Example: Proficient in conducting comprehensive legal research, drafting contracts, and supporting M&A transactions. Eager to contribute to the firm’s success by providing exceptional client service, while expanding my knowledge and skills in areas such as corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and business transactions.

• Criminal law:  Specialized in criminal proceedings, these Paralegals can work for the court or lawyers on either side of the case, focusing on specific areas of the law, such as violent crimes, financial crimes, or drug crimes.

Example: Diligent and dedicated individual with a strong interest in criminal law, seeking a position as a Criminal Law Paralegal at [law firm]. Possessing a solid foundation in legal research, case preparation, and client communication, I am eager to support attorneys in effectively representing clients facing criminal charges.

• Immigration:  Professionals specialized in this area assist both individuals and the US government in navigating the various routes to legal immigration, visas, and citizenship while keeping up with fast-paced changes to the law at the state level.

Example: Compassionate and motivated individual with a focus on immigration law, looking to secure an entry-level position as a Paralegal at [law firm]. Equipped with strong research abilities and a deep understanding of immigration policies, I am eager to assist clients in their pursuit of a better future.

How to Address Gaps in the Paralegal Field

Career gaps can be difficult to explain for Paralegals due to legal field expectations, skill development concerns, adaptability issues, competition, and perceptions of commitment.

To address these concerns, you should effectively showcase transferable skills, professional development efforts, and passion for the legal field in your cover letter.

The examples below address  2 common reasons  why Paralegals may have  gaps in their careers :

• Personal reasons.

Example: During my two-year absence from the legal profession, I focused on personal growth and attended various continuing education courses, including a comprehensive legal research workshop and a seminar on intellectual property law. I am excited to bring this fresh perspective and commitment to lifelong learning to the Paralegal position at [Company Name].

• Raising a family

Example: While taking a three-year hiatus to raise my family, I remained engaged with the legal community by attending the annual National Paralegal Association conference, participating in monthly webinars focused on family law, and networking with local legal professionals through my involvement in the City Paralegal Club. I am confident that my ability to balance multiple responsibilities and prioritize effectively will translate well to the Paralegal role at [Company Name].

Remember, your cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience, adaptability, and passion for the profession, helping you stand out and succeed in your job search, even if you have gaps in your work history.

Paralegal Cover Letter Success: Vital Takeaways

Hold onto your hats, aspiring Paralegals! The  U.S. Bureau of Statistics  predicts an impressive 14% growth rate in the field between 2021 and 2031, which is well above the average growth rate for all occupations.

With this in mind, it’s crucial you keep in mind the advice discussed in this article to stand out from the competition:

• Emphasize your communication, organization, critical thinking, and research skills:  Provide specific examples of your experience and knowledge.
• Begin with an impactful introduction:  Start your cover letter with a captivating remark or story that illustrates your enthusiasm for the legal profession or your pertinent Paralegal experience.
• Display your knowledge of resources:  As research is a critical aspect of a Paralegal’s role, be sure to reference at least one of the widely used databases in your cover letter.
• Leverage relevant keywords:  Incorporate pertinent keywords found in the job advertisement in your cover letter to enhance your chances of advancing to the next stage.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the legal field:  Share your motivation, connect with the employer’s mission and explain your long-term career goals.
• Highlight your specialization field:  Showcase your expertise in your resume summary or objective in areas such as bankruptcy, corporate, criminal, or immigration law.
• Use career gaps to your advantage:  Remember they can be an opportunity to show your determination, flexibility, and enthusiasm for the field if you can make the connection between any learned skills and the Paralegal world.

By using a  Paralegal-specific template for your resume  and cover letter, and incorporating our expert advice, you can elevate yourself above the competition.

These tools and tips will allow you to show your unique qualities and capabilities, demonstrating that you are fully equipped to excel in the position.

Best of luck on your journey in the Paralegal world!

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Paralegal cover letter examples

You’ve put in the work, studied hard and now you’re on the hunt for an interesting paralegal position.

But in order to secure the role, you first need to make your case. You need to prove to the recruiter you are organised, professional and able to multi-task.

If you’re not sure where to start, we won’t judge. Just check out our guide below for our expert tips and some paralegal cover letter examples.

CV templates 

Paralegal cover letter example 1

Paralegal cover letter example 2

Paralegal cover letter example 3

The Paralegal cover letter examples above should give you a good idea of the type of content you need to include in your own cover letter, and how it should be structured.

But if you’re really looking to wow recruiters and get your CV in front of the very best employers, then check out our guidance on how to write your own effective cover letter below.

How to write a Paralegal cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Paralegal cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Paralegal cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Now that you have warmed the recruiter up with a friendly greeting, firstly you need to let them know which role you are applying for.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant will be juggling 10 or 10 vacancies, so it’s important to specify which one you are applying to.

Give us much detail as possible (team/department, role title etc.) and paste in the reference number if you have one.

Here are some examples you can use.

• I am interested in applying for the role of Paralegal with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Paralegal cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Paralegal cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Paralegal cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Paralegal cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I am writing to apply for the position of Entry-Level Litigation Paralegal at your esteemed law firm. As a dedicated LLB Law Graduate with a specialisation in commercial law and professional experience interning in the legal department of the international banking group Monzo, I possess a strong foundation in legal research, report writing, and office administration.

During my internship at Monzo, I provided essential support to the commercial law department, conducting factual and legal research to bolster contract writing and cases. My diligence was rewarded when I witnessed and compiled reports for an investment contract worth £3 million. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in streamlining administrative efficiency by reorganising the paper filing system, resulting in a remarkable 22% improvement. My academic achievements include the ‘Legal Innovator of the Year 2021’ award and attaining the highest mark in over five years for my undergraduate law research project.

I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your litigation team and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my abilities align with the needs of your firm. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Kind regards,

Mhairi Doherty

Dear Sasha,

I hope you’re well.

I am writing to apply for the position of Immigration Paralegal at Johnson Stanley LLP. With my LLB Law degree, professional experience at Harton Cooper, and fluency in multiple languages including French and Spanish, I am well-equipped to support your immigration department effectively.

My time working in the employment department at Harton Cooper has provided me with invaluable exposure to a variety of cases, including depositions and working visa applications. Additionally, I honed my legal research and drafting skills while assisting senior lawyers during high-profile and multiplaintiff cases. I maintained a strong focus on GDPR and confidentiality guidelines when handling sensitive client information. Furthermore, my voluntary work experience at Birmingham County Court, where I supported the chief prosecutor and managed administrative tasks, solidified my organizational abilities and attention to detail.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to your immigration team, and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

I am thrilled to express my interest in the Senior Paralegal role at your firm. As a highly accomplished LLB Law Graduate with a specialisation in commercial law and significant experience as a commercial paralegal, I bring extensive abilities in managing financial functions, legal governance, and compliance.

In my current position at a leading FTSE 350 organisation, I support the finance team, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements. My achievements include successfully managing the flotation of the group on the London Stock Exchange and coordinating the legal documentation during a dramatic revenue increase of over £100million within two years. My proficiency in document management, regional and national law, and time management enables me to effectively support the legal team and contribute to the firm’s continued growth and success. I am eager to leverage my skills to streamline processes and enhance the team’s performance.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my expertise aligns with the needs of your firm. I am available for an interview starting next week and look forward to meeting with you.

Oliver Stein

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Paralegal job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

1 Paralegal Cover Letter Example

Paralegals are the unsung heroes of the legal world, meticulously gathering, organizing, and presenting information to build a compelling case. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to gather your professional achievements, organize your skills, and present a persuasive argument for your candidacy. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Paralegals, helping you to construct a narrative as compelling as any legal brief.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Paralegal cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. If not, use a formal salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to include a compelling reason why you're interested in the role and the firm. For instance, you could mention a case they've handled that inspired you or aligns with your career goals. This shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the firm. Remember, the opening should be engaging and set the tone for the rest of the letter.

Paralegals should end a cover letter by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, reiterating their interest in the role, and inviting the reader to continue the conversation. This can be done by saying something like, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experiences to your firm and am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further." Following this, paralegals should thank the reader for their time and consideration. It's also important to include contact information, even if it's already on your resume. Finally, end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. This ending is both professional and assertive, showing that you are serious about your application while also being polite and respectful.

A Paralegal's cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is generally accepted across most industries, including the legal field. The goal of a cover letter is to provide a concise and focused overview of your skills, experiences, and reasons for applying for the job. It should be long enough to include pertinent information, but short enough to keep the hiring manager's attention. Remember, hiring managers often have to go through hundreds of applications, so a succinct, well-written cover letter can help you stand out.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Paralegal can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here are some steps to guide you: 1. **Start with a strong introduction**: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the paralegal position. Mention where you saw the job posting and why you are interested in the role. 2. **Highlight relevant skills and education**: Even if you don't have direct paralegal experience, you likely have other skills or education that are relevant. If you've completed a paralegal certification program or have a degree in a related field, be sure to mention it. Highlight any skills you've gained from other jobs or experiences that could be applicable to a paralegal role, such as research, writing, organization, and communication skills. 3. **Showcase transferable experiences**: If you've worked in other roles, particularly in legal or office settings, highlight the transferable skills you've gained. This could include client interaction, document management, or any other tasks that could be relevant in a paralegal role. 4. **Express your willingness to learn**: Employers understand that entry-level candidates may not have a lot of experience. Show your enthusiasm for the role and your eagerness to learn and grow in the position. 5. **Close with a strong conclusion**: Reiterate your interest in the position and your eagerness to contribute to the company. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your hope for the opportunity to further discuss your qualifications. 6. **Proofread**: Make sure your cover letter is free of errors. This demonstrates your attention to detail, a crucial skill for paralegals. Remember, the goal of the cover letter is to get the employer interested enough to look at your resume and consider you for an interview. Even without direct experience, showing your passion for the field, your transferable skills, and your willingness to learn can make a strong impression.

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Paralegal Cover Letter Sample

Today, the legal field is very competitive. Hundreds of graduates enter the job market every year. With a perfect cover letter, you will have a pretty good chance of standing out among other applicants! 

With this article, you will

• learn how to write a cover letter from scratch;
• get some tips about your presentation and terminology;
• get a paralegal cover letter sample so you can gain inspiration and create your own perfect piece of writing.

So, are you ready to land the job of your dreams? Use an online resume and cover letter writing service just to be sure: Skillhub’s create a cover letter page has tons of useful info, 20+ useable templates, and expert advice. Let’s dive in!

Cover Letter for a Paralegal Position (Example)

When writing a cover letter for paralegal position, the correct format is very important. You need to seem professional and knowledgeable to the recruiters, and a cover letter sample will help with it. Here is a paralegal cover letter sample that you can use in the future

[Current date in month/day/year format]

[Name of the recruiter or the HR manager]

[Address of the organization (house, street)]

[City, state, and country of the organization]

[contact number of the organization]

[email of the company or the HR department]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Name of the recruiter or the HR manager],

I write this letter with regard to your open paralegal position at the [Name of the organization]. I believe that my skills, previous work experience, and know-how can make a fine addition to your paralegal team.

During recent years, I have obtained a Bachelor’s (Associate’s, Master’s) degree in [Name of the University/College]. My major was [Name of the Course], and I also minored in [Name of the Course]. I also had an experience with the following extra-curriculum courses: [list the courses here].

Apart from my expert paralegal knowledge, I am very proficient at some other areas of expertise. These include data entry, negotiating lease agreements, an overview of documentation before criminal trials, and in-depth assessment of cases.

I think that my role as a paralegal at your firm will only expand as we move forward. Thank you for considering me for this position and for your time!

Best regards,

[Your name].

This is a cover letter format that is generally acceptable by all firms.

Paralegal Cover Letter Template

Modern cover letter samples need to have a consistent format apart from your relevant skills. When you apply for your dream job, make sure to follow this paralegal cover letter template:

• no more than 4 paragraphs for a job application;
• consistent font (Helvetica, Times New Roman, etc.);
• 1.15 line spacing;
• 1-inch margins for all edges.

Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Paralegal Cover Letter

So, why do you need to have a guide for a great cover letter at all? Sometimes, legal assistants don’t have the opportunity and knowledge to master a perfect piece of writing. We have done the research for you! In this guide, you will learn about proper formats, headings, and other tricky details.

If you need any additional assistance with your interview preparation, don’t hesitate to ask our expert writers for help. Our specialists will give you a hand with any cover letter paralegal position issues you might have. 

Acceptable Cover Letter Formats

Here, you will learn about cover letter formatting. It’s actually very important because you need to show professionalism, demonstrate an interest in the position, and put out enough information about yourself. You will know about

• headings in cover letters for paralegals;
• important contact details;
• closing statement.

Cover Letter Heading

When you look at the sample paralegal cover letter, you can see that there are different headings used for each section. This is an important part because this is the first thing that a hiring manager sees in your job application! You’ll have no trouble with the format from the example below.

Cover Letter Sample for Paralegal (Heading)

Here, you need to follow some structure with certain elements in the headings. Take a look at the paralegal cover letter example heading below.

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Contact Information]

[Your Email]

[Name of Your Desired Position]

Date and Company Details on Cover Letter

Most paralegal cover letters also include the data about your future company. Your heading should be followed by the current date. After that, after a space, include the info of your hiring manager, the address of the organization, and its contact information.

Example Cover Letter Paralegal [Date and Company Details]

Here is this section from a sample cover letter for paralegal position.

[Name of the recruiter]

[Address of the organization]

Cover Letter Greeting

There are some alternatives when it comes to cover letter greeting. If you know the name of the employer or a recruiter, it’s best to stick with Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. Try to avoid the phrase “To whom it may concern” because many people see it as an unnecessary formality.

Cover Letter Example for Paralegal [Greeting]

You should know that a cover letter for paralegal position needs to be professional. Here is what a perfect cover letter greeting should look like:

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Name of the hire manager]

Dear Recruiting/Marketing Team

What to Include in a Paralegal Cover Letter [Body]

As you have already seen from our legal assistant cover letter example, this part includes a couple of paragraphs where you list your credentials. Don’t just list your accomplishments; try to sell yourself to the company! Lists with bullet points will help too.

Paralegal Cover Letter Sample [Body]

Here is a body from some cover letter examples paralegal job post.

My strengths are not limited to doing my routine job every day. My previous experience allows me to use my critical thinking, decision-making abilities, and research skills. I think that I will be a valuable addition to the team because of my motivation and continuous learning.

Closing Paragraph for Cover Letter

End the cover letter with a closing statement. Explain why getting hired will be good for you and the firm. Also, state that you share the company’s beliefs and goals in the future. A paralegal sample cover letter shows that you need a strong ending paragraph.

Paralegal Cover Letter Example [Closing]

Here is a sample of a strong ending for your paralegal cover letter.

Thank you for your time, and I hope that you consider me for an interview. I believe that my skills and expertise will be a valuable addition to the firm.

Put an Emphasis on Your Abilities

When you look through legal assistant cover letter samples, you see that they all have a list of strengths. It’s important to know about your soft and hard skills and put them into your job application. This way, an applicant tracking system (ATS) can pick you out from hundreds of other candidates.

Here are a couple of hard and soft skills that you can mention:

• time management;
• good communication;
• attention to detail;
• problem-solving;
• no problem with assuming authority;
• flexibility.

Gather Some Info About the Organization

Remember that there is always a person reading your cover letter paralegal position. You need to write something about the company as well when applying for a job. Try to use some keywords that will grab the attention of the reader.

This trick will demonstrate that you did your research before sending an application. Also, it shows that a candidate wants to work at this company. Mention something about their core principles, open positions, and employee satisfaction.

So, now you know how to write paralegal cover letters! This guide demonstrates everything that you need to know:

• required formats;
• some paralegal cover letter samples for you;
• tips about including your qualification and experiences;
• keywords so your hiring manager notices your application among others.

Just remember that when writing a job application, you need to find your balance between personal and professional. You don’t want to sound like a robot listing your skills or like an incompetent person who doesn’t have any achievements. If you have any trouble, our affordable resume writers will gladly help with your application.

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More Cover Letter Examples

Professional Litigation Paralegal Cover Letter Examples for 2024

In your litigation paralegal cover letter, emphasize your acute attention to detail. This quality ensures meticulous preparation and organization of legal documents. Demonstrate your proficiency in legal research and writing. Your ability to support attorneys effectively during trials is paramount.

Cover Letter Guide

Litigation Paralegal Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Litigation Paralegal Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your job hunt, you've encountered the crucial step of writing a litigation paralegal cover letter, a task more daunting than expected. Striving for the sweet spot, your cover letter must capture a personal career triumph without echoing your resume. It challenges you to be engaging, dodging clichés while maintaining formality, all within the confines of one page. Let's guide you through showcasing your proudest achievement effectively, setting you apart in your job quest.

• Step your best foot forward in the litigation paralegal cover letter introduction;
• Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
• Structure your litigation paralegal cover letter to feature what matters most;
• Close off your litigation paralegal cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.

But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your litigation paralegal cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).

If the litigation paralegal isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Litigation Paralegal resume guide and example
• Lawyer cover letter example
• Attorney cover letter example
• Trial Lawyer cover letter example
• Senior Paralegal cover letter example
• Litigation Attorney cover letter example
• In House Counsel cover letter example
• Patent Lawyer cover letter example
• Paralegal cover letter example
• Associate Attorney cover letter example
• Immigration Lawyer cover letter example

Litigation Paralegal cover letter example

Taylor Foster

San Francisco, CA

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing a proven track record in relevant fields (like high-stakes litigation support and debt recovery) directly connects past experience with the potential future performance—it shows the hiring manager that the candidate is already successful in similar roles.
• Quantifying achievements (such as managing over 350 cases with a high success rate and handling a portfolio of high-value debts) provides concrete evidence of the candidate's capabilities and can be more convincing than general claims about skills or experience.
• Highlighting specific tasks performed (like drafting precise court bundles) not only showcases the candidate's relevant skill set but also demonstrates a clear understanding of the work involved in the role they are applying for.

The must-have sections and format of your litigation paralegal cover letter

When writing your litigation paralegal cover letter, keep in mind that it'll only be read by the recruiters and not the Applicant Tracker System (or software used to assess your profile). That's why you should structure your content with a/an:

• Header (apart from your contact information, include your name, the role you're applying for, and the date);
• Personalized salutation;
• Opening paragraph to win the recruiters over;
• Middle paragraph with key details;
• Closing that starts from clichés;
• Sign off (that's not mandatory).

Industry standards dictate your paragraphs to be single-spaced and to wrap your content in a one-inch margin. Designing your litigation paralegal cover letter, refer to one of our templates , which automatically takes care of the spacing and margins.

Choose the same font for your litigation paralegal cover letter as you did for your resume : the likes of Lato and Bitter would help you to stand out in a sea of cover letters in Arial or Times New Roman.

Export your whole litigation paralegal cover letter from our builder in PDF to keep the same formatting and image quality.

The top sections on a litigation paralegal cover letter

• Header: Includes the candidate's contact information, date, and the recipient's details, ensuring the letter is directed to the correct person and showcasing the paralegal's attention to detail.
• Greeting: Addressing the hiring manager by name demonstrates research and personalization, which are important traits for a litigation paralegal who will often address court officials and clients.
• Introduction: Briefly explains the applicant's interest in the litigation paralegal role and provides a hook, such as a significant accomplishment or unique skill set, that aligns with the firm's needs.
• Body: Highlights the candidate's legal knowledge, case management experience, understanding of litigation procedures, and any specialized skills, such as document discovery or trial preparation, that will benefit the law firm.
• Closing: Ends the letter with a strong, professional call-to-action, expressing eagerness to discuss how the candidate's specific litigation support skills can contribute to the success of the legal team.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Experience in legal research and writing: Vital for assisting attorneys in preparing for trials and briefs by gathering and analyzing legal sources.
• Strong organizational skills: Necessary to manage voluminous case files, documents, and exhibits efficiently.
• Proficiency with litigation support software: Critical for efficient handling of e-discovery, document management, and trial preparation tools.
• Attention to detail: Essential for accurately proofreading legal documents, ensuring compliance with court procedures, and avoiding costly mistakes.
• Familiarity with court procedures and rules: Important for scheduling, filing documents correctly, and understanding litigation timelines.
• Excellent communication skills: Required for effectively liaising between attorneys, clients, experts, and court personnel, as well as drafting clear and persuasive communications.

Kick off your litigation paralegal cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your litigation paralegal cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them . Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your litigation paralegal cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Law Firm's Name] Recruitment Team,
• Dear [Name of Managing Partner or Hiring Attorney],
• Dear [Name of Practice Group] Hiring Committee,
• Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms. Last Name],
• Dear Members of the [Name of Department/Legal Team],

Using your litigation paralegal cover letter intro to show your dedication

We know just how difficult it is to start writing your litigation paralegal cover letter introduction .

There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?

How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?

Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.

A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated litigation paralegal professional.

The middle or body of your litigation paralegal cover letter body: a great instrument to tell a story

Now that you've set the right tone with the greeting and introduction of your litigation paralegal cover letter, it's time to get down to business .

Hear us out, the body of your litigation paralegal cover letter is the best storytelling instrument you have, in your job-hunting arsenal.

Writing the next three to six paragraphs, take the time to reassess the advert to discover job-crucial requirements.

Next, choose one accomplishment that covers those key skills and talents.

Use precisely that achievement to tell an exciting story of how you match the ideal candidate profile.

In the undertones of your story or litigation paralegal cover letter body, hint at the difference you'd make and sell your application as the perfect one for the job.

A sincere and original way to end your litigation paralegal cover letter

When writing their litigation paralegal cover letter, candidates tend to use one of these phrases, "Sincerely yours" or "I look forward to hearing from you".

Both statements show good manners, but your cover letter should end in a more actionable manner .

Write about:

• how you see yourself growing in the role/organization;
• the benefits you would bring about (you'd impress even more with tangible metrics);
• the next steps in the process (provide your availability for interviews).

Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your litigation paralegal cover letter?

Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your litigation paralegal cover letter .

Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.

Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).

Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).

Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.

Key takeaways

We hope this litigation paralegal cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:

• Format your litigation paralegal cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
• Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
• Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
• Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your litigation paralegal cover letter body;
• Write no more than two sentences in your litigation paralegal cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.

Cover letter examples by industry

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+20 Useful ChatGPT Prompts to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for the Dream Job

Expert guide on how to get a job at a nonprofit, cover letter checklist : learn how to impress recruiters, how to accept a job offer professionally, how to write a cover letter for an internship, sick of dating apps see how the dating resume might change the game.

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Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field (And How to Write Yours)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters | Recent Grads

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Writing an articulate cover letter is challenging for all job seekers. But if you have little or no work experience in a field, the stakes are higher. It’s more challenging to prove your value when you don’t have a series of professional accomplishments to back up your assertions. On the bright side, you probably have more to offer an employer than you realize. You just have to package your strengths the right way.

In this article, you’re going to learn how to write a cover letter for a job with no experience in that field. And we’ll look at a full sample after going through the steps.

Let’s get started…

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience

1. the main purpose of your cover letter with no experience.

The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume and convince more employers to interview you. You may refer to your resume when writing a cover letter for a job application, but you must expand upon points made in the resume when writing the cover letter.

The cover letter should breathe life into the points made in the resume, and create a compelling—or even emotional—narrative around your career hopes and aspirations . It’s your chance to tell your story and show that you have the passion and the drive to come into a job and make a difference.

And at the end, it should ASK for the interview. We’ll talk about that coming up. Let’s get started by going through how to write a cover letter with no experience, step-by-step…

2. Cover Letter Contact Information

When beginning a cover letter for a job application, start with your contact details in the top left-hand corner of the page. Include your name, city of residence, phone number, and email address. (To preserve your privacy, do not include your physical address). You should also include your LinkedIn URL. Next, write the name of the company you’re applying to, and its city of residence.

3. Your Salutation

Ideally, you address your reader by name in your salutation. Internet sleuthing may reveal the name of the hiring manager. If you can’t find a name, you have two options: call the organization and ask to learn more about the position, or write “Dear ” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

This isn’t ideal, though. You should really only be sending a cover letter if you know the hiring manager’s name and have some specific information about the position. So if you know nothing specific about the hiring manager or job, and the company hasn’t asked for a cover letter specifically, then you probably don’t need to send it .

4. Cover Letter Introduction

Use this section of your cover letter to introduce yourself and share your enthusiasm and why you applied for the position .

Start with your name and provide some background on your strengths. Always identify the position you’re seeking and how you learned about it. If someone at the company told you about the job, then mention that person’s name (only after asking their permission, though). Aim for one to two sentences in your Introduction—keep it short, sweet, and precise.

Example Cover Letter Introduction with No Experience in the Field:

“Hello, my name is Grace Addington, and I’m a goal- and detail-oriented civil engineering graduate from Petaluma College. I was excited to learn about the Junior Engineer internship at Bay Area Rapid Transportation through my former classmate Katie Heinz.”

5. Body Paragraphs

Here comes the most critical part of writing a cover letter with no experience. The purpose of your body paragraphs (one to two brief paragraphs, tops) is to prove that you’re the best candidate for the position. Seeing as how you have little or no previous professional work experience to fall back on, you’ll want to place emphasis on soft skills —attributes of a personal nature that say a lot about your work ethic and ability to work in sync with others. Or, if you have job-related skills (AKA hard skills) from another type of role, point out how those skills will help you transition into this next job and succeed quickly.

That’s what hiring managers are looking for! So while it’s great to write about soft skills and put together a cover letter talking about how you’re willing to learn their job… it’s much better to point out any hands-on experience that you have. So if you’re able, always highlight that first and foremost.

For example, if you had an internship, worked in an unrelated field, did a few academic projects while studying, gave a presentation, etc., those are still valuable pieces to put on your resume AND in your cover letter.

Your resume likely already consists of part-time jobs or school activities or memberships in school associations that maybe aren’t 100% related to the job you’re going after.

Look closer, though—you’ve probably garnered skills in these experiences that can carry over to the job you’re applying for. Below are two examples of cover letter body paragraphs that hone in on two key phrases noted in a job advertisement as requirements: “strong interpersonal skills” and “positive work ethic.” You should be able to figure out pretty quickly which example hits the mark.

Let’s look at two sample paragraphs now from cover letters with no experience in a field:

“I am Twig & Twine’s ideal office manager. As my resume states, I served as an RA at my dorm. I know how to manage an array of things.”

“You’re looking for a candidate with strong interpersonal skills and a positive work ethic. While serving as an RA at Porter College’s main dormitory, I planned monthly social events for over 200 students, settled two to five student disputes per week, and mentored a select group of students in Composition. The experience taught me, rather quickly, how to efficiently multi-task, and how to effectively settle conflicts of all types in a calm, level-headed manner. I feel confident stating that I can bring these talents to Twig & Twine’s office manager position.”

The second example takes the duties that likely appeared in the RA position on the resume and then digs deep, illustrating how the tackling of those duties turned into accomplishments, and led the applicant to grow the crucial skills needed for the office manager position.

One last thing about body paragraphs—remember to frame your message around the employer’s needs, and not yours. Focus on what you can bring to the job, and how your talents will translate into success for the company. That’s important in any cover letter, and becomes even more crucial in a cover letter with no previous work experience.

6. Concluding Your Cover Letter

End your cover letter by reiterating why you’re the best candidate and express your interest once again in the position. And ask them for the interview! It’s surprising but most job seekers don’t do this, and it’s been shown to improve your chances of getting a call to come in for an interview!

So conclude your cover letter by thanking the reader for the time they took to review your application, and tell them you’d like to find a time to meet for an interview to see if it might be a good fit to work together. To close, sign off formally. Try “Respectfully yours” or “Sincerely.”

7. Proofread Everything

Before sending out your new cover letter, read it out loud to catch errors quickly. Ask a trustworthy person to read it as well. Nothing stops you from getting interviews faster than an obvious typo or error in your cover letter or resume, and you only have to check once, but make sure you’re checking it thoroughly!

8. Save it as a PDF

Once the content is finalized, save it as a PDF and title it “ Cover Letter” to prevent confusion. Voila! You’re done. If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great cover letter with no experience so you can get interviews and job offers in this new field!

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field:

Next, let’s look at a full sample of a cover letter that explains why you’d fit well in a role ( and why you chose to apply for this type of role ):

Dear Name, I’m writing to you regarding the Sales Associate job posting, which I believe reports to you. I can offer 5+ years of experience working directly with customers over the phone and in person, primarily in customer support. Although I haven’t worked directly in sales, my customer support experience has helped me build skills in communication, persuasion, and problem-solving, which I believe will translate well into selling software subscriptions for your firm. I’m motivated to transition into sales to continue challenging myself and growing in my career, and I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, which I think working in sales will provide me. I’ve attached my resume for your review. If any of the above sounds interesting, I’d welcome the chance to talk on the phone this week. Thanks for considering my note today. Best regards, Your Name

This cover letter is upfront and clear that you have no experience in the field of sales, but shows that you’re willing to learn and excited to learn this new job. That’s essential!

You don’t JUST want to say you’re willing to learn, though. You want to PROVE that you’ll be able to learn. That’s why this letter also mentions the experience you have that is most similar. In the case of the example above, it’s the customer service experience and communication skills.

While this person may not have sold anything to customers, they still interacted with customers directly, which will be seen as a plus.

One other thing you should always point out if possible: Experience working in the same industry. So if you’ve never done sales, but you did customer support in the exact same industry as the employer, that’s a huge plus… because it means you’ll have less learning needed on the job!

Other Articles That May Help You:

• 3 more tips for writing a cover letter that stands out.
• General tips for how to get a job with no experience.
• How to write the perfect resume “Summary” section with no experience.

About the Author

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This really helped me

Thanks for this! Really helpful for me as a new graduate and non native English speaker. I’ve started using the steps here and am planning on sending a lot of applications this week to see how it works.

Thank you for the examples. I hav ea little bit of experience so I’m not writing the cover letter with absolutely no work experience but this still is helpful and seems to work for me.

One hiring manager told me that the reason they chose to call me was my cover letter.

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