As the legal industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for skilled legal administrative assistants—and with it, the need for an outstanding legal administrative assistant cover letter.
If you’re wondering how to write one, this guide is for you. It will walk you through every step of writing a compelling cover letter, complete with detailed tips, authentic samples, examples, and templates designed to showcase your skills.
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Keep reading to learn:
- How to properly craft your cover letter header & headline
- Why to personalize your legal administrative assistant cover letter
- What to say to impress employers in your cover letter introduction
- Which details to include to describe your skills & accomplishments
- How to conclude your legal administrative assistant cover letter persuasively
- Where to find the best resources for job-seeking legal administrative assistants
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
1. How to properly craft your legal administrative assistant cover letter header & headline
Anytime you write a cover letter, the very first step is to create a header and headline.
Well-formatted headers and headlines give a cover letter excellent visual appeal, helping the applicant’s name and contact information to stand out.
The cover letter header comes first and should contain all the key identifying information about the applicant and employer, including:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company or law firm you are applying to
- The address of the company or law firm
Here is an example of a well-formatted legal administrative assistant header
Jack Peters, Legal Administrative Assistant
(123) 456-7890 | jackpeters@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jack-peters
To: Buncombe County Courthouse
Administrative Department
1234 Street Address
Asheville, NC 28801
Next up is your cover letter headline, which uses key details to hook an employer’s attention and compel them to read further. These details include:
- A relevant keyword
- An attention-grabbing number and/or trigger word
- A captivating adjective and/or verb
- A promise to the employer that this letter is exclusively written to them
Here is an example of a well-written headline from a legal administrative assistant cover letter
My 3 Best Skills as a Legal Administrative Assistant & How They Can Support Your Legal Team
Trigger Word/Number: 3 Skills
Keyword: Legal Administrative Assistant
Adjective/Verb: Best, Support
Promise: Your Legal Team
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2. How to personalize your legal administrative assistant cover letter
When writing a cover letter, you have two main writing style options to choose from: a personalized cover letter or a generalized cover letter.
We recommend always opting for a personalized letter, as it gives you the greatest opportunity to include specific information that is highly relevant and valuable to the employer. To create a personalized cover letter, you must research the company and search for essential details, such as:
- The company’s specialized area of legal expertise
- The needs of the company’s staff currently
- Who at the company is in charge of reviewing applications
Using this last bit of information, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this specific staff member by name, immediately indicating that your letter is tailored.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Head Judge Mary Smith,
- Dear Administrative Manager Jane Doe,
- Dear Mrs. Jane Doe,
3. How to impress employers with your legal administrative assistant cover letter introduction
With your header, headline, and greeting in place, you can now write the first paragraph of your cover letter — the introduction.
To create an introduction that impresses employers, make sure to include:
- A brief overview of your professional history (years of experience, specializations, etc.)
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible) — if you do not have a mutual acquaintance, an online platform like LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for building your professional network and connecting with relevant professionals in your field.
Here is an example of an excellent legal administrative assistant introduction
Dear Administrative Manager Jane Doe,
I am a legal administrative assistant with more than 6 years of experience working in state-level courthouses, for both civil and criminal cases alike. Your law firm stands out to me for its overall commitment to courtroom integrity, and I believe joining your team is the best next step in my career. Mr. John Smith, an attorney at your firm, recently met with me to discuss this position and highly recommended that I apply upon reviewing my resume.
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4. What are the best skills & accomplishments to include in your legal administrative assistant cover letter
A cover letter presents you with an excellent opportunity to dive into greater detail regarding your relevant skills and accomplishments.
When describing these qualifications, it is important to consider both the specificity and context you are providing to an employer. Ideally, each skill or accomplishment you include should be highly contextualized to give the employer the greatest possible impression of your abilities.
Additionally, whenever possible, including quantifiable details — such as performance review data or statistics — can help you to showcase the real-life value you have achieved.
Here are 6 examples of legal administrative skills to describe in a cover letter
- Coordinating correspondence between legal counsel
- Transcribing court proceedings
- Drafting legal documents
- Conducting legal research
- Developing schedules for appointments and meetings
- Arranging deliveries of legal paperwork
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a legal administrative assistant cover letter
As a legal administrative assistant at [Former Employer], one of my key responsibilities was assisting with legal research and providing notes for the team of attorneys. To meet this goal, I created more than 100 research presentations which helped to reduce overall case preparation time by more than 30% on average.
5. How to conclude your legal administrative assistant cover letter persuasively
The final step for writing your legal administrative assistant cover letter is to write a strong conclusion that convinces the employer to contact you.
This conclusion should include:
- When and how you can be best contacted
- When you intend to follow up
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a persuasive closing statement from a legal administrative assistant’s cover letter
As the newest addition to your legal administrative team, I will ensure your firm’s attorneys and counselors receive the vital support needed to win each case. I am greatly looking forward to hearing from you and can best be contacted any day of the week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (123) 456-7890. If I have not heard back by next Tuesday afternoon, I plan to follow up via email at that time.
Best Wishes,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Top resources for job-seeking legal administrative assistants
Are you interested in becoming a legal administrative assistant, but don’t know where to start? Knowing where to look and using the right resources can make a huge difference in your job search.
Here are top resources to help you find and secure the best opportunities in the legal field:
- Industry-specific job boards: Websites like LawJobs, LawCrossing, and Justia Legal Jobs specialize in legal profession listings, including positions for legal administrative assistants, paralegals, and other support roles.
- General job search platforms: There are various job search platforms that will let you filter out job listings specifically for legal professions like Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster.
- Professional associations: Joining organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) gives you access to job boards, networking opportunities, and professional development resources specifically for legal support professionals.
- Certification programs: Earning certifications like the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) credential from NALA can boost your resume and set you apart from other candidates.
- Networking: Engaging with LinkedIn groups such as “Legal Administrative Assistants” or “Legal Professionals Group” allows you to connect with industry peers, get job referrals, and stay updated on trends in legal administration.
- Continuous education: Many online platforms, like Coursera and edX, offer courses in legal administration, project management, and legal technology skills, allowing you to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field.
These resources can make your job hunt more effective, help you learn new valuable skills, and connect you with opportunities in legal administration.
Legal Administrative Assistant Cover Letter FAQ
How can I make my cover letter stand out from the competition?
You could, for example, mention specific experiences, qualities, or accomplishments that set you apart, especially if they align well with the firm’s values or goals. This means that if they specialize in corporate law, emphasize any relevant experience you have in that field.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a legal administrative assistant cover letter?
Some of the most glaring mistakes include making the letter overly long or failing to proofread carefully. Additionally, avoid focusing too much on what the job offers you. Instead, use the space to explain what you can do for them. Remember, the goal is to show the recruiter that you have what it takes to contribute to their success.
How can I effectively use keywords in my cover letter to improve my chances?
Using relevant keywords can help your cover letter pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and appeal to hiring managers. Keywords typically include specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description, such as “document management,” “client communication,” or “scheduling and calendar management.” Try to weave these keywords naturally into your sentences rather than listing them outright. Also make sure to back them up with specific examples that demonstrate your proficiency in each area.
What is the ideal length for a legal administrative assistant cover letter, and what should it include?
An ideal cover letter is one page or less, consisting of approximately 3-4 body paragraphs and an introductory and closing paragraphs. Start with a brief introduction that mentions the position you’re applying for and explains your interest. Next, highlight your key skills and relevant experience, using specific examples to demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the role. Conclude by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the team and adding a polite call to action. A line like, 'I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to your firm’s success,' should do the trick.
What is the best way to showcase my skills in a legal administrative assistant cover letter?
By far the most impactful way to showcase your skills is by tailoring them directly to the job description outlined in the job posting. Start by pinpointing the key skills highlighted in the posting, like organization, attention to detail, or experience with legal software. Then, use specific examples to illustrate these skills in action. For instance, you might say, “In my previous role, I streamlined case file management processes, leading to a 30% improvement in retrieval efficiency.” Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and help distinguish yourself from other candidates.
