Paralegal Cover Letter Example and Template

Paralegals have responsibilities like drafting documents for attorneys and conducting legal research to use in criminal and civil cases. If you enjoy researching legal topics and have strong organizational skills, the job description of a paralegal may interest you. The cover letter that you compose for a paralegal position accompanies your resume, which outlines your experience and qualifications. You can look at resume templates and examples for ideas on how to create your own. In this article, we discuss how to create a paralegal cover letter so that you can tell a hiring manager why you're a good candidate for an available position. After you write your letter, you can upload a resume file or build an Indeed Resume to start applying for jobs. Wendy Coleman, Professional Legal Secretary
773-555-0100 | wendycoleman@email.com | Bremerton, WA 98337 April 5, 2023 Neveu & Ross Medical Malpractice Attorneys Dear hiring manager, I am very excited to apply for the position of Paralegal at Neveu & Ross Medical Malpractice Attorneys. I respect all of the firm's work in the past helping clients obtain compensation for carelessness in healthcare settings, and I hope to help the practicing attorneys continue the work they've done so far. I believe that my unique background in biomedical sciences can make me a strong asset to this firm. I originally obtained my bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from Grand State University. I realized that I preferred performing research and participating in the legal industry, so I returned to earn a second bachelor's degree in legal studies. After graduation, I worked as a legal secretary for Martin and McLamb Attorneys. In this position, I was responsible for drafting legal documents, conducting client interviews and summarizing testimonies. I conducted research for a few medical malpractice cases that came through and applied my knowledge of medical terminology and procedures to produce more comprehensive results. Now, I hope to pursue employment at a firm that specializes in medical malpractice cases like Neveu & Ross Medical Malpractice Attorneys. My background in biomedical sciences, my work experience as a legal secretary and my certification as a Professional Legal Secretary can all contribute to my success in this role. I appreciate the time you've taken to review my cover letter and application materials. I look forward to speaking with you soon, and you may contact me via email or phone number any time. Sincerely,
Wendy Coleman To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

How to write a paralegal cover letter

These are some steps to follow when you write a cover letter to apply for a paralegal position:

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 Professional Legal Secretary certification. In your header, it's best to only mention degrees and certificates that are directly relevant to the position of a paralegal. Below your name and certification or degree, you can list your contact information. Include your email address and phone number. You can also list your city and state of residence and your ZIP code. Providing this information lets a hiring manager know what to expect if you make it to the interview round of the hiring process. Related: 6 Paralegal Certifications To Consider (With FAQs)

2. Create an introductory paragraph

Lead into your cover letter's introductory paragraph with a phrase like "Dear hiring manager." Provide the reason that you're writing the letter and express your interest in the available position. Explain why you're applying and what you like about the law firm. For example, you may state that you admire the attorneys' commitment to helping clients who are pursuing medical malpractice lawsuits. If you have a background in medical sciences or a relevant field, you can mention this information to help distinguish you from other candidates. Related: How To Become a Paralegal in 6 Steps (With FAQs)

3. List certifications you have

After you write your introduction, you can begin the next paragraph of your cover letter to explain your qualifications. You can mention any certifications that you weren't able to include in your header. These can highlight soft and hard skills that you can apply to your position as a paralegal. For example, you may list a certification like the General Transcription Certification. This credential proves to a hiring manager that you can transcribe legal meetings and proceedings efficiently and accurately. Depending on the position you're applying for, you may also list any certifications that show expertise in other subjects. For example, a certification that shows financial literacy can inform a hiring manager that you can offer expertise to a firm that specializes in finance and contract cases. Related: 12 Transcription Skills and How You Can Develop Them

4. Elaborate on your work experience

After you describe any certifications you have and what skills you have because of them, you can list your work experience. If you're applying for a paralegal position, you may list other paralegal jobs you've had in the past. You may also list related jobs like a transcriptionist, an assistant or a secretary. For each job, you can explain the primary duties you had and what you contributed to the workplace. Related: Everything You Need To Know About Working As a Paralegal

5. Conclude your letter

The final step in writing your cover letter is to create a concluding paragraph. Start this paragraph by restating your interest and excitement for the open position. You may also summarize a few essential skills that you have to convince a hiring manager of your suitability for the position. For example, you may explain that you have strong organizational, investigative and research skills. Thank the hiring manager for the time they took to read your letter and encourage them to contact you to discuss the position in more detail. Related: Paralegal Skills: Definition, Examples and How To Improve