Paralegal Resume Examples

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Table of contents

Paralegal resume examples
More paralegal resume examples
Choose a resume format for your paralegal resume
How to write a paralegal resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your paralegal resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

As a paralegal, you certainly know how crucial attention to detail is with regard to important documents. Working closely with attorneys and law firms, you handle a variety of legal documents and take on a wide range of responsibilities that ensure the smooth functioning of legal proceedings.

Your tasks may include conducting in-depth legal research, drafting essential legal documents, organizing case files and coordinating with clients and witnesses. With your keen eye for detail and dedication, you provide invaluable support to the legal team, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the justice system effectively.

With all of these incredible skills, writing a resume that covers the range of what you have to offer might seem like a challenge. But, with the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent resume examples for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think.

Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive paralegal resume in a matter of minutes. Keep reading to learn more about:

Examples of resumes for paralegal applicants with and without experience.
What makes a paralegal resume example great.
Tips and tricks for writing paralegal resumes.
What to include in every section of your paralegal resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

If you want to generate a resume in just minutes, try our professional AI Resume Builder. Our builder provides professionally written advice and suggestions along with step-by-step help writing every section.

Entry-level paralegal resume example

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What makes this a great paralegal resume sample?

Gives top billing to skills.
While this candidate only has a few years of work experience, he has earned an impressive array of skills which he emphasizes through the use of the functional format.
Uses active verbs.
Action-oriented language gives energy and momentum to this paralegal resume example.
Keeps it simple.
Too much visual interest can be a distraction that detracts from the candidate’s qualifications. In this case, a simple layout with a pop of color is all that is needed to draw the eye and organize the information well.

Experienced paralegal resume example

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What makes this a great paralegal resume sample?

Uses the chronological format.
This candidate is highly experienced, so it makes sense that she should focus on work history. Laying out her career in reverse-chronological order is a great way to tell her story.
Uses numbers.
On a resume, numerical data is the difference between showing and telling. This candidate shows you what she can do by including numerical data.
ATS-friendly.
This sample paralegal resume is likely to pass ATS screenings with flying colors thanks to the simple layout which is easy to parse.

More paralegal resume examples

Looking for a different title? Here are some more law resume examples.

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Choose a resume format for your paralegal resume

To land the job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume format.

Experienced applicants should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.
Applicants with little to no experience should consider using a functional resume format.
Midlevel applicants with three to five years of relevant experience can leverage a combination resume format to showcase a balance of skills and work experience.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume to highlight your candidacy.

Select an appropriate paralegal resume template

Create your resume

While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.

Since a career as a paralegal is generally focused more on professionalism and efficiency than artistic expression, stick to the basics with a simple template that keeps your information organized.

How to write a paralegal resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive paralegal jobs know that writing an industry- and job-specific resume is the key to getting noticed.

Step 1

Study the paralegal job description

A well-written paralegal resume should be tailored to the specific needs and expectations of your desired role. Why is this important?

Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen applicant resumes for desired skills and qualifications. With ATS becoming more and more prevalent, utilizing keywords is vital to ensuring that a human sees your resume. To make your resume ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the job description. That’s why if you’re able to successfully incorporate the right keywords, you’ll improve your chances of landing a job interview.

You may be asking yourself, “Each job is different, so how do I know which keywords to use?”

Don’t worry — it’s easy.

While every paralegal role is different, the job listing is your biggest clue as to what keywords the organization is looking for.

For example, if the job description for the paralegal role you seek asks for case management experience, familiarity with legal software and exceptional communication skills, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your paralegal resume. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the specific wording they’re looking for. Then, go through your resume and make sure what you wrote matches the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

It may sound like a lot, but once you get used to the process, it’ll only take you a few minutes to do and will get your paralegal resume better results than if you don’t tailor it.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Your paralegal resume should start with either a professional summary or a resume objective, contingent upon your level of expertise. Think of this opening paragraph as your resume profile, where you give an introduction to your career.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Applicants with more experience in a paralegal role should use a professional summary, which summarizes your career accomplishments.

Here are some strong examples for your paralegal resume:

Paralegal professional summary example:

Dedicated and seasoned paralegal with nine years of exceptional experience at a prominent law firm. Adept at providing invaluable support to attorneys in complex legal matters, including case research, document preparation and trial coordination. Proven expertise in conducting thorough legal research and utilizing diverse resources to build strong case foundations. Highly skilled in drafting a wide array of legal documents with meticulous attention to detail. Possessing a track record of successful case management, ensuring deadlines are met and essential records are meticulously organized. Excellent communicator with a strong ability to liaise with clients, colleagues and court personnel. Eager to contribute to the success of a dynamic legal team.

Paralegal objective example:

Goal-driven and motivated recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree, equipped with a solid academic foundation in legal studies and a passion for justice. Eager to apply knowledge and skills in a dynamic legal environment by establishing a rewarding paralegal career. Possessing exceptional research and writing abilities, aiming to contribute to the success of a dedicated legal team by providing valuable support in legal research, document preparation and case management. With a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills and a commitment to professionalism, excited to embark on the journey as a paralegal and make a positive impact within the legal realm.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant paralegal skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the paralegal resume skills you list. Skills for a paralegal resume belong in your resume skills section and peppered throughout your professional summary (or resume objective) and your work experience section.

To write a persuasive skills section, providing employers with a solid mix of hard and soft skills is key. Hard skills are the measurable skills needed to perform a job. These skills are technical and earned through experience, education or training. Soft skills, on the other hand, are behaviors and personality traits that help you do your job well. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard vs soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Hard Skills

Legal research
Document drafting
Case management
Courtroom support
Evidence review
WordPress

Soft Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Ethics and confidentiality
Resourcefulness

Here is an example of a strong paralegal skills section:

Proficient in legal research tools like Fastcase
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Deadline-driven with stellar time management skills
High attention to detail

Pro tip

Even for jobs that don’t require interacting with the public, soft skills are important to list. Employers seek out candidates who already possess these skills because they are difficult to teach.

Step 4

Write a strong paralegal work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

Here is an example of a great paralegal work experience entry:

Paralegal, Law Offices of Whittaker, Beaumont and Orkney
Walnut Creek, CA
January 2022 – Present

Conducted thorough legal research using various databases, contributing to the successful resolution of over 50 complex cases.
Drafted and reviewed 100+ legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
Manage a caseload of 30+ active cases, maintaining strict deadlines and ensuring efficient case progression.
Assisted in trial preparation for 15 cases, coordinating with witnesses and organizing trial exhibits.
Improved document filing system, resulting in a 20% reduction in retrieval time and enhancing overall office efficiency.
Collaborate with a team of five attorneys, providing valuable support during depositions and client meetings.

Pro tip

Make your paralegal credentials pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your paralegal resume

To be hired as a paralegal, you’ll need to show employers that you have the necessary education and training. Top candidates for this role often list a bachelor’s degree, but an associate degree or even a high school diploma may be sufficient for a paralegal career.

How to list your paralegal education:

Education:

Bachelor of Arts
Political Science
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

Certifications:

Certified Paralegal (CP) from NALA – Earned in 2021

Pro tip

If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. You can include them in your education section or add a special section to showcase them.

Optional sections for your paralegal resume

Awards and certifications

Including awards and certificates on your resume is a clever way to display your skills, accomplishments and qualifications. Awards highlight when you’ve done really well or been a leader, while certifications give solid proof that you’re skilled in a certain area.

When you put certificates and awards on your resume, it helps you stand out from other paralegals applying. It shows the employer that you’re really committed to your field and can bring a lot of value to their company. This makes your chances of getting the job higher.

How to list awards on your paralegal resume:

2021 Excellence in Legal Writing Award

Projects

Projects are a great addition to your resume because they show you’re capable of using theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. It’s one thing to learn something in class — it’s another thing to put the ideas into practice.

Projects are also a tangible demonstration of the types of skills — from problem-solving and time management to teamwork and leadership — that are valuable to employers. Not only that but also a relevant project can highlight your long-standing passion and expertise in a given subject.

How to list projects on your paralegal resume:

Case Research and Analysis:
- Conducted extensive legal research on complex cases, analyzing statutes, regulations and case law to assist attorneys in building strong legal arguments.
- Prepared concise case summaries and presented findings to the legal team, facilitating informed decision-making.
Document Drafting and Review:
- Collaborated with attorneys to draft and edit a wide range of legal documents, including motions, affidavits and contracts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal writing conventions.
- Implemented a standardized document review process, reducing errors by 15% and improving overall document quality.

Languages

Knowing different languages allows you to display your understanding of different cultures and your ability to adjust in today’s worldwide job market. Being able to speak multiple languages also helps you communicate with a wider range of people like clients, customers and partners from around the world, and it can lead to chances for international experiences.

Moreover, being multilingual shows that you can think quickly and are determined. In a situation where two job candidates are equally qualified, if one of them mentions knowing multiple languages on their resume, that candidate will likely be more appealing to the employer.

How to list languages on your paralegal resume:

Fluent in English and Spanish.
Proficient in Japanese.

Interests and hobbies

Adding hobbies to your resume is appropriate as long as they’re relevant to the job. They offer an opportunity to show your personality and meaningfully connect with a potential employer. Plus, they emphasize your transferable skills, like creativity or leadership — qualities you take from job to job.

Finally, hobbies and interests can demonstrate whether you’re the right culture fit for a company. They enrich your overall profile, showing the employer how you are a unique and fully defined person.

How to list interests and hobbies on your paralegal resume:

Community-building and volunteer work
Enthusiastic participant in moot court events

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Adding a paralegal cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job. Learning how to write a cover letter may feel like a lot of work, but trust us — it’s very necessary. Your cover letter is your opportunity to show employers that the experience on your resume makes you the best choice for the job.

To get started, check out our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Generator, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to include your unique experience and accomplishments.

Key takeaways for your paralegal resume

Follow our steps for a standout resume:
Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Select the appropriate resume format:
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your paralegal resume — strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the template that will help you put your best foot forward.
Be specific to the role:
Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
Include both hard and soft skills:
Being a paralegal requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine:
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Choose an appropriate resume template:
A paralegal resume shouldn’t be too flashy or distracting, Try one of our modern resume templates to help get you started.
Go the extra mile:
Including a well-written paralegal cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview.