resume for entry level paralegal

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11 Paralegal Resume Examples That Work in 2024

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Paralegal Resume

• Paralegal Resumes by Experience
• Paralegal Resumes by Role

Paralegals keep the legal office ticking and running smoothly. 

With a flexible and adaptable attitude, you know how to conduct high-quality research surrounding law. You work well with your team and clients and carry the heavy emotional toll accompanying legal issues.

You have everything it takes to be a successful paralegal. But, conveying that capacity to your future employer on a professional resume template is another matter. 

And that’s why we’re here. With our help, we’re sure you won’t have any trouble  building a winning resume  or writing a cover letter for your next paralegal role. 

Our eleven paralegal resume samples arm you with research-based tips and tricks for snagging your next paralegal position in the 2023 job market .

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• We recommend that you customize your summary for each job you apply to and that you mention the company name and job title.
• It’s important to show the hiring manager that you understand what’s required and that you’ve done,  and will do , exceptional work—a great thing to expound on further in your paralegal cover letter .
• Be confident in your value, skills, and competencies. Employers are much more likely to interview and employ applicants they deem confident.
• Incorporate specific software knowledge into your paralegal resume. These hard skills can be taught, but hiring managers appreciate a paralegal who can jump in and get started researching and drafting casework right away.

Paralegal Student Resume

• Begin the objective by stating that you’re aiming to get some practical experience. You can further improve your paralegal student resume by listing down all the relevant law skills that you’ve used in the past along with a few collaborative software.

Entry-Level Paralegal Resume

• Highlight expertise relevant to the job you’re applying for, even if it comes from an unexpected place. Include relevant projects, volunteer experience, and internships.
• A worthwhile objective should be customized to the specific job you’re applying for (mention the company by name) and be a power-packed snapshot of your most relevant experience or skills.
• Your entry-level paralegal resume will be on the right track when you incorporate skills into your work experience. Use bullet points to demonstrate abilities like time management, communication, and organization within your work history.

Senior Paralegal Resume

• Achievements such as cases won, costs saved, improved process efficiency, and regulatory compliance should give your senior paralegal resume the much-needed boost to get noticed.

Family Law Paralegal Resume

• Include any nation-wide recognized certificates like “National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)” to show that your skills and knowledge have been tested by industry professionals and convey that you possess techniques to not just document cases but also influence favorable negotiations in disputes.

Real Estate Paralegal Resume

• Your real estate paralegal resume must highlight your understanding of property law, research skills to expedite processes, and the number of project deals completed on time with minimized cost.

Litigation Paralegal Resume

• Highlight areas such as file management, working with the attorney, problem-solving, legal knowledge, software expertise, and how you boosted efficiency.
• However, you can use any paralegal experience to hone in on relevant skills.
• Highlight the skills and experience you have that correlate with the job you’re applying to, so the employer knows you can meet the nuanced needs of the job.

Immigration Paralegal Resume

• For example, perhaps you’re bilingual, so you’d want to include that in your list of skills on your immigration paralegal resume . Showing specializations can put you above other candidates and land you an interview.
• Citing an understanding of immigration petition forms and demonstrating a high regard for client satisfaction will also make your application more competitive. 
• List your work experience in a reverse-chronological format to emphasize job growth and development, with your most recent at the top of the page. 

Personal Injury Paralegal Resume

• This means including software specific to the type of law, if applicable, unique forms and documents, the number of clients you worked with (this will vary drastically based on case sizes, case difficulty, and firm type), and specific tasks significant in your field. 
• Check your resume for passive word choice; make sure your work experience starts with strong action words, avoids filler word fluff, and uses the past tense consistently.

Senior Corporate Paralegal Resume

• For instance, you can discuss the number of legal software systems you have command of, the number of attorneys you work with, the types of legal documents you’ve written, the amount of time you’ve saved lawyers on research, etc. Metrics demonstrate your performance as a paralegal, and any employer will recognize that value. 
• Remove skills that are irrelevant or vague. Seriously, in this day and age, most of us humans know how to email and use Microsoft and Google suite software. Focus on the more niche software, like LexisNexis, instead.

Legal Assistant Paralegal Resume

• In the role you want, it’s expected that you’ll provide documents in an easy-to-understand, streamlined, logical format. Use your resume as an opportunity to demonstrate your skills!
• Stray away from words like “assisted” and “helped.” Instead, focus on tasks you owned. Words like “collaborated” and “coordinated” help you say that you worked with others while still not shrinking the impact of your responsibilities.

Related resume guides

• Legal Assistant

Paralegal Resume - Sample + How-to Guide for 2024

You’re a paralegal. You’re smart. You’re trusted.

You draft crucial legal advice.

But when it comes to writing your own resume , you need advice from someone else.

What does a good paralegal resume look like, anyway?

In such a competitive industry, you can’t leave any questions answered. 

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

• A job-winning paralegal resume example
• How to create a paralegal resume that hiring managers love
• Specific tips and tricks for the paralegal job industry

To start with, here’s a paralegal resume example, built with our own resume builder :

Follow the steps below to create a paralegal resume of your own.

How to Format a Paralegal Resume

Did you know that the average legal job attracts hundreds of applicants?

As such, you need to do everything in your power to stand out.

The first step is to select the correct format.

You see, even if you have the best skills and a wealth of experience, you won’t get very far if the hiring manager is having difficulty reading the content.

With “ reverse-chronological ” being the most common resume format , we recommend this format for paralegals. It shows the peak of your work experience first, and then works back through your history and skills.

You could also try the two following formats:

• Functional Resume - This format focuses on your skills, which makes it the best format for paralegals that are highly-skilled, but have little in the way of paralegal work experience. 
• Combination Resume - This format mixes both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats, which means it focuses on both your legal skills AND work experience. 
• Keep your resume to one-page. This shows the hiring manager that you can keep information brief and precise. Feel free to check out our one-page resume templates .

Once you’ve picked the correct format, you need to choose the correct resume layout .

We recommend the following layout:

• Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Pick a font that stands out, but make it professional 
• Font Size - Font size of 11-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. Having trouble fitting everything into one page? Check out these one-page resume templates .
• As a paralegal, the recruiter will expect to see a highly-professional resume. As such, try not to be too creative with the font and layout.

Use a Paralegal Resume Template

If you’ve ever made a resume, there’s a high chance that Word was the program of choice.

There’s also a high chance that you had a formatting nightmare!

Whether you experienced issues or not, Word is far from the best tool for the job. 

To make your life easier, you may want to use a paralegal resume template .

What to Include in a Paralegal Resume

The main sections in a paralegal resume are:

• Contact Information
• Work Experience

For a paralegal resume that stands out from other applications, add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

We’re now going to talk about each of the above sections, and explain the best practises for writing them.

For an in-depth rundown on which sections to use, check out our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Write Your Contact Information Section

As a paralegal, you should be aware that every word matters. This couldn’t be more of the case with your contact information section. One small misspelling of your phone number or email can render your whole application useless. 

For your contact information section, include:

• Title - Make this specific to the exact role you’re applying for, which in this case is “ Paralegal .”
• Phone Number - Triple-check this. One small error can really mess up your chances.
• Email Address - Make sure to use a professional email address ([email protected]), and avoid that email you created back in 7th grade ([email protected]).
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Jim Fakester - Paralegal. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Jim Fakester - Paralegal Master. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Paralegal Resume Summary or Objective

Here’s a question…

What is less than 6 seconds ?

It is the amount of time each hiring manager spends scanning your resume.

Shocking…but what does this mean?

Well, if you don’t catch their attention in a few seconds, you’ve missed your chance. 

Now, the question is, what can you do to hook the recruiter the moment they look at your resume?

Simple: use a resume summary or objective .

These are brief, sharp paragraphs that go on top of your resume, just under the contact section. 

The main difference between the two sections is that:

A resume summary is a short summary of your professional experiences and achievements. It is the best option for individuals who have multiple years of paralegal experience.

• Detail-oriented paralegal with a strong background in drafting legal memorandums, motions, and correspondence. Has a passionate and professional work ethic that requires no guidance from attorneys or supervisors. Adept at working as part of a legal team, including secretaries, associates, and partners.

On the other hand, the resume objective focuses on your professional goals and aspirations. It is ideal for entry-level paralegal candidates or individuals who want a change in their professional career. Although you’re talking about your goals, it is important to relate the objective to your future employer’s gain.

• Motivated Paralegal Studies graduate looking for a paralegal role at Law Firm X. Experience drafting legal documents at University X. Enthusiastic to support your legal team, where I can use my skills to assist with real estate deals.

So, which one is best for you? 

Well, a summary is suited for paralegals with work experience, and an objective is suited for those who are new to the field (student, graduate, or switching careers).

How to Make Your Paralegal Work Experience Stand Out

There’s no easier way to build confidence in your resume than with a rich work experience . 

Sure, your legal knowledge and personal skills are super important, but so is your professional experience. Follow this layout in your experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

05/2017 - 06/2020

• Implemented a standardized billing practise to give 15% increase profitability in 2017.
• Hand-selected by top attorneys to proofread their reports for trial.
• Regularly drafted correspondence and legal documentation under extreme time pressures.

To really highlight your qualities, you should focus on your achievements, not your daily responsibilities.

Instead of saying:

“Proofread documents”

“Hand-selected by top attorneys to proofread their reports for trial”

So, how are the two different, and why do we suggest this?

Simply put, the first statement doesn’t mean much. How many times do you think the recruiter has heard those exact words today – 200 maybe?

On the other hand, the second statement gets more specific and shows the clear benefits to hiring you for the job.

• Use the job description to your advantage. You can see if there is anything in the job description that matches your work history. If so, definitely include it!

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a law graduate who hasn’t worked before?

Or maybe, you’re transitioning from a different position?

Whatever the situation, don’t threat, there are always options. 

The main option is to use a portfolio. 

If you have already drafted legal documents, you should link to them in your resume (we’re going to explain how in a bit).

If you don’t have a portfolio, it is never too late to get one. 

Here are several ways to build a paralegal portfolio (and get paid for it):

• Use a freelance platform ( UpWork ) to pick up some gigs
• Offer your services to your friends & acquaintances 

For the students read this, you’ll enjoy our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your Paralegal Resume POP!

• “Responsible for”     
• “Worked with”    

You’ll find these same words on nearly all paralegal resumes.

And since the aim of the game is to make your resume stand out, we’d recommend using some of these power words instead:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to List Your Education Correctly

The next section in any paralegal resume is the education section.

Now, there a number of different paths you can follow to become a professional paralegal. 

All you need to do in this section is describe your educational path to date. 

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and other relevant achievements 

B.A. in Law

Boston State University

• Relevant Courses: Constitutional/Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Equity & Trusts, EU Law, Public Law, Land Law, Tort Law

Now, you may have a few questions, here are the most frequently asked questions:

What if I haven’t finished studying?

Whether or not you’re still a law student, you should always mention all of the years that you have studied.

Should I include my high school education?

Only if you don’t have any higher education. The hiring manager won’t care about your high school education if you have a law degree.

What goes first, education or experience?

If you’re an experienced paralegal, your work experience should come before your education.

If you still have questions, you can check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Paralegal Resume

Being a professional paralegal requires having a certain set of skills. As such, the hiring manager will need to make sure the person they hire has enough skills to do a good job.

You may be the most skilled paralegal in the world, but it is vital to make these skills clear on your resume.

Here are some of the skills a hiring manager will be looking for from a paralegal...

Hard Skills for a Paralegal:

• Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis
• Legal document drafting
• Adobe Acrobat 
• Practice Panther
• eDiscovery experience

Soft Skills for a Paralegal:

• Excellent communicator
• Confident & professional manner 
• Act with integrity and honesty
• Multi-tasking
• Organization 
• Although soft skills are incredibly important, they are hard to prove on your resume. As such, try not to go too overboard with soft kills, especially the more generic ones. Just about anyone can say that they’re “professional”, but not a lot of people are professionals at writing trial reports for top attorneys. 

Looking for a more comprehensive list? Here’s a mega-list of 150+ must-have skills .

Other Resume Sections You Can Include

By this point, you’re likely ready to save your resume and start sending it to your potential employers.  

After all, there’s nothing more to add, is there?

This is not exactly true, especially if you want to create a winning resume. 

Remember, the #1 goal in the application process is to stand out.

And a resume that looks a carbon copy of all the others is not going to do that.

If you’ve got your skills and experiences sorted, the following sections may be the deciding factor. 

Awards & Certifications

Did you win a university competition?

Have you completed professional courses on Coursera?

Whatever the recognition, awards and certifications make a good resume great.

Awards & Certificates

• American Contract Law Coursera Certificate
• A Law Students Toolkit Coursera Certificate]

Are you passionate about law?

Hopefully you said yes, because that is what your future employer wants to hear. 

The best way to show your passion is through a project.

Whether you’re working on a side-hustle or enjoyed a university project, there are only benefits to putting projects on your resume. 

Don’t have any projects? Here are some of the potential projects you can start today:

• Starting your own law blog 
• University project where you assisted with the drafting of documents for fake business
• Side-hustling on job boards, like UpWork, Fiverr, Freelancer, etc.

Whether or not the paralegal job requires knowledge of a second language, the ability to speak multiple languages is an impressive skill.

If you have a proficiency in any language, and space on your resume, feel free to add a language section. 

Order the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “why is my rock climbing hobby worth mentioning when applying for a paralegal job?”

Well, because it says more about you as a human.

And you’re not a robot, are you? (I hope not).

Companies are looking for someone who they’ll get along with.

And what’s something that makes you relatable and enjoyable to work with? Yes, hobbies and interests!

If you want some ideas of hobbies & interests to put on your resume, we have a guide for that!

Match Your Cover Letter with Your Resume

Yep, more writing!

But it’s for good reason: cover letters are still very important .

You can write the best resume in the world, but if you don’t include a cover letter, you’re only helping your competition.

Cover letters offer the opportunity to talk to the recruiter with more depth and personality. 

Even better, the recruiter will know that you want THIS position in THIS company, and you’re not just randomly sending resumes to every law firm within a 10 mile radius.

Just like with the resume, the cover letter needs to be structured correctly. Here’s how to do that:

And here’s what goes in each section:

Contact Details

Your personal contact information, including full name, profession, email, phone number, location, website (or Behance / Dribble).

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email.

Opening Paragraph

Your introduction should be very strong. If you don’t manage to hook the hiring manager here, they’re not going to read the rest of your resume. So, mention…

• The specific position you’re applying for.
• Your experience summary and top achievements.

Once you’ve got the hiring manager hooked, you can go through the rest of your work history and personal background. Some of the points you can mention here are:

• Why you want to work for this specific company.
• Anything you know about the company’s culture.
• What are your top skills and how are they relevant for the job.
• If you’ve worked in similar industries or positions.

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

• Wrap up any points you missed in the body paragraph.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time.
• End with a call to action. Something like, “I’d love to further discuss how my experience as an X can help the company with Y.”

Formal Salutations

To keep everything professional, use formal closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”

Creating a cover letter is a craft. But don’t worry, you can call on our how to write a cover letter for guidance.

Key Takeaways

If you have followed all of the advice in this guide, you’re now in a great position to create a winning resume that lands that dream paralegal position. 

Before you go, let’s quickly cover everything we’ve covered:

• Select the correct format for your paralegal resume. Use a reverse-chronological format, and follow the best layout practices to keep everything clear and concise.
• Instantly grab the reader’s attention with a summary or objective.
• Prioritize talking about your achievements, instead of your responsibilities.
• Build a portfolio of your best pieces of work.
• Match your paralegal resume with a cover letter that follows the best practices.

Related Resume Examples

• Federal Resume
• Career Change Resume
• Administrative Assistant Resume

Suggested Reading:

• Best Resume File Type - PDF vs Word [+Templates]
• How to Create a Combination Resume [Examples + Template]
• How to Write an ATS Resume [8+ Templates Included]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• • Drafted over 50 contracts resulting in successful property sales
• • Managed a caseload of 15+ clients at any given time
• • Collaborated with team to streamline contract drafting process
• • Successfully closed 25+ property sales within 6 months resulting in £1.5M revenue
• • Drafted and reviewed legal documents including contracts, deeds, and leases
• • Managed communication between clients, agents, and solicitors
• • Conducted legal research to assist senior lawyers in property disputes
• • Assisted in drafting legal opinions and briefs for court proceedings
• • Created and maintained case files for 20+ residential property portfolios

7 Paralegal Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

In crafting your paralegal resume, it's essential to highlight your legal knowledge. Demonstrate a firm grasp of legal terminology, procedures, and documentation. Moreover, your experience with case management and legal research is crucial. Show evidence of your ability to support attorneys effectively, ensuring your competence shines through your resume.

All resume examples in this guide

Entry-Level Paralegal

Senior Paralegal

Litigation Paralegal

Immigration Paralegal

Personal Injury Paralegal

Legal Assistant Paralegal

Resume guide, here’s what you’ll learn in this short paralegal resume guide, how to write a paralegal resume, paralegal resume header: tips, red flags, and best practices, best practices for paralegal resume experience section, paralegal resume skills’ tips & tricks to impress recruiters, listing your education, certifications and courses, paralegal cover letter tips, other sections to include in your resume, paralegal resume: how to make yours more creative & stand out, what makes a great paralegal resume: key takeaways.

By Experience

• What are the most important resume sections recruiters look for when reviewing your application;
• What content to add in each section of your resume;
• Paralegal resume example from a job-seeker who got hired, which you can use as a base to build your own resume;
• Additional tips and tricks on resume layout, formatting, and design;
• Little known resume red-flags, you have to pay extra attention to.

Top paralegal resume sections that make the best layout

• Professional summary
• Experience (with numbers and results)
• Relevant skills
• Certifications

There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:

• Reverse-chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Hybrid (or Combination) resume format.

The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.

• Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
• Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
• Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.

Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style

• Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
• Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
• Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume ;
• Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.

To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.

Recommended reads:

• Parts of a Job-Winning Resume: How to Choose Resume Elements
• Resume Sections: Everything You Need to Know
• Targeted Resume: 3-Step Process to Win Any Recruiter Over
• Resume Headings To Stand Out With

Test your draft Paralegal resume by sending it out to peers and mentors in your circles. Ask them to review it as if they are hiring you for a project and implement the feedback afterwards.

Here’s what to include in your Paralegal resume header:

• Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
• The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
• Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
• Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
• Email address
• Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)

Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• Perfecting Your Resume Header so You Get Noticed
• Are Photos On Your Resume Unprofessional? [Expert Advice]
• How to Put LinkedIn On Your Resume
• How to Write A Resume Headline
• Contact Information on Resume
• Should You Include An Address on Your Resume?

Some companies, states, and countries have policies about identifying information like photos on your resume. Be sure to check all the relevant rules before submitting yours. If you’re in doubt, you can always try contacting the company’s HR department to ask for their policy.

Checklist: what to include in your Paralegal resume summary:

• Years of experience;
• Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
• One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
• Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
• 83 Resume Summary Examples & How-To Guide
• 10+ Resume Objective Examples & How To Guide

How To Write A Resume Personal Statement (With Examples)

• How To Write An Effective Resume Profile (With Examples)

When writing a resume summary or objective, avoid first-person narrative.

Job experience checklist - what to add to your Paralegal resume:

• Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
• Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
• Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
• Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
• Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
• How to Describe Your Resume Work Experience
• Resume Job Description: Samples & Tips To Help You Enhance Your Application
• Resume Without Work Experience: 6+ Sections to Demonstrate Impact
• Can I Leave a Job I Was Fired From Off My Resume?
• Lying On A Resume: Here's What It Can Cost You

Check the job description for inspiration. Look for similarities between your employer’s values and your experience.

Top skills to add to your paralegal resume

• personal injury
• excel > excel

Resume Skills Section Checklist:

• Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
• Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
• Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
• Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
• How to Create A Resume Skills Section To Impress Recruiters

Add a Talent Section to your resume, where you can pick your top 3 soft skills and describe how you used them to complete a project or balance departmental communication.

Checklist for your resume education

• Include your highest education degree;
• List the duration you spent there, as well as the institution;
• If you’re applying for an entry-level position, include additional details like relevant courses and projects;
• Feature your certifications if they are necessary for the position - either as a separate section, or, in your resume headline.
• Add the year your certificate was issued or renewed, if it’s in a subject area that requires regular updates.
• Perfecting the Education Section on Your Resume
• How To List Certifications On A Resume (Examples Included)
• When You Should (And Not) Add Dean's List On Your Resume
• How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume
• How to List a Major & Minor on Your Resume (with Examples)
• How to Put an MBA On Your Resume (With Examples)
• Should I Put In An Incomplete Degree On A Resume?
• Can You Put GPA On A Resume? And What's Wrong With GPA Anyway?
• When Should You Include Your High School on Your Resume?

There are dozens of certifications that you can claim as a Paralegal. But, some are more effective than others. That’s why you mustn’t include every certificate other applicants might have. Try instead to earn and list a few of the difficult ones.

Nowadays, job application forms include questions like “why do you want to work here”, or “explain why you’re the best fit for us”, which makes you wonder: are cover letters really necessary?

In case the job description says you need to provide a cover letter, do include yours. Otherwise, you can always leave it out.

Still, they help you tell your story in a way that, if written right, it’s captivating and engaging.

In any case, you should pay close attention to the following tips when a cover letter is a must:

• Make sure you go over a cover letter checklist , so you don’t forget what your cover letter should say ;
• Match the cover letter design with your resume’s;
• Address your cover letter properly;
• Keep an eye on your cover letter length ;
• Use an appropriate cover letter ending .

If you need more inspiration, check out our cover letter examples for different jobs.

Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Paralegal resume:

• Language skills
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer work
• Resume Awards
• Publications

When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Paralegal resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.

• Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
• Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
• Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
• Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
• List soft skills backed by examples;
• Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
• Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.

Paralegal resume examples

Explore additional paralegal resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

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Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

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Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., entry level legal assistant resume sample.

As an entry-level legal assistant, you'll be responsible for supporting attorneys and paralegals with tasks such as organizing documents, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. The legal field is constantly evolving, and employers are looking for candidates who can quickly adapt to new technologies and stay updated on current regulations. A strong resume is crucial to showcase your skills and demonstrate your commitment to this fast-paced industry. In the legal field, attention to detail and strong communication skills are highly valued. Companies will be looking for candidates who can efficiently manage their workload, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of professionalism. Crafting a tailored resume for this specific industry is essential to demonstrate your understanding of these expectations.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your entry level legal assistant resume in 2024,    highlight relevant coursework and internships.

Even if you don't have direct work experience as a legal assistant, you can still emphasize relevant coursework or internships that have prepared you for this role. Detail specific courses or projects that demonstrate your knowledge of legal concepts, research, and document preparation.

   Showcase your technical and organizational skills

As a legal assistant, you'll often be tasked with managing large volumes of documents and data. Showcase your proficiency in digital tools such as document management software and Microsoft Office suite, as well as your ability to maintain organized files and records.

You can apply for entry level legal assistant positions even without any legal qualifications or office administration experience, or transition to the field from other administrative roles. Employers will be looking for evidence of transferable skills as well as technical skills like data entry software and Microsoft Access. If you have experience as an intern or volunteer in a legal or related field, that can also strengthen your candidacy.

   Tailored to the legal assistant job

Tailoring your resume to a specific position is easier than you think, even if you’re applying for an entry level position. Including the title of the job you’re applying for at the top of your resume is the quickest way to do this and is a great way of getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

   Bullet points begin with strong action verbs highlighting legal skills

Avoid falling into the trap of listing job duties instead of accomplishments by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. This keeps the focus on what you actually did and makes it easier for hiring managers to understand your skills and experience. Emphasize your transferable skills by talking about times you’ve organized records, analyzed data, or conducted research.

Paralegal Entry-Level Resume Sample

Legal services assistant resume sample, judicial assistant resume sample, law clerk resume sample.

We interviewed hiring managers at top law firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Skadden to understand what they look for in entry-level legal assistant resumes. They shared insider tips on how to make your resume stand out and increase your chances of getting hired. Here are some key takeaways:

   Highlight your legal research skills

Hiring managers want to see that you have experience with legal research, even if it's from coursework or internships. Provide specific examples of legal research tasks you've completed:

• Conducted legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis databases to support attorneys in preparing for depositions and trials
• Analyzed case law and statutes to draft legal memoranda on contract disputes and employment law matters
• Researched and summarized 50+ cases on intellectual property issues to assist in developing litigation strategy

Quantify your research experience when possible, such as the number of cases or statutes researched, to give a sense of the scope of your work.

   Demonstrate your proficiency with legal technology

Law firms rely heavily on technology for managing cases, documents, and deadlines. Show that you're proficient with common legal software:

• Skilled in using case management software including Clio, MyCase, and Rocket Matter to track deadlines, manage documents, and generate invoices
• Proficient with e-discovery platforms such as Relativity and Concordance to review and organize large volumes of electronic data for litigation
• Experienced with legal research databases including Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law

List the specific software by name to demonstrate your hands-on experience. If you've completed any training or earned certifications, include those details as well.

   Showcase your attention to detail

Attention to detail is critical in legal work, where a small mistake can have significant consequences. Highlight examples of your meticulousness:

• Proofread and cite-checked 25+ legal briefs and motions, ensuring accuracy of legal citations and identifying typos or formatting errors
• Reviewed and organized 1000+ pages of discovery documents, carefully indexing and cross-referencing key information
• Maintained detailed notes and updated case files promptly, keeping the legal team informed of important developments

Resumes with typos or inconsistent formatting will raise red flags. Proofread carefully and consider having others review to catch any errors.

   Emphasize your writing and communication abilities

Legal assistants often draft correspondence, documents, and memoranda. Give examples of your strong writing and communication skills:

• Drafted legal correspondence to clients, opposing counsel, and court staff, clearly conveying complex information
• Composed memoranda summarizing research findings and analysis for supervising attorneys
• Communicated regularly with clients to provide case updates, answer questions, and gather information

Include writing samples in your application if requested. Avoid using legalese or jargon in your resume. Keep the language clear and concise.

   Highlight academic achievements and coursework

For entry-level positions, hiring managers look closely at your education. Highlight achievements and relevant coursework:

• Earned paralegal certificate with 4.0 GPA, demonstrating strong academic performance
• Completed coursework in legal research and writing, civil litigation, contract law, and intellectual property
• Served as president of the pre-law society, organizing educational events and networking opportunities for 50+ members

Include honors like Dean's List or scholarships. If your degree is in progress, list your anticipated graduation date. Relevant coursework and extracurriculars can help compensate for limited work experience.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Hiring managers want to see how your skills and experience align with their specific needs. Customize your resume for each job:

• Incorporated keywords from the job posting, such as "e-discovery" and "legal research", to demonstrate fit
• Prioritized relevant skills and experience, such as real estate and corporate law for a position focused on transactional work
• Included a tailored summary statement emphasizing qualifications that match the job requirements

Avoid simply listing generic job duties. Instead, provide specific examples and accomplishments that show how you can add value in the role you're targeting.

Writing Your Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

The summary section of your resume is optional, but it can be a valuable addition if you're looking to provide context or highlight details that aren't immediately apparent from your work experience. As an entry-level legal assistant, your summary should focus on your relevant skills, education, and any internships or volunteer work that demonstrates your fit for the role.

While some job seekers use an objective statement to express their career goals, it's generally best to avoid this approach. Instead, use your summary to showcase your qualifications and make a strong case for why you're the right candidate for the job.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Entry Level Legal Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your legal knowledge and research skills

As an entry-level legal assistant, employers will be looking for candidates who have a solid foundation in legal concepts and strong research abilities. Use your summary to showcase your relevant education and skills, such as:

• Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies or a related field
• Familiarity with legal terminology and court procedures
• Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw or LexisNexis
• Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze complex information

By emphasizing these qualifications in your summary, you'll demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary background to excel in an entry-level legal assistant role.

2. Tailor your summary to the specific legal assistant role

While it's important to showcase your overall qualifications, you should also tailor your summary to the specific entry-level legal assistant position you're applying for. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and experience the employer is looking for.

For example, if the job posting emphasizes the need for strong organizational skills and experience with legal document preparation, you might craft a summary like this:

Detail-oriented and highly organized legal assistant with experience preparing legal documents and managing case files. Proven ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. Seeking an entry-level legal assistant position to leverage my strong research and writing skills.

By tailoring your summary to the specific role, you'll show employers that you're a strong match for their particular needs.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers that you have the right experience to excel in the legal assistant role.

In this section, we'll break down everything you need to know to craft a compelling work experience section step-by-step, from emphasizing your most relevant experiences to highlighting your achievements with hard numbers.

1. Lead with your most relevant legal experience

Hiring managers want to see that you have experience working in a legal setting. If you have any prior law firm or legal department experience, even through an internship, externship, clinic, or part-time job, make sure that's the first thing they see in your work experience section.

For example:

• Legal Extern, ABC Law Firm, New York, NY (September 2021 - December 2021)
• Summer Legal Intern, XYZ Corporation, Legal Department, Boston, MA (June 2020 - August 2020)

If you don't have direct legal experience, highlight roles where you performed duties relevant to legal assistants, such as conducting research, preparing documents, or providing administrative support.

2. Use strong legal action verbs

When describing your work experience, start each bullet point with a strong action verb that showcases your legal skills. This helps hiring managers picture you performing key legal assistant duties.

Strong legal action verbs include:

Drafted legal memoranda and correspondence

Avoid starting bullet points with weak, vague verbs like "helped with" or "assisted in" - they don't give hiring managers a clear picture of your capabilities.

3. Quantify your achievements with metrics

Numbers are a powerful way to show the impact you made in your previous roles. Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate your efficiency, productivity, or results.

• Drafted 25+ legal documents per week, including motions, contracts, and briefs
• Reviewed and summarized 100+ pages of legal records and discovery materials for 5 active litigation cases
• Reduced average contract turnaround time by 20% by implementing a new document management system

If you don't have exact numbers, estimates are fine too. The goal is to give hiring managers a concrete sense of your contributions.

4. Showcase your technical skills and legal tools

Modern legal assistants need to be proficient in an array of legal technologies. Highlight your experience with industry-specific tools, such as:

• Westlaw or LexisNexis for legal research
• Best Case or Tabs3 for bankruptcy and billing
• Clio or MyCase for practice management
• Relativity or Concordance for e-discovery

Even if you don't have experience with specialized legal software, make sure to mention your proficiency in commonly used programs like Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Acrobat.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, and Westlaw for legal research

  Education

Your education section is a key part of your entry level legal assistant resume. It should be concise yet impactful, highlighting your relevant academic background and any coursework or certifications that relate to the legal field. Here are some tips to craft a strong education section:

1. Put education at the top if you're a recent grad

If you graduated within the past few years and have limited work experience, place your education section above your work history. This puts the focus on your most relevant qualifications first.

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ABC University, City, ST | May 2022 Relevant Coursework: Legal Research and Writing, Business Law, Contract Law, Civil Litigation

Including relevant coursework shows you have a foundation in legal concepts, even if you don't have direct legal work experience yet.

2. Add legal assistant certifications

Certifications demonstrate your commitment to the legal assistant field and can help you get noticed by employers. If you've completed any certification programs, add them to your education section.

Some examples of relevant certifications include:

• Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)
• Certified Paralegal (CP)
• Professional Legal Secretary (PLS)

List the full name of the certification, the certifying organization, and the date completed. For instance:

Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), National Association of Legal Assistants | June 2022

3. Keep education brief if you're an experienced legal assistant

If you have several years of legal assistant experience, your work history should be the main focus of your resume. In this case, keep your education section short and to the point.

Poor example:

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, XYZ University, 1995-1999 Courses: Intro to Business, Marketing 101, Business Law, Management & Leadership GPA: 3.2

Better example:

EDUCATION B.S. Business Administration, XYZ University

Unless your coursework is highly relevant to legal assisting, there's no need to list it out. And remove your graduation year to avoid potential age discrimination.

  Skills

The skills section is a key part of your entry level legal assistant resume. It's where you highlight your top abilities that relate to the job. A strong skills section convinces the hiring manager you have the right mix of abilities to succeed in the role.

Here are some tips to write an effective skills section on your entry level legal assistant resume:

1. Understand how applicant tracking systems (ATS) work

Many employers, especially larger law firms, use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes. The ATS scans your resume for specific keywords related to the job. If your resume doesn't contain enough of the right terms, the software will automatically reject you.

To get past the ATS, carefully review the job description. Look for the main skills they want, like:

• Legal research
• Document preparation
• Drafting correspondence
• Litigation support

Make sure to include relevant skills like these in your skills section. A good ATS-optimized skills section for a litigation legal assistant job might look like:

Legal research Document management Drafting legal documents Litigation support Westlaw, LexisNexis Microsoft Office

For extra reassurance your skills section is ATS-friendly, try Resume Worded's Targeted Resume tool. It scans your resume against a job description and scores how well it matches the skills and keywords the employer wants.

2. Focus on hard skills and technical abilities

As an entry level candidate, it's crucial to showcase concrete skills on your resume. Emphasize specific technical capabilities, industry knowledge, and job-related competencies you possess.

Examples of great hard skills to put on an entry level legal assistant resume include:

• Legal terminology
• Contract analysis
• Proofreading
• Legal billing software (e.g. Clio, Rocket Matter)
• eDiscovery platforms

In contrast, here is an example of what not to do:

Quick learner Hardworking Team player Great attitude

While these soft skills are important, they are too vague and subjective to put in your skills section. Stick to technical skills that prove you can hit the ground running in the role.

Aim for a mix of different skill types in your skills section. Include job-specific legal skills, relevant computer skills, industry knowledge, and quantifiable achievements. This variety demonstrates you are a well-rounded candidate.

3. Tailor your skills to the legal assistant job description

Every skills section should be tailored to the specific legal assistant job you're applying for. Hiring managers want to see abilities that directly relate to their open role. Generic skill lists make it seem like you're just sending out resumes in bulk.

Start by printing out the job posting. Go through and highlight or underline all the main skills and qualification the employer wants. Then, make sure your resume addresses as many of those key requirements as possible.

For example, say a job description for a real estate legal assistant position emphasizes contract drafting, title searches, and real estate law. A tailored skills section would look like this:

Contract drafting Title searches Real estate law Loan documentation Closing support

If you applied with a generic skills section that emphasized litigation, criminal law, and other unrelated abilities, your resume likely wouldn't make it to the interview pile.

Once you've tailored your skills section, give your full resume a boost with Score My Resume . This tool from Resume Worded instantly scores your resume on 30+ key factors hiring managers care about. You'll see how your skills section stacks up and get expert tips to improve it.

Skills For Entry Level Legal Assistant Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Entry Level Legal Assistant job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Legal Advice
• Document Review
• Civil Litigation
• Administrative Assistance
• Office Administration
• Legal Writing

Skills Word Cloud For Entry Level Legal Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Entry Level Legal Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Use our free resume checker to get expert feedback on your resume. You will:

•  Get a resume score compared to other Entry Level Legal Assistant resumes in your industry.

•  Fix all your resume's mistakes.

•  Find the Entry Level Legal Assistant skills your resume is missing.

•  Get rid of hidden red flags the hiring managers and resume screeners look for.

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Entry Level Legal Assistant Resumes

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• Template #7: Law Clerk
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• Entry Level Legal Assistant Interview Guide
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• Alternative Careers to a Legal Assistant
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Paralegal Resume: Essential Guidelines & Bonus Template

A role as a Paralegal requires you to juggle a multitude of tasks, including doing case research, editing legal contracts and documents, and even office management. So it’s unsurpirising if you haven’t found the time recently to work on your resume. Our professional templates and expert advice can help!

Paralegal Resume Example MSWord® Download our free Paralegal Resume template in Word and provide essential support to your future career in law!

If you’re interested in the world of law and you have the skills to be organized and responsible, a job as a paralegal could be an excellent opportunity for you.

It’s a great way to challenge yourself, use your smarts, work in a professional environment, and expose yourself to an important and fascinating field.

But creating a solid resume is a necessary first step toward getting that dream job . To do that, you’ll want to have a good idea of what good paralegal resume examples look like, what skills or experiences to focus on, and how to make your application materials stand out from the rest.

Paralegal Resume Example

Let’s have a quick look to a paralegal resume sample so you take some ideas to start yours without any legal problem.

[Sam Jones]

[Certified Paralegal (CP) since 2015]

[15 Oceanview Drive, MI 10001 | 213-555-0198 | [email protected]]

Motivated and hard-working medical malpractice litigation paralegal with 5+ years of experience. Seeking to utilize skills as a strong research assistant and shape organization, client communications, and trial preparation. Successfully managed over 50 individual clients both before and after trial. Proficient in Arabic.

Litigation Paralegal

Johnson Law Firm | St. Louis, MI 2015 – 2021

• Analyzed and investigated facts related to cases as requested by attorneys.
• Researched relevant laws, legal articles, and regulations as necessary.
• Drafted and distributed routine correspondence and other legal documents within the firm.
• Proofread and created reports, court transcripts, and other documents.

Associate’s Degree, Paralegal Studies

Southern Missouri Community College | Springfield, MI

2013 – 2015

Earned a cumulative GPA of 3.75 President of Model United Nations Chapter

• Strong research skills
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Multitasking

Hobbies and Interests

• Volunteering at local women’s shelter

What Does a Paralegal Do? Paralegal Job Description for Resume

A paralegal is responsible for supporting lawyers in various ways , including organizing and maintaining files or paperwork, drafting documents, and doing legal research.

Paralegals are sometimes called “legal assistants” because their primary job function is to provide lawyers with the resources and help they need to serve their clients best. However, their main responsibilities differ. You can check our legal assistant resume guide for futher information.

Specific job responsibilities you can expect from a job as a paralegal, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , include:

• Gather, investigate, and arrange the facts or evidence of a case alongside other legal documents for attorney review
• Assist in case preparation
• Research relevant laws, legal articles, or regulations
• Organize documents in filing systems
• Draft legal documents, such as contracts or correspondence
• Assist lawyers during trials by taking notes, reviewing transcripts, handling exhibits, etc.
• Work with clients, other lawyers, and outside personnel to schedule interviews, depositions, meetings, and more

Paralegal Duties: Resume Tips

The resume of a paralegal should reflect their background, job aspirations and goals, education, work experience, skills, and anything else that shows they are qualified to complete the above tasks .

Remember that your resume has just a few seconds or so to grab a hiring team’s attention, so you’ll want to be sure that your resume is just as eye-catching and intriguing as it is practical.

Regardless of your experience level, it’s essential to keep the goal of your resume in mind throughout this entire process: to make yourself the most attractive and desirable candidate you can be.

To do that, you’ll need to have a good idea of what potential employers are looking for, how to structure your resume, and what’s best to include. So let’s take a closer look.

What Does It Take to Become a Paralegal?

According to the BLS, most candidates looking to become a paralegal have:

• Either an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in another subject
• A certificate in paralegal studies

Some employers will only require applicants to have an associate’s degree, but most ask for a bachelor’s degree. Since few postsecondary institutions offer bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, it’s most common for students to pursue a different degree and then opt to get certified.

Only paralegal education programs approved by the American Bar Association can provide official certification, so if it’s something you choose to pursue, be sure you’re using services you can trust. Many professional associations or organizations can offer this sort of training.

Aside from education, there’s not much to worry about in terms of qualifications. Of course, certifications and work experience will undoubtedly serve to strengthen your resume, but it’s also possible to become a successful paralegal without these things.

It’s important to let your relevant experiences showcase your value as a candidate regardless of your experience level or background. Keep in mind the sort of things employers are often looking for in a potential paralegal, like:

• A willingness to learn and try new things
• A professional and good-to-work-with personality
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Flexibility and an ability to multitask

Can You Be a Paralegal With No Experience?

It is entirely possible to become a paralegal even without work experience so long as you meet all the other requirements for the job you’re looking into.

Paralegals can work in various industries, so even if one job posting doesn’t seem like something you can take on, don’t lose hope – there are lots of opportunities out there that are ideal for beginners.

Of course, writing a paralegal resume with no experience to pull from is more challenging than it would be to write an experienced paralegal resume, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your chances will suffer.

By formatting your resume in a way that highlights the things you do have to offer , you can create a finished product that still portrays a strong candidate. We’ll talk a bit more about format below.

For these sorts of resumes, it’s not a bad idea to reference some paralegal resume examples. Looking at a sample paralegal resume with no experience can help you better understand how to set up your own, what to include, and how to make yourself stand out.

What’s the Best Paralegal Resume Format?

Generally speaking, a reverse-chronological format is the best way to go for an effective, easy-to-read resume. This resume format lists your most recent experiences at the top and your most dated at the bottom in each section.

For a full-time job position like this, it’s most common to include your job experience atop your education . This way, the first thing a hiring team reads (aside from your introductory material) is your most relevant and recent experiences.

Beneath experience, you should include your educational background in the same format. Be sure to include the type of degree you’ve earned, the field it’s in, and any certifications or awards associated with your education.

Depending on your level of education, you may or may not choose to include your high school experience.

But, if you don’t have work experience to list, don’t fret. Using a combined or skill-based resume format can still work to your advantage.

A skill-based resume format , as the name suggests, puts your work skills at the forefront of a hiring team’s attention. For example, these resumes might list skills before job experience or education and elaborate upon how you acquired these skills and how they can be helpful to the firm.

A combined resume format takes elements from both styles mentioned above and blends them. As a result, it can look different from person to person based on what each individual feels is best to highlight.

For example, someone new to the field with only a college degree and certificate may find it helpful to include a significant skills section on their resume and utilize reverse-chronological formatting for the other sections.

No matter what, be sure to keep your resume around a page .

Too lengthy of a resume is likely to turn off a potential employer or at least cause them to miss vital information about you as a candidate.

How to Write a Paralegal Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Once you’ve decided on a format for your resume, you can begin to craft the actual text you’ll be using. The first part of that is your paralegal resume summary or objective.

It’s important not to confuse a resume summary and a resume objective; the two serve different purposes and are thus advantageous for different types of applicants.

A paralegal resume summary is ideal for experienced professionals who have been in the field for a long time and aren’t looking to make a career change.

On the other hand, a paralegal resume objective is best for an entry-level paralegal resume and those looking to change fields or enter a new position.

Both a resume objective and summary should explain to an employer why you’re the ideal candidate for the job, but how the two accomplish this goal differs.

Resume objectives generally focus on what you can do or want to do. Of course, they still provide relevant details about your background and express your desire for the position, but their goal is to show an employer what you have to offer right from the get-go.

A resume summary , by contrast, is about what you’ve already done. It’s an opportunity to list specific skills and achievements within the field that you’d like your employer to focus on. It acts as an overview of your career thus far, focusing primarily on the highest points, as well as what you hope to bring to the table at your new workplace.

Paralegal Resume Summary Example

Hard-working, dedicated, motivated, and certified paralegal with over five years of litigation paralegal experience. Eager for opportunities to provide legal assistance in research, organization, client service, and trial preparation. Successfully assisted Attorney & Attorney Law Firm in implementing a new file and client organization system. Proficient in Spanish.

Experienced paralegal with lots of practice working on contracts, lawsuits, and research. Great at time management, multi-tasking, and teamwork.

Ideal resume summaries will provide specific examples of things you’ve done well in the past and things that set you apart from other candidates.

Avoid overly vague language or simply restating job requirements; try to think of the top few things about you that showcase that you can fulfill the tasks the lawyer will need you to do.

Paralegal Resume Objective Example

Passionate, versatile, and organized college graduate with an economics and asset protection background. Seeking to utilize my skills and legal knowledge in research, trial assistance, and client preparation as a paralegal for X Company.

Recent college graduate with a passion for the field interested in further developing professional skills and legal knowledge.

Though a resume objective doesn’t have to be lengthy, it should still make it clear what your strengths are, what you have to offer, and what you hope to achieve.

How to Write an Entry-Level Paralegal Resume Objective

Your resume objective should encompass who you are as a worker and what your plans for the future are.

A strong opening is a part of any excellent paralegal resume, entry-level or otherwise, but it’s especially crucial if the rest of your resume might be lacking a bit.

Focus on writing an objective that is specific, concise, and able to successfully communicate your key skills, accomplishments, and goals as they relate to the job you’re applying for.

A lack of experience in the field doesn’t have to hold you back. Find ways to tailor your strengths to what your employer is looking for, and you can still come out as a top candidate.

Paralegal Certifications

The first thing you want to include on your resume will be your paralegal certification , where you got it from, and what dates you received it. You should also mention if you are an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP), Certified Paralegal (CP), or both, and be prepared to include a copy of your certificate with your application.

How to Describe Your Paralegal Experience

With a strong introduction already taken care of, it’s time to move on to the meat of your paralegal resume: the experience section.

Even if it’s not directly related to being a paralegal, past job experience is still important to employers. It demonstrates that you had an opportunity to develop tangible working skills , form connections, and acquaint yourself with a productive working environment.

However, if you do have experience as a paralegal or even ask something related like a secretary, that should be your focus. Don’t waste time or space on things that aren’t relevant to what you’re applying for – you only have about a page, after all.

Be sure to list your employer’s company name, their location, your job title, and the years you worked in that role for each piece you add to your experience section.

Beneath these key details, you should list significant accomplishments , experience, or skills that you took away from that job. When you do this, be sure to use strong, moving vocabulary, particularly verbs.

Keep your language fresh throughout your resume. Try your best to choose verbs that are specific to the point you’re trying to make to avoid redundancies. Lawyers are typically great with words, and they tend to recognize the importance of good vocabulary and writing skills!

It’s also important to remember that employers know the job you’re applying for better than anyone else, so they’ll be carefully looking for candidates that specifically meet the goals they’ve set for the position.

As a result, it’s best to tailor the language of your entire resume to each job description, but especially your experience section.

Paralegal Resume Template Examples: Experience

A good entry in your experience section might look something like this:

Paralegal Kelly, Brier, and Meyers, LLP, Cincinnati, OH 2011 – 2017

• Analyzed and investigated facts related to cases, including over 50 within family law.
• Researched relevant laws, legal articles, and regulations pertaining to each case.
• Drafted and proofread routine correspondence and other legal documents
• Wrote and distributed reports, court transcripts, and other documents to assist attorneys in trial preparation.

Entry-Level Paralegal: Experience Section

If you’re an entry-level candidate, you’re not going to have much or any experience to list on your resume. And that’s okay!

If you do have any job experience that you think can strengthen your resume, it’s not a bad idea to include it. But, if you feel that your education and skills are more noteworthy, it’s best to shift your focus to them instead.

Any experience you do list should still be written as if it’s important (because it is!) and list specific points you want your employer to know.

Perhaps you weren’t a paralegal specifically, but you worked in a job that required similar skills. You may write something like this:

Medical Office Secretary Gaviota Health, El Paso, Texas 2010 – 2020

• Managed sensitive, confidential, and complex information for doctors, nurses, and administrators
• Worked first-hand with clients in both English and Spanish
• Organized appointments, schedules, and pricing for over ten doctors and nurses
• Responded professionally in high-pressure circumstances

Especially if you plan to work with a medical malpractice attorney, that sort of experience can be extremely attractive. There are certainly ways to highlight the parts of the job that relate to the daily tasks of a paralegal.

Is Your Education Section Disorganized? It Might Be

After you’ve listed your experience, you’ll want to move on to your education. It’s key to ensure your paralegal resume education section is organized in a way that makes sense and follows the format of the rest of your resume.

For instance, if you’ve got a college degree and a high school diploma and want to list both, you should list your college degree and experience atop your high school information.

The more recent a degree is, the higher up it should be.

It’s not very typical to list education before experience unless you’re an entry-level candidate or have recently graduated, but that doesn’t mean your education section isn’t still a chance to showcase your strengths.

You may want to list your GPA, any major organizations you were involved in, any awards you won, and any notable accomplishments you made, among other things.

The Best Paralegal Skills for a Resume

Equally as important as your experiences are the skills you developed as a result of them. A skills section is a must-have for any resume, and including paralegal resume keywords from a job description or your past experiences can make you a great applicant.

For most resume formats , at least, it’s best to stick to around 5-10 primary skills. You can simply list them as bullet points; there’s no need to elaborate or explain unless you’re using something that the average reader might not understand.

Examples of paralegal skills for resume building include:

Soft Skills

• Organization
• Precision, attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Writing skills

Hard Skills

• Online research
• Litigation support
• Client counseling
• Legal document drafting
• Legal knowledge
• Customer service
• Trial preparation
• Proofreading
• Account administration

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

Once you’ve got the bare minimum taken care of on your resume, it’s time to add some elements that can spice things up. Paralegal resumes that stand out include more than the bare minimum.

As a result, you’ll want to take some time to consider what you personally can include to make yourself the best candidate out of the bunch.

Paralegal Resume Sample “Other” Sections

A good paralegal resume shows your employer who you are, why you’re applying, and what you have to offer. The best paralegal resumes, though, show your employer why they can’t afford to pass on you as a candidate.

To accomplish this goal, you might include sections like:

• Hobbies and interests. What you do in your free time can show what kind of person and worker you are. They also make your application more interesting and more human, and perhaps you and your potential future employer have hobbies in common!
• Volunteer work. This is an additional opportunity to share skills that you’ve learned. It also shows your employer that you’ve got a lot of experience working on different projects and with different people. Plus, it shows that you have a genuine interest in helping out others.
• Special awards or certificates. Your paralegal certification should be at the very top of your resume. Some other relevant awards and certificates may be for skills such as writing, multiple language skills, leadership, and focus.
• Goals. Showing your employer what you hope to accomplish in the short- or long term helps them see you have plans and aspirations and that you’re serious about your future in the field. Just remember that they may be less inclined to hire someone who will only be working with them briefly, so even if you plan to attain other jobs in the future, perhaps specify that you would like to climb the ladder within the firm.

How to Use a Paralegal Resume Template

If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole paralegal resume writing process, you’re not alone. Millions of individuals struggle with knowing how to write a resume and do it well.

That’s why there’s an abundance of resources available to make your life easier, including resume builder tools and templates .

These allow you to input information and text with the hard work of organizing, formatting, and editing already completed for you!

Take Advantage of Our Free Paralegal Resume Templates

Whether you’re new to writing a paralegal resume or not, our free, easy-to-use resume templates can help you out. With tons of styles to choose from, you won’t find it hard to choose a look and set-up that works well for your vision.

Our free resume builder takes the uncertainty of how to write a paralegal resume away and allows you to focus instead on the quality of your writing itself.

Using these paralegal resume tips in conjunction with a tool is one of the best ways to save yourself time or stress and set yourself up for success.

We’re committed to helping you get a job you love. We wish you the best of luck in your pursuit to find your perfect paralegal job, and we have faith you can crush it!

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How to Write a Paralegal Resume That Stands Out

jobGiven the fact that paralegals are hired to serve as ancillaries to attorneys, tasked with intensely-detail oriented work, it only makes sense that their resumes need to be flawless, comprehensive and, of course, persuasive.

Whether crafting your CV for your very first paralegal job or as you prepare for your next move in an already-established career, ask yourself this question:

Does my resume pass the five-second test?

Studies show that resumes are given all of about five seconds of attention before they either make the keeper stack or hit the wastebasket. It’s your job to make sure your resume gives prospective employers a reason to pause, linger a little longer, and discover why you are the best person for the job. If you do it right, your resume will make the cut and end up dog-eared on the desk of your future employer.

Of course, a resume serves one functional purpose: showcase your paralegal skills, education, and experience. Even reading that sentence, you might find yourself getting a little bleary-eyed with boredom.

Keep in mind that its real, intrinsic purpose, however, is to provide a window into your character and to serve as a reflection of how you will perform your job and what you have to offer the firm.

The perfect paralegal resume is well-organized and concise. It’s also thoughtful, smart, and impeccable. In other words, it’s everything attorneys want their paralegals to be.

You know you’re ready to make the move to become a Paralegal. All you need is the training to make it happen. Learn more about flexible training options and the cost of programs in your area.

While there are a few things you must consider if you want your resume to earn a spot on the boss’s desk, you also want to be careful not to overthink the process. Fussy, pretentious, and over-wrought have no place on a paralegal’s resume. Instead, short, well-constructed, and easy to read should be your mantra.

Keep in mind that a long read of your resume won’t occur until after an initial scan, so keeping it to the point and free of any fluff will always work to your advantage.

There are two main points to keep in mind when writing and constructing your resume: appearance and content .

Before we get to the façade of the resume, let’s look at the nuts and bolts: content.

Things to Consider When it Comes to the Content of Your Resume

When considering the content of your resume, remember that the legal environment is the epitome of persnickety, so now’s not the time to misspell a word or omit a key piece of information. You’ve got to be on your A-game and ready to impress.

Your resume should be tightly written and engaging, and, of course, it should highlight your work accomplishments, education, and skills. But it should be more than a chronological list of your work history and education. It’s your first writing assignment for your future employer, so make it a pleasure to read.

Show off your keen sense of detail, your organizational prowess, and your sharp writing skills.

Here’s what to keep in mind when your write your paralegal resume:

Lists are Out, Accomplishments are In

A resume is not a laundry list; be thoughtful about what you put on it. More information does not equal a better resume. Adding in the minutiae of your last job won’t complement your resume, it will only detract from your real accomplishments.

Outline your most substantive duties at your last job or internship in a way that tells your story. What did you learn there? How did it make you a better paralegal? If you are proud of you research work, take the time to explain why. And, by all means, highlight your career accomplishments (e.g., Assisted attorneys at trial during a multi-million-dollar environmental case) and your educational accomplishments (e.g., graduated magna cum laude).

Of course, you will list duties such as drafting legal correspondence and taking witness statements, but also consider job duties you handled that were outside the scope of your normal duties. Detail your flexibility and willingness to tackle new challenges.

Adjectives are Fine, Actions are Better

One of the biggest mistakes found on resumes is a running list of personal and professional qualities— the dreaded list of adjectives.

Your resume should showcase actions. In other words, employers don’t want to know you are responsible, they want an example or two of when your sense of responsibility served you well, either professionally or personally.

Whether your list of qualities include being analytical, detail-oriented, or fastidious, you must provide examples to back up those fancy adjectives.

Get Real About False Advertising

Talking yourself up is important—this is, after all, your chance to make a great first impression. But beware of overselling yourself. An employer can and will call you out on what you put in your resume. Don’t profess to be a whiz at drafting pleadings if you only had a couple months of experience doing so. Keep it real and focus on your strengths.

Little Job Experience Doesn’t Mean an Unimpressive Resume

The experience section should be broken into two sections: 1) Legal Experience 2) Other Professional Experience. Your experience as a new paralegal is going to be minimal, but you can always detail professional experience you may have gained in an internship. This is one of the best ways to highlight your skills and the pre-professional experience you’ve had.

Your resume doesn’t have to be all paralegal, all the time. Any number of life experiences, special skills, and unique abilities have the power to make you stand out from the crowd. Are you fluent in Italian? Did you win a public speaking award in college? Were you class president in high school?

If you are short on experience, keep in mind that leadership roles in student and academic organizations are also important additions. If you were in a student organization but didn’t hold a leadership position, make sure to specify what contributions you made to the organization. Did you write their newsletter, coordinate a social event? Any activities that highlight your leadership qualities and initiative are always important additions to your resume.

Describe Your Unique Skills in the Context of Job Performance, Don’t Just List Them Out

You don’t need a separate “skills” section.

Instead of a dedicated section that includes a lengthy list of skills, give the information richer context by showing how you used those skills in the performance of a job. Include skills under the work experience or education sections of the resume to show where and how these sills were acquired and honed.

Being short on experience doesn’t mean your resume should be threadbare in the employment/experience section. If you’ve worked jobs outside of the legal environment that required strong communication and writing skills, talk it up.

Provide employers a glimpse of what you can offer by revealing the best tricks you have up your sleeve. Are you a whiz at Excel? Are you skilled in computer programming?

Oh, and if you’re an expert at using Lexis or Westlaw, you probably want to get that on there too.

Create a Career Objective You’re Proud Of

Your career objective is the introduction to your resume, so it really belongs on the cover letter and not on the resume itself.

A career objective found on a resume template website isn’t going to cut it if you want to catch the eye of an employer, and you can bet they know a stock objective statement when they see one. This is your chance to be thoughtful and precise. What are you really looking to accomplish? What can you really do for them?

Make sure it complements the position you’re applying for. And, perhaps most importantly, make sure it conveys your desire to contribute something to the firm; what you can do for them. The objective statement isn’t so much about the personal attributes you’re trying to highlight; you’ll have time for that later.

For example, instead of, “Seeking a paralegal position where I can utilize my experience and education,” …. * Yawn * … consider “Detail-oriented paralegal seeking a position where I can make a positive impact through exceptional client and staff support.”

Aside from that, just make sure it is short and to the point.

Basic Structure, Tips and Points to Highlight

Ok, ok – I guess we have to touch on the stuff everybody already knows too… There are some things that are expected on a resume, no matter how stock they may be. Keep this in mind and don’t try to use something that is inherently unimpressive and a standard part of the job to impress. Get all the generic stuff employers need to see in there, but keep it succinct and give more attention to anything that might reveal an important aspect of your character or any specialized skills you have.

• Objective Statement   (on the cover letter) – Always, always avoid generic or substance-less objective statements that provide little to no insight into your career goals and what you have to offer the firm. Your enthusiasm about the profession should be felt in this opening statement, so think beyond skills and qualifications.
• Work History and Other Experience – You’ll inevitably need to explain your job duties, but try to emphasize things that highlight any specialized knowledge or skills… drafting legal correspondence, conducting investigation, taking witness statements, handling discovery materials. If you don’t have any law office experience, maybe you still have some experience with interpreting and drafting official documents. Maybe you have an example of how you’ve used written communications skills in a persuasive way, like for a grant proposal.
• Education and Credentials – If you just completed your paralegal program and do not yet have experience, this section will be particularly important. Don’t forget to highlight any electives and whether you got your education through an ABA-approved paralegal program or a regionally accredited school.
• Volunteer Work – Volunteer work is major, particularly for charitable organizations that provide free legal services, and should be featured prominently. This tells far more about who you are than all the specialty certifications in the world. It’s definitely okay to set this apart from your other experiences, but take care not to come off as too self-satisfied.

Resume Content Tips to Remember

• A resume should be one—no more than two—pages long. Any more than that and you’ve lost an employer’s interest, not to mention losing the most valuable information somewhere in all the wordiness. Concise and to the point is always your friend. Keep it in the present tense and avoid use of the third person.
• On the flipside, a barebones resume that doesn’t provide any insight into you as a professional won’t do you any favors either. Show employers who you are and what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
• Stick to the standard resume format: chronological work history, working your way from your latest job on down. Other resume formats are best left to the creative industries.
• Void “I,” “me,” and “my,” and make sure every sentence describes an action. For example, it’s not: “I prepared briefs for multiple attorneys.” Instead, “Prepared briefs for multiple attorneys” works better on a resume.
• Consider aesthetic. If the page presents in a way that is unappealing to the eye, consider it a wastebasket resume. Take the time to produce something you’re proud to put your name on.

Giving Attention to the Appearance and Aesthetic Quality of Your Resume

You’re not in a creative field where a resume may look and act more like an art project than a chronological history of your work experience and education. But make no mistake about it, the aesthetic quality of a resume – the way it looks and feels at fist glance – says more about you than you might think.

It would be nice to think that content is all that matters, but in reality, humans are hard-wired to appreciate symmetry and balance, and the aesthetic quality of a resume can have subconscious implications that you – and your hiring manager – may not even be aware of. Even in the field of law where the goal is to achieve justice without prejudice, the appearance of your resume is incredibly important and should not be taken lightly.

Simple is always best. Here’s what you’ll want to remember when designing your resume:

• A standard font on linen or cotton 24-lb resume paper in a white, off-white, or buff shade is best.
• Use a conservative font: Times New Roman, Century Schoolbook, Arial, and Palatino are all acceptable. Don’t use script fonts. Use capitalization properly and avoid using all caps.
• Make sure headings and spacing are consistent throughout the resume. One-inch margins present an easy-to-read, balanced look.
• If you use abbreviations (BS, PhD, JD, MA, etc.) make sure they are consistent throughout the resume.
• Don’t list references on you resume or mention that references are available upon request; this is a given.
• Handwriting on a resume is not acceptable.
• If your resume is two pages, don’t print on the back of the paper—use two sheets of paper.
• If you are an entry-level paralegal, list your education first. If you are an experienced paralegal, your work history should be first.
• Personal information, current salary information, and personal photos are not acceptable on paralegal resumes.
• A cover letter is imperative. Make sure it is personalized to each individual firm and always address it to a specific person. Call ahead to confirm who to send the resume to and the spelling of their name.
• Proofread your resume. Pass it off and ask a trusted friend or colleague to give it a good edit… and to give you their immediate gut reaction to how it looks and feels.

Now that you’ve crafted the perfect resume it’s time to nail the interview! Here’s everything you need to know about interviewing for a paralegal job .

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[ Click here to directly go to the complete paralegal resume sample ]

Are you looking for a paralegal job?

You can find one over the internet but you can not apply for it without a professional paralegal resume.

We have seen that the United States has a massive workforce of 3,45,600 paralegals and legal assistants working at an average annual salary of $56,230.

Hence, if you want get a paralegal job in the United States, you must stand out from the crowd.

For this, we are here with some practical guidelines along with paralegal resume examples that will help you build a job-winning paralegal resume.

Here you will get answers to the following paralegal resume building questions:

• Why do you need a paralegal resume?
• What are the essential sections in a paralegal resume?
• How to build a paralegal resume in 2022?
• How to show work experience in a paralegal resume?
• How to show education & certifications in a paralegal resume?
• What are the key sections of a paralegal resume?

What is a Paralegal Resume & why do you need it?

A resume can be considered as the first meeting between you and the recruiters.

It is the source through which you can communicate your potential as a suitable candidate for the recruiters for the targeted job.

Most of the recruiters rely on the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to pick the most suitable resume as they do not have the time to go through every resume that they receive.

The ATS can filter through bulk resumes and pick those resumes which contain the highest/sufficient number of keywords used by the recruiters to describe the job that you are applying for.

Now, it is a must for you to rank high on the ATS so that your resume gets through the ATS so that the recruiters can go through your paralegal resumes that stand out.

Paralegal Resume Sections

A resume is divided into different sections wherein each section allows you to communicate the details required by the recruiters to provide you the possible shortlist for the targeted job.

There are two types of resume sections and the below given are the traditional standard sections that need to be explicitly framed:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience

The following sections are the optional sections that can be framed whenever required to enhance the standard sections:

• Certifications (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)
• Awards & Recognitions (if any)

Make sure that every section you frame is thoughtfully composed.

How to write your Paralegal Resume

Following the three below-given stages can make your resume writing a hassle-free experience:

• Stage 1: Master Paralegal Resume
• Stage 2: First Draft of Paralegal Resume
• Stage 3: Final Draft of Paralegal Resume

Master Paralegal Resume

Before framing the first draft of your paralegal resumes, create a master resume that can be used as a master folder to gather your details and pieces of information.

This master draft holds all your details of professional experience and educational qualifications.

You should also list the required pieces of personal information through which the recruiters may get in touch with you in case of any possible or likely shortlist for the job that you are applying for.

Gather all the information of your certifications, awards & recognition and any additional information that may be required in your resume.

This master folder can be used as the master folder of information in the present timeline as well as for any future update of your litigation paralegal resumes.

Do not stress about any unclear details that you are not sure about because even if you do not need them in the present timeline, it may be required in the future updates of your resume.

First Draft of Paralegal Resume

Once your master folder is done, create the first draft of your litigation paralegal resumes.

In this second stage, you need to compose the following sections:

• Awards & Recognition (if any)

Always remember that every standard section needs to be framed at all times while creating a resume.

Whereas the optional sections can be framed only if you feel it is necessary or whenever it is required for any targeted job profile.

Final Draft of Paralegal Resume

Complete stage 1 and stage 2 of resume writing then only go ahead with your stage 3 of resume writing.

Now, for the final stage you should frame the following two important sections:

Key Skills : To frame a paralegal resume skills section, all you have to do is identify your most significant skills from the professional experience section of your resume and objectively place them in the “key skills” section of your resume. Frame this section as the last second step.

Summary/Objective : Compose a summary of your resume if you have 3 years and above of professional experience. But in case you have less than 3 years of work experience, frame an objective. Compose this section as the last step of your resume writing.

The three stages have been thoroughly explained to you so make sure that you follow every stage religiously and make your resume writing experience more effective and easier.

Paralegal Resume Sample

Here is a sample paralegal resume for you to know what the ideal paralegal resumes that stand out should look like:

• Collaborated with attorneys and case reviewers to resolve 30+ legal complaints every month
• Managed attorney calendar and monitored court appearances to track ongoing events at the firm
• Conducted extensive online & offline research to find evidence for resolution of legal settlement cases
• Drafted ~10 correspondence , motions, legal memorandum s, and judicial proceedings on a weekly basis
• Interpreted complex legal documents such as pleadings , briefs, interrogatories , responses, and agreements
• Maintained & updated law libraries , documents, and case files with 100% accuracy
• Reviewed documents , customer issues, and litigation metrics before the filing of a suit
• Assisted in ~5 monthly pretrial investigations , trial & deposition preparation , and witness preparation
• Administered intake interviews and collaborated with 2 attorneys to on-board 5+ legal interns
• Developed ~3 onboarding manuals to acquaint legal interns in the firm's practices and their expected deliverables
• Top 2% of the class
• Certified Paralegal | The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)| California City, CA | Jun '16
• Languages : Spanish, Mandarin, and English

Paralegal Resume: Header

Try to avoid writing "CV or Resume" on your paralegal resumes because it is evident that you are creating one and there is no need to mention the obvious.

The resume header should always be framed with your real and full name.

Doing so can give your resume its unique identity and help the recruiters keep an easy track of it.

Remember and follow the following points while framing the header of your litigation paralegal resumes:

• This should be written in the topmost part of your resume.
• The header of your paralegal resume should be written in the largest font size.
• This should be in the range of 16-20 font size .
• Give a single space between your first name and last name.
• If you have a middle name, write your first name, followed by the first initial of your middle name in capital letters, followed by your last name.
• Example: For instance, if your name is Bethany Gordon Rivers, it should be written as "Bethany G. Rivers".

Given below is a snapshot of our sample paralegal resume that we have created with Hiration’s Online Resume Builder :

Paralegal Resume: Personal Information

The recruiters would require some details through which they can get in touch with you in case of any possible shortlist.

Here is a list of what the personal information section should ideally contain:

Contact Number

Email address, current location.

Sometimes the recruiters may want to conduct an interview over the phone or get a verbal confirmation for any possible shortlist.

Hence you must provide a functional contact number that you actively use for the recruiters to get in touch with you.

The correct format for writing your contact number is given below:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code
• Eg: +1 83645 93446

If you have 2 or more mobile numbers, make sure that you accurately mention only that mobile number on which you are available 24x7. If the recruiter cannot get in touch with you, there is no use of penning down your contact number in your details. Hence, be extra sure that you are writing it correctly in your resume.

Another means of contact through which the recruiters can get in touch with you is through emails.

Make sure that you provide only the email ID that has your real name and makes sure that you provide only the email ID that you use for official and professional purposes.

Example: [email protected] or [email protected]

Avoid giving out the email ID that has fancy or childish names as it may make the recruiters assume you as an immature applicant who is not serious about one's career.

Example: [email protected] or [email protected]

Always maintain a professional approach while framing your resume to make the recruiter recognize you as a reliable applicant who is serious with one's career.

Since your email ID is a professional communication channel between you and your recruiter, you should write it as professionally as you can. For example, use your real full name in your email ID. Avoid using flimsy nicknames while drafting your email address in your resume.

Many people tend to neglect this section in a resume but the fact is that your current location can affect your likely shortlist.

Remember the below-given points while framing your location in your immigration paralegal resume:

• Provide the current location of your residence.
• Avoid giving your house number, street number, or your locality name as they are unnecessary.
• If you are looking for a job in your own country, simply mention the city and state of your residence. On the contrary, if you are looking for a job in another country, a quick reference to your city and country of residence is more than enough.

You can also refer to the below-given sample paralegal resume to know what an ideal personal information section should ideally look like:

Paralegal Resume: Profile Title

Profile titles are statements of the level of your professional identity and status in your paralegal resumes that stand out.

Framing a proper and accurate profile title can make the recruiters recognize whether you are an entry-level or a senior-level applicant.

The recruiters can recognize the following facts about you though the profile title:

• Your current designation.
• Your functional industry.
• Your level of seniority in your line of work.

Write your profile title in the range of 14-16 font size as the second-largest text after the header of your resume.

Exaggerating your profile title will pass off as intentionally cheating the recruiter so make sure that you write only the exact profile title.

You can refer to our sample paralegal resume given below to visually understand how an ideal profile title is framed:

Also Read: How to build a legal assistant resume in 2022?

Paralegal Resume: Professional Experience

The professional experience section takes up a major part of paralegal resumes that stand out.

This section helps you communicate your paralegal resume skills and potentials to the recruiters who can provide you with the shortlist for any targeted job.

There are there important factors that can help you write an effective professional experience section. Check them below to have a better understanding:

STAR Format

• Frame Points

Bucketing & Bolding

Use the STAR format to write statements that create a cause-effect relationship between your skills and how you execute them to achieve positive goals.

STAR can be used to describe the following areas of your professional experience statements:

• It describes the situation , backdrop, and context of your contributions to an organization.
• It describes the actual task that was assigned to you as part of your job.
• It describes the action you strategized to perform or execute an assigned task.
• It describes the result or the outcome of your action in the form of achievement.

Try to specify your achievements and contributions by giving figures of numbers for the recruiters to have a clear idea of your caliber.

Framing Points

Framing your points can have a huge impact on your statements of professional experience and enhance your resume.

Let us look at the below-given paralegal resume examples to discuss the importance of framing points and how it can be effectively implemented in your statements.

"Collaborated with the case attorneys and case reviewers to resolve 40+ legal complaints every month. Monitored court appearances by constructively managing attorney calendar to track the ongoing events of the firm. Effectively conducted both online & offline research for gathering evidence and for resolving the cases of any legal settlement. Simultaneously drafted weekly ~15 correspondence, legal memorandums, and judicial proceedings. Accurately interpreted the briefed legal agreements and the documents of pleadings along with the documents of interrogatories."

Paralegal Resume Example 2

• Collaborated with case attorneys and reviewers to resolve monthly 40+ legal complaints
• Monitored court appearances by managing attorney calendar to track the firm's ongoing events
• Conducted both online & offline evidence research for resolving legal cases of settlement
• Drafted weekly ~15 correspondence, legal memorandums, and judicial proceedings
• Interpreted the briefed legal agreements and documents of pleadings & interrogatories

Framing Points: Analysis

Both the paralegal resume examples are stating the same points but the recruiters would prefer to go through the points that have been framed (example 2).

From the two paralegal resume examples, we can see that framed points (example 2) are more readable as compared to the lengthy paragraph (example 1).

Writing lengthy paragraphs (example 1) tends to make your statements look bulky and it may fail to intrigue the recruiters to go through your entire professional experience section.

Wherein framing points (example 2) with bullet points makes your statements clear and specific with the professional experience that you are trying to communicate to the recruiters.

In conclusion, we can say that it is always better to write one-liners by framing them with bullet points to make it easier for the recruiters to read and comprehend your statements.

Another important factor that helps in enhancing your professional experience section is the bucketing and bolding.

Let us compare the two paralegal resume examples given below to discuss the impact of bucketing and bolding and how it can be implemented in your one-liner points.

Paralegal Resume Example 1

• Maintained & updated documents and ongoing case files with 100% accuracy
• Reviewed the clients' documents and litigation metrics before filing any suit
• Administered interviews by collaborating with 3 attorneys to on-board 10+ legal interns
• Developed ~3 onboarding manuals to familiarize legal interns with the firm's practices

Legal Research, Documentation & Interpretation

• Drafted weekly ~15 correspondence , legal memorandums, and judicial proceedings

Pretrial Investigations & Depositions

Intake Interviews & On-boarding

Bucketing & Bolding: Analysis

Both the paralegal resume examples are stating the same things but we can see that bucketing and bolding (example 2) makes the one-liners more organized as compared to only framing points (example 1).

Creating unique headings (bucketing) to list similar points can make your one-liners more organized and easier for the recruiters to read and comprehend.

Make your most significant achievements and potential stand out by bolding them in the framed one-liners.

Framing points (example 1) alone is not enough to hold on to the recruiters' interest to go through your entire resume.

The recruiters may not have the luxury of time to go through your resume, trying to take in all that is written in it.

Hence use bucketing and bolding to write your professional experience statements and make it easier for the recruiters to recognize your potential.

Look at the sample paralegal resume showcasing what an ideal professional experience section looks like:

Paralegal Resume: Education

Your educational qualification can make the recruiter recognize the level of scholastic knowledge that you possess.

The course of study that you possess can add value to your resume and make the recruiters consider you as an eligible applicant and raise your chances of being shortlisted for the targeted job.

The education section of your immigration paralegal resume should ideally consist of the details of the following:

• Name of the school/university you have attended.
• Name of the courses you have pursued.
• The location of your school/university.
• Enrollment and graduation dates in the month & year format .

Given below is our sample paralegal resume showcasing the ideal education section in a litigation paralegal resume:

Paralegal Resume: Certifications

Create a separate "Certifications" section to list your certified courses or training.

It can add value to your educational qualifications and professional experience.

Your certifications can make the recruiters recognize you as an applicant who is serious about one's career to go ahead and get certified to practice one's field of work.

The certification section of your litigation paralegal resumes can communicate the following details about you:

• Certification course name.
• Name of the institute of affiliation.
• Location of the institute of affiliation.
• Enrollment and completion date of the course in the month & year format.

You can arrange these points in the format given below:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (month & year format)

Here is a paralegal resume sample demonstrating the ideal certifications section for your paralegal resumes:

Paralegal Resume: Awards & Recognition

This section can be created to list any awards or recognition that you have achieved over the years as a professional, an intern, or a student.

For instance, if you have been recognized for a job well done or awarded a coveted title of "the best employee of the month" or "outstanding performer of the year", it can positively influence your job application.

These types of achievements cab be a huge advantage to your professional career.

Our advice is that you list them under the "Awards & Recognition" section of your resume.

Or you can simply put them under the "key achievements" bucket within each profile of your professional experience section.

List down the details of past accomplishments or recognition received under the "Awards & Recognition" section of your resume. You can also put them under the key achievements bucket within each profile of your professional experience section.

Paralegal Resume: Additional Information

In case you speak more than one language or keep a productive hobby that can help with the targeted job profile, you can list them in the additional information section.

It can enhance your educational qualification and professional experience by giving an insight into the additional potential that you possess.

The recruiters may consider these points and raise your chances to be shortlisted for the targeted job.

Given below is our paralegal resume sample that shows what a perfectly composed additional information section of your resume should look like:

Paralegal Resume Key Sections

Recruiters pay close attention to the below given sections. Hence, you should frame these sections after completing every other section of your paralegal resume:

Paralegal Resume: Key Skills

Frame the perfect paralegal skills for resume that stand out amongst every other average paralegal resumes.

Scan through your professional experience section and pick the most significant key skill that you possess and make sure that you justify them in your paralegal resume skills section.

A well-curated paralegal resume skills section can make the recruiters recognize you as a suitable applicant.

It can also make your resume rank high on the ATS which can raise your chances of getting the required shortlist for the targeted job profile.

Given below is a paralegal resume sample showcasing the perfect paralegal resume skills section:

Paralegal Resume Summary

Compose a summary for your resume after you are done framing every other section in your resume to make sure that you do not miss out on any important details.

A thoughtfully composed summary can make the recruiters get an insight into your potential as a suitable candidate for the targeted job.

Given below is a list of what you should do while composing a summary of your immigration paralegal resume:

• Write your summary at the end as it is easier to decide what to put in your resume summary.
• Pick the highlights of your career from your work experience section.
• Try to include the keywords that the recruiter has used in the job listing.
• Avoid writing a resume summary that exceeds 4 lines.
• Write a resume summary only if you have worked for over 3 years.

Attached below is a resume sample showcasing the ideal resume summary for your paralegal resumes that stand out.

Paralegal Resume Objective

A paralegal resume objective should be written in place of a resume summary only if:

• you have no work experience.
• you have very limited work experience of fewer than 3 years.
• you are a fresh graduate writing an entry-level resume.

The main aim of writing a paralegal resume objective is to communicate what you are capable of contributing to an organization. So try and avoid listing out all the things that you expect from the targeted organization.

A well-composed paralegal resume objective can help you sell your skills as a professional and convince the recruiter that you are the perfect applicant that they are looking for.

Also Read: How to build an attorney resume in 2022?

Key Takeaways

You can refer to any paralegal resume example available online to build your resume for paralegal jobs in 2022. However, you might get puzzled without practical guidelines.

These points will help you write an attractive paralegal resume in easy steps:

• Use the month and year format for your education, professional experience, and any other detail that needs to be time framed in your resume.
• Frame points and apply bucketing & bolding to enhance the readability of your resumes.
• Always use the STAR format to create a cause-effect relationship in your resume.
• Start every point with a power verb in the past tense for past profiles and projects and the present continuous tense for present profiles and projects.
• Write a summary for your 3 years and above of work experience in your resume. List paralegal resume objective only if you have less than 3 years of work experience.

In case, you want to minimize your resume building time, you can check Hiration's Online Resume Builder . It is an AI-powered tool to help you ease your resume building process.

Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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How to Write a Winning Resume for an Entry Level Paralegal

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• How Much Should an Attorney Get Paid After 5 Years?
• The Difference Between a Paralegal & Attorney

Entry-level paralegals often have little work experience, but they can make themselves attractive to employers by highlighting relevant skills, academic training and volunteer or internship experience. Many employers look for paralegals with excellent writing and organization skills, so in addition to providing compelling content, paralegals should make sure to make their resumes exceptionally well organized, clean and error-free. Here's what you should include on an entry-level legal assistant resume.

Personal Information and Career Objective

As in any field, those seeking an entry-level paralegal position should include appropriate personal details. At the top of the resume, clearly provide your contact information, including full name, phone number, email address and physical address.

Just below your contact information should be your career objective. When you're writing your paralegal resume objective with no experience, provide a description of the position you want, recommends Zety . If you know the area of law you'd like to specialize in, the career objective is the place to include that information. If not, simply express your desire to gain experience in the general practice of law. The career objective shouldn't run more than one or two sentences.

Education on Paralegal Student Resume

Many entry-level paralegals have little work experience, so emphasizing education and academic performance is important. If you received an associate or bachelor’s degree, provide information on the school you attended, the year of completion, your major and any relevant courses you took. If you graduated with a high GPA, include that as well. You can also provide information about your extracurricular activities, such as clubs and organizations.

Some paralegals also choose to become certified through a national or local paralegal organization. If you've completed a certification program, include information about it. Different firms require different levels of education and certification, so check the job description to see if you meet the requirements.

Relevant Work Experience

Employers often prefer paralegal candidates with experience in a law firm or office, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , but for an entry-level candidate this may not be possible. You can emphasize other types of experience in this section, however.

For example, if you've completed an internship related to law, criminal justice or the firm’s area of specialty, list it under work experience. Include dates of the internship, your duties and responsibilities, the skills you gained and any projects you completed.

A paralegal student resume might also list any relevant volunteer work at a nonprofit organization, community group or legal aid office. If you have any type of office, administrative or research experience, even if unrelated to the law, include it as well.

Important Skills to Include

Most employers look for paralegals with excellent research, organization and writing skills. If you haven't already highlighted these abilities in previous sections, include them here. Computer skills are also valuable to many law firms, so list any software or programs you're familiar with. Speaking a foreign language can also be attractive to an employer, so include information about any languages you speak or have studied other than English.

If you have any skills relating to the firm’s area of specialization, include those on your entry level legal assistant resume too. For example, if the firm specializes in bankruptcy law and you can prepare a bankruptcy petition, mention that. The American Bar Association suggests also highlighting that you're a willing learner and can handle multitasking.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Zety: Paralegal Resume Samples: Job Descriptions, Skills, Objectives
• American Bar Association: Top Five Skills to Look for When Hiring a Paralegal

Marie Gentile has a passion for personal finance and style, and takes a special interest in the places where they intersect. She specializes in writing about money management and frugal living. Gentile has a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been published in several personal finance-related print and online publications.

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• Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Entry Level Legal Assistant Resumes:

• Drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and contracts
• Maintaining legal files and databases
• Assisting with legal research and analysis
• Preparing and filing court documents
• Scheduling court appearances and depositions
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for trials
• Answering phones and responding to emails
• Scheduling meetings and appointments
• Maintaining calendars and deadlines
• Assisting with document production
• Assisting with client intake and billing
• Assisting with document review and discovery

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Example:

• Conducted thorough legal research and analysis for a high-profile case, resulting in the discovery of key evidence that led to a successful settlement for the client.
• Drafted and filed court documents in a timely and accurate manner, resulting in zero missed deadlines and a 100% success rate for court filings.
• Assisted attorneys in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits and evidence, resulting in a smooth trial process and positive feedback from clients.
• Maintained and organized legal files and databases for multiple cases, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency and accuracy of document retrieval.
• Assisted with client intake and billing, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction and timely payment of invoices.
• Scheduled and coordinated depositions and court appearances for multiple attorneys, resulting in a 95% success rate for attendance and preparation.
• Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts and pleadings, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and inaccuracies.
• Assisted with document production and discovery, resulting in a 40% increase in efficiency and accuracy of document retrieval.
• Answered phones and responded to emails in a timely and professional manner, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate from clients and colleagues.
• Legal research and analysis
• Drafting and filing court documents
• Trial preparation and organization
• Legal file and database management
• Client intake and billing
• Scheduling and coordinating depositions and court appearances
• Legal document drafting and review
• Document production and discovery
• Phone and email communication
• Time management and prioritization
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Client relationship management
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Proficiency in legal software and technology
• Adaptability and flexibility

Top Skills & Keywords for Entry Level Legal Assistant Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Legal Research
• Document Drafting and Review
• Case Management
• Court Filings and Procedures
• Contract Review and Analysis
• Legal Writing and Communication
• E-Discovery and Litigation Support
• Client Intake and Management
• Billing and Timekeeping
• Calendar Management
• File Organization and Maintenance
• Knowledge of Legal Terminology and Procedures

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Professionalism and Ethics
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Multitasking and Efficiency
• Initiative and Proactivity
• Confidentiality and Discretion

Resume Action Verbs for Entry Level Legal Assistants:

• Coordinated
• Communicated
• Transcribed

Generate Your Resume Summary

Resume FAQs for Entry Level Legal Assistants:

How long should i make my entry level legal assistant resume, what is the best way to format a entry level legal assistant resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a entry level legal assistant resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a entry level legal assistant, compare your entry level legal assistant resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Entry Level Legal Assistant job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Entry Level Legal Assistants:

Legal assistant, legal intern, personal injury legal assistant, compliance officer, policy analyst.