A paralegal or paralegal works with attorneys and their clients to provide additional administrative services. They may interview customers, complete certain documents, or conduct legal research. Some law firms hire paralegals without degrees. Others expect employees to have professional certifications or an associate’s degree. So always read the job description carefully.
But if you’ve already found a good match, your next step is to do it prepare a persuasive cover letter. To help you out, we’ve included a sample paralegal cover letter. We’ve also given you some writing tips.
Paralegal Cover Letter Example (Word Version)
Paralegal Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)
Dear Marvin Little, Esq.:
My name is Lydia Kruse, and I am writing this letter in response to an advertisement for a Junior Associate position at Little, Jones, and Bradford Attorneys at Law. I found out about this position through Legal Jobs Today. After reviewing the established criteria for this job as well as the required responsibilities, I am confident that I will excel as your firm’s newest paralegal.
In 2021, I graduated from City College’s paralegal program. I have an associate degree in applied science and a certificate in jurisprudence. During my time in the program, I maintained a 4.0 GPA, was an active member of the Bar Association, and decided to take another year of study to complete courses in indigent legal advocacy.
In addition to my studies, I completed a four-month internship at the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Pennsylvania. I am very fortunate to work with this great organization. While I was there, I was able to apply what I learned at City College:
- Conducting legal research
- Helping clients connect to free legal services
- Argument writing
- Filing petitions and other court documents
- Briefing of lawyers
In addition to gaining hands-on experience, I also developed a true passion for helping underrepresented people navigate the legal system. That is why I am so interested in working with your firm. I am familiar with your work with refugees and the Innocence Project. I really admire this and would like to join your efforts.
At the same time, I know that your firm needs a capable paralegal to handle a wide range of practical legal issues. In addition to my capabilities as a paralegal, I have excellent communication skills, the ability to multi-task and I am highly organized. I also have experience with LegalSoft400.
I have attached my resume for your review. If you are available in the next two weeks, I would like to schedule an interview at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you and will reply early next week.
Sincerely,
Lydia Cruz
Tips for writing a cover letter for a paralegal
The above was a starter. Now it’s time for the main course. To help you write an equally convincing cover letter for the position of legal assistant, we have selected some additional tips.
Test your legal skills
Of course, nothing is more important than your legal skills. This will be the main concern of any decision maker. Your resume will give a broad overview of them, but bring some of the main ones into your cover letter as well.
To make things easier, highlight the skills listed in the job listing. Think of these as keywords that you need to be sure you’ve identified after any initial screening process.
Demonstrate a passion for customer service
No matter what area of ​​law you practice, law firms succeed for one reason. They serve their customers well and get good results. Explain in detail why you care about these potential customers and what you will do to meet their needs.
Focus on highlighting yours soft skills such as emotional intelligence, strong active listening skills or negotiation skills. Illustrate them with a short example like this:
“In my last position, I often worked with vulnerable parents who were accused of neglect or abandonment by their children. By being empathetic, understanding, and patient, I was able to gather rich case materials for attorneys — and put clients in a better moral frame before court hearings.”
Balance idealism with practicality
Are you passionate about law, civil rights and justice? You are not alone! Perhaps you even have a genuine interest in intellectual property law. If so, you should mention it in your cover letter. However, you also need to balance this with a practical understanding of the job and the right competencies.
All your experiences matter
Don’t let your lack of experience put you off. Chances are, you’ve done something to gain valuable skills. Have you ever interned or volunteered at a legal organization? Include these things in your cover letter.
The same goes for work experience outside the legal field. If you’ve learned computer skills, customer service, and attention to detail, you can expect them to benefit you in your career as a paralegal.
One last piece of advice: get started
Your last paragraph should not be passive or passive. Double the interest instead. Request an interview. Then make it clear that you will next steps. This shows that you are serious about the position and not just sending out your resume to test the waters.
