Paralegal Cover Letter Examples (+Entry-Level Samples)

I’m about to show you how to write a paralegal cover letter that will end your job search. But do you really need a cover letter? Many law firms don’t even read them.

But just as many won’t read paralegal resumes without them. But here’s the good news—Most applicants phone in their cover letters. Write yours well, and you’ll stand out like Harvey Specter.

In this article, you’ll get:

• Two sample paralegal cover letters: for experienced and entry-level paralegals.
• Steps for how to write a cover letter for paralegal jobs that makes your case.
• A template for paralegal covering letters you can copy and tweak in less than 15 minutes.

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Looking for other cover letter examples for office and administrative positions? See:

• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Legal Assistant Cover Letter
• Legal Cover Letter
• Office Assistant Cover Letter
• Office Manager Cover Letter
• Receptionist Cover Letter
• No Experience Cover Letter

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Best Cover Letter Examples.

Your job search won’t work without a solid resume that proves your skills. See: 

• Paralegal Resume
• Attorney Resume
• Legal Assistant Resume

Let’s start with two paralegal cover letter examples:

1. Paralegal Cover Letter Examples

Meet Holly. She’s an experienced paralegal. She’s got battle scars from coddling the superegos in the crisp, dark suits. The job Holly’s after calls for candidates experienced in legal IT programs, case research, and report writing. Holly has expert skills in all three.

But the partners at her next job don’t know that yet. In a way, she’s on trial. See how Holly writes the best paralegal cover letter in the stack, highlighting her relevant skill set:

Example #1: Experienced Paralegal Cover Letter

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Example #1: Experienced Paralegal Cover Letter—Text Sample

But—what if you’re writing a paralegal cover letter with no experience? Use the same approach.

Meet an entry-level candidate who’ll show you exactly. Here’s Lance, Holly’s younger cousin. He wants a paralegal job while he prepares for law school. He hasn’t been a paralegal yet, but he’s had other jobs that built his skills.

Look at his sample entry-level paralegal cover letter:

Example #2: Paralegal Internship Cover Letter

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Example #2: Paralegal Internship Cover Letter—Text Sample

Now you’ve seen two paralegal cover letter samples that could get you hired at Mintz or Littler. Let’s make yours next. We’ll make it easy with examples you can copy, paste, and change to make your own.

2. How to Write a Cover Letter for Paralegal Jobs Step by Step (Template)

Here’s how to write a cover letter for paralegal positions:

1. Use the Best Paralegal Cover Letter Format

You wouldn’t walk into court in a SpongeBob T-shirt. Using the wrong cover letter format is just as bad. Here’s how to format a paralegal cover letter template:

• Left-align your cover letter parts.
• Use single line-spacing and one-inch margins for the top, bottom, and sides.
• Pick a professional cover letter font that matches your paralegal resume.
• Keep your cover letter for paralegal jobs short—less than a full page.

Expert Hint: One study from the Research Academy of Social Sciences shows superiors rate paralegals higher when they’ve had got on-the-job training. If you’re new, an internship or legal volunteer work in your paralegal cover letter can make you more attractive.

2. Add the Right Contact Information to Your Cover Letter Heading

Do law firms need your street address? Will they hire you if you live too far away?

Your paralegal cover letter is a business letter, and you should format it that way. Begin with your contact info and the date. Then add the addressee’s information. 

Follow this cover letter heading template:

Paralegal Cover Letter Example Template

Write the same header on your resume so both documents will match.

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3. Introduce Yourself, Then Cite the Position You Want

You wouldn’t start a brief without the case name and facts. Your paralegal cover letter is the same. Address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager, say who you are and state the job title you’re targeting.

Here’s an example:

Paralegal Cover Letter Sample: Intro Statement

Don’t have a name to drop like that paralegal cover letter example? Don’t worry. You can start with any eye-catching fact, like:

• Your biggest paralegal achievement
• An impressive accomplishment from college
• A fact you love about the law firm
• Why you want to be a paralegal.

Expert Hint: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal jobs are growing 12% per decade. That’s much faster than the average. But those jobs pay $24,000 to $68,000. Your cover letter for paralegal positions has to prove you’re worthy of the higher-end, or you won’t get it.

4. Tease a Few Relevant Paralegal Achievements & Skills

Being a paralegal is like treasure hunting. You get paid to research fun things, then write about them. Your paralegal cover letter is the same way. It’s like a treasure room that shows off your best moments.

In the second paragraph return to the job description to brush up on the job requirements. Then list your top few achievements that fit them like an ironclad contract.

Here's how:

Example Cover Letter for Paralegal: Middle Paragraph

Expert Hint: Legal research, document preparation, and trial prep are three key skills paralegals need. But don’t just talk about those in your paralegal cover letter. Find out what the firm wants most. If it isn’t in the job ad, reach out on LinkedIn to chat with people working there.

5. Ask for the Interview

Let’s close this case. Before you apply—End your cover letter by asking for the interview.

Here’s a sample paralegal cover letter closing:

Sample Cover Letter for Paralegal Jobs: Call to Action & Closing

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Key Points

Follow these steps when writing a cover letter for paralegal jobs:

• Format paralegal cover letters like business letters.
• Address the hiring manager by name.
• Cite the paralegal position you’re writing about. Then segue to your skills.
• Use the middle paragraph to make your case. List achievements to show you fit the paralegal job description.
• End by asking for the interview.

Do you have questions about writing cover letters? Need more cover letter samples for paralegal jobs? Let’s chat in the comments section. And thanks for reading!

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