Are you looking to land your dream job as a legal assistant? A well-crafted resume is the first step towards achieving your goal. In this guide, we will provide you with actionable insights and practical advice on how to write a legal assistant resume that stands out from the crowd. With our expert tips and examples, you’ll be able to craft a winning resume that showcases your skills and experience, and lands you the job you’ve been dreaming of.
Table of Contents
How to Write Legal Assistant Resume That Stands Out?
When it comes to writing a legal assistant resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you craft a resume that stands out:
- Highlight your relevant experience: Your resume should showcase your experience in the legal field, including any internships or previous jobs you’ve held. Be sure to highlight any experience that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Showcase your skills: As a legal assistant, you’ll need to have a variety of skills, including research, writing, and communication skills. Be sure to highlight these skills on your resume, and provide examples of how you’ve used them in the past.
- Use keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To ensure that your resume makes it through the screening process, be sure to use keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements, such as the number of cases you’ve worked on or the amount of money you’ve helped recover for clients.
- Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Be sure to keep it concise and to the point, and only include information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft a legal assistant resume that stands out from the crowd and lands you the job you’ve been dreaming of. Good luck!
Related Article: Legal Assistant Job Description, Average Salary & Career Path
What Recruiters Consider in Legal Assistant Resume?
When recruiters receive a legal assistant resume, they look for specific qualifications and skills that are essential for the job. Firstly, they look for relevant education and training, such as a degree in law or paralegal studies. Additionally, they look for experience in the legal field, including internships or previous work experience in a law firm or legal department.
Recruiters also consider the candidate’s communication skills, as legal assistants are required to communicate with clients, lawyers, and other professionals. They look for candidates who have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills. Attention to detail is also important, as legal assistants are responsible for drafting legal documents and ensuring that they are accurate and error-free.
Finally, recruiters look for candidates who are organized and can manage their time effectively. Legal assistants are often responsible for managing multiple tasks and deadlines, so the ability to prioritize and manage time is crucial.
Key Elements to Include in Your Legal Assistant Resume
When creating a legal assistant resume, it is important to include key elements that will make you stand out to recruiters. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Education and Training: Include any relevant degrees or certifications, such as a degree in law or paralegal studies.
- Experience: Highlight any relevant work experience, including internships or previous work in a law firm or legal department.
- Communication Skills: Emphasize your written and verbal communication skills, as well as your ability to work with clients, lawyers, and other professionals.
- Attention to Detail: Showcase your ability to pay attention to detail and ensure accuracy in legal documents.
- Organizational Skills: Highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and prioritize effectively.
- Technical Skills: Include any relevant technical skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office or legal software.
By including these key elements in your legal assistant resume, you can increase your chances of catching the attention of recruiters and landing your dream job in the legal field.
Legal Assistant Resume Examples
If you’re looking for a job as a legal assistant, having a well-crafted resume is essential. In this article, we’ll share four legal assistant resume examples to help you create a winning resume that showcases your skills and experience.
Legal Assistant Chronological Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890
Objective:
To obtain a legal assistant position in a law firm where I can utilize my organizational and communication skills.
Experience:
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Smith & Jones
Anytown, USA
June 2018 – Present
- Assist attorneys with legal research and document preparation
- Manage client files and maintain case calendars
- Communicate with clients and opposing counsel
Legal Secretary
Law Offices of Johnson & Smith
Anytown, USA
January 2016 – June 2018
- Answered phones and greeted clients
- Prepared legal documents and correspondence
- Managed office supplies and equipment
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Anytown University
Anytown, USA
May 2015
The chronological resume template is a popular choice for legal assistants with a solid work history. This format highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. It’s a great way to showcase your career progression and demonstrate your skills and accomplishments in each role. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each job, and be sure to include any relevant education or certifications.
Legal Assistant Chronological Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]Objective: To obtain a legal assistant position in a reputable law firm where my skills and experience can be utilized to their fullest potential.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, XYZ University, Anytown, USA
Graduated May 2015Experience:
Legal Assistant, Law Offices of Smith & Jones, Anytown, USA
June 2015 – Present
– Conduct legal research and draft legal documents
– Manage client files and maintain case management system
– Schedule appointments and maintain attorney calendars
– Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnelLegal Intern, Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, Anytown, USA
January 2015 – May 2015
– Conducted legal research and drafted legal documents
– Assisted attorneys in trial preparation
– Managed client files and maintained case management system
– Communicated with clients and court personnelSkills:
– Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
– Strong written and verbal communication skills
– Excellent organizational and time management skills
– Ability to work independently and as part of a teamReferences: Available upon request
A chronological resume template is a traditional format that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This type of resume is ideal for individuals who have a consistent work history and want to showcase their career progression. The Legal Assistant Chronological Resume Example – 2 follows this format and highlights the candidate’s education, experience, and skills in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement at the beginning of the resume sets the tone for the rest of the document and provides a clear indication of the candidate’s career goals. The experience section provides detailed information about the candidate’s previous positions, including job responsibilities and accomplishments. The skills section highlights the candidate’s relevant skills and abilities, making it easy for potential employers to quickly identify their strengths. Overall, the chronological resume template is a great choice for legal assistants who want to showcase their experience and career progression in a clear and concise manner.
Legal Assistant Functional Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a legal assistant position in a reputable law firm where my skills and experience can be utilized to contribute to the success of the firm.
Summary:
- Over 5 years of experience as a legal assistant in a fast-paced law firm environment.
- Proficient in legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing client files.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Professional Experience:
Legal Assistant, XYZ Law Firm
Anytown, USA | January 2015 – Present
- Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
- Manage client files and maintain case calendars.
- Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
- Assist attorneys with trial preparation and attend court hearings.
Legal Assistant, ABC Law Firm
Anytown, USA | June 2012 – December 2014
- Assisted attorneys with drafting legal documents and conducting legal research.
- Managed client files and maintained case calendars.
- Communicated with clients and court personnel.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation and attended court hearings.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Anytown University | May 2012
This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience as a legal assistant. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides an overview of their qualifications. The professional experience section focuses on the candidate’s relevant work experience, highlighting their legal research and drafting skills, as well as their ability to manage client files and communicate effectively with clients and court personnel. The education section provides information on the candidate’s academic background, which is relevant to their career as a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant Functional Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a legal assistant position in a law firm where my organizational and communication skills can be utilized to their fullest potential.
Summary:
- Over 5 years of experience as a legal assistant in a fast-paced law firm environment.
- Proficient in legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing client files.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Professional Experience:
Legal Assistant, Law Firm XYZ
Anytown, USA | January 2018 – Present
- Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
- Manage client files and maintain case calendars.
- Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
- Assist attorneys with trial preparation and attend court hearings.
Legal Assistant, Law Firm ABC
Anytown, USA | June 2015 – December 2017
- Assisted attorneys with drafting legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and pleadings.
- Conducted legal research and prepared case summaries.
- Managed client files and maintained case calendars.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Anytown University | May 2015
This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience as a legal assistant. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides an overview of their qualifications. The professional experience section is organized by job title and includes specific responsibilities and accomplishments. The education section is brief but relevant to the candidate’s career path. Overall, this resume template effectively showcases the candidate’s strengths and suitability for a legal assistant position.
Don’t Miss: Legal Assistant Cover Letter Examples, Expert Tips & Templates
Legal Assistant Combination Resume Example – 1
NAME
Address | Phone Number | Email
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced legal assistant with over 5 years of experience in a fast-paced law firm. Proficient in legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing client relationships. Seeking a challenging position in a reputable law firm.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, XYZ University, 2015-2019
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Legal Assistant
ABC Law Firm, New York, NY | 2019-present
- Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
- Manage client relationships and communicate with clients regarding case updates and deadlines
- Assist attorneys in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits and preparing witness lists
- Coordinate with court personnel and opposing counsel to schedule hearings and depositions
Legal Intern
XYZ Law Firm, New York, NY | 2018-2019
- Conducted legal research and drafted legal memoranda on various legal issues
- Assisted attorneys in drafting legal documents, including pleadings and motions
- Observed court proceedings and assisted attorneys in trial preparation
SKILLS
- Proficient in legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
This legal assistant combination resume example showcases the candidate’s education, professional experience, and skills. The professional summary highlights the candidate’s experience and skills, while the education section showcases their academic background. The professional experience section details the candidate’s work experience, including their responsibilities and achievements. The skills section highlights the candidate’s proficiency in legal research, communication, organization, and technology.
Legal Assistant Combination Resume Example – 2
Full Name
Address
Phone Number
Email Address
Summary
Experienced legal assistant with over 5 years of experience in a fast-paced law firm environment. Proficient in legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing client relationships. Skilled in using legal software such as LexisNexis and Westlaw. Seeking a challenging legal assistant position in a reputable law firm.
Professional Experience
Legal Assistant
XYZ Law Firm, City, State
January 2018 – Present
- Conduct legal research and draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
- Manage client relationships and communicate with clients regarding case updates and deadlines
- Assist attorneys in preparing for trials and hearings
- Organize and maintain case files and documents
- Perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing documents
Legal Assistant
ABC Law Firm, City, State
June 2015 – December 2017
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials and hearings
- Conducted legal research and drafted legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
- Managed client relationships and communicated with clients regarding case updates and deadlines
- Organized and maintained case files and documents
- Performed administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing documents
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
University Name, City, State
Graduated May 2015
This is a combination resume example for a legal assistant position. The resume starts with a summary section that highlights the candidate’s experience and skills. The professional experience section lists the candidate’s work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job listed first. The education section lists the candidate’s degree and the university they attended. This resume format is ideal for candidates who have relevant work experience and want to highlight their skills and accomplishments.
Read Also: Legal Assistant Job Posting Template: Tips & Examples
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Legal Assistant Resume
As a legal assistant, your resume is your first impression to potential employers. It is essential to make sure that your resume is well-written and highlights your skills and experience. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your legal assistant resume.
Do’s:
- Highlight your legal knowledge: Your resume should showcase your understanding of legal terminology and procedures. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills to be an effective legal assistant.
- Emphasize your organizational skills: Legal assistants are responsible for managing a variety of tasks, from scheduling appointments to preparing legal documents. Highlighting your organizational skills will show potential employers that you can handle the demands of the job.
- Showcase your attention to detail: Legal documents require a high level of accuracy, and mistakes can have serious consequences. Emphasize your attention to detail to demonstrate that you can produce error-free work.
- Include relevant experience: If you have previous experience working in a legal setting, make sure to include it on your resume. This will show potential employers that you have a solid understanding of the legal industry.
Don’ts:
- Include irrelevant information: Your resume should be focused on your legal experience and skills. Avoid including information that is not relevant to the job.
- Use generic language: Avoid using generic language that does not highlight your specific skills and experience. Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.
- Make spelling or grammatical errors: Spelling or grammatical errors can make a negative impression on potential employers. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
- Exaggerate your experience: It is important to be honest about your experience and skills. Exaggerating your experience can lead to problems down the line if you are hired for a job that you are not qualified for.
Conclusion
Writing a legal assistant resume can be challenging, but by following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that highlights your skills and experience. Remember to keep your resume focused on your legal experience and skills, and proofread it carefully before submitting it to potential employers. With a well-written resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job as a legal assistant.