Legal·Mid level·3 min read

Paralegal cover letter

Write a Paralegal cover letter that highlights Legal research, Document drafting, Case management. Get role-specific tips and examples.

A strong Paralegal cover letter goes beyond listing skills. Hiring managers want to see how you've applied Legal research and Document drafting to deliver results. This guide covers what to include, common mistakes to avoid, and how to stand out.

What to highlight

  • 1Practice areas worked
  • 2Research and writing samples
  • 3Case management experience
  • 4Software proficiency
  • 5Certification status

Key skills to mention

Legal researchDocument draftingCase managementFilingClient communicationE-discovery

Tools & software

WestlawLexisNexisCase management softwareMicrosoft Office

Mistakes to avoid

  • Not specifying practice areas
  • Ignoring software experience
  • Being vague about responsibilities
  • Not mentioning certification

Relevant certifications

  • Paralegal certificate
  • ABA-approved program
  • State certification

Frequently asked questions

Is paralegal certification required?

Not always legally required, but strongly preferred. ABA-approved programs are valued.

Should I specialize in a practice area?

Specialization can help. Litigation, corporate, IP, and family law have different skills.

How do I show writing skills?

The cover letter itself demonstrates writing. Mention specific documents you've drafted.

Example paralegal cover letter

I'm writing to apply for the Paralegal position at [Company]. With 4 years of litigation experience and a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program, I provide the thorough research and meticulous document preparation that attorneys rely on.

At Smith & Associates, I support 5 attorneys across commercial litigation and employment law matters. I've conducted legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis that contributed to successful motions, and I've drafted discovery requests, deposition summaries, and trial exhibits. I manage case files for 30+ active matters using Clio, ensuring deadlines are never missed. My attention to detail recently caught a critical discrepancy that changed case strategy. I'm certified in eDiscovery and handle document review projects efficiently.

I'm drawn to [Company]'s litigation practice and would be excited to bring my paralegal skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Replace [Company] with the actual company name. Customize the details to match your experience.

Get started

Try it free. €5/month after.

Write your paralegal cover letter

Related cover letters