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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 lifiting 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.

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. 

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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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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