Paralegal Resume Writing Guide & Examples

A paralegal is a professional who assists lawyers with various legal tasks, such as drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and organizing case files. Paralegals play a critical role in law firms, corporations, and government agencies, and their skills and expertise are in high demand. However, to secure a job as a paralegal, you need to have a well-written resume that showcases your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments.

In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a winning paralegal resume. We will cover everything from the essential elements that should be included in your resume, to tips on how to format and customize your document to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for. We will also provide you with some examples of well-written paralegal resumes to help you get started on creating your own. Whether you’re a seasoned paralegal looking for a new job or a recent graduate entering the field, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to create a standout resume.

How to Write a Paralegal Resume That Stands Out?

Are you looking to land your dream job as a paralegal? A well-crafted resume is the first step towards achieving your goal. Your resume is your first impression on potential employers, and it needs to stand out from the crowd. Here are some key elements to include in your paralegal resume:

1. Professional Summary: This section should be a brief overview of your experience, skills, and achievements. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your strengths as a paralegal.
2. Education: List your educational qualifications, including any relevant certifications or licenses. If you have a degree in a field other than law, highlight any coursework or experience that is relevant to the paralegal role.
3. Experience: This section should include your work history, starting with your most recent job. Highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each role, and quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.
4. Skills: List any relevant skills, such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and case management. Be sure to include any software or technology skills that are relevant to the paralegal role.
5. Awards and Honors: If you have received any awards or honors for your work as a paralegal, be sure to include them in your resume. This can help you stand out from other candidates.

Now that you know what to include in your paralegal resume, let’s take a look at some examples of well-crafted resumes:

• Example 1: This resume starts with a strong professional summary that highlights the candidate’s experience and skills. The experience section is well-organized and includes quantifiable achievements. The skills section includes relevant software and technology skills.
• Example 2: This resume starts with a brief introduction that highlights the candidate’s strengths as a paralegal. The experience section is well-written and includes specific examples of the candidate’s accomplishments. The skills section includes both legal and technology skills.
• Example 3: This resume starts with a strong objective statement that highlights the candidate’s goals and qualifications. The experience section is well-organized and includes quantifiable achievements. The skills section includes both legal and technology skills.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft a winning paralegal resume that will help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. Good luck!

What Recruiters Consider in Paralegal Resume?

When reviewing resumes for Paralegal positions, recruiters look for specific qualifications and experience that demonstrate a candidate’s ability to perform the job duties effectively. Here are some key factors that recruiters consider when reviewing Paralegal resumes:

Education: Recruiters look for candidates who have completed a Paralegal program or have a degree in a related field such as Law or Legal Studies. Having a certification from a recognized organization such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) can also be an advantage.

Experience: Recruiters prefer candidates who have experience working in a law firm or legal department. They look for experience in areas such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with trial preparation. Experience in a specific area of law such as corporate law, real estate law, or litigation can also be an advantage.

Skills: Recruiters look for candidates who have strong communication, organizational, and research skills. They also look for candidates who are proficient in using legal software such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Microsoft Office.

Key Elements to Include in Your Paralegal Resume

A well-crafted Paralegal resume can help you stand out to recruiters and increase your chances of getting hired. Here are some key elements to include in your Paralegal resume:

• Objective: A clear and concise objective statement that highlights your career goals and how you can contribute to the organization.
• Education: List your education, including the name of the institution, degree or certification earned, and date of graduation.
• Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include the name of the employer, job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of your job duties and accomplishments.
• Skills: List your skills, including your proficiency in legal software, communication, organizational, and research skills.
• Awards and Certifications: List any awards or certifications you have received, including any from recognized organizations such as NALA or NFPA.

By including these key elements in your Paralegal resume, you can demonstrate your qualifications and experience to recruiters and increase your chances of getting hired.

Paralegal Resume Examples

In this article, we will provide you with four different paralegal resume examples to help you create a strong and effective resume. Each example will showcase a different resume template to give you a variety of options to choose from.

Paralegal Chronological Resume Example – 1

CV Ello

123 Main Street

CVello Town, USA

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

 

Objective: To obtain a paralegal position in a law firm where I can utilize my skills and experience to contribute to the success of the firm.

 

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, XYZ University, CVello Town, USA, May 2015

 

Experience:

Paralegal, Law Offices of ABC, CVello Town, USA, June 2015 – Present

• Assist attorneys in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on various legal issues
• Manage case files and maintain case calendars
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel

Legal Assistant, Law Offices of DEF, CVello Town, USA, May 2014 – May 2015

• Assisted attorneys in drafting legal documents and correspondence
• Conducted legal research and prepared memoranda on various legal issues
• Managed case files and maintained case calendars
• Communicated with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel

 

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

The chronological resume template is a traditional format that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This template is ideal for paralegals with a solid work history and a clear career progression. It highlights your experience and skills, making it easy for potential employers to see your qualifications at a glance.

Paralegal Chronological Resume Example – 2

CV Ello

123 Main Street

CVello Town, USA

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

 

Objective: To obtain a paralegal position in a law firm where I can utilize my skills and experience to contribute to the success of the firm.

 

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, XYZ University, CVello Town, USA, May 2015
• Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistant Studies, ABC College, CVello Town, USA, May 2012

 

Experience:

Paralegal

Law Offices of Smith & Jones, CVello Town, USA

June 2015 – Present

• Assist attorneys in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on various legal issues
• Manage case files and maintain case calendars
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel

Legal Assistant

Law Offices of Johnson & Smith, CVello Town, USA

May 2012 – May 2015

• Assisted attorneys in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
• Conducted legal research and prepared memoranda on various legal issues
• Managed case files and maintained case calendars
• Communicated with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel

 

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

A chronological resume template is a great option for paralegals who have a solid work history in the legal field. This type of resume highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backwards. It is important to include your education, work experience, and skills in a clear and concise manner. Use bullet points to make your resume easy to read and highlight your accomplishments in each position. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and use keywords from the job description to make your resume stand out to potential employers.

Paralegal Functional Resume Example – 1

CV Ello

123 Main Street, CVello Town, USA | (555) 555-5555 | [email protected]

Objective:

To obtain a Paralegal position in a reputable law firm where my skills and experience can be utilized to provide excellent legal support.

Summary:

Highly organized and detail-oriented Paralegal with 5 years of experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing support to attorneys. Proficient in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Microsoft Office Suite. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, XYZ University, CVello Town, USA

Professional Experience:

Paralegal, ABC Law Firm, CVello Town, USA

June 2018 – Present

• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
• Assist attorneys in preparing for trials, hearings, and depositions.
• Manage case files and maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Communicate with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel.

Paralegal, DEF Law Firm, CVello Town, USA

January 2016 – May 2018

• Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials, hearings, and depositions.
• Drafted legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
• Conducted legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis.
• Managed case files and maintained accurate and up-to-date records.

Skills:

• Legal research
• Drafting legal documents
• Case management
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Westlaw and LexisNexis
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills

This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement at the top of the resume sets the tone for the rest of the document, while the summary section provides a brief overview of the candidate’s qualifications. The education and professional experience sections are organized in reverse chronological order, with bullet points highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements. The skills section at the end of the resume provides a comprehensive list of the candidate’s abilities. Overall, this functional resume example is an effective tool for showcasing the candidate’s strengths and qualifications to potential employers.

Paralegal Functional Resume Example – 2

CV Ello

123 Main Street, CVello Town, USA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Objective

To obtain a paralegal position in a law firm where my skills and experience can be utilized to provide excellent legal support.

Summary of Qualifications

• Over 5 years of experience as a paralegal in a variety of legal settings
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, and documentation
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal software programs
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Professional Experience

Paralegal, Law Office of Smith & Jones

CVello Town, USA | January 2018 – Present

• Assist attorneys in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on various legal issues
• Manage case files and maintain electronic and hard copy records
• Coordinate with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel
• Prepare trial notebooks and exhibits for hearings and trials

Paralegal, Legal Aid Society

CVello Town, USA | June 2015 – December 2017

• Provided legal assistance to low-income clients in civil matters, including housing, family law, and consumer issues
• Conducted client interviews and intake screenings
• Prepared legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
• Assisted attorneys in court hearings and trials
• Managed case files and maintained electronic and hard copy records

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

CVello Community College | CVello Town, USA | May 2015

This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience as a paralegal. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the summary of qualifications provides an overview of their relevant skills and knowledge. The professional experience section is organized by job title and includes specific responsibilities and accomplishments. The education section lists the candidate’s degree and the institution where it was earned. This resume template is ideal for candidates with a strong work history and specific skills that are relevant to the position they are applying for.

Paralegal Combination Resume Example – 1

CV Ello
CVello Town, USA
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]

Summary:
Experienced and detail-oriented Paralegal with over 5 years of experience in the legal industry. Proficient in legal research, drafting legal documents, and case management. Skilled in communication and collaboration with clients, attorneys, and other legal professionals. Seeking a challenging position in a reputable law firm.

Professional Experience:
Paralegal
ABC Law Firm, CVello Town, USA
June 2018 – Present
– Conduct legal research and draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
– Manage case files and maintain communication with clients
– Assist attorneys in trial preparation and attend court hearings

Paralegal
XYZ Law Firm, CVello Town, USA
January 2016 – May 2018
– Conducted legal research and drafted legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and leases
– Assisted attorneys in trial preparation and attended court hearings
– Managed case files and maintained communication with clients

Education:
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
CVello Community College, CVello Town, USA
September 2014 – May 2016

Skills:
– Legal research
– Drafting legal documents
– Case management
– Communication
– Collaboration
– Attention to detail
– Time management
– Microsoft Office

This combination resume example showcases the candidate’s professional experience and education clearly and concisely. The summary section highlights the candidate’s skills and qualifications, while the professional experience section provides specific examples of their legal expertise. The education section demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to their career and education. Overall, this resume template is a great example for Paralegals looking to showcase their skills and experience in the legal industry.

Paralegal Combination Resume Example – 2

CV Ello

123 Main Street, CVello Town, USA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Professional Summary

Experienced paralegal with over 5 years of experience in civil litigation and corporate law. Skilled in legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files. Strong communication and organizational skills with a proven track record of providing excellent support to attorneys and clients.

Professional Experience

Paralegal

ABC Law Firm, CVello Town, USA

January 2018 – Present

• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents for civil litigation cases
• Manage case files and assist attorneys in trial preparation
• Communicate with clients and opposing counsel to schedule depositions and mediations
• Assist in corporate law matters, including drafting contracts and conducting due diligence

Paralegal

XYZ Law Firm, CVello Town, USA

June 2015 – December 2017

• Assisted attorneys in drafting legal documents for civil litigation cases
• Managed case files and conducted legal research
• Communicated with clients and opposing counsel to schedule depositions and mediations
• Assisted in corporate law matters, including drafting contracts and conducting due diligence

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

CVello Community College, CVello Town, USA

May 2015

Skills

• Legal research
• Drafting legal documents
• Case management
• Communication
• Organizational skills

This combination resume example showcases the candidate’s professional experience and education clearly and concisely. The professional summary highlights the candidate’s skills and experience, while the professional experience section provides specific examples of their work in civil litigation and corporate law. The education section demonstrates the candidate’s qualifications for the position, and the skills section highlights their key strengths. Overall, this resume template is a strong example for paralegals looking to showcase their experience and skills to potential employers.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Paralegal Resume

When it comes to writing a resume for a Paralegal position, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do. Here are some tips to help you create an effective resume that will catch the attention of potential employers.

Do’s:

• Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight your skills: Emphasize your legal research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as your knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
• Showcase your experience: Provide specific examples of your experience working on legal cases, including the types of cases you’ve worked on and your role in them.
• Include education and certifications: List your education and any relevant certifications, such as a paralegal certificate or a legal assistant certification.
• Proofread: Make sure your resume is free of errors and typos. Have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.

Don’ts:

• Use a generic resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, rather than using a generic template.
• Include irrelevant information: Stick to relevant information, such as your legal experience and education. Don’t include personal information or hobbies.
• Exaggerate your experience: Be honest about your experience and skills. Don’t exaggerate or lie on your resume.
• Use a small font: Use a font size of at least 10 points to ensure your resume is easy to read.
• Forget to customize your cover letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for and should complement your resume.

Conclusion

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a strong resume that showcases your skills and experience as a Paralegal. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for and to proofread it carefully before submitting it to potential employers. Good luck!