What makes this resume great
This resume is a strong example for a Paralegal because it demonstrates a clear career progression from Legal Assistant to Senior Paralegal, showing growth and increasing responsibility. The candidate lists relevant, in-demand skills such as legal research, document drafting, and proficiency with legal software. The education section includes both a relevant bachelor's degree and a specialized paralegal certificate. The resume is well-organized, making it easy for employers to quickly assess qualifications. The inclusion of both technical and soft skills, such as attention to detail and client communication, rounds out the candidate's profile.
Resume summary examples for Paralegal
Example #1
Strong Summary
Detail-oriented Senior Paralegal with 8+ years of experience supporting attorneys in litigation, case management, and trial preparation. Proven expertise in legal research, document drafting, and e-filing, with a track record of improving workflow efficiency and client satisfaction.
Weak Summary
I have worked as a paralegal for several years and am good at legal research and helping lawyers.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Experienced Paralegal skilled in managing complex caseloads, drafting legal documents, and utilizing legal software such as Clio and LexisNexis to streamline case processes.
Weak Summary
I know how to use some legal software and have managed cases before.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Resourceful legal professional with a Paralegal Certificate and a BA in Political Science, adept at discovery, trial preparation, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail in fast-paced law firm environments.
Weak Summary
I have a degree and a certificate and can help with legal work in busy offices.
Resume achievement examples for Paralegal
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Managed a caseload of over 120 active litigation files, reducing document turnaround time by 30% through improved workflow processes.
Weak Achievement
Helped manage many cases and made processes better.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Drafted and filed more than 200 legal documents annually with a 99% accuracy rate, ensuring compliance with court deadlines and requirements.
Weak Achievement
Drafted and filed legal documents for the firm.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Assisted attorneys in preparing for 15+ trials, coordinating discovery and evidence review, which contributed to a 20% increase in successful case outcomes.
Weak Achievement
Helped lawyers get ready for trials and worked on discovery.
Essential skills for a Paralegal
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Case management
- Client communication
- E-filing
- Discovery
- Trial preparation
- Legal software (Clio, LexisNexis)
- Time management
- Attention to detail
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Paralegal
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Paralegal.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Paralegal, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Paralegal (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.