Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.
Paralegal Cover Letter Example Template (Text Format)
[Today’s Date]
Contact Person
Barony & Doune
47 Annandale Street
Edinburgh
EH1 2AA
0131 123 4567
contact.person@gmail.com
Dear [Mr/Ms/Mx] [Contact Person’s Name],
I’m delighted to apply for the Paralegal position at Barony & Doune. With a background in legal support and a four-year track record of enhancing attorney performance and productivity, I’m excited to contribute to your team’s success.
At David & Morgan Associates, I honed my skills in preparing legal documents, conducting thorough research, and supporting barristers with trial preparations. My efforts led to an 30% increase in receivables and a significant improvement in case win rates. This experience has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to handle the administrative and advisory functions of the role you’re hiring for.
My tenure at McLaughlin & Meadows further developed my capabilities in legal research and case evidence investigation. These experiences have prepared me to lead on bespoke security or transaction requirements and assist with litigation, demonstrating my capacity to address legal risks and collaborate with external advisers effectively.
I’m keen to bring my analytical skills, dedication to legal excellence, and collaborative spirit to your team. At your convenience, I hope to meet for an in-person interview to discuss the role in more detail. You can reach me on 07123 456 789 or at your.name@gmail.com.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Write a Job-Winning Paralegal Cover Letter
Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a cover letter in a way that makes you seem like the best candidate for the job.
When applying for the best paralegal jobs, a well-crafted cover letter is essential.
While your paralegal CV provides a snapshot of your qualifications, your cover letter relates those qualifications to the job and illustrates how your strengths will benefit the hiring firm.
Here’s how to write a paralegal cover letter that compels legal firms to call you for an interview.
1. Start with a personalised introduction
Avoid the pitfall of using a generic (and dated) greeting, like ‘Dear Sir or Madam’. Instead, start your cover letter by addressing the recruiting manager or solicitor using the prefix Mr, Ms, or the gender-neutral Mx, followed by their full name:
Dear Ms Emily Coalstone,
If the job listing doesn’t specify a contact, use the firm’s website, LinkedIn, or a quick call to their office to find out who’s in charge of hiring. Proactively looking for the hiring person’s name is a great way to demonstrate a strong work ethic, which will reflect positively on your application.
Choosing a unique design for your cover letter is a similarly effective way to make your application stand out to employers.
2. Emphasise your relevant skills and experiences
Paralegal positions demand a comprehensive set of administrative and analytical skills, in addition to a deep understanding of legal procedures. Essential paralegal skills often include:
- Proficiency in legal research and drafting
- Familiarity with legal databases and case management software (e.g., Clio, LEAP)
- Experience with court filings and procedural compliance
- Effective communication and client-handling skills
- Strong organisational abilities and time management skills
Illustrate your proficiency with concrete examples. If you previously assisted with a high-profile case, describe your role in managing the case documents or how you contributed to the research that helped shape the legal strategy:
3. Express genuine interest in the position
Don’t wait for the employer to ask, ‘Why do you want to work for us?‘ in the job interview. Your initial application is more likely to be successful if you articulate why you’re drawn to the particular firm or legal department.
Here are a few good motivations to consider for your paralegal cover letter:
- A legal area you’re interested in that matches the firm’s specialisations
- Ethical standards or community involvement of the firm that resonates with you
- Your ambition to grow within a supportive and dynamic legal environment
Linking your personal ambitions to the firm’s goals not only demonstrates your interest but also shows you’ve done your homework, suggesting that you’re a thoughtful and engaged candidate.
Other Great CVs & Cover Letters from this Industry:
