How to Address a Cover Letter—20+ Examples & 3 Easy Steps
Here’s how to address a cover letter with no name—or with one. 3 easy steps and great addressing a cover letter samples + expert tips.
Tom Gerencer
Career Expert
You pull the partners’ fat out of the fire and keep the law firm running smoothly. Use these paralegal cover letter samples to sell that to the hiring team and land your dream job.
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?
Yes.
Many law firms don’t read them.
But just as many won’t read paralegal CVs 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 Spectre.
In this article, you’ll get:
Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 21 cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.
What users say about ResumeLab:
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.”
Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work!
Dylan
My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!
George
Looking for other cover letter examples for office and administrative positions? See:
Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Best Cover Letter Examples.
Let’s start with two 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:
Holly Ulberg
Paralegal
267-255-9595
shellyzulberg@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/shellyzulberg
10/22/19
Shelly Toth
Senior Partner
Litman & Takacz
2340 Franklee Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19108
Dear Ms. Toth,
Tully Haberman encouraged me to apply to the paralegal opening at Litman & Takacz. As a certified paralegal who cut contract-drafting time by 35% at Hudson and Wolff, I'm excited by this opportunity. Tully has explained about your long-standing commitment to staff retention through employee empowerment. He also said L&T is one of the best firms he's worked for.
Mr. Haberman also says you need a paralegal versed in IT, with deep skills in legal research and report writing. I think my past achievements set me up to help your firm materially, including:
I'd be glad to discuss your IT, research, and report-writing needs and how I can contribute to continued success.
Best regards,
Holly Ulberg, Paralegal
267-255-9595
hollyzulberg@gmail.com
PS—I'm also happy to share how my ongoing mentorship of 20+ paralegals sets me up as a temporary staffing resource during busy times.
Wow, Holly!
But—what if you’re writing a paralegal cover letter with no experience?
Use the same approach.
“Are you kidding me? You just said it, I have no experience. How can I pull off a cover letter like that?”
Relax. 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:
Lance Ulberg
Paralegal
215-689-4733
lancezulberg@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/lancezulberg
10/22/19
Shelly Toth
Senior Partner
Litman & Takacz
2340 Franklee Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19108
Dear Ms. Toth,
Cutting administrative costs by 20% as an office assistant at Hudson & Wolff was a nice feather in my cap. It's partially because of this that I'm so interested in the position of entry-level paralegal at Litman & Takacz. Another is your firm's standing as one of Pennsylvania's top 20 companies to work for.
Your job ad mentions that you're interested in a cost-focused paralegal who excels at research. You also need someone skilled in scheduling and trademark searches. I think my past accomplishments put me in a unique position to help your firm, including:
Could we grab a few moments to go over Litman & Takacz's needs, and how my past achievements could help you meet your future goals?
Best Regards,
Lance Ulberg, Junior Paralegal
215-689-4733
lancezulberg@gmail.com
Legendary.
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.
Here’s how to write a cover letter for paralegal positions:
You wouldn’t walk into court in a SpongeBob T-shirt.
But—
Using the wrong cover letter format is just as bad.
Here’s how to format a paralegal cover letter template:
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.
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:
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[LinkedIn Profile]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Write the same header on your CV so both documents will match.
Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
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:
Dear [Manager’s Name]:
[Name of Your Contact at the Law Firm] encouraged me to apply to the paralegal opening at [Law Firm Name]. As a certified paralegal who [Your Biggest Paralegal Accomplishment], I'm excited by this opportunity. [Name of Your Contact] has explained about your long-standing commitment to [Something You Like About the Law Firm]. He also said [Law Firm Name] is one of the best firms he's ever worked for.
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:
Expert Hint: According to the US Bureau of Labour 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.
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:
[Name of Your Contact at Law Firm] also says you need a paralegal versed in [3 Skills the Firm Needs]. I think my past achievements set me up to help your firm materially, including:
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.
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:
I'd be glad to discuss [Law Firm Name]’s needs for [3 Skills They Need] and how I can contribute to continued success.
Best Regards,
[Digital Signature]
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
With ResumeLab’s CV builder you’ll write your CV in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.
Nail it all with a splash of colour, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 18 CV templates and get started now.
Follow these steps when writing a cover letter for paralegal jobs:
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!
At ResumeLab, excellence lies at the heart of our values, underpinning our promise to provide outstanding career resources. Our team of career experts meticulously assesses each article in line with our editorial guidelines, guaranteeing our content's high quality and dependability. We consistently engage in original research, illuminating the nuances of the job market and earning acclaim from various influential news outlets. Our commitment to delivering professional career advice draws millions of readers to our blog annually.
Here’s how to address a cover letter with no name—or with one. 3 easy steps and great addressing a cover letter samples + expert tips.
Tom Gerencer
Career Expert
How do you write an email cover letter? Should you format it differently? Should you attach it? See email cover letter examples for different jobs.
Tom Gerencer
Career Expert
A CV is just another sheet of paper without a cover letter to show your human side. Use these 3 generic cover letter samples to write your own non-general cover letter fast.
Tom Gerencer
Career Expert