How to write a legal cover letter for law firms in 2025

Create your cover letter now

Jacques Buffett, CPRW

Career Expert

Updated 19 May 2025

Reviewed by:

Roma Kończak, CPRW

Article Helpfulness:

Create a cover letter now

A well-written legal cover letter isn’t just a formality. It’s your first argument in favour of your own candidacy. Whether you’re applying to a prestigious law firm or a small legal practice, the way you present yourself on paper can tip the scales in your favour.

From layout to tone, every detail matters. Use this guide to ensure your cover letter makes a confident, compelling case — one that even the toughest hiring manager will find hard to object to.

This guide will show you a legal cover letter sample, plus tips for how to write your own great cover letter for legal jobs.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your CV. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

Use this cover letter template

Sample Cover Letter for a CV—See more cover letter templates and create your cover letter here.

Looking for a cover letter for other careers? Read more:

Here’s the sample:

Sample Cover Letter for Legal Jobs

Helena Sinclair

Paralegal

36 Effra Road

London

SW19 8NT

0777 777 7777

h.sinclair_zety@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/h.sinclair_zety

24th November 2020

Simon Jefferson

HR Director

Allerton Jones & Partners

14 Cross Way

London

SW1A 7HQ

Dear Mr Jefferson,

With great enthusiasm, I am writing about your vacancy for a paralegal, as advertised on your website. Using my legal research and investigation skills in a fast-paced corporate law firm like Allerton Jones would be an exciting and challenging career opportunity, where I could excel and grow.

I believe my four years as a paralegal at Farrely Solicitors has given me the exact legal skills you require. In the job description, you mention the key skills of research, client counselling, and report preparation. In my previous job I conducted research daily, generating over 400 reports for corporate clients with a 99.9% accuracy rate. I also assisted partners in advising 3–5 clients per week concerning their legal needs.

The main reason this is an ideal position for me is your commitment to employee growth. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of laws part-time and I’d be thrilled to make Allerton-Jones a lifelong partner as I develop my legal career.

I’d be delighted to speak to you in person or on the phone about how my skills can assist with Allerton-Jones’ quest for continued excellence in the corporate law field.

Yours sincerely,

Helena Sinclair

Paralegal

That legal cover letter could get you hired at the finest law firms in the land. Now it’s time to write your version.

Legal Cover Letter Template

1. Use the right legal cover letter format

A legal cover letter must reflect the clarity and structure that the profession demands. Presenting your message in a polished, readable format immediately signals your respect for rules, precision, and good judgement. It’s the kind of first impression that sets a professional tone from the outset.

Choose a professional font such as Cambria or Arial
Set the font size to 11pt or 12pt
Use line spacing between 1 and 1.15
Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides

2. Start your legal cover letter with a professional header

The header is more than just contact details—it’s a quick test of how well you follow convention and pay attention to detail. In legal practice, those traits are crucial. Personalising the header where possible also demonstrates effort and initiative, both valued by legal employers.

List your full name at the top left
Add your address beneath your name
Include your email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile
Insert the date of writing
Add the employer’s full contact information
Try searching LinkedIn, the company website, or call reception to find the hiring manager’s name

Can’t figure out the name of the hiring manager? Try LinkedIn, the company website, or try calling the receptionist and asking.

3. Start your legal cover letter with a hook

Legal recruiters read dozens of applications, so your introduction must stand out. Skip generic openings and lead with energy, purpose, and a hint of what you bring to the table. If you can connect your motivation with the firm's work or reputation, even better.

Begin with ‘Dear’ followed by ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’ and the manager’s last name
State the job title you are applying for
Explain why you are enthusiastic about this specific opportunity

4. Give proof you’re the right legal job candidate

Law is a results-driven field. This section is where you prove your worth by referencing meaningful, relevant work. Use achievements that demonstrate your legal acumen, whether in research, negotiation, or client service.

Mention your biggest legal accomplishments.
Pick achievements that prove the legal skills they want.
How do you know what skills they want? Check the job offer.
Give scale to your legal ‘wins’ by adding numbers like ‘400’ or ‘99.9%’.

What’s the right legal cover letter length? The Perfect Cover Letter Length

5. Make an offer

The close of your letter is a subtle negotiation, where you express interest without assuming too much. By being slightly bold, you show confidence in your suitability and a proactive attitude that’s valued in legal work.

Ask to meet them in person or on the phone.
Offer to explain how your legal skills can help them meet their goals.

6. End your legal cover letter with a professional signature

Legal communication is always formal, and your sign-off should follow suit. It’s also a final chance to reinforce a professional tone. Whether printed or digital, a complete and courteous sign-off reflects the kind of attention to protocol expected in the legal field.

Sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ if you know the recipient’s name, or ‘Yours faithfully’ if you don’t
Include your full name and professional title
Add a digital signature if sending by email
Pair your legal cover letter with a strong CV to strengthen your application

When making a CV in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your CV here.

Create my CV now

When you’re done, Zety’s CV builder will score your CV and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Thanks for reading! Now it’s your turn. How is writing a legal cover letter going for you? What burns you up most about applying to legal jobs online? We’d love to hear from you!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

Our editorial team has thoroughly reviewed this article to ensure it follows Zety’s editorial guidelines. Our dedication lies in sharing our expertise and providing you with actionable career advice that offers you real value. Every year, the quality of our content attracts 40 million readers to our site. But that’s not all – we conduct original research to gain a detailed understanding of the labour market. We take pride in being cited by top universities and leading media outlets in the UK and worldwide.

Rate my article: legal cover letter example

Article Helpfulness: 5 (5 votes)