Paralegal Resume Examples + Expert Writing Guide
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A paralegal is a legal professional who works under the supervision of a lawyer and helps in various legal tasks. Paralegals work in a variety of settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and non-profit organizations. They play a vital role in supporting attorneys and helping clients navigate legal processes.
To land a job as a paralegal, you’ll need a compelling resume that showcases your skills and qualifications. Take a look at our professionally made paralegal resume examples and expert writing tips to craft a standout resume in minutes.
Start by editing the paralegal resume samples from this page, or browse our selection of 40+ resume templates to find one that catches your eye.
Paralegal resume example (text version)
SELINA ADKINS
City, State, Zip Code
000-000-0000
email@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Efficient and inquisitive legal assistant pursuing position as paralegal. Will capitalize on in-depth research experience, and ability to comprehend multifaceted legal structures and situations. Ready to take on a role that will greatly expand knowledge of law.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATION
- Capable of grasping legal minutia while performing thorough research and essential administrative work.
- Answer calls, emails, written letters; oversee firm’s schedules.
- Clear, concise, bilingual communicator.
SKILLS
- Proficient in MS Office
- Litigation support
- Court transcription
- Legal Research
- Exceptional writer
- Negotiation
- Document filing
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Organization:
- Create, update, and manage schedules for self and three firm partners.
- Keep workspace tidy, organized and accessible to coworkers.
- Closely adhere to and enforce filing system.
Research:
- Navigate and search through four distinct legal databases.
- Provide lawyers with essential background information across many cases.
- Provided Alliant executives with detailed reports on competitors and wider industry.
Comprehension:
- Can grasp complex legal topics in abstract if not in totality.
- Served as sole liaison between multiple parties across ten cases; all information was succinctly, clearly relayed and never overly simplified.
WORK HISTORY
Paralegal 03/2018 to Current
Branch Metrics Inc. – Company Name, City, State
Legal Assistant 04/2013 to 06/2016
Toro, lero, & Way LLP – Company Name, City, State
Admissions Assistant 01/2011 to 06/2012
Alliant Systems – Company Name, City, State
5 essentials of a standout paralegal resume
Contact details
Add your contact information to the top of your paralegal resume. Include your full name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and professional email address. Add your LinkedIn profile and professional website, if applicable. Reference our guide on how to write a resume for more advice on creating your contact details section.
Professional summary
Your professional summary is where you introduce yourself to the hiring manager and highlight your top qualifications in three to five sentences.
Your paralegal resume summary should showcase relevant skills. Include one or two notable professional accomplishments and touch on how long you’ve been in the industry.
Here is an example professional summary for a paralegal resume:
“Dedicated and detail-oriented paralegal with over five years of experience supporting attorneys in a variety of legal practice areas. Skilled in conducting legal research, drafting legal documents and managing case files. Proficient in using legal software, such as Westlaw and LexisNexis, to gather information and support case preparation. Strong communication and organizational skills, with a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet tight deadlines.”
For an entry-level paralegal resume, we recommend including a paralegal resume objective instead of a professional summary. For additional guidance, take a look at our guide on how to make a resume with no experience.
Skills
List your top paralegal resume skills using bullet points to let hiring managers know what you bring to the table. An impressive resume will showcase a mixture of hard skills and soft skills.
Here are a few examples of paralegal skills for your resume:
- Legal research: Ability to conduct legal research using various sources, including online databases, case law and statutes.
- Drafting and reviewing legal documents: Experience in drafting and reviewing legal documents, such as contracts, pleadings and briefs.
- Case management: Strong organizational skills and ability to manage case files, including tracking deadlines, maintaining calendars and organizing documents.
Remember to note your interpersonal skills, which help you communicate effectively with your colleagues. You can also take a look at paralegal job descriptions for resume skills that are relevant to your target role.
Work history
Your resume needs a clear work history section that starts with your present or most recent job and lists your remaining work experience in reverse-chronological order.
Remember to mention the job title, employer’s name, company location and the duration of your employment. Use bullet points to showcase your accomplishments and quantifiable achievements for each role.
Here are a few examples of work history bullet points to include on a paralegal resume:
- Conducted legal research and analysis of laws, regulations and judicial decisions.
- Prepared legal documents, such as contracts, pleadings and briefs.
- Organized and maintained legal files and documents, including electronic databases.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials, hearings and corporate meetings by reviewing documents, preparing exhibits and organizing evidence.
Read our guide on including work experience on your resume and reference our paralegal sample resumes for additional tips from career experts.
Education
List your educational background starting with the most recent degree and working backward. Include the name of the schools and the year of graduation. If you did not attend college, provide information about your high school and any relevant courses you have taken since graduating.
The educational requirements for a paralegal may vary depending on the employer and the jurisdiction, but in general, a paralegal needs to have a post-secondary education in the form of a certificate, diploma or degree in paralegal studies or a related field.
In addition to formal education, paralegals may also receive on-the-job training or continuing education to stay up-to-date with changes in the law and legal procedures.
See why MyPerfectResume is a 5-star resume builder
Action verbs for a standout paralegal resume
If you take a look at our sample paralegal resumes, you’ll notice that the work experience bullet points use strong action verbs to make an impact. Here are some examples of action words you can use for your paralegal resume:
- Research
- Draft
- Manage
- Communicate
- Analyze
- Assist
- Coordinate
- Investigate
- Review
- Prepare
- File
- Negotiate
- Maintain
- Collaborate
- Review
- Conduct
- Organize
- Facilitate
- Resolve
- Examine
Use the resume examples for paralegals from this page or make a resume from scratch using our Resume Builder.
Top skills for your paralegal resume
Make sure the resume skills you include are relevant to the job description and what the employer is looking for in a candidate.
Here are some examples of resume skills for paralegals:
- Research
- Writing
- Communication
- Organization
- Analysis
- Investigation
- Management
- Drafting
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
- Litigation
- Time-management
- Multitasking
- Technology
- Ethics
- Negotiation
- Accuracy
- Flexibility
Paralegal resume skills should feature a mix of soft skills and technical skills to demonstrate your balanced experiences and qualifications. Explore our library of 800+ resume examples for more inspiration.
Certifications to include on a paralegal resume
Create a separate section on your resume for certifications and licenses and list them using bullet points.
Some paralegals choose to become certified through a professional organization, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Here are some widely recognized certifications for paralegals:
- Certified Paralegal (CP)
- Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)
- Professional Paralegal (PP)
- Registered Paralegal (RP)
- Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)
- Certified Legal Professional (CLP)
- Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)
- Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE)
- e-Discovery Specialist (ACEDS)
The requirements for certification and the certifying organization may vary by region and field of practice. Review our paralegal resume templates for additional guidance listing certifications on your resume.
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
Paralegal resume FAQ
How do you make an ATS-friendly paralegal resume?
We recommend using our free ATS resume checker to scan your resume for common errors that might prevent your resume from passing ATS.
Additionally, you can follow these tips to make an ATS-friendly paralegal resume:
- Use relevant keywords: Use relevant keywords from the job description, such as “written and verbal communication,” “analytical skills” and “legal software.”
- Use simple formatting: Use simple formatting and avoid graphics, tables and columns.
- Use standard fonts: Use standard fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman. This will help the ATS read your resume more accurately.
- Use bullet points: Use bullet points to break up your resume into easy-to-read sections. This will help the ATS scan your resume more easily.
- Avoid abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms that the ATS may not recognize. Instead, spell out the full name of the skill or certification.
- Spell out numbers: Spell out numbers instead of using symbols or abbreviations. This will help the ATS read your resume more accurately.
By following these tips, you can create an ATS-friendly paralegal resume that will increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and landing an interview.
How do you make a resume for a paralegal position?
Using an AI resume builder such as MyPerfectResume can help you make a paralegal resume in a matter of minutes. Here are some additional tips for creating an effective paralegal resume:
- Highlight your legal skills and knowledge. This includes proficiency in legal research and writing, knowledge of legal terminology and familiarity with legal software and databases.
- Emphasize your education and certifications. Also, list any certifications you have earned, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) or the Professional Paralegal (PP) designation.
- Quantify your achievements wherever possible, such as by stating the number of cases you worked on or the percentage of cases you won.
Reference our paralegal resume samples for additional ideas on how to add your job responsibilities to your resume.
What is the best format for a paralegal’s resume?
The resume format you use for your paralegal depends on your years of professional experience and the areas that you want to showcase.
The chronological format is the most commonly used format because it highlights years of experience. The combination format is great for mid-level job seekers who want to showcase a blend of work experience and job-relevant skills.
Entry-level paralegals can use the functional format, which focuses on relevant skills such as customer service, communication and problem-solving.
Whichever format you choose, make sure to touch on job-relevant skills such as interviewing clients and witnesses to gather information about a case or assisting with document management in a law office.
Do’s and don’ts for your paralegal resume
- Use measurable achievements to describe your experience.
- Use strong action verbs to describe your work experiences, such as “drafted,” “assisted” and “processed.”
- Tailor your resume to the paralegal job you are applying for.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your paralegal resume. For example, “scheduling appointments” and “conducting research.”
- Format your paralegal resume with clear sections and appropriate fonts so that it is easy for ATS software to parse and hiring managers to read.
- Don’t lie about your experience and skills as a paralegal.
- Don’t make vague claims about your skills. Instead, provide specific examples of your ability to analyze complex legal issues and work collaboratively with attorneys.
- Don’t include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Don’t include irrelevant skills and work experience. Focus on relevant skills instead such as proficiency in using legal software, such as Westlaw, LexisNexis and Microsoft Office.
- Don’t forget to proofread. A paralegal is expected to have high attention to detail, and your resume should reflect that.
Top 4 tips for interviews for a paralegal job
Learn about the law firm.
When applying for a paralegal role, it’s important to learn about the organization to demonstrate your interest in the position and to tailor your resume to the company’s needs. Here are a few areas to consider researching:
- Areas of practice: Look at the firm’s website and review its areas of practice. This will give you an idea of the types of cases and clients the firm handles. You should also research the specific practice areas you are interested in and become familiar with the relevant legal terminology and procedures.
- Firm size: Law firms vary in size, from small boutique firms to large multinational firms. Consider the size of the firm and how it might impact the work environment and the types of cases you would be working on.
- Firm culture: Try to get a sense of the firm’s culture and values by reading the website, reviews and news articles. Look for information on the firm’s work-life balance, diversity and inclusion policies, and professional development opportunities.
- Reputation: Research the firm’s reputation in the legal community and among clients. Look for information on the firm’s track record of success, awards and recognitions, and any notable cases or clients.
By researching the law firm and understanding its areas of practice, culture and reputation you can tailor your application and demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the firm’s work.
Practice your answers.
It is important to prepare for your job interview by practicing commonly asked questions. Here are a few behavioral questions to prepare for:
- Provide an example of how you deal with change
- Describe a time when a colleague disagreed with you
- Describe a time in which you took initiative
During your interview, you will be asked a variety of questions to assess your knowledge, skills and experience as a paralegal. Here are some common questions that you might encounter:
- What experience do you have working on legal cases?
- How do you manage competing priorities and deadlines?
- What do you know about our law firm and our areas of practice?
Prepare questions to ask during the interview.
Prepare for the interview process by brainstorming informed questions that you can ask. This will help you showcase your interest in the company’s mission and values.
Here are a few questions you can ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest:
- What is the culture like at the firm?
- How does the firm measure success for paralegals?
- What is the firm’s policy on professional development?
- What type of cases will I be working on?
Gather references.
Gather your professional references to share with the hiring manager if requested. Make a list of two or three former colleagues and a former manager willing to speak highly about your abilities and performance as a paralegal.
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Learn.org. Article. How Do I Become a Certified Paralegal?
- Rasmussen University. Blog. 7 Must-Have Paralegal Skills Employers are Seeking
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Paralegal Resume Example
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.
More Articles by Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW