Cover Letter Header

Start your cover letter by clearly stating your intent and the position you're applying for.

  • State the position you are applying for.
  • Mention how you found the job listing.
I am writing to express my interest in the Legal Assistant position listed on your company website.

Cover Letter Greeting

Address the hiring manager directly to make a personal connection.

  • Dear Mr. Smith,
  • Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Dear Hiring Manager,

Cover Letter Introduction

Introduce yourself and mention your relevant experience or interest in the legal field.

  • Briefly introduce your background.
  • Mention your passion for law.
As a recent graduate with a degree in Legal Studies and over two years of experience as a paralegal intern, I am excited to apply for the Legal Assistant role at your esteemed firm.

Cover Letter Body

Highlight your achievements and why you are a great fit for the role.

  • Discuss your relevant skills and experiences.
  • Mention any awards or recognitions.
Achievements:
Successfully managed a caseload of over 50 active cases, improving the efficiency of the legal team by 20%.

Company Fit:
Your firm's commitment to social justice aligns perfectly with my values, as demonstrated by my volunteer work with local legal aid societies.

Skills:
Proficient in legal research, document preparation, and maintaining case files with high attention to detail.

Cover Letter Closing

Conclude your letter with a summary and a call to action.

  • Thank the reader for their time.
  • Express eagerness to discuss your application.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your legal team.

Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

Boost your cover letter with these expert tips.

General Cover Letter Tips

  • Tailor Your Letter

    Customize your cover letter to the specific legal role and firm to stand out.

  • Highlight Relevant Experience

    Focus on your legal background and any experience that directly relates to the position.

Key Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when writing your cover letter.

Common Mistakes

  • Generic Openings

    Starting with a generic opening can make your letter seem impersonal.

  • Spelling Errors

    Errors in spelling or grammar can undermine your professionalism.

Cover Letter FAQs

Get answers to common questions about writing a legal assistant cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long should my cover letter be?

    Your cover letter should be concise, ideally no more than one page.

  • Should I include references in my cover letter?

    It's not necessary to include references in your cover letter; they can be provided upon request.

Legal Assistant Salary Information

The salary for a Legal Assistant can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the firm.

Average Salary: $35,000 - $55,000

Median Salary

$45,000

Top 10%

$60,000

Legal Assistant Skill Requirements

Understanding the typical requirements for Legal Assistant positions can help you tailor your resume and prepare for interviews.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies
  • Associate degree in Paralegal Studies

Experience

  • 1-3 years of experience in a legal setting
  • Previous paralegal or administrative experience preferred

Certifications

  • Paralegal Certificate
  • Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Familiarity with legal research databases such as LexisNexis

Soft Skills

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills