Paralegal resume
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Key skills for a paralegal resume
Terms that job ads ask for and ATS filters look for. Only include the ones you master.
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Case management
- E-discovery
- Litigation support
- Trial preparation
- Contract review
- Legal filing
- Westlaw or LexisNexis
- Client communication
Tips for your paralegal resume
- Say your practice area: litigation, corporate, real estate, immigration or family law.
- List your tasks: research, drafting, discovery, filings or trial preparation.
- Name your tools: Westlaw, LexisNexis, Clio or e-discovery platforms.
- Add your caseload or the size of matters you support.
- Include your paralegal certificate or certification.
- Mention languages if you work with clients who speak them.
Paralegal resume summary examples
Adapt these examples with your real details: years of experience, industry, tools and certifications.
Paralegal with 6 years of experience in civil litigation at a mid-size law firm. I draft pleadings and discovery, manage document review in e-discovery platforms, research case law in Westlaw and prepare trial binders for a caseload of about 40 matters. Certified paralegal.
Paralegal studies graduate with an internship at a legal aid clinic, where I drafted letters, organized case files and helped clients complete forms. Skilled in Westlaw and fluent in Spanish. Looking for my first paralegal role.
Other job titles
Search for them too and use the one in the job ad on your resume.
- Legal assistant
- Litigation paralegal
- Corporate paralegal
- Legal secretary
- Law clerk
- Legal executive (UK)
How to write a paralegal resume step by step
Write a short summary
Three or four lines with your experience, practice area and tools.
Detail your experience
In “Experience”, add the firm or company, practice area, caseload and tasks.
Add education and certifications
In “Education”, your paralegal degree or certificate. In “Certificates”, any paralegal certification.
Add languages
In “Languages”, list each language with its level.
Tailor your resume to the job ad and download it
Paste the job ad into Beatjob: the AI improves the wording with the keywords your experience backs up. Then download the PDF.
More resume examples
Frequently asked questions about a paralegal resume
What education do paralegals need?
Paralegals typically need an associate's degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree, and some train candidates on the job.
Do paralegals need a certification?
It is not required, but some employers prefer or require a paralegal certification program, which usually involves passing an exam.
What should an entry-level paralegal resume include?
Your program, internships or clinics, legal research tools and your writing skills.
Sources
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