How to write a legal cover letter for law firms in 2025
Create your cover letter nowA 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.
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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
Read more: The Only Proper Cover Letter Format
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.
Read more: How to Address a Cover Letter
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
Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter the Right Way
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.
Read more: The Best Cover Letter Ending Examples
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.
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!
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