How to Write a Cover Letter: Legal Assistant

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A legal assistant—also known as a paralegal—provides services in legal research, document drafting, case management, correspondence, and all manner of administrative support.

When applying for a Legal Assistant position, understand that your cover letter is a key opportunity to demonstrate two core competencies: writing and advocacy. (If you cannot make a good case for yourself, how can the reader trust that you’ll be effective in advocating their causes?) Yes, a basic cover letter template will increase your efficiency in preparing applications for Legal Assistant jobs, but your customization for each potential employer will set you apart from the competition.

Basic Requirements for a Legal Assistant

Qualifying for a Legal Assistant position requires you to demonstrate relevant education, legal knowledge, and experience.

Traditionally, the most valuable education is a paralegal associate’s degree from a well-respected institution. Subject-matter expertise that’s relevant to an employer’s industry will also help differentiate you from the rest. Beyond these educational achievements, employers will want to see what you’ve learned on the job.

A Legal Assistant performs many basic functions that require legal knowledge, but are done more cost-effectively than when completed by a lawyer. Consequently, a Legal Assistant must be highly knowledgeable about legal systems and procedures. This background allows them to efficiently manage casework, prepare effective documents, and organize day-to-day activities.

Successful Legal Assistants are excellent communicators. Show these skills in your application materials, and indicate what you have done to cultivate your communications capabilities. This applies not just to interpersonal communications, but also to the technology that facilitates effective communications.

Last, show that you understand the importance of attention to detail. Lawyers need to trust that their Legal Assistant will pore over all relevant case matters to prevent unhappy “surprises” with cases, clients, and courts.

Applying for a Legal Assistant Job? A Few Tips

  • Keep your cover letter focused and succinct (1-2 pages)
  • Differentiate yourself! Make a clear and compelling representation of your best skills
  • Be accurate and truthful at all times
  • Show enthusiasm for the opportunity
  • Use meaningful details to bring your accomplishments to life

Don’t:

  • Misrepresent your capabilities
  • Get bogged down in details about your background or job history
  • Apologize for capabilities you lack
  • Waste the reader’s time
  • Try to “shoehorn” yourself into a position that clearly is not a good fit for your skill set and experience

Legal Assistant Traits an Employer Typically Seeks

  • Legal research skills
  • Communications skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Dependability
  • Grace under pressure
  • Collegiality
  • Professionalism
  • Discretion with client matters

How Is This Different from a Legal Secretary Cover Letter?

Legal Assistant cover letters must highlight familiarity with legal principles, legal research capabilities, case-management capabilities, administrative skills, and experience in managing professional interaction with clients and legal organizations.

In contrast, cover letters for Legal Secretary positions must demonstrate expertise in correspondence, document preparation, and related skills for supporting a lawyer’s day-to-day responsibilities.

What Someone Applying for a Legal Assistant Job Should Keep in Mind

Again, study each opportunity—and customize your cover letter to specifically address each employer’s stated needs. Speak their language—repeating the terminology used in their websites, brochures, and the position description itself. This mindset also will help you in highlighting those aspects of your experience that are most relevant to the employer’s situation. Demonstrate leadership, self-motivation, and your history as a productive member of a high-functioning team. Make it easy for an employer to sense that you are the candidate who would fit right in.

Not sure where to start with your cover letter? We’ve provided the attached template for a Legal Assistant Cover Letter to help you get started. Remember to customize this for each application you submit. Good luck!

If you’re looking for a Legal Secretary position—we can help you craft a cover letter for that position as well! Check out that blog post here.

Paralegal Assistant Cover Letter Examples

A great paralegal assistant cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following paralegal assistant cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

Paralegal Assistant Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Lendia Cubas

(140) 214-3479

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Astran,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Paralegal Assistant position at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. With five years of dedicated experience at Baker & McKenzie LLP, I have honed my legal support skills and developed a profound understanding of legal procedures and documentation. I am confident that my background and passion for law make me an ideal candidate to join your esteemed firm.

Throughout my tenure at Baker & McKenzie LLP, I have been instrumental in supporting high-profile cases and ensuring the seamless operation of the legal team. My responsibilities have ranged from conducting in-depth legal research and drafting legal documents to managing case files and liaising with clients. I have consistently demonstrated an ability to handle complex assignments with a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

What excites me most about the opportunity at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is the prospect of contributing to a firm renowned for its innovation and leadership in the legal industry. I am particularly drawn to your firm's commitment to fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally. I am eager to bring my expertise to your legal team and collaborate with your professionals to further enhance the quality of your legal services.

I am well-versed in the latest legal software and have a proven track record of adapting quickly to new technologies and procedures. My strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively allow me to manage a substantial workload without compromising the quality or accuracy of my work. Furthermore, I am known for my exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, which enable me to work efficiently with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.

I am excited about the chance to contribute to Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my experience and skills will be beneficial to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I hope to have the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I can support your firm's objectives and help to maintain its outstanding reputation.

Warm regards,

Related Cover Letter Examples

  • Foreclosure Paralegal
  • Bankruptcy Paralegal
  • Corporate Paralegal
  • Immigration Paralegal
  • Litigation Paralegal

Legal Assistant cover letter template header

How to Write a Legal Assistant Cover Letter (With Template)

Gabriele Culot

Key takeaways

  • A cover letter can be the most important element in a job application. Ensuring your profile stands out to recruiters is crucial to your professional success.
  • A well-tailored cover letter should provide relevant information clearly and concisely. Focus on detailing your skills and why you are the right person for that specific role.
  • The included Legal Assistant cover letter template provides an easy starting point to craft your own cover letters. Adapt and personalize it to fit your profile.

A well-written cover letter is key to quickly getting the attention of prospective employers. Among countless job seekers, resumes, and application letters, yours need to stand out on first impression if you want to ensure your job search   translates to a new role .

In this post, you will discover:

  • Reasons why a well-crafted cover letter is key to professional success, from entry-level roles to senior positions
  • Cover letter do’s and dont’s
  • A Legal Assistant sample cover letter you can easily adapt and personalize

A well-tailored   cover letter : The key to   job application   success

Ensuring you know how to write a cover letter that is clear, informative, and tailored to the role you are applying to will benefit you in many ways. Well-crafted cover letters have many benefits, which include:

  • Showcasing relevance:   Tailoring your cover letter allows you to emphasize the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the specific job requirements. This immediately captures the attention of the   talent acquisition   team, recruiters, or human resources reps.
  • Demonstrating research:   A good cover letter conveys your understanding of the organization's needs and illustrates how you can contribute to its success, signaling to potential employers that you've done your homework.
  • Telling your story:   Each job application is unique, and a tailored cover letter enables you to craft a personalized narrative. It lets you connect your professional journey with the role's specific challenges and opportunities, making your application more compelling.
  • Highlighting cultural fit:   Your cover letter allows you to address the company's values, mission, and culture. By aligning your experiences and values with those of the organization, you demonstrate a cultural fit and convey your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
  • Addressing specific requirements:   Job postings often include   specific skills or qualifications   the employer is seeking. Tailoring your cover letter enables you to address these requirements directly, showcasing how you possess the desired attributes and can meet the company's expectations.

Cover letter tips

A great cover letter should reflect your professional profile and personality. However, no matter what your cover letter's content is, the tips below will help ensure the message you want to convey is clear and easily accessible to hiring managers.

  • Keep it concise:   Aim for a cover letter length of 250-400 words. Be succinct in presenting your qualifications and experiences.
  • Use a clean layout:   Opt for a professional and clean cover letter format with a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size of 10-12 points.
  • Include   contact information :   Provide your contact information at the top of the cover letter, including your name, phone number, and professional email address.
  • Use   headers   and sections:   Organize your cover letter into clear sections with headers such as Introduction, Work Experience, and Achievements for easy readability.
  • Maintain a professional tone:   Keep the tone of your cover letter professional and upbeat. Avoid overly casual language, and focus on showcasing your skills and experiences.
  • Use keywords:   Incorporate relevant keywords from the Agile Project Manager   job description   and company website into your cover letter. This can help your application pass through   applicant tracking systems (ATS)   used by many employers.
  • Highlight achievements with bullet points:   Use bullet points to list specific accomplishments or notable projects. This makes it easier for the reader to grasp your accomplishments quickly.
  • Use quantifiable data:   Whenever possible, include quantifiable data to demonstrate the impact of your achievements. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
  • Match company tone:   Adapt your writing style to match the tone of the company and industry. Research the company's culture to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality.
  • Showcase company knowledge:   Demonstrate your understanding of the company by referencing its values, mission, or recent achievements. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity to work for this specific organization.
  • Address employment gaps (if applicable):   If you have employment gaps, briefly address them in a positive light, focusing on any skills or experiences gained during those periods.
  • Proofread   thoroughly:   Eliminate typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your cover letter multiple times. Consider using tools like Grammarly to catch any overlooked mistakes and ensure your English (or any language you use) is correct.
  • Include a   call to action :   Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and indicating your readiness for an interview.
  • Follow submission instructions:   If there are specific instructions for submitting the cover letter, such as naming conventions or document formats, ensure that you adhere to them.
  • Save as a PDF:   Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting it. This ensures that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and software.

While understanding the correct steps to write a cover letter is crucial to your professional success, knowing what mistakes to avoid is equally important. The best cover letter can easily be made useless by a tiny blunder. Avoid making the mistakes listed below; you will be halfway to your new job.

  • Don't use a generic greeting:   Avoid generic salutations like "To whom it may concern," “Dear sir or madam, “ or “Dear hiring manager.“ Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person.
  • Don't repeat your resume:   An effective cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Focus on specific experiences and achievements that showcase your qualifications for the role.
  • Don't exaggerate or lie:   Be truthful in your cover letter. Exaggerating your qualifications or providing false information can harm your chances and damage your professional reputation.
  • Don't use unprofessional email addresses:   Ensure that the email address you use in your contact information is professional. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional terms.
  • Don't include irrelevant information:   Keep your cover letter focused on the job. Avoid including unrelated personal details or experiences that do not contribute to your suitability for the role.
  • Don't use jargon unnecessarily:   While demonstrating your knowledge is essential, avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse the reader. Use clear and straightforward language.
  • Don't sound overly eager:   Expressing enthusiasm is positive but can easily feel unauthentic if overdone.

Remember, the goal of a practical cover letter is to present your qualifications in a clear, organized, and compelling manner while adhering to professional standards.

How to structure your Legal Assistant   cover letter

Express your genuine interest in the   Legal Assistant   position in the opening paragraph. Clearly convey your passion for providing crucial support in legal matters and your eagerness to contribute to a team dedicated to upholding legal standards. If applicable, mention any referrals that have influenced your decision to apply for this specific role.

About your current role

Highlight the achievements and projects that have positively impacted the success of your current team. Emphasize your role in assisting attorneys, managing legal documents, conducting legal research, and ensuring the efficient operation of legal processes. Demonstrate your proficiency in maintaining legal databases and coordinating legal activities.

Use this section to outline your current responsibilities and ongoing projects, emphasizing how they align with the requirements and objectives of the Legal Assistant role.

About your experience

Detail your hands-on experience in legal assistant roles, showcasing your ability to handle administrative tasks, prepare legal documents, and provide comprehensive support to legal professionals. Communicate that your legal assistant skills and readiness for the role are well-established. This section is also an opportunity to highlight any relevant certifications or additional skills you've acquired throughout your   career path .

Notable achievements

Highlight notable accomplishments that showcase your effectiveness as a Legal Assistant. Whether you played a key role in organizing a complex case file, improving the efficiency of legal document management, or contributing to successful case outcomes, use this section to concisely mention your achievements, how they were measured, and their impact on the legal processes you supported.

Why you want to work there

Express your interest in the law firm or company by highlighting specific aspects of its mission and values related to legal support that resonate with you. Convey how these align seamlessly with your professional goals and how you envision contributing to the company's success through your expertise in legal assistance. Be concise but articulate about your motivations.

Specific projects or initiatives that motivated you to apply

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization by referencing specific legal support-related projects or initiatives that have captured your interest. Draw connections between these initiatives and your skills and experiences, emphasizing how your contributions align with the law firm or company's goals for effective legal assistance. This shows your genuine interest and proactive approach to aligning with the company's mission.

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm to contribute to the firm or company's success as a Legal Assistant. Express your eagerness to discuss how your skills align with the legal team's objectives and invite the reader to reach out with any questions they may have. Sign off with a professional salutation.

Legal Assistant   cover letter template

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Legal Assistant position at [Law Firm or Company Name]. With a solid background in legal support and a keen understanding of legal procedures and documentation, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your legal team.

About my current role

In my current position as a Legal Assistant at [Current Law Firm or Company], I have:

  • Assisted attorneys in preparing legal documents, including briefs, contracts, and pleadings.
  • Managed and organized case files, ensuring accuracy and accessibility of legal documents.
  • Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and court personnel.

About my Legal Assistant experience

My experience extends to:

  • Conducting legal research to support case preparation and strategy.
  • Drafting and editing legal correspondence and documentation with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Assisting in the scheduling of hearings, depositions, and client meetings.

Some of my notable achievements include:

  • Implementing an efficient document management system that improved retrieval times by [percentage].
  • Assisting in preparing high-profile cases that resulted in successful outcomes for clients.
  • Managing a high-volume caseload while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness.

Why I want to work for [Law Firm or Company]

I am particularly drawn to [Law Firm or Company Name] due to its [mention aspects unique to the firm or company such as a reputation for excellence, commitment to diversity, notable cases handled,...]. I am excited to apply my legal support skills to contribute to [Law Firm or Company Name]'s success in providing top-notch legal services.

Specific cases or practice areas of [Law Firm or Company] that motivated me to apply

In researching [Law Firm or Company Name], I was impressed by your involvement in [specific notable case or practice area]. I believe my experience in legal assistance aligns seamlessly with your organizational objectives. My dedication to maintaining the highest standards of legal support, coupled with my commitment to delivering high-quality results, would make me a valuable addition to your legal team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the Legal Assistant role at [Law Firm or Company Name]. I look forward to contributing to your team's success.

[Your Full Name]

Get your career rolling with Deel

Your job application is your chance to tell your professional story, and a well-tailored cover letter is your narrative's opening chapter. Remember that personalization is key. Make each word count, emphasizing how your background uniquely positions you as the ideal candidate, and get your dream job. 

Looking for even more inspiration?   Discover how to write a stellar cover letter in 5 steps .

Discover more tips and tools to help boost your career further and climb the steps to your dream job on   the get-hired content hub .

Deel makes growing remote and international teams effortless. Ready to get started?

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3 Legal Assistant Cover Letter Examples Working in 2024 

Stephen Greet

  • Legal Assistant Cover Letter
  • Legal Assistant No Experience Cover Letter
  • Entry-Level Legal Assistant Cover Letter
  • Write Your Legal Assistant Cover Letter

You create and update case documents, handing them off to attorneys as needed, updating them with any client concerns, and ensuring all the necessary paperwork is in place. You might also answer phone calls and basic questions amidst the bookkeeping aspects of your job.

But how do you go about writing a cover letter to complement your legal assistant resume and leave recruiters impressed and wanting to know more?

Don’t sweat it. We’ve put together three legal assistant cover letter examples for you to get started! Check out our time-tested tips and AI cover letter generator , too and you’ll be making solid steps to success.

paralegal assistant cover letter

Legal Assistant Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Legal assistant cover letter example

Why this cover letter works

  • Demonstrating that you researched the company and emphasizing your interest in the role is an excellent way to gain a competitive edge over other candidates at the outset.

Level up your cover letter game

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

Legal Assistant No Experience Cover Letter Example

Legal assistant no experience cover letter example

  • Without formal experience, it helps to spotlight your academic accolades and transferable paralegal skills gained from internships and volunteer work. Don’t hesitate to narrate the application of relevant software, such as QuickBooks.

Entry-Level Legal Assistant Cover Letter Example

Entry-level legal assistant cover letter example

  • Go ahead to weave in industry-specific skills and wins in your entry-level legal assistant cover letter, painting a picture of a promising candidate for the legal support specialist role. Mirror how Aria demonstrates her competence, detailing proficiency in LexisNexis, ContractExpress, and data privacy and security, complete with metrics.

Related cover letter examples

  • Legal assistant resume
  • Executive assistant
  • Entry level
  • Research assistant

How to Write Your Ideal Legal Assistant Cover Letter

Salesperson pops out of computer screen to depict outselling the competition with sales cover letter

So, what kind of role are you applying for as a legal assistant? The job description should tell you! Tailor your cover letter to the experience level, individual values, and specific skill requirements of each job.

Use the job description as a guide for your writing tone, as well as your choices in terms of content. In other words, don’t give examples of how familiar you are with environmental law if you’re applying for a role centered around insurance and billing claims!

paralegal assistant cover letter

Writing a snappy greeting and intro

Your target audience is . . . what’s their name again? You should know, and your cover letter should address the recipient by name! Do any research you can to find out who you’re writing to.

You’ll also want to connect with the company alongside the reader, and your research can also come in handy here. What kinds of values can you find on the company site? Is there a mission statement included in the job description that you can reflect to show your alignment with this particular legal role?

And make sure you hook your reader by hearkening to all the other skills that you don’t mention by name just yet. You want them to read about all your success stories you describe from your professional history!

Don’t use a nameless greeting or an opener that doesn’t specify any actual qualifications or provide a good hook:

Hi Sir/Madam,

I really want to work for your company and I’ve watched a lot of TV shows about courtrooms on top of working with legal stuff before so I’d be great at it.

Instead, look at how compelling a professional greeting, a connection with the company, and alignment with its values can be:

This one’s a winner!

Dear Mr. Thompson:

Pepper Hamilton LLP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and nurturing a diverse workforce that reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds truly resonates with my professional philosophy. Upon reading about your growth from a modest two-person office to an international firm employing more than 500 lawyers, I knew I wanted to contribute to your illustrious establishment as a legal assistant.

paralegal assistant cover letter

Writing body paragraphs to impress

Now it’s time to write the body of your cover letter, maintaining one point or “theme” per paragraph. (Recruiters don’t have much time to spend reading, so organization and concision are important!)

Provide examples of how you’ve created success in the past with your quick response times, data organization, and case updates. When did you save your employer a significant amount of money by catching a potentially costly error? How did you improve client outcomes by efficiently documenting and procuring case information?

Don’t forget to include metrics! Success percentages, ratings, and feedback all help bolster your claims and make you sound more credible. Tailor the stories you share and the metrics you back them with around whatever the job description emphasizes to show that you care about that specific role.

Example of an excellent body paragraph

In the digitally infused ecosystem of Barrow & Grimm, I further enhanced my data privacy and security prowess. My rigorous application of data protection measures ensured the absolute confidentiality of sensitive information and boosted the firm’s compliance rate by 23%. This fundamental aspect of my role garnered trust from colleagues and clients, cementing my ability to navigate legal spheres with measured discretion and confidentiality.

paralegal assistant cover letter

Closing your cover letter and signing off

Now that you’ve written some memorable body paragraphs to share your impact within the legal field, you’ll want to conclude your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph. Say it again: Why did you want to work there? How are you qualified?

Just make sure your qualifications are fresh, non-repetitive, and strongly connected with the company vision and job description . You should also include a call to action so that the reader feels welcome to ask for more details about your excellent administrative skills and useful legal knowledge.

And don’t forget to thank the reader for their time! You can work this into the closing paragraph, or you can use it as your formal signoff. If you pick the former, make sure your signoff is professional and features your real name.

For the love of all that’s legal, make sure you don’t conclude your letter with an overly casual, unenthusiastic closer and a nickname:

Hey so that’s why I’d be great at keeping track of your clients and everything. It’d be cool if you messaged me back.

Check out how much more effective it is to address and connect with the company, throw in some solid abilities and skills that align with the job role, and sign off politely!

Phew, much better:

As a prospective legal support specialist as McAfee & Taft, I bring not only the requisite skills and relevant experience but also a detail-oriented mindset, demonstrable proficiency in the technological tools of the trade, and a solid commitment to data protection. I am excited by the prospect of leveraging my abilities to contribute to the firm’s outstanding reputation for legal excellence. Thank you in advance for considering my application.

Oh, absolutely! Metrics aren’t just for resumes. If you provide quantifiable data, your cover letter will make you look way more credible and solidly reinforce your credentials. Numbers also stand out visually in a cover letter, so that case success rate is bound to be eye-catching!

While you might see addresses listed on some cover letter examples as you conduct your research, this really isn’t necessary anymore. The letter already got through if they’re reading it, after all! And your own address will be on your resume and/or application form. So, save the page space for your awesome stories of successful case outcomes and brilliant accuracy rates.

Get a feel for the company culture by doing plenty of research and taking some notes while you look for other important stuff like your addressee’s name and legal assistant traits to align yourself with. Do you have a shared passion for advocacy for underprivileged clients? What about a strong connection with their emphasis on environmental protection?

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4 Legal Assistant Cover Letter Examples

Legal Assistants are the linchpin of any law firm, adept at managing complex cases, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining confidentiality. Similarly, your cover letter is the linchpin of your job application, skillfully weaving your professional narrative, showcasing your meticulous attention to detail, and demonstrating your commitment to integrity. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Legal Assistants, helping you to present a compelling case for your next role.

paralegal assistant cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Legal Assistant cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is available. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention the position you're applying for. Make sure to highlight your interest in the role and the firm. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to apply for the Legal Assistant position at XYZ Law Firm. With my strong legal research skills and passion for criminal law, I am confident I can make a significant contribution to your team." This approach is professional, direct, and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

Legal Assistants should end a cover letter professionally and enthusiastically, expressing their interest in the role and eagerness to discuss their qualifications further. You can say something like, "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experiences to your team and am confident that I can bring value to your firm. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." After this, you should thank the reader for their time and consideration. Lastly, end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Remember, the ending of your cover letter is your final chance to make a good impression, so keep it positive, confident, and professional.

A Legal Assistant's cover letter should ideally be about one page in length. This is because hiring managers often have many applications to go through and a concise, well-written cover letter is more likely to grab their attention. It's important to keep it succinct while still highlighting your key skills, experiences, and why you're interested in the specific role and firm. Remember, the cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression, so make sure every sentence counts. Longer cover letters may not be read in full, so it's crucial to keep it to the point and relevant.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Legal Assistant can seem challenging, but it's all about showcasing your transferable skills, passion for the field, and eagerness to learn. Here's how you can approach it: 1. **Address the Hiring Manager**: Start your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. If you don't know their name, do some research or use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." 2. **Introduction**: In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the Legal Assistant position. Mention where you found the job posting and why it caught your attention. 3. **Highlight Transferable Skills**: Even if you don't have direct experience, you likely have transferable skills from other jobs, internships, or academic experiences. These could include research skills, attention to detail, organization, communication, and more. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills. For instance, if you have experience in customer service, you can highlight your communication skills and ability to handle difficult situations. 4. **Show Your Passion and Knowledge**: Show your enthusiasm for the legal field. If you've taken relevant courses or have a degree in a related field, be sure to mention it. Discuss any knowledge you have of legal procedures, terminology, or administrative tasks. 5. **Express Willingness to Learn**: As someone without experience, it's crucial to show your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Convey your willingness to undergo training and learn on the job. 6. **Conclusion**: In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the role and your readiness to contribute to the team. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 7. **Professional Closing**: End your letter with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Remember to keep your cover letter concise and to the point, and proofread it carefully for any errors. Tailor it to each job application, focusing on the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description.

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Legal Assistant cover letter examples

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As a legal assistant, you’re there to support lawyers with trial proceedings, evidence and tracking cases. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill.

So if you hope to secure the role, you need to prove you’ve got the skills and qualifications to manage these important responsibilities.

To help you showcase your abilities in just a few short paragraphs, we’ve put together our top writing advice, complete with legal assistant cover letter examples to guide you.

CV templates 

Legal Assistant cover letter example 1

Legal Assistant cover letter 1

Legal Assistant cover letter example 2

Legal Assistant cover letter 2

Legal Assistant cover letter example 3

Legal Assistant cover letter 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Legal Assistant cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Legal Assistant cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

How to write a cover letter

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

When writing your Legal Assistant 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.

Write cover letter in body of email

Start with a friendly greeting

Cover letter address

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

  • Hi [insert recruiter name]
  • Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal 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

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

  • I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
  • I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
  • I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
  • I saw your advertisement for a trainee 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 sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Cover letter tips

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter short if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

  • A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest 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,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

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

Email signatures

What to include in your Legal Assistant cover letter

Your Legal Assistant cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

  • Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
  • Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
  • The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
  • Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
  • Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

Legal Assistant cover letter templates

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

Good day Robin

I trust you are well, I am reaching out to you regarding the Legal Assistant position, as advertised on Career Jet. With a Level 3 Legal Secretaries Diploma and 4 years of experience in providing comprehensive case and admin support, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills to your firm.

In my current role at QED LLP, I leverage a solid foundation in legal principles, case management, and research to assist attorneys in preparing relevant documents and managing client communication. I successfully drafted briefs, organised files, and maintained an efficient filing system, which resulted a 10% improvement in office productivity and 20% reduction in document retrieval time. In addition, I received commendation from attorneys for my dedication to providing high-quality legal assistance.

What also sets me apart from other candidates is my ability to effectively multitask and coordinate competing priorities, while meeting tight deadlines and upholding a high level of confidentiality.

Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone, as I am immediately available for an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards

Mary Ruddock

I am delighted to apply for the Senior Legal Assistant vacancy advertised by Blake Morgan LLP on Glassdoor. With a proven track record of providing legal support and managing complex caseloads, I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my skills and expertise to drive success for your company.

As an accomplished Legal Assistant with 12 years of experience working for Morgan Spencer, I have developed a deep understanding of trial preparation, case management, and client advocacy, and have consistently demonstrated the ability to help attorneys in delivering outstanding legal services to clients.

I am competent in drafting documents, conducting in-depth legal research, and organising relevant materials to ensure seamless case progression, all of which has led to a 95% case win rate, 100% accuracy in financial transactions, as well as a 20% increase in administrative productivity. I have also effectively trained and mentored junior personnel to further contribute towards their professional growth and overall improved performance.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached via email or by phone to discuss how my skills and qualification make me a suitability candidate for the role.

Trisha Banks

Dear Martha

I trust you are well. I am writing to express my keen interest in the Junior Legal Assistant position at Larbey Evans. With a Level 2 Diploma in Legal Studies and a passion for the field, I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing my skills and knowledge to your organisation.

Throughout my academic journey, I obtained a comprehension of legal doctrine, case analysis, and detailed legal research. My coursework allowed me to develop critical thinking and excellent problem-solving skills. I also completed a 3-month internship at Chadwick Nott, where I received commendation for facilitating briefs and submissions within tight deadlines, as well as supporting attorneys in court proceedings, which illustrated my ability to meet time-sensitive requirements. Furthermore, I helped attain a 95% successful trial outcome rate through exceptional case preparation.

I have also received commendations for effectively communicating with clients, colleagues, and court personnel. I regard myself as a quick learner, who is adaptable to new challenges. My commitment to delivering high-quality work align perfectly with the values upheld by your firm.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached via email or by phone.

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Legal Assistant 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!

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  1. Legal Assistant Cover Letter Example and Template for 2024

    How to write a legal assistant cover letter. Below are six steps you can follow to draft a cover letter for a legal assistant job: 1. Add your contact information. Cover letters typically begin with the sender's basic information. This can help hiring managers reach you if they are interested in scheduling an interview or clarifying the details ...

  2. A Guide to Legal Assistant Cover Letters (With Examples!)

    4 tips for writing a great legal assistant cover letter. Here are a few more helpful tips for writing a legal assistant cover letter that will land you an interview—and hopefully the job. 1. Highlight your unique skills. Try to summarize the top things you want the firm to know about you in your introductory paragraph.

  3. Paralegal Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

    Heading. Use a professional template to enhance the style and presentation of your cover letter. Be sure your heading includes: Your name, title, and contact info. The current date. The addressee's details. 2. Salutation. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms.

  4. Paralegal Cover Letter Example & Expert Tips

    Here's how to properly format your paralegal cover letter: Choose a professional cover letter font that's easy to read. Set your font size at 10.5-12 points. Adjust your cover letter margins to 1"-1.5". If you're applying online, submit your cover letter in PDF or DOCX format.

  5. Paralegal Cover Letter (Example, Template, & Tips)

    47 Annandale Street. Edinburgh. EH1 2AA. 0131 123 4567. [email protected]. 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 ...

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    These are two legal assistant cover letter samples that rule in their own favor. A legal cover letter along won't land you that job. You also need a strong resume. Check out our dedicated guide: Paralegal Resume—Examples and 25+ Writing Tips. Now, let's build up your defense. 2. Write a Legal Assistant Cover Letter That Gets a Unanimous ...

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    A legal assistant—also known as a paralegal—provides services in legal research, document drafting, case management, correspondence, and all manner of administrative support. When applying for a Legal Assistant position, understand that your cover letter is a key opportunity to demonstrate two core competencies: writing and advocacy.

  8. Paralegal Cover Letter Example and Template for 2024

    1. Write your contact information. The first step to creating a cover letter is to write your contact information in the document's header. You can begin by writing your first and last name and listing any relevant certifications or degrees. For example, a paralegal may include a bachelor's degree in legal studies or certification, like a ...

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    For writing tips, view this sample cover letter for a paralegal, or download the paralegal cover letter template in Word. From 2016 through 2026, jobs for paralegals are projected to grow by 15% (or 41,800 jobs), which is much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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    Free Paralegal cover letter example. Dear Mr. Maurer: As a skilled paralegal with more than 15 years of experience drafting legal documents, performing in-depth research, and providing general administrative support, I am pleased to present the enclosed resume. I am confident that you will find my dedication and enthusiastic attitude to be of ...

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    Follow these three tips to write a legal assistant cover letter that's sure to spark interest: 1. Highlight your legal assistant skills. As a legal assistant, you help lawyers with their day-to-day business, from arranging consultations with clients and drafting contracts to researching legal precedents and even preparing for trials.

  12. Paralegal Cover Letter Examples for 2024

    A valediction with a powerful call to action. A complimentary close (e.g., Sincerely) and your name. Optionally, a postscript (P.S.) after your signature block. Keep your entry-level paralegal cover letter to around 200-300 words. If you have some paralegal or legal assistant experience, slightly more is fine.

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    The following paralegal assistant cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.Paralegal Assistant Cover Letter Example Cover Letter Example (Text) Lendia Cubas (140) 214-3479. [email protected]. Dear Ms. Astran, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Paralegal Assistant position at Wilson Sonsini ...

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    Here's how to write a legal assistant cover letter for a job application: 1. Use the proper business legal assistant cover letter format. Use one-inch margins on all sides. Go with single or 1.15 line spacing. Choose an elegant font in 11pt to 12pt size. 2. Create a professional legal assistant cover letter header.

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    Keep it concise: Aim for a cover letter length of 250-400 words. Be succinct in presenting your qualifications and experiences. Use a clean layout: Opt for a professional and clean cover letter format with a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size of 10-12 points.

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    When writing your paralegal cover letter, be specific about your knowledge of legal research and documentation, case management, and administrative support skills that match your potential employer's requirements. While you want to seem grounded, refrain from being too modest about your legal prowess—because that could make your resume too ...

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    Build my cover letter. Sara Pender. 1 Main Street. New Cityland, CA 91010. Cell: (555) 322-7337. E-Mail: [email protected]. Dear Ms. Banning, As a highly skilled Legal Assistant, I read your posting for a new Legal Assistant with interest. My experience aligns well with the qualifications you are seeking at Banning and Fowler, LLP, in ...

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    Why this cover letter works. Linking your career aspirations to the hiring firm's commitment to effective legal solutions promises to intrigue the recruiter. Go ahead to weave in industry-specific skills and wins in your entry-level legal assistant cover letter, painting a picture of a promising candidate for the legal support specialist role.

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    4 Legal Assistant Cover Letter Examples. Legal Assistants are the linchpin of any law firm, adept at managing complex cases, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining confidentiality. Similarly, your cover letter is the linchpin of your job application, skillfully weaving your professional narrative, showcasing your meticulous attention to detail, and ...

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    Copy and paste these Legal Assistant cover letter templates to get a head start on your own. Template 1. Good day Robin. I trust you are well, I am reaching out to you regarding the Legal Assistant position, as advertised on Career Jet. With a Level 3 Legal Secretaries Diploma and 4 years of experience in providing comprehensive case and admin ...

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    Legal assistant cover letter example Below is an example of a legal assistant cover letter written using the template above. Wendy Cooper 07851 25 380 | [email protected] | 5 Smith Lane, Bradford, BR15 Dear hiring manager, I am writing to apply for the role of legal assistant at your firm, which I found posted on Indeed. I am a legal secretary with experience in typing, filing and ...

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    A legal assistant cover letter is a formal document accompanying a resume and should thus be formatted as follows: First, the legal assistant's cover letter should have a professional font style. This can be any conventional style, such as Times New Roman, Arial, and Helvetica. The font size should range between 10.5 and 12 points (11 or 12 ...