entry level paralegal resume objective

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.”

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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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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

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Aria had used her strategic mindset and analytical thought processes from past legal projects to make sure all details were covered while she worked as a barista. But, while she couldn’t imagine turning down a good latte, she could definitely see herself saying “Yes!” to a new job as a paralegal . . . She’d just have to build a knockout resume first.

As she researched paralegal resume examples, Aria set down her cup of coffee, dreaming of how it would feel to set it down on an office desk. She lit up once she found a host of professional resume templates and other resources—there was even advice on how to power-boost her resume with a cover letter generator ! Within weeks, she got that life-changing email.

Keep on reading for time-tested advice and resume samples that will help you succeed like Aria!

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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

How to Write a Paralegal Resume Objective With Examples

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What is a paralegal resume objective?

Why are paralegal resume objectives important.

• How to write a paralegal resume objective

Paralegal resume objective examples

Paralegal resume objective tips.

A resume objective statement summarizes your best hiring features to quickly identify you as a well-qualified and leading candidate for the position you are applying for. Learning how to write a strong resume objective is important if you want your resume to stand out to law firms and hiring managers. Use these steps to write a paralegal resume objective statement using examples of effective resume objectives as a guide.

A paralegal resume objective is a clear statement that briefly identifies what your career goals are and why you are the best candidate for the specific paralegal position you are applying for. This statement typically includes keywords for skills and experiences that are specific to the legal industry as a whole and to the specific legal field you have experience in. A resume objective also typically includes a brief statement identifying specific career goals and how those goals are relevant to your desired position and company.

A paralegal resume objective is important because recruiters and hiring managers only spend about six seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether it is a candidate they want to learn more about. A resume objective statement allows you to highlight your best and most relevant paralegal skills, experiences and accomplishments near the top of your resume so that the recruiter or hiring manager can quickly identify you as a strong candidate for the position.

How to write a paralegal resume objective 

Follow these steps to write a strong paralegal resume objective statement:

1. Firstly, read the job description carefully

Start by reading the job description for the position you are applying for carefully and looking for keywords throughout that are related to your specific skills and experiences. Use specific keywords you find in the job description within your resume objective in order to get an employer’s attention and stand out as a competitive candidate.

2. Secondly, research the law firm you want to apply to

By researching the law firm or company you are applying to, you can find information that will help you write a resume objective statement that is specifically tailored to them. Use the company’s website to look for information about the type of legal work the company does, who their clients are and the tone and style of their voice. You can mimic their tone and style in your resume objective and clearly identify skills and experience related to their specific legal field.

3. Next, identify your key skills, education and experience that relate to the job

Once you have done your research, identify specific skills, education and experience you have that relate to the position you are applying for. It is best to use abilities and achievements that directly relate to the keywords you found in the job description or on the company’s website when possible. However, you may also use industry-specific keywords if necessary.

4. Finally, mention a specific career goal and how that goal is relevant to the company

To finish your paralegal resume objective, you should try to identify a specific career goal you have and explain how it is relevant to the company or law firm you are applying to. This can be done by stating how you plan to utilize your skills and experience as a paralegal for their company.

Here are a few paralegal resume objective examples for specific legal fields:

Family law paralegal example

‘Dedicated family law paralegal with more than five years of experience in family law practices seeking paralegal position with Lee Fernandez & Associates. Excellent legal research and document preparation skills proven through experience researching case law precedent and preparing pleadings, subpoenas, requests for discovery, interrogatories and depositions. Seeking to apply my combined legal and communication skills and personal passion for helping families during the divorce and custody process to the family law division of your firm.’

Personal injury paralegal example

‘Motivated and detail-oriented personal injury paralegal with three years of experience working in legal settings seeking paralegal position with The Personal Injury Lawyers law firm. Experienced in working on personal injury, medical malpractice and workers’ compensation claims. Increased previous office efficiency by 20% by converting the office to an e-filing system. Seeking to apply my knowledge and experience in personal injury law and expand my career into a lead paralegal role with The Personal Injury Lawyers within three years.’

Criminal law paralegal example

‘Hardworking and ambitious criminal law paralegal with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies seeks position as an administrative paralegal supporting the misdemeanor division with the State Attorney’s Office. Extensive knowledge and experience in legal research, writing and document preparation shown through an internship with the Public Defender’s Office and a criminal law capstone project. Seeking to apply my legal knowledge and experience as a paralegal in the State Attorney’s Office while I attend law school and prepare to advance my career by becoming a State Attorney.’

Here are a few general tips to remember when writing a paralegal resume objective statement:

Always include the law firm or company name

The name of the company or the law firm and the specific position title for which you are applying are usually included as keywords the employer looks for when using applicant tracking systems (ATS). Additionally, when the recruiter or hiring manager is reviewing your resume, seeing a direct interest in their company can help make your resume stand out.

Keep your objective statement brief and simple

You should try to keep your resume objective statement as brief and simple as possible while still including the most relevant and important information. Generally, a resume objective statement should be about two to four sentences in length.

Quantify experiences and skills when possible

You should always quantify the skills and experiences you list with specific data, statistics or numbers when possible. Doing this allows you to show the employer how you have proven your skills and experiences in the past.

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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: Essential Guidelines & Bonus Template

A role as a Paralegal requires you to juggle a multitude of tasks, including doing case research, editing legal contracts and documents, and even office management. So it’s unsurpirising if you haven’t found the time recently to work on your resume. Our professional templates and expert advice can help!

Paralegal Resume Example MSWord® Download our free Paralegal Resume template in Word and provide essential support to your future career in law!

If you’re interested in the world of law and you have the skills to be organized and responsible, a job as a paralegal could be an excellent opportunity for you.

It’s a great way to challenge yourself, use your smarts, work in a professional environment, and expose yourself to an important and fascinating field.

But creating a solid resume is a necessary first step toward getting that dream job . To do that, you’ll want to have a good idea of what good paralegal resume examples look like, what skills or experiences to focus on, and how to make your application materials stand out from the rest.

Paralegal Resume Example

Let’s have a quick look to a paralegal resume sample so you take some ideas to start yours without any legal problem.

[Sam Jones]

[Certified Paralegal (CP) since 2015]

[15 Oceanview Drive, MI 10001 | 213-555-0198 | [email protected]]

Motivated and hard-working medical malpractice litigation paralegal with 5+ years of experience. Seeking to utilize skills as a strong research assistant and shape organization, client communications, and trial preparation. Successfully managed over 50 individual clients both before and after trial. Proficient in Arabic.

Litigation Paralegal

Johnson Law Firm | St. Louis, MI 2015 – 2021

• Analyzed and investigated facts related to cases as requested by attorneys.
• Researched relevant laws, legal articles, and regulations as necessary.
• Drafted and distributed routine correspondence and other legal documents within the firm.
• Proofread and created reports, court transcripts, and other documents.

Associate’s Degree, Paralegal Studies

Southern Missouri Community College | Springfield, MI

2013 – 2015

Earned a cumulative GPA of 3.75 President of Model United Nations Chapter

• Strong research skills
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Multitasking

Hobbies and Interests

• Volunteering at local women’s shelter

What Does a Paralegal Do? Paralegal Job Description for Resume

A paralegal is responsible for supporting lawyers in various ways , including organizing and maintaining files or paperwork, drafting documents, and doing legal research.

Paralegals are sometimes called “legal assistants” because their primary job function is to provide lawyers with the resources and help they need to serve their clients best. However, their main responsibilities differ. You can check our legal assistant resume guide for futher information.

Specific job responsibilities you can expect from a job as a paralegal, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , include:

• Gather, investigate, and arrange the facts or evidence of a case alongside other legal documents for attorney review
• Assist in case preparation
• Research relevant laws, legal articles, or regulations
• Organize documents in filing systems
• Draft legal documents, such as contracts or correspondence
• Assist lawyers during trials by taking notes, reviewing transcripts, handling exhibits, etc.
• Work with clients, other lawyers, and outside personnel to schedule interviews, depositions, meetings, and more

Paralegal Duties: Resume Tips

The resume of a paralegal should reflect their background, job aspirations and goals, education, work experience, skills, and anything else that shows they are qualified to complete the above tasks .

Remember that your resume has just a few seconds or so to grab a hiring team’s attention, so you’ll want to be sure that your resume is just as eye-catching and intriguing as it is practical.

Regardless of your experience level, it’s essential to keep the goal of your resume in mind throughout this entire process: to make yourself the most attractive and desirable candidate you can be.

To do that, you’ll need to have a good idea of what potential employers are looking for, how to structure your resume, and what’s best to include. So let’s take a closer look.

What Does It Take to Become a Paralegal?

According to the BLS, most candidates looking to become a paralegal have:

• Either an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in another subject
• A certificate in paralegal studies

Some employers will only require applicants to have an associate’s degree, but most ask for a bachelor’s degree. Since few postsecondary institutions offer bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, it’s most common for students to pursue a different degree and then opt to get certified.

Only paralegal education programs approved by the American Bar Association can provide official certification, so if it’s something you choose to pursue, be sure you’re using services you can trust. Many professional associations or organizations can offer this sort of training.

Aside from education, there’s not much to worry about in terms of qualifications. Of course, certifications and work experience will undoubtedly serve to strengthen your resume, but it’s also possible to become a successful paralegal without these things.

It’s important to let your relevant experiences showcase your value as a candidate regardless of your experience level or background. Keep in mind the sort of things employers are often looking for in a potential paralegal, like:

• A willingness to learn and try new things
• A professional and good-to-work-with personality
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Flexibility and an ability to multitask

Can You Be a Paralegal With No Experience?

It is entirely possible to become a paralegal even without work experience so long as you meet all the other requirements for the job you’re looking into.

Paralegals can work in various industries, so even if one job posting doesn’t seem like something you can take on, don’t lose hope – there are lots of opportunities out there that are ideal for beginners.

Of course, writing a paralegal resume with no experience to pull from is more challenging than it would be to write an experienced paralegal resume, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your chances will suffer.

By formatting your resume in a way that highlights the things you do have to offer , you can create a finished product that still portrays a strong candidate. We’ll talk a bit more about format below.

For these sorts of resumes, it’s not a bad idea to reference some paralegal resume examples. Looking at a sample paralegal resume with no experience can help you better understand how to set up your own, what to include, and how to make yourself stand out.

What’s the Best Paralegal Resume Format?

Generally speaking, a reverse-chronological format is the best way to go for an effective, easy-to-read resume. This resume format lists your most recent experiences at the top and your most dated at the bottom in each section.

For a full-time job position like this, it’s most common to include your job experience atop your education . This way, the first thing a hiring team reads (aside from your introductory material) is your most relevant and recent experiences.

Beneath experience, you should include your educational background in the same format. Be sure to include the type of degree you’ve earned, the field it’s in, and any certifications or awards associated with your education.

Depending on your level of education, you may or may not choose to include your high school experience.

But, if you don’t have work experience to list, don’t fret. Using a combined or skill-based resume format can still work to your advantage.

A skill-based resume format , as the name suggests, puts your work skills at the forefront of a hiring team’s attention. For example, these resumes might list skills before job experience or education and elaborate upon how you acquired these skills and how they can be helpful to the firm.

A combined resume format takes elements from both styles mentioned above and blends them. As a result, it can look different from person to person based on what each individual feels is best to highlight.

For example, someone new to the field with only a college degree and certificate may find it helpful to include a significant skills section on their resume and utilize reverse-chronological formatting for the other sections.

No matter what, be sure to keep your resume around a page .

Too lengthy of a resume is likely to turn off a potential employer or at least cause them to miss vital information about you as a candidate.

How to Write a Paralegal Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Once you’ve decided on a format for your resume, you can begin to craft the actual text you’ll be using. The first part of that is your paralegal resume summary or objective.

It’s important not to confuse a resume summary and a resume objective; the two serve different purposes and are thus advantageous for different types of applicants.

A paralegal resume summary is ideal for experienced professionals who have been in the field for a long time and aren’t looking to make a career change.

On the other hand, a paralegal resume objective is best for an entry-level paralegal resume and those looking to change fields or enter a new position.

Both a resume objective and summary should explain to an employer why you’re the ideal candidate for the job, but how the two accomplish this goal differs.

Resume objectives generally focus on what you can do or want to do. Of course, they still provide relevant details about your background and express your desire for the position, but their goal is to show an employer what you have to offer right from the get-go.

A resume summary , by contrast, is about what you’ve already done. It’s an opportunity to list specific skills and achievements within the field that you’d like your employer to focus on. It acts as an overview of your career thus far, focusing primarily on the highest points, as well as what you hope to bring to the table at your new workplace.

Paralegal Resume Summary Example

Hard-working, dedicated, motivated, and certified paralegal with over five years of litigation paralegal experience. Eager for opportunities to provide legal assistance in research, organization, client service, and trial preparation. Successfully assisted Attorney & Attorney Law Firm in implementing a new file and client organization system. Proficient in Spanish.

Experienced paralegal with lots of practice working on contracts, lawsuits, and research. Great at time management, multi-tasking, and teamwork.

Ideal resume summaries will provide specific examples of things you’ve done well in the past and things that set you apart from other candidates.

Avoid overly vague language or simply restating job requirements; try to think of the top few things about you that showcase that you can fulfill the tasks the lawyer will need you to do.

Paralegal Resume Objective Example

Passionate, versatile, and organized college graduate with an economics and asset protection background. Seeking to utilize my skills and legal knowledge in research, trial assistance, and client preparation as a paralegal for X Company.

Recent college graduate with a passion for the field interested in further developing professional skills and legal knowledge.

Though a resume objective doesn’t have to be lengthy, it should still make it clear what your strengths are, what you have to offer, and what you hope to achieve.

How to Write an Entry-Level Paralegal Resume Objective

Your resume objective should encompass who you are as a worker and what your plans for the future are.

A strong opening is a part of any excellent paralegal resume, entry-level or otherwise, but it’s especially crucial if the rest of your resume might be lacking a bit.

Focus on writing an objective that is specific, concise, and able to successfully communicate your key skills, accomplishments, and goals as they relate to the job you’re applying for.

A lack of experience in the field doesn’t have to hold you back. Find ways to tailor your strengths to what your employer is looking for, and you can still come out as a top candidate.

Paralegal Certifications

The first thing you want to include on your resume will be your paralegal certification , where you got it from, and what dates you received it. You should also mention if you are an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP), Certified Paralegal (CP), or both, and be prepared to include a copy of your certificate with your application.

How to Describe Your Paralegal Experience

With a strong introduction already taken care of, it’s time to move on to the meat of your paralegal resume: the experience section.

Even if it’s not directly related to being a paralegal, past job experience is still important to employers. It demonstrates that you had an opportunity to develop tangible working skills , form connections, and acquaint yourself with a productive working environment.

However, if you do have experience as a paralegal or even ask something related like a secretary, that should be your focus. Don’t waste time or space on things that aren’t relevant to what you’re applying for – you only have about a page, after all.

Be sure to list your employer’s company name, their location, your job title, and the years you worked in that role for each piece you add to your experience section.

Beneath these key details, you should list significant accomplishments , experience, or skills that you took away from that job. When you do this, be sure to use strong, moving vocabulary, particularly verbs.

Keep your language fresh throughout your resume. Try your best to choose verbs that are specific to the point you’re trying to make to avoid redundancies. Lawyers are typically great with words, and they tend to recognize the importance of good vocabulary and writing skills!

It’s also important to remember that employers know the job you’re applying for better than anyone else, so they’ll be carefully looking for candidates that specifically meet the goals they’ve set for the position.

As a result, it’s best to tailor the language of your entire resume to each job description, but especially your experience section.

Paralegal Resume Template Examples: Experience

A good entry in your experience section might look something like this:

Paralegal Kelly, Brier, and Meyers, LLP, Cincinnati, OH 2011 – 2017

• Analyzed and investigated facts related to cases, including over 50 within family law.
• Researched relevant laws, legal articles, and regulations pertaining to each case.
• Drafted and proofread routine correspondence and other legal documents
• Wrote and distributed reports, court transcripts, and other documents to assist attorneys in trial preparation.

Entry-Level Paralegal: Experience Section

If you’re an entry-level candidate, you’re not going to have much or any experience to list on your resume. And that’s okay!

If you do have any job experience that you think can strengthen your resume, it’s not a bad idea to include it. But, if you feel that your education and skills are more noteworthy, it’s best to shift your focus to them instead.

Any experience you do list should still be written as if it’s important (because it is!) and list specific points you want your employer to know.

Perhaps you weren’t a paralegal specifically, but you worked in a job that required similar skills. You may write something like this:

Medical Office Secretary Gaviota Health, El Paso, Texas 2010 – 2020

• Managed sensitive, confidential, and complex information for doctors, nurses, and administrators
• Worked first-hand with clients in both English and Spanish
• Organized appointments, schedules, and pricing for over ten doctors and nurses
• Responded professionally in high-pressure circumstances

Especially if you plan to work with a medical malpractice attorney, that sort of experience can be extremely attractive. There are certainly ways to highlight the parts of the job that relate to the daily tasks of a paralegal.

Is Your Education Section Disorganized? It Might Be

After you’ve listed your experience, you’ll want to move on to your education. It’s key to ensure your paralegal resume education section is organized in a way that makes sense and follows the format of the rest of your resume.

For instance, if you’ve got a college degree and a high school diploma and want to list both, you should list your college degree and experience atop your high school information.

The more recent a degree is, the higher up it should be.

It’s not very typical to list education before experience unless you’re an entry-level candidate or have recently graduated, but that doesn’t mean your education section isn’t still a chance to showcase your strengths.

You may want to list your GPA, any major organizations you were involved in, any awards you won, and any notable accomplishments you made, among other things.

The Best Paralegal Skills for a Resume

Equally as important as your experiences are the skills you developed as a result of them. A skills section is a must-have for any resume, and including paralegal resume keywords from a job description or your past experiences can make you a great applicant.

For most resume formats , at least, it’s best to stick to around 5-10 primary skills. You can simply list them as bullet points; there’s no need to elaborate or explain unless you’re using something that the average reader might not understand.

Examples of paralegal skills for resume building include:

Soft Skills

• Organization
• Precision, attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Writing skills

Hard Skills

• Online research
• Litigation support
• Client counseling
• Legal document drafting
• Legal knowledge
• Customer service
• Trial preparation
• Proofreading
• Account administration

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

Once you’ve got the bare minimum taken care of on your resume, it’s time to add some elements that can spice things up. Paralegal resumes that stand out include more than the bare minimum.

As a result, you’ll want to take some time to consider what you personally can include to make yourself the best candidate out of the bunch.

Paralegal Resume Sample “Other” Sections

A good paralegal resume shows your employer who you are, why you’re applying, and what you have to offer. The best paralegal resumes, though, show your employer why they can’t afford to pass on you as a candidate.

To accomplish this goal, you might include sections like:

• Hobbies and interests. What you do in your free time can show what kind of person and worker you are. They also make your application more interesting and more human, and perhaps you and your potential future employer have hobbies in common!
• Volunteer work. This is an additional opportunity to share skills that you’ve learned. It also shows your employer that you’ve got a lot of experience working on different projects and with different people. Plus, it shows that you have a genuine interest in helping out others.
• Special awards or certificates. Your paralegal certification should be at the very top of your resume. Some other relevant awards and certificates may be for skills such as writing, multiple language skills, leadership, and focus.
• Goals. Showing your employer what you hope to accomplish in the short- or long term helps them see you have plans and aspirations and that you’re serious about your future in the field. Just remember that they may be less inclined to hire someone who will only be working with them briefly, so even if you plan to attain other jobs in the future, perhaps specify that you would like to climb the ladder within the firm.

How to Use a Paralegal Resume Template

If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole paralegal resume writing process, you’re not alone. Millions of individuals struggle with knowing how to write a resume and do it well.

That’s why there’s an abundance of resources available to make your life easier, including resume builder tools and templates .

These allow you to input information and text with the hard work of organizing, formatting, and editing already completed for you!

Take Advantage of Our Free Paralegal Resume Templates

Whether you’re new to writing a paralegal resume or not, our free, easy-to-use resume templates can help you out. With tons of styles to choose from, you won’t find it hard to choose a look and set-up that works well for your vision.

Our free resume builder takes the uncertainty of how to write a paralegal resume away and allows you to focus instead on the quality of your writing itself.

Using these paralegal resume tips in conjunction with a tool is one of the best ways to save yourself time or stress and set yourself up for success.

We’re committed to helping you get a job you love. We wish you the best of luck in your pursuit to find your perfect paralegal job, and we have faith you can crush it!

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How to Write a Winning Resume for an Entry Level Paralegal

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How to write a good resume for icd-10, can a political science major get a paralegal job.

• How Much Should an Attorney Get Paid After 5 Years?
• The Difference Between a Paralegal & Attorney

Entry-level paralegals often have little work experience, but they can make themselves attractive to employers by highlighting relevant skills, academic training and volunteer or internship experience. Many employers look for paralegals with excellent writing and organization skills, so in addition to providing compelling content, paralegals should make sure to make their resumes exceptionally well organized, clean and error-free. Here's what you should include on an entry-level legal assistant resume.

Personal Information and Career Objective

As in any field, those seeking an entry-level paralegal position should include appropriate personal details. At the top of the resume, clearly provide your contact information, including full name, phone number, email address and physical address.

Just below your contact information should be your career objective. When you're writing your paralegal resume objective with no experience, provide a description of the position you want, recommends Zety . If you know the area of law you'd like to specialize in, the career objective is the place to include that information. If not, simply express your desire to gain experience in the general practice of law. The career objective shouldn't run more than one or two sentences.

Education on Paralegal Student Resume

Many entry-level paralegals have little work experience, so emphasizing education and academic performance is important. If you received an associate or bachelor’s degree, provide information on the school you attended, the year of completion, your major and any relevant courses you took. If you graduated with a high GPA, include that as well. You can also provide information about your extracurricular activities, such as clubs and organizations.

Some paralegals also choose to become certified through a national or local paralegal organization. If you've completed a certification program, include information about it. Different firms require different levels of education and certification, so check the job description to see if you meet the requirements.

Relevant Work Experience

Employers often prefer paralegal candidates with experience in a law firm or office, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , but for an entry-level candidate this may not be possible. You can emphasize other types of experience in this section, however.

For example, if you've completed an internship related to law, criminal justice or the firm’s area of specialty, list it under work experience. Include dates of the internship, your duties and responsibilities, the skills you gained and any projects you completed.

A paralegal student resume might also list any relevant volunteer work at a nonprofit organization, community group or legal aid office. If you have any type of office, administrative or research experience, even if unrelated to the law, include it as well.

Important Skills to Include

Most employers look for paralegals with excellent research, organization and writing skills. If you haven't already highlighted these abilities in previous sections, include them here. Computer skills are also valuable to many law firms, so list any software or programs you're familiar with. Speaking a foreign language can also be attractive to an employer, so include information about any languages you speak or have studied other than English.

If you have any skills relating to the firm’s area of specialization, include those on your entry level legal assistant resume too. For example, if the firm specializes in bankruptcy law and you can prepare a bankruptcy petition, mention that. The American Bar Association suggests also highlighting that you're a willing learner and can handle multitasking.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Zety: Paralegal Resume Samples: Job Descriptions, Skills, Objectives
• American Bar Association: Top Five Skills to Look for When Hiring a Paralegal

Marie Gentile has a passion for personal finance and style, and takes a special interest in the places where they intersect. She specializes in writing about money management and frugal living. Gentile has a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been published in several personal finance-related print and online publications.

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