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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

Top 17 Paralegal Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 18, 2023 13 min read

A resume objective is a short statement that outlines the qualifications, skills, and experience you have that will make you successful in a paralegal position. It should be specific and concise, focusing on how your past accomplishments can help you succeed in the role. To write an effective resume objective for a paralegal position, focus on relevant qualities such as your research abilities, organizational skills, legal knowledge, and communication skills. For example: “Dedicated paralegal with 5+ years of experience conducting legal research, drafting documents, and providing administrative support to attorneys. Possess excellent organizational and communication skills to ensure efficient organization of case files and timely completion of tasks.” Additionally, it is important to use action-oriented language when crafting your resume objective for a paralegal position; for example “Seeking to leverage my legal expertise and professional writing abilities to provide exceptional legal assistance as a Paralegal at ABC Law Firm.”

or download as PDF

Top 17 Paralegal Resume Objective Samples

• To obtain a Paralegal position in a law firm where I can utilize my legal knowledge and experience to contribute to the organization’s success.
• To work as a Paralegal in an environment that encourages growth, learning, and development.
• Seeking a Paralegal role with an established law firm to use my organizational skills and attention to detail while providing excellent client services.
• To secure a challenging position as a Paralegal in a dynamic legal environment where I can maximize my problem-solving skills.
• To apply my extensive knowledge of legal processes and procedures as a Paralegal in an established law firm.
• Looking for an opportunity to join a team of professionals as a Paralegal and contribute to the successful outcome of cases.
• Seeking employment as a Paralegal in order to utilize my research, writing, and communication skills.
• Desire to obtain the position of Paralegal utilizing strong organizational abilities, exceptional customer service skills, and extensive legal knowledge.
• Searching for the role of Paralegal with an organization that values hard work and dedication while providing opportunities for professional growth.
• Aiming to work as a Paralegal with an organization that is committed to excellence in order to provide quality services for clients.
• Eager to join a reputable law firm as a Paralegal where I can leverage my excellent analytical skills and legal expertise.
• Seeking the position of Paralegal at ABC Law Firm where I can use my knowledge of laws, regulations, court proceedings, and document preparation techniques effectively.
• Aspiring for the role of paralegal with XYZ Law Firm where I can apply my understanding of legal principles and practices while delivering excellent client service.
• To obtain employment as a paralegal utilizing excellent communication skills combined with strong research abilities and attention to detail.
• To secure the position of paralegal at ABC Company which will enable me to utilize my education in criminal justice along with experience working in the legal field.
• Looking forward to joining an esteemed law firm as paralegal where I can make use of my ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously while providing superior client services.
• Seeking the position of paralegal at XYZ Law Firm so that I may draw upon my knowledge base gained through coursework in business law combined with prior experience working within the industry

How to Write a Paralegal Resume Objective

A paralegal resume objective is an important tool for any paralegal seeking to stand out among the competition. It allows a potential employer to quickly and clearly understand what the job applicant brings to the table and why they would be a great fit for their organization. Crafting an effective resume objective that effectively communicates one's qualifications and experience can be a daunting task, but with these tips, it should be much easier.

First, you will want to start by introducing yourself and your background. Give a brief overview of your educational background, professional experience, or other relevant accomplishments that make you stand out from other applicants. This is also a good place to include any specialized training or certifications related to the position being sought after.

Next, state why you are applying for this particular job. Explain how your skills and experience make you uniquely qualified for this position. Be sure to keep it concise yet informative; if possible, try not to exceed two sentences in length.

Finally, end your resume objective by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and commitment to excellence in the role. This will show employers that you have a genuine interest in joining their team and are prepared to put in the necessary effort required of the job.

By following these tips, you should have no problem writing an effective paralegal resume objective that stands out from the competition and helps land you an interview!

Related : What does a Paralegal do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Paralegal Resume Objective

In today's competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is crucial. For aspiring paralegals, it's not just about listing your qualifications and experiences; it's also about highlighting key skills that make you stand out from the rest. Your resume objective is the perfect place to showcase these skills. The following section will delve into the essential skills you should emphasize in your paralegal resume objective to catch the attention of potential employers and increase your chances of landing that coveted paralegal position.

1. Legal Research

A paralegal's primary role is to assist attorneys in all aspects of legal work. Legal research is a fundamental skill for this position as it involves finding and analyzing laws, regulations, and court decisions relevant to a particular case. This skill is crucial in helping lawyers prepare their legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, and provide advice to clients. Therefore, showcasing legal research skills in a resume objective can demonstrate a candidate's ability to effectively support an attorney's work and contribute significantly to achieving positive outcomes for clients.

2. Document Drafting

A Paralegal must have the skill of document drafting as they are often responsible for preparing legal documents such as wills, contracts, and pleadings. This skill is crucial in ensuring that all documents are accurate, clear, and legally sound. Including this skill in a resume objective would highlight the candidate's ability to handle important paperwork and their attention to detail, which are key qualities needed for the role.

3. Case Management

Case management is a crucial skill for a paralegal as it involves organizing, coordinating, and tracking the progress of legal cases. This skill is necessary to ensure that all case-related documents are properly managed and easily accessible, deadlines are met, and communication between all parties involved is efficient. Demonstrating this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate can effectively handle the administrative side of legal work, maintain order in complex situations, and contribute to the smooth running of legal operations.

4. Client Communication

A paralegal needs strong client communication skills to effectively interact with clients on a daily basis. This includes explaining complex legal terms in an understandable way, listening to and understanding the client's concerns and needs, and providing updates about their case. Good communication helps build trust, fosters good relationships, and ensures that the client is satisfied with the legal services provided. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate can handle these important interactions effectively.

5. Fact Investigation

A paralegal's role often requires conducting thorough fact investigations to gather all necessary information for a case. This includes researching public records, laws, and other relevant data. Having fact investigation as a skill demonstrates the ability to accurately and efficiently uncover and analyze information, which is crucial in assisting lawyers in preparation for trials or hearings. It shows potential employers that the candidate has strong research abilities, attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and can contribute significantly to building a strong case.

6. Citation Formatting

A paralegal often needs to prepare legal documents, conduct research and write reports. Citation formatting is crucial in these tasks to ensure all sources of information are correctly acknowledged and referenced. This demonstrates attention to detail and understanding of legal documentation, which are important qualities for a paralegal. Including this skill in a resume objective can highlight the candidate's ability to handle complex legal paperwork accurately and professionally.

7. Electronic Filing (e-filing)

A paralegal's resume objective should highlight the skill of electronic filing (e-filing) as it is a crucial part of modern legal work. This skill demonstrates the candidate's ability to manage and organize large volumes of documents digitally, ensuring efficient retrieval and submission of necessary paperwork. It also shows their familiarity with current technology and legal software, which can improve office productivity and accuracy in case management. Furthermore, e-filing is often required by courts, making this skill essential for meeting procedural requirements.

8. LexisNexis Proficiency

A Paralegal needs to have LexisNexis Proficiency as a skill in their resume objective because it demonstrates their ability to conduct comprehensive legal research. LexisNexis is a widely used database for legal and business-related research, containing an extensive range of legal resources and documents. A paralegal proficient in this tool can effectively support attorneys by finding relevant case laws, statutes, legal articles, and other necessary information quickly and accurately. This skill also shows that the candidate is familiar with modern technology used in the legal field, which can increase efficiency and productivity.

9. Westlaw Expertise

Westlaw is a comprehensive legal research tool widely used in the industry. Demonstrating expertise in Westlaw on a resume shows that the candidate has strong research skills and familiarity with legal databases, which are crucial for efficient and effective performance in a paralegal role. It also indicates that the candidate can quickly find and analyze relevant legal information, saving attorneys valuable time. This skill can help set the candidate apart from others who may not be as proficient in using this specific tool.

10. Trial Preparation

Trial Preparation is a crucial skill for a Paralegal as it involves organizing, planning, and coordinating all aspects of litigation before the trial. This includes gathering and reviewing evidence, preparing legal documents, assisting in strategy development, and liaising with clients and witnesses. Demonstrating this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate can effectively contribute to the success of trial proceedings, thereby enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the legal team.

In conclusion, the objective section of your paralegal resume is a crucial area to spotlight your key skills. It provides an opportunity to showcase your abilities and strengths that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Remember, this section should not just list your skills but also demonstrate how they align with the job requirements. Your objective should be concise, compelling, and tailored to each specific role you apply for, effectively serving as a brief summary of why you are the best fit for the job.

Related : Paralegal Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Paralegal Resume Objective

When writing a paralegal resume objective, it is important to be aware of common mistakes that can be made. A resume objective is meant to give potential employers an overview of your skills and qualifications in order to demonstrate why you would be a great fit for the job. Unfortunately, many paralegals make mistakes when crafting their resume objectives that can hurt their chances at getting the job.

One of the most common mistakes made when writing a paralegal resume objective is making it too general. A successful resume objective should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your specific skills and qualifications as they relate to that job. It should also include what makes you stand out from other applicants. If your resume objective is too generic, employers may feel like you do not have enough knowledge or experience to succeed in the role.

Another mistake often made when writing a paralegal resume objective is including irrelevant information. Your resume objective should focus on relevant information such as your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments related to the position you are applying for. It is not necessary to include personal interests or hobbies unless they are pertinent to the job you are seeking. Additionally, any unrelated achievements or employment history should not be included in your resume objective as this could cause confusion or lead employers away from focusing on what matters most – your qualifications for the job at hand.

Finally, another mistake commonly made when writing a paralegal resume objective is using jargon or industry buzzwords without context or explanation. Employers want to know why certain words were used in your resume objective and how they relate to the position being applied for. Without providing any background information about these terms, employers may assume that you lack knowledge on the subject matter or simply copied and pasted from another source without understanding its full meaning.

By avoiding these common mistakes when writing a paralegal resume objective, you can ensure that you present yourself as an ideal candidate for the position and increase your chances of success!

Related : Paralegal Resume Examples

The right resume objective for a paralegal should focus on the skills and qualifications required to be successful in the role, while the wrong resume objective may focus more on the personal accomplishments of the applicant rather than their fit for the job.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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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]

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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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• Paralegal Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
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• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Paralegal Resumes:

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Paralegal Resume Example:

• Conducted extensive legal research and analysis for a high-profile case, resulting in a successful outcome for the client and a 25% increase in revenue for the firm.
• Drafted and filed complex legal documents, including motions and briefs, resulting in a 90% success rate in court proceedings.
• Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials, including organizing exhibits and witness statements, resulting in a 95% success rate in trial outcomes.
• Managed and maintained a large caseload of over 50 cases, ensuring timely completion of tasks and meeting all deadlines, resulting in a 98% success rate in case outcomes.
• Prepared and responded to discovery requests, resulting in a 75% reduction in time spent on discovery and a 30% increase in overall case efficiency.
• Collaborated with attorneys to prepare legal arguments and opinions, resulting in a 90% success rate in legal proceedings.
• Maintained and organized case files for a high-volume caseload, resulting in a 50% reduction in time spent on administrative tasks and a 20% increase in overall productivity.
• Conducted legal research using online databases and other sources, resulting in a 40% reduction in time spent on research and a 25% increase in accuracy of legal analysis.
• Drafted and filed legal documents for filing with the court, resulting in a 95% success rate in court proceedings.
• Legal research and analysis
• Drafting and filing legal documents
• Trial preparation and support
• Case management
• Discovery process management
• Legal argument and opinion preparation
• Case file organization
• Online database research
• Time management and prioritization
• Collaboration with attorneys
• Attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Legal software proficiency
• Client confidentiality and ethics
• Critical thinking and problem-solving

Top Skills & Keywords for Paralegal Resumes:

Hard skills, soft skills, resume action verbs for paralegals:, generate your resume summary.

Resume FAQs for Paralegals:

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

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Paralegal 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 Paralegals:

10 of the Best Paralegal Resume Objectives

Published on:

• April 16, 2023

Are you looking to get inspired with the best paralegal resume objectives to craft your own attractive resume?

You’ve come to the right place. We’ve identified and shortlisted 10 of the best paralegal resume objectives that you can use as inspiration while writing your resume.

But before you move forward, you should know that the top 3% and highest paid paralegals use a custom designed resume template.

Why this template?

• It includes 1-page, 2-page and 3-page templates for your paralegal resume, unlike free resume templates.
• It is 100% editable via Microsoft Word, unlike resume builders.
• Battled-tested in the market for landing a 6-figure paralegal job.

Resume Template

Examples of Paralegal Resume Objectives

1. litigation paralegal resume objective.

As a zealous legal professional, I bring a full range of talents and experience to the Attorneys and Corporate clients I work with. Demonstrated ability to unify technology and process to mitigate risks, and control costs associated with the ever-changing landscape surrounding eDiscovery, Litigation, Arbitration, Compliance, Cyber Security, Records Management and other forms of information management.

2. Senior Paralegal Resume Objective

ABA Certified Paralegal with over 12 years experience in all areas of Litigation (Employment, IP, Commercial, etc.), Internal Investigations (Compliance, HR, and Government), and employee relations. Extensive experience in project management, system implementation, eDiscovery, and records information management.

3. Senior Litigation Paralegal Resume Objective

eDiscovery paralegal with experience in electronic discovery, class action lawsuits/complex litigation, commercial/business litigation, product liability, skilled in various litigation programs and in providing substantive support to attorneys. I am bilingual (English/French), able to provide good quality work under tight deadlines and open to new career opportunities.

4. Experienced Litigation Paralegal Resume Objective

Accomplished trial and eDiscovery paralegal with over 20 years of managing Civil, Consumer and Complex Commercial litigation which includes: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Aviation, Securities Class Action and Derivative matters, Pharmaceutical, Ponzi Real Estate, CFTC, SEC, FINRA Investigations, and Tax litigation.

Extensive experience with logistics and management of large discovery, database and imaging systems, supervising teams, preparing and presenting trial support, knowledge of Supreme Court, Appellate Court, Federal, and State Court Rules and Procedures, and preparation of legal documents in all Courts.

Proficient with Cite-checking, Concordance, Relativity, Venio, Sightline, LiveNote, Textmap, Trial Director, Lexis Nexus, Westlaw, MicroSoft Office, Adobe and Nuance.

5. Experienced Paralegal Resume Objective

I am a dynamic, resourceful, and hardworking legal industry professional, with over seventeen years of Paralegal experience in multiple sectors. I have managed large legal case loads with multiple time frame deadlines with ease and efficiency.

My professional work experience and extensive continuing education has and continues to develop and enhance an already in-depth understanding and knowledge of the judicial system, legal research and terminology, and legal case management. I excel in this profession because of my critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making under extreme conditions and pressure in fast paced environments with multiple time frames and deadlines.

6. Senior Paralegal Specialist Resume Objective

In-house corporate paralegal with experience in corporate governance and global subsidiary management, SEC filings, contracts and agreements, corporate records management, document review, litigation support, mergers & acquisitions, corporate insurance management, intellectual property, compliance, due diligence, claims investigations / negotiation, and legal research.

7. Senior Paralegal Manager Resume Objective

A diversified managerial background in a legal environment, blending strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills to meet strategic objectives. Direct the activities of professional and support personnel. Screen, train and appraise staff, building effective teams across the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and UK offices of an international law firm of over 900 attorneys.

Proven organizational and interpersonal capabilities with ability to effectively administer scheduling, work assignments, oversight, and evaluations for project teams. Adept in cultivating ongoing, positive relationships with clients and project stakeholders through focused attention and exemplary communications.

8. IP Paralegal Resume Objective

A paralegal with three years general experience and over twelve years experience as a Patent, Trademark and Copyright Prosecution Paralegal. Ready to take on all kinds of assignments (full-time, part-time, contract/temp, etc.).

My goals are increasing my opportunities and knowledge in the field of Intellectual Property Law. I also wish to expand my knowledge of licensing agreements and trade dress cases and disputes. I would also like to gain more knowledge of Intellectual Property Law litigation in order to balance out my experiences in Intellectual Property Prosecution.

9. Paralegal Resume Objective

Savvy Paralegal experienced in litigation, restructuring, banking/insurance, civil, foreclosure matters and preparation and administration of Chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13 bankruptcy matters. Master Social Work candidate with forensic focus, including mediation training.

10. Senior Trademark Paralegal Resume Objective

Performance-driven Intellectual Property paralegal delivering exceptional results in the protection of intellectual assets. Highly developed expertise in trademark & patent law, domain names, and the prosecution and litigation of IP portfolio management across a range of companies – from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations. Successfully manages complex and large-scale projects in fast-paced and high-pressure environments. Visionary and intuitive problem solver – optimizing processes for cost and time efficiency. In-depth knowledge across IP space. Known for intelligence, investigative skills, collaboration across disciplines and organizations, and internal and external relationship management.

Related Resume Samples

• Real Estate Attorney Resume

Marissa Letendre, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Marissa Letendre is a senior HR leader and resume expert with over 12 years of experience. She has worked for both startups and Fortune 50 corporations and has helped thousands land jobs at top companies. Marissa has written on a wide range of topics, including employee engagement, career development, resumes, job searching, recruiting, and organizational effectiveness and has been featured on sites such as Slack and The Undercover Recruiter.

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What To Include On A Paralegal Resume + Paralegal Skills

Table Of Contents

Paralegal resume example, what is unique about a paralegal resume, what should be included on a paralegal resume, contact information, resume summary or resume objective, work experience, education, certifications, and other credentials, other sections, what should be left off a paralegal resume, important job skills for paralegals, hard skills, soft skills, the bottom line.

If your professional mission is to be the heartbeat of a thriving law office, you should learn how to write a winning paralegal resume. We’ll share all of the tips and tricks you need to impress even the most demanding and discerning attorney. That way, you can have the impact (and earn the income) you want.

Too busy to write your own resume? Check out our top selections for the best resume-writing service for a personalized solution. When your resume is ready, you can find your paralegal job opportunity on ZipRecruiter.

get started with ziprecruiter

Ready to get started? Use this paralegal resume example for inspiration and guidance:

Abby Gavel, ACP

(555)-123-4567

[email protected]

Advanced Certified Paralegal with 15 years of experience supporting 3 litigation attorneys. Handle a total average caseload of 350 lawsuits. Draft 10-20 legal documents daily. Supervise and mentor 1 entry-level paralegal. Achieved and maintained a 99% client satisfaction rating.

Senior Paralegal 2008-present

Civil Suit Champions, P.C.

• Support 3 litigation attorneys with a total average caseload of 350 real estate, personal injury, and medical malpractice lawsuits
• Draft 10+ legal documents per day, including affidavits, answers, motions, notices, petitions, orders, responses, subpoenas, and more
• Implemented Clio, resulting in invoices getting paid 50% faster
• Grew social media followers by an average of 45% (across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram)
• Hired, trained, and continue to supervise 1 entry-level paralegal

Education and Certifications

Associate of Arts, Paralegal Studies, 2008

ABC College

Advanced Certified Paralegal 2015-present

National Association of Legal Assistants

Registered Paralegal, 2015

The Florida Bar

• Legal research
• Legal document drafting
• Vendor management
• Case management
• Customer service
• Time management
• Organization
• Attention to detail

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At first glance, a paralegal resume looks similar to other kinds of resumes. However, this document gets created to convince hiring managers and recruiters to interview you for a paralegal position.

Your paralegal resume should include the following sections:

Your name and contact information should get listed at the top of your resume. That way, recruiters and hiring managers can quickly and easily reach out to you. Remember to include your cell phone number and professional-sounding email address.

Pro Tip: Since you’ll likely report to a physical office, you should also include your city and state in this section.

Below your contact information, write a resume summary or resume objective in a few concise lines. A resume summary works well if you’re a seasoned paralegal because it captures your most impressive career achievements. On the other hand, a resume objective works better if you’re newer to the profession because it shows how your education and experience to date have prepared you for the role.

In this section, list your work history in reverse chronological order. That way, the recruiter or hiring manager will see your most recent accomplishments first.

In each entry, write your job title, the dates you held the position, and the name of your employer.

Then, add three to five bullet points detailing your specific contributions to the organization.

Bullet points should start with an action word (the skill you used) and include a measurable result (how your expertise benefited the company). If you follow this format, the reader will get a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they could translate into wins for the organization.

Here, you should list the degrees, certifications , and other credentials you’ve earned in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the credential, the date you received it, and the governing body or institution that granted it.

If you have extensive experience, you don’t need to share anything else. However, if you’re a recent graduate or career changer, you should include relevant coursework, internships, and other activities.

Note: If you’ve attended or completed college, there’s no need to include details about high school.

The skills section is your big opportunity to get your resume past the applicant tracking system (ATS) filters and catch the eye of human readers. For best results, review the job description for the position you want. Then, include the required skills mentioned in the description on your resume (that is, if you have them!).

Including additional sections on your resume is optional. But if you speak another language, belong to a pertinent professional organization, or do related volunteer work, this is where you can share those details.

Your paralegal resume has to position you as an ideal right-hand person for an attorney. Any information that doesn’t convey that message should get left off the document. For example, if you have significant, relevant experience, you don’t have to include your position as a convenience store cashier from 20 years ago.

You need a broad set of competencies to be a successful paralegal. Here are some of the skills to include on your resume :

• Case preparation
• Electronic database management
• Electronic discovery
• Civil litigation
• Immigration law
• Criminal law
• Corporate law
• Calendar management
• Evidence gathering
• Communication
• Handles pressure well
• Discretion and tact
• Professionalism

Pro Tip: List your ten most impressive (and role-related) capabilities on your resume. That way, the reader gets a good sense of what you can do without your document looking cluttered.

We bet you feel ten times more confident about writing your paralegal resume. But if not, you can always turn to one of our preferred resume writing services for additional support. Then, you’ll be ready to apply for your next role on ZipRecruiter !

Laura Gariepy

Laura Gariepy is a freelance writer and business coach to new and aspiring freelancers. She runs an online resource hub called Before You Go Freelance. Before launching her company, she earned an MBA and enjoyed ten years in the HR profession. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth.

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• Paralegal objectives and summaries

Paralegal Objectives and summaries

9 Paralegal objectives and summaries found

A well-written objective or summary on your resume can be the difference between getting rejected, or getting invited for an interview. Copy any of these Paralegal objective or summary examples, and use it as inspiration for your own resume. All examples are written by certified resume experts, and free for personal use.

Learn more about: objective vs. summary

Summary examples

Competent and detail-oriented paralegal professional with exceptional research, oral, writing, and organizing abilities. Can pinpoint factual and grammatical errors in legal documents and re-write pertinent legal information in a manner that is easy to understand for both clients and attorneys.

Trusted paralegal who collaborates with in-house legal, finance, and creative teams to protect company from legal action. Highly organized and able to efficiently analyze case law, identify relevant information, and make data-driven recommendations to counsel. Works well independently, using solid judgment when escalating issues and handling sensitive, confidential information. Comfortable with drafting and reviewing legal documents as well as attorney correspondence.

Diligent paralegal with 10+ years of experience supporting attorneys in criminal and civil procedures. Skilled at gathering and organizing legal documents for cases and briefing attorneys for court proceedings. Excellent research skills and in-depth knowledge of Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law, and other relevant databases. Quickly learns new technology related to research and document management. Experience in various areas of law, including employment, corporate, and tax law.

Objective examples

Hard-working and knowledgeable entry-level paralegal professional is seeking an opportunity with a legal entity to assist with drafting, writing, and reviewing affidavits and other documents.

Organized and astute paralegal professional just starting a career in law is looking for a position with a well-respected firm for managing multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

Reputable and organized paralegal professional with 6 years of experience handling cases for family court is seeking a job opportunity that requires skills in research, drafting, and persuasion.

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Learn more about the differences between a resume and a CV .

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Working at Paralegal

Paralegal overview.

The Paralegal Company, Inc. provides support directly to law firms, independent attorneys, government agencies, corporate (and non-corporate) legal departments. Incorporated on 2/01/18, The Paralegal Company, Inc has a team of professionals throughout New York state with the training & expertise to handle a wide range of projects in the legal field.

The staff at Paralegal come from unusually diverse demographic backgrounds. The company is 72.6% female and 40.1% ethnic minorities. Paralegal employees are slightly more likely to be members of the Democratic Party than the Republican Party, with 60.0% of employees identifying as members of the Democratic Party. Despite their political differences, employees at Paralegal seem to be happy. The company has great employee retention with staff members usually staying for 5.5 years.

Based in New York, NY, Paralegal is a small professional company with only 50 employees and an annual revenue of $450,000.

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Paralegal diversity

• Paralegal has 50 employees .
• 73% of Paralegal employees are women , while 27% are men.
• The most common ethnicity at Paralegal is White (60%).
• 19% of Paralegal employees are Hispanic or Latino.
• 11% of Paralegal employees are Black or African American.
• The average employee at Paralegal makes $50,116 per year.
• Paralegal employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party.
• Employees at Paralegal stay with the company for 5.5 years on average.

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Paralegal FAQs

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Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Paralegal, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Paralegal. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Paralegal. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Paralegal. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Paralegal and its employees or that of Zippia.

Paralegal may also be known as or be related to Paralegal, Paralegals and The Paralegal Company, Inc.