AiResume

Paralegal Resume Example & Writing Guide

A strong resume is vital for landing a job as a paralegal. This guide provides a paralegal resume sample and easy-to-follow writing tips. You'll learn what to include in each section of your resume, how to highlight your legal skills and experience, and simple ways to make your resume more appealing to law firms and legal departments.

Creating a paralegal resume that gets noticed can be tough. With many qualified candidates applying for each open position, your resume needs to quickly show hiring managers why you're the best paralegal for the job.

But don't worry - this guide will walk you through the process of writing a paralegal resume step-by-step. You'll learn what information to include, how to highlight your most relevant skills and experience, and how to format your resume for maximum impact.

We've also included a paralegal resume example that you can use as a starting point. It shows you how to put all the pieces together to create a resume that will help you land interviews.

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to create a paralegal resume that stands out from the competition and helps you take the next step in your legal career. Let's get started!

Common Responsibilities Listed on Paralegal Resumes

  • Drafting legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, and correspondence
  • Conducting legal research and analysis
  • Organizing and maintaining case files and documentation
  • Interviewing clients and witnesses to gather information
  • Assisting attorneys in trial preparation
  • Reviewing and summarizing deposition transcripts and other legal documents
  • Coordinating communication between clients, attorneys, and other parties
  • Scheduling appointments, meetings, and court appearances
  • Maintaining accurate records and databases

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How to write a Resume Summary

The significance of a well-written summary or objective in a resume cannot be overstated. This concise section serves as a narrative that sets the tone for the rest of your document and acts as your first impression to potential employers. It is your initial step onto the stage of the professional world. Remember, for this section, you are essentially the protagonist of a story—your career story.

Now, the summary or objective section must be penned in a logical and coherent manner. Being in the profession of Paralegal, it is assumed that you are already versed in dealing with the complexities of legal information and transforming them into an understandable form. This particular ability to simplify intricate issues is what should reflect in your summary as well.

In this section, you need to elucidate who you are as a professional—it is like a label that will stick to you. Highlight your wealth of experience, if you have any, in various branches of law, your knowledge of legal research methods, or your excellent interpersonal and communication skills, without merely listing these attributes. Instead, intertwine them into a narrative, keeping it succinct and to-the-point.

The core idea of every summary or objective is to communicate why you are the most appropriate fit for the specific role. Therefore, it should also elucidate how your skill set aligns with the job role you're applying for or your professional objectives align with the company's goals. However, avoid generic phrases, overused jargon or clichés, since they might make your resume come across as insincere and unoriginal.

Remember, the goal here is not salesmanship, but to provide an accurate, engaging mini-chapter of your professional journey, up to this point. It should leave the reader eager to turn the page and delve deeper into your resume. Your authority in your field and trustworthiness should organically emanate from this section. Ensure the language you use is simple and enhances readability rather than complicating the narrative.

Rest assured, a properly constructed summary/objective demands a great deal of expertise – but the rewards in terms of your professional representation are absolutely worth it. After all, this is your story. Make it count.

Strong Summaries

  • Senior paralegal with over 10 years of experience in familial law, adept at drafting and reviewing policies. Have successful track record of executing litigation cases, managing a broad range of assignments that enhanced teamwork and communication, and delivering effective legal solutions.
  • Client-focused Paralegal with 7 years of comprehensive legal experience in criminal law, and practiced trial preparation abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and proficient in legal research. Committed to maintaining the ethical standards of the legal profession.
  • Entry-level Paralegal, recently graduated from an ABA-accredited law school, skilled in conducting legal research and case preparation. Excellent organizational skill, used to maintain records of case files and preparation of legal documents. Looking for a challenging environment to apply the gained knowledge and grow simultaneously.
  • Dedicated and resourceful Paralegal with a solid background in immigration law and significant experience in managing large caseloads. Proven ability to analyze complex policies and regulations combined with a passion for delivering results and mitigating risks.

Why these are strong?

The above examples are considered 'good' as they provide accurate and specific details about the candidate's experience, skills, and accomplishments within the Paralegal profession. They highlight the areas of law each candidate specializes in, their years of experience, their professional skills, such as multitasking, attention to detail, and legal research, and their contributions to their past workplaces. Theses summaries provide a comprehensive view of the candidate's qualifications and set the tone for the rest of the resume, making it an effective practice.

Weak Summaries

  • I'm a paralegal. I've done some cool paralegal stuff.
  • I like legal things and I've been doing it for a while now. Need a job ASAP.
  • Paralegal extraordinaire with a love for caffeine and late night research binges. I've answered phones, typed stuff up and made lots of coffee!

Why these are weak?

The above examples are not ideal for a Professional Summary section on a Paralegal resume for various reasons. The first one is too vague and lacks detail about the candidate's experience, skills or achievements. The second one seems unprofessional due to phrases such as 'I like legal things', and 'need a job ASAP', which don't display seriousness or professionalism. The third example, though humorous and somewhat detailed, is inappropriate for a professional setting. It pays more attention to the candidate's love for caffeine and late-night research than specific professional attributes, skills, or achievements.

Showcase your Work Experience

A crystal clear and meticulously laid out Work Experience section is a powerhouse on every resume, especially for a role as meaningful and demanding as a paralegal.

Understand the Essence of Your Role

The first step is understanding your role as a paralegal thoroughly. This role is multifaceted and demanding, placing you in the intersection of detailed legal research, drafting legal documents, meeting with clients or witnesses, and more. Jot down the tasks you've managed. Each task mastered or project delivered should find its way to the list, acting as proof points of your capabilities.

Link Your Activities to Visible Impact

Next, frame your activities in a way that explains the impact or result of the work you performed. Avoid dwelling on what you did; focus on the result of your action. Instead of merely jotting down your tasks, highlight the improvements or changes that happened due to your actions. Did your legal research influence a court case? This perspective makes your experience relatable and proves the value you bring to any similar roles.

Expert Tip

Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Soft and Hard Skills

Paralegals require an amalgamation of both soft and hard skills. Legal knowledge, research abilities, command over legal softwares, meticulousness, stellar communication skills, and insightful analysis are essential to succeed. Examine your previous roles and identify how you've used these skills, weaving them into the outline of your responsibilities.

Avoid Complicated Legal Jargon

While it limits readability for recruiters, avoid piling up legal jargon just to sound 'smart'. Speak plainly and communicate your legal competencies in an uncomplicated way. Using understandable and precise language optimizes readability and aids recruiters to comprehend your contributions accurately.

Make Use of Action Verbs

Start bullet points with action verbs which portray you as proactive and result-oriented. Words such as 'spearheaded', 'pioneered', 'optimized', 'transformed', etc., can bring your tasks to life, making them sound more proactive and dynamic.

Be cautious to not extend the length overly; crispness is key. Each word should pack a punch, conveying the depth and impact of your work in the most efficient and engaging way. Remember, the goal of this section is not to sell yourself but to authentically represent your work history, skills, and the real impact you can create. While there might not be a 'perfect' plan that fits every paralegal, this strategy can act as a compass guiding you in charting out a compelling Work Experience section for your resume.

Strong Experiences

  • Performed administrative duties such as preparing case summaries, organizing case files and researching legal articles.
  • Managed over 200 active cases, prioritized tasks and communicated with attorneys to facilitate case progression.
  • Drafted legal documents including briefs, appeals, and contracts, attended court hearings to provide assistance to the legal team.
  • Prepared legal drafts by assembling and organizing information as per the instructions by lawyers.
  • Conducted regular client interviews to gather relevant case information and maintain communication.
  • Utilized electronic legal research tools such as Westlaw and LexisNexis for case-related research.

Why these are strong?

These are good examples because they are specific, measurable, and relevant to the Paralegal role. They demonstrate knowledge in legal research tools, which adds value. The points are technical and not generic, indicating the candidate's concrete understanding and experience in the legal field. Also, they show an individual's capability to handle multiple tasks and cases, necessary for organizational and time management skills.

Weak Experiences

  • My job was sort of like doing a lot of legal paperwork.
  • I think I did some filing and stuff like that at my previous law job.
  • I spent most of my days at the firm surfing the web and occasionally writing columns for the local newspaper.
  • Spent some time working on cases, although mostly just sat in on meetings.
  • Did regular paralegal jobs.

Why these are weak?

The above examples fail to present the candidates' work experience on their resumes clearly and professionally. Good bullet points should specifically highlight responsibilities, achievements, and skills, which these examples do not. They are vague ('sort of like doing a lot of legal paperwork', 'I think', 'spent some time'), not related to paralegal work ('writing columns for the local newspaper', 'surfing the web'), or too generic ('Did regular paralegal jobs'). These examples reflect poorly on the candidates' abilities and seriousness about their paralegal roles hence why it is a bad practice to phrase your experiences this way.

Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips

When writing your Paralegal resume, the skills section plays a crucial role. It explains what skills you bring to the table. There are two categories of abilities you should mention: 'hard' and 'soft' skills. Let's talk about them and their importance. Also, learn what "keywords," "ATS," and "matching skills" mean in resume writing, as these elements are essential for any aspiring paralegal.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are learned abilities that are specific to a job or task. In a paralegal job, examples would include 'knowledge of legal terms', 'expertise in legal research' and 'competency in using legal software'. These skills show that you are trained and prepared for the job tasks at hand.

Including hard skills in your resume allows employers to see your qualifications at a glance. Without them, your capacity to handle the job's duties may be unclear to the hiring manager.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are less precise and oftentimes relate to how you interact with others. For a paralegal, that might mean 'excellent communication', 'organizational skills', or 'problem-solving skills'. These skills paint a broader picture of you as a well-rounded candidate that can work well with others.

Remember, law firms do not only value knowledge and tasks. They also value how well you can interface with their team, manage your tasks and solve problems. Including your soft skills can give employers a sense of your work ethics and personality.

Keywords and ATS

Automated Tracking Systems (ATS) are programs used by organizations to sort through resumes. They are designed to look for specific keywords that match the expertise, knowledge, and skills they need.

When a hiring manager scans your resume through an ATS, the software will analyze your text for keywords linked to the necessary skills for the paralegal job. If your resume uses the right keywords, it is more likely to be shortlisted.

Including keywords relevant to the hard and soft skills in your paralegal role is paramount. Spend some time studying the job advertisement and identify the critical abilities and qualities they are looking for. These can serve as potential keywords to include in your resume.

The Connection between Keywords, ATS, and Matching Skills

As a paralegal aspirant, knowing how to include and present the necessary hard and soft skills on your resume is one thing. But making sure that these skills are worded in such a way that they match the keywords the ATS is looking for is another.

It's crucial to remember that the hard and soft skills you include should match what the job listing asks for. Frame your skills in such a way that they reflect the abilities and qualities listed in the job description. That way, when your resume is scanned by an ATS, the software finds the keywords it needs, deem your application relevant and put it forward for the hiring manager to read.

Remember, an effectively worded and ATS-friendly resume can increase your chances of being called for an interview. Understanding the importance of hard and soft skills, and the role of ATS and keywords in your resume, can significantly improve the strength of your Paralegal application.

Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers

Hard Skills

  • Legal research
  • Case management
  • Document drafting
  • Litigation support
  • Legal writing
  • Contract review
  • Evidence gathering
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Trial preparation
  • Legal analysis
  • Client communication
  • Legal documentation
  • Legal terminology
  • Legal software proficiency
  • Court filing procedures
  • Soft Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Analytical skills
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
  • Research skills
  • Confidentiality
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism
  • Empathy
  • Conflict resolution
  • Top Action Verbs

    Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.

  • Researched
  • Managed
  • Drafted
  • Supported
  • Wrote
  • Reviewed
  • Gathered
  • Complied
  • Prepared
  • Analyzed
  • Communicated
  • Documented
  • Terminated
  • Filed
  • Negotiated
  • Advised
  • Assisted
  • Presented
  • Interviewed
  • Resolved
  • Collaborated
  • Evaluated
  • Mediated
  • Drafted
  • Reviewed
  • Prepared
  • Analyzed
  • Communicated
  • Documented
  • Terminated
  • Filed
  • Negotiated
  • Advised
  • Assisted
  • Presented
  • Interviewed
  • Resolved
  • Collaborated
  • Evaluated
  • Mediated
  • Education

    Begin by creating a new section in your resume titled "Education" or "Certificates and Training". List your educational achievements, starting with the most recent. If you're a paralegal, consider prioritizing your paralegal certificate, if you have one. Always include the title of the certificate or degree, the institution, and the year of completion. If relevant, add your GPA. Finally, if you completed any specific coursework pertinent to your legal career, you might want to include those as well. Remember, conciseness and clarity are crucial for a compelling resume.

    Resume FAQs for Paralegals

    question

    What is the ideal length for a paralegal resume?


    Answer

    The ideal length for a paralegal resume is typically one page. However, if you have extensive relevant experience, it can be up to two pages. The key is to be concise and highlight your most relevant qualifications.

    question

    What format should I use for my paralegal resume?


    Answer

    The most common and recommended format for a paralegal resume is the reverse-chronological format. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. It's easy to read and allows you to highlight your most relevant experience.

    question

    How should I organize the sections on my paralegal resume?


    Answer

    A typical paralegal resume should include the following sections: header (name and contact information), summary or objective, work experience, skills, and education. You can also include additional sections like certifications, professional memberships, or volunteer experience if relevant.

    question

    What kind of keywords should I include in my paralegal resume?


    Answer

    When writing your paralegal resume, it's important to include relevant keywords that align with the job you're applying for. Some common keywords for paralegal resumes include legal research, document preparation, client communication, case management, legal terminology, and specific software or legal databases you're proficient in.

    question

    How can I make my paralegal resume stand out?


    Answer

    To make your paralegal resume stand out, focus on quantifying your achievements and using specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. Highlight any specialized knowledge or certifications you have, and tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for by using relevant keywords and emphasizing the most applicable skills and experience.

    Paralegal Resume Example

    A Paralegal provides critical support to lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing cases. An effective Paralegal resume should have a compelling summary, detailed skills section highlighting legal knowledge and software proficiency, reverse-chronological professional experience emphasizing accomplishments through quantified metrics, and educational credentials. Optimize by incorporating relevant legal terminology and using accomplishment-driven bullet points. Tailor each resume to the role's requirements, emphasizing transferable skills matching the job description.

    Erika Rodriquez
    erika.rodriquez@example.com
    (730) 275-7441
    linkedin.com/in/erika.rodriquez
    Paralegal

    Highly motivated and detail-oriented paralegal with extensive experience in legal research, document preparation, and case management. Proven ability to work effectively with attorneys, clients, and court personnel to ensure smooth and efficient legal proceedings. Committed to providing exceptional support and contributing to the success of the legal team.

    Work Experience
    Senior Paralegal
    01/2019 - Present
    Hawkins & Associates
    • Conducted comprehensive legal research and analysis to support attorneys in preparing for trials and hearings.
    • Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and correspondence.
    • Managed and organized case files, ensuring all documents were properly filed and easily accessible.
    • Assisted in the preparation of exhibits and other materials for court proceedings.
    • Maintained accurate and up-to-date calendars for attorneys, tracking deadlines and court appearances.
    Paralegal
    08/2016 - 12/2018
    Goldstein & Partners
    • Provided support to attorneys in all aspects of case management, from intake to resolution.
    • Conducted client interviews and maintained regular communication to provide updates on case progress.
    • Performed legal research using online databases and library resources.
    • Assisted in the preparation and filing of legal documents, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
    • Maintained and organized case files, both physically and electronically.
    Legal Assistant
    06/2014 - 07/2016
    Thompson Legal Group
    • Provided administrative support to attorneys and paralegals, including scheduling appointments and managing calendars.
    • Assisted in the preparation of legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and correspondence.
    • Maintained and organized legal files, ensuring all documents were properly filed and easily accessible.
    • Conducted basic legal research and fact-checking to support case preparation.
    • Greeted clients and visitors, answering questions and directing them to the appropriate personnel.
    Skills
  • Legal research
  • Document preparation
  • Case management
  • Legal writing
  • Litigation support
  • E-discovery
  • Client communication
  • Legal terminology
  • Legal ethics
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Team collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Education
    Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
    09/2012 - 05/2014
    City University of New York, New York, NY