Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Cover letter examples for legal secretary
Explore additional legal secretary cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Legal Secretary
- Emphasise relevant experience in document management and efficiency improvements, as highlighted by the project lead role in document revamp that increased workflow efficiency.
- Showcase communication and client correspondence proficiency, underscored by enhanced client communication protocols, which led to improved satisfaction ratings.
- Highlight administrative and organisational skills through documented success in filing system management and the delivery of training manuals, enhancing data accessibility and onboarding processes.
- Illustrate a keen interest in and foundational knowledge of property law, aligning personal passions with professional aspirations to become a legal secretary.
Senior Legal Secretary
- Highlight specific achievements related to the role, such as the implementation of new systems that significantly improved efficiency, indicating a proven track record in enhancing organisational processes.
- Emphasise skills that are crucial for the role, such as proficiency in MS Office Suite and organisational abilities, showcasing direct relevance to the secretarial position.
- Include relevant certifications and courses, like 'Advanced Microsoft Office for Professionals', to demonstrate specialised capabilities and continuous professional development.
- Incorporate experiences that demonstrate effective client and team coordination, enhancing communication and reinforcing suitability for a dynamic legal environment.
By Role
Legal Secretary for Corporate Law
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The letter effectively showcases Jacob Roberts' substantial experience within the legal field, highlighting roles at renowned firms like DLA Piper, Pinsent Masons, and Addleshaw Goddard, which can be attractive to potential employers valuing industry experience.
- Emphasize Key Skills: Proficiencies in MS Office, diary management, and legal document amendments are crucial skills for a legal secretary and are clearly articulated, reinforcing his aptitude for the role.
- Specific Achievements: Mentioning quantified improvements, such as improving team efficiency by 20%, helps convey his ability to contribute tangible benefits to a legal team.
- Education and Certifications: Including advanced education in law, alongside specific certifications like GDPR compliance, underscores his commitment to professional development and legal expertise.
Legal Secretary for Family Law
- Highlighting relevant experience in family law and client care, demonstrating a solid foundation in the core areas of the role.
- Emphasising proficiency in IT systems and legal aid processes, which are critical skills for enhancing efficiency in a legal secretary role.
- Mentioning notable achievements, such as improving document turnaround and receiving the Employee of the Month award, to showcase accomplishments and dedication.
- Including specific certifications and courses related to legal secretarial work and family law practice to underline professional development pertinent to the sector.
Legal Secretary for Criminal Law
- Highlighting expertise in specific legal softwares such as Leap and Speechlive demonstrates the candidate’s technical proficiency, which can be crucial for improving operational efficiency in a legal secretary role.
- Emphasising achievements such as a 30% increase in case processing efficiency and a notable improvement in client satisfaction scores showcases the candidate’s ability to make meaningful contributions to the firm's success.
- Mentioning certifications like the Advanced Criminal Law Certification can signal the candidate’s dedication to continuing professional development, ensuring they are well-versed in current practices and trends.
- Demonstrating leadership through mentorship programs and team training highlights valuable interpersonal skills, important for fostering a collaborative work environment and supporting team growth.
Legal Secretary for Intellectual Property Law
- Emphasise certifications such as the "Professional Ethics in Law" from the Institute of Legal Executives and courses like "Advanced Contract Law" to demonstrate a strong foundation in both ethical and practical legal skills.
- Highlight experience in leading workshops and digitalisation initiatives, such as spearheading a 30% reduction in contract processing time, showcasing abilities in leadership and modernising legal processes.
- Showcase achievements in legal compliance and contract negotiation, such as improving contract review efficiency by 25% and ensuring GDPR compliance, which are crucial for a paralegal focused on legal compliance and risk management.
- Mention language proficiency, including fluency in English and intermediate Spanish skills, as a valuable asset for working in diverse legal environments and contexts.
Legal Secretary for Employment Law
- Highlighting the candidate's legal background and specific experience in immigration and employment law effectively positions them as knowledgeable and specialised for the role.
- Mentioning key achievements, such as streamlining client onboarding and the visa tracking system, demonstrates the candidate’s ability to improve efficiency and compliance, which is crucial in legal operations.
- Emphasising proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, along with advanced training, confirms the candidate's capability in managing administrative tasks and using technology to enhance productivity.
- Providing specific examples of enhancing client engagement and communication skills underlines the candidate’s ability to maintain and improve client relations, essential for a Legal PA role.
Legal Secretary for Real Estate Law
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise the extensive experience in legal administrative roles to demonstrate a strong background in the specialised legal services environment.
- Quantify Achievements: Use specific metrics and percentages to illustrate achievements, such as improving team efficiency by 20% and reducing processing time by 30%, showcasing the ability to drive tangible improvements.
- Showcase Education and Training: Incorporate advanced legal office skills courses and an MBA, demonstrating both a formal education background and specialised training relevant to the legal sector.
- Highlight Client-Centric Skills: Focus on achievements related to client satisfaction and communication, such as a 98% satisfaction rate, which are critical for roles that involve significant client interaction.
Legal Secretary for Immigration Law
- Emphasising track record of client satisfaction improvement by 30% showcases the candidate's ability to enhance service quality, which is crucial for an immigration paralegal role.
- Highlighting proficiency in iManage and document management provides evidence of the candidate's efficiency in handling and organising case-related documentation, essential for managing immigration cases effectively.
- Mentioning the organisational skills used to compile essential documentation for over 100 hearings demonstrates the ability to handle multiple cases efficiently, reducing preparation time by 50%, which is critical in high-stakes immigration cases.
- Underlining the Master's degree in Immigration Law from the University of Sussex emphasises specialised knowledge in the field, strengthening the applicant's qualifications for a role focused on immigration law.
Legal Secretary for Personal Injury Law
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting experience in legal environments, particularly in Personal Injury law, showcases suitability for a Legal Secretary role.
- Skill Enhancement through Education: Mentioning advanced legal studies and certifications, like the Master of Law and Legal Management Certification, underlines the applicant's commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Achievements in Efficiency Improvements: Noting the Legal Excellence Award and Productivity Improvement Award illustrates a proven track record of enhancing document efficiency and workplace productivity.
- Strong Administrative Competencies: Emphasising organisational and diary management skills demonstrates the applicant's ability to manage demanding administrative duties effectively.
Legal Secretary for Bankruptcy Law
- Relevant Experience: Ethan highlights over 5 years' experience in residential property law, which directly aligns with the role's requirements.
- Skills Highlighting: Emphasises proficiency in client onboarding and post-completion work, showcasing a direct match to common duties of a Legal Assistant role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Utilises specific metrics (e.g., 20% client satisfaction increase) to illustrate the impact of work, making achievements more compelling to the employer.
- Education and Courses: Mentions advanced education and certifications, such as a Master's in Commercial Law and professional conveyancing certification, demonstrating dedication and expertise in the field.
Legal Secretary for Environmental Law
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting over 3 years of secretarial experience in legal settings outlines your suitability for a Legal Secretary Trainee role, showing familiarity with the demands and environments you'll encounter.
- Advanced Education: Mentioning both a Bachelor and Master of Laws degree helps underscore your deep understanding of legal principles, adding credibility to your application.
- Skill Specificity: Emphasising skills like legal document preparation, client communication, and document management indicates your competence in core responsibilities of a legal admin or secretary role.
- Certification and Course Work: Citing completion of a Legal Secretarial Course and Advanced Microsoft Office Specialist certification shows your commitment to developing specialised skills relevant to legal administration.
Legal Secretary for Tax Law
- Specific Skill Emphasis: The cover letter extensively highlights skills specific to real estate administration such as conveyancing processes, digital dictation, and case management systems, aligning perfectly with the job role requirements.
- Tangible Achievements: The mention of facilitating transactions worth £30M and improving operational efficiency by 25% provides concrete examples of the candidate's impact and value, which adds weight to their application.
- Education and Training Relevance: Incorporates advanced training and relevant degrees (MSc in Real Estate Management), underlining the candidate’s specialised knowledge in real estate operations.
- Client Satisfaction and Retention: Demonstrates a direct contribution to client satisfaction and retention rates, showing not only technical capability but also an understanding of customer-focused service delivery.
Legal Secretary for Human Rights Law
- Highlighted expertise in employment law by showcasing relevant experience and a focused summary, which aligns well with the desired role in a legal setting.
- Emphasised measurable achievements such as a 30% increase in client satisfaction scores and improved compliance accuracy, demonstrating her impact and added value to employers.
- Referenced advanced education credentials (LLM and LLB) and specific courses, which lend credibility and support her expertise and specialisation in the legal field.
- Included details about relevant skills and software proficiencies, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Legal Software, essential for efficiency in a Senior Legal Secretary role.
Legal Secretary for Health Law
- Emphasise career achievements, such as leading data security enhancements which resulted in a 40% reduction in data breaches, showcasing the ability to improve organisational standards.
- Highlight leadership and mentorship experiences, particularly the development and management of training programmes for over 50 staff members, as this demonstrates capability in fostering team growth and maintaining a positive work environment.
- Show proficiency in health and safety management with a mention of relevant certifications like the Certified Health and Safety Manager, underscoring commitment to maintaining high standards in healthcare settings.
- Focus on measurable improvements, such as boosting patient satisfaction scores by 25%, emphasising the ability to develop strategies that enhance patient engagement and care quality.
Legal Secretary for Administrative Law
- Highlighting specialised skills such as calendar management and document proofreading that are crucial for a legal secretary and administrative professional role.
- Demonstrating specific achievements, such as reducing administrative processing time by 30% and achieving zero e-file rejections, to showcase efficiency and reliability.
- Mentioning advanced qualifications, like the Master of Laws (LLM) in Legal Practice, to emphasise advanced legal knowledge and competency.
- Showcasing experience in significant firms, such as Baker McKenzie and Clifford Chance, to highlight a strong background in prestigious legal environments.
Legal Secretary for European Union Law
- Emphasising relevant roles and experience, such as the positions of Legal Administrator and Junior Paralegal, showcases an established background in legal documentation and case management.
- Highlighting specialised skills like advanced office software proficiency and experience with iManage Work strengthens the applicant's capability to manage and organise legal documents digitally.
- Mentioning professional achievements such as the 'Efficiency Improvement Award' and 'Client Communication Excellence' demonstrates a track record of enhancing workplace efficiency and client satisfaction, aligning with the role's core objectives.
- Citing the 'Legal Secretarial Skills Certificate' underlines a commitment to professional development and mastery in advanced secretarial skills, directly related to the responsibilities of a Legal Secretary.
Legal Secretary for Constitutional Law
- Specific Experience and Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights specific experiences and achievements in civil litigation, such as a 90% success rate in court proceedings and securing a landmark case, which demonstrates expertise and a track record of success in the field.
- Leadership and Team Management: Emphasis on leading teams of junior attorneys and paralegals is crucial, as it shows strong leadership skills and the ability to enhance team efficiency, a valuable asset for senior roles.
- Technological Innovation: Mentioning the development of litigation management software showcases innovation and the ability to improve processes through technology, making the candidate attractive for firms focusing on innovation.
- Community and Professional Engagement: Highlighting involvement in community outreach and professional development initiatives underscores the candidate's commitment to both social engagement and continuous professional growth, enhancing their appeal as a well-rounded professional.
Legal Secretary for International Law
- Highlighting Certifications: Mentioning the "Corporate Governance and Compliance Certification" from The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland showcases specialised expertise in the role's focus area.
- Showcasing Relevant Experience: Details such as improving time efficiency of board meetings and implementing an e-governance system demonstrate the candidate's direct impact on improving corporate governance processes.
- Emphasising Skills Relevant to Role: Skills like "Regulatory Compliance" and "Corporate Governance" align specifically with the responsibilities of a company secretary, showcasing the candidate's preparedness for the role.
- Highlighting Achievements: Describing accomplishments, such as registering in new jurisdictions and enhancing document security, evidences a proven track record of contributing to significant organisational improvements.
Legal Secretary for Maritime Law
- Highlighting specific certifications such as the Certificate in Charity Law and Governance and Advanced Practical Minutes Training, which provide proof of expertise crucial for a role involving governance and compliance.
- Emphasising key accomplishments, like increasing membership retention by 15% and achieving 100% compliance, showcases an ability to deliver tangible results and maintain regulatory standards effectively.
- Demonstrating leadership and initiative through examples of orchestrating large-scale events and coordinating numerous meetings annually, underlining the candidate's capability in managing complex tasks and stakeholder engagement.
- Detailing proficiency in skills such as regulatory compliance, meeting organisation, and record-keeping accuracy highlights the technical competences necessary for the administrative aspects of maritime governance roles.
Legal Secretary cover letter example
Harper Webb
Nottingham, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
To the Hiring Manager,
I am drawn to the opportunity at Anderson Legal Solutions, a firm renowned for its client-centered ethos and commitment to excellence. With over five years of experience in legal administration, I am keen to contribute my expertise to your team, particularly in organizational efficiency and client relations.
One notable achievement from my time at Anderson Legal Solutions was the implementation of a digital filing system that significantly improved document management. This project reduced document retrieval time by 25% and exhibited my commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality. My role included managing complex schedules for five solicitors and conducting anti-money laundering checks for new clients, which prepared me to efficiently handle high-stakes tasks.
I am eager to discuss how my proven abilities in legal administration can benefit your organization. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed team.
Sincerely,
Harper Webb
Senior Legal Secretary
Why this is a strong cover letter:
- Emphasize the impact of your experience by highlighting quantifiable achievements, such as improving operational efficiency or reducing document retrieval time, which are crucial for a role in legal administration.
- Illustrate your ability to manage complex tasks, like handling schedules for multiple solicitors and performing compliance checks, showcasing your competence in multitasking and attention to detail.
- Align your personal values and career goals with the organization's ethos and mission, demonstrating that you are not only skilled but also the right cultural fit for the firm.
- Convey eagerness and readiness to join the team, reinforcing your proactive nature and enthusiasm, which are essential traits in a collaborative legal environment.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a legal secretary cover letter
To get your cover letter's formatting right:
- Use a modern font like Lato, Raleway, or Chivo, rather than the overused Arial or Times New Roman.
- Set your cover letter to be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides—our templates are automatically set up for you.
- Ensure both your CV and cover letter are consistent in font style and formatting.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to prevent alterations and preserve its layout.
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, follow this sequence: begin with your address and contact details, then the employer's details (i.e. name and address), and the date. Next, start with a personalised greeting, followed by your introductory, body, and closing paragraphs. Be sure to include a sign-off and your signature at the end.
Remember, although Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, which may scan your CV for keywords, won't read your cover letter, it will be reviewed by recruiters.
How to write your legal secretary cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your legal secretary cover letter intro
A great option to begin your cover letter is by showing recruiters you've done your homework or research.
If the company has won an award or made headlines, congratulate them in your opening sentence, or express how impressed you are.
Provide this achievement as a reason why you admire the company, ensuring your tone remains genuine, sincere, and authentic.
Cover Letter Intro
With a keen interest in joining a firm renowned for its progressive approach and commitment to client advocacy, I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at your esteemed office, given your recent initiatives in environmental law, aligning seamlessly with my dedication to sustainable legal practices.
RIGHT
How to write your legal secretary cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at Johnson & Cartwright Solicitors, I streamlined the document management system, resulting in a 30% reduction in time spent on retrieving legal documents. I achieved this by implementing a digital filing system that replaced redundant paper processes, thereby improving the overall workflow efficiency of the firm. This initiative not only enhanced our responsiveness in document-heavy litigation cases but also secured sensitive information through rigorous encryption protocols. My attention to detail and commitment to maintaining confidentiality were essential in spearheading this change, thus supporting the legal team in delivering outstanding service to our clients.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
In conclusion, I am eager to bring my strong organisational skills and legal acumen to the position of Legal Secretary at your esteemed firm. I am confident that my dedication and ability to manage diverse tasks effectively align perfectly with the requirements of this role. I warmly invite you to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can contribute to your team's success. Thank you for considering my application; I am enthusiastic about the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you further.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
