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In the legal field, Paralegals are the backbone, supporting attorneys by managing case files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. The demand for this role has increased with the growing need for effective case management in this digital era. As such, your resume should demonstrate your proficiency in using legal software and ability to adapt to tech advancements. The legal job market has been shifting towards specialized areas, like immigration or intellectual property. So, decide your niche and target your resume accordingly.
Paralegals are frequently client-facing, so your resume should also reflect your interpersonal and communication skills. It's not just about being a legal bookworm, you need to show your ability to work with diverse groups of people, both within and outside the legal field.
As a paralegal, you'll be exposed to a wide range of legal jargon. Show you're comfortable with this language by using appropriate terminology in your resume. It not only confirms your industry knowledge, but shows you can communicate effectively with attorneys and clients.
Today's paralegal needs to be tech-savvy. Include any legal software or case management systems you’re familiar with. Show how you’ve used technology to automate routine tasks, manage case files or do legal research. It’s all about showing your ability to streamline processes and increase efficiency.
As a paralegal, your role is diverse and can often see you acting as the right hand to your attorney. Your resume should reflect your ability to conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and manage large amounts of data. The legal industry in recent years has seen a shift towards utilizing technology for data management and research, so showcasing your technical skills and familiarity with legal software will give you an edge. Keep in mind that legal firms often focus on different areas of law, so tailoring your resume to highlight your experience in the specific area of practice the law firm specializes in can be beneficial.
As a paralegal, you'll need to have knowledge specific to the field of law you're working in. For instance, if you're applying for a role in a firm specializing in corporate law, you should demonstrate familiarity with corporate filings, M&A transactions, and shareholder meetings.
Many law firms now use specialized software for data management and legal research. Marking your experience with these programs on your resume can give you an advantage. Anything from case management software like MyCase or Clio, to research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis can be advantageous.
As a hiring manager who has recruited for top law firms and corporations, I've reviewed hundreds of paralegal resumes. In this article, I'll share insider tips on what makes a paralegal resume stand out and get you hired. These tips are based on real resumes that have landed jobs at firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, and Sidley Austin, as well as in-house legal departments at Fortune 500 companies.
Many paralegal job postings mention a preference for candidates with experience in certain practice areas, such as litigation, corporate law, or intellectual property. To make your resume stand out, emphasize your experience in these areas:
In contrast, avoid being too general or vague about your experience:
A resume summary for a paralegal is an optional section that sits at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. It provides a brief overview of your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experience. While a summary is not required, it can be a useful addition if you have several years of paralegal experience, are changing careers, or want to highlight specific skills that may not be immediately apparent from your work history.
When writing a resume summary, focus on your key strengths and accomplishments as they relate to the paralegal role. Avoid using an objective statement, as these are outdated and focus on what you want rather than what you can offer an employer.
Your work experience section is the heart of your paralegal resume. It's where you show hiring managers what you've accomplished in your career and how you can contribute to their organization.
To make your work experience section stand out, focus on your achievements and the impact you've made in your previous roles. Use specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your skills and value.
When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities. This helps to make your resume more engaging and showcases your initiative and impact.
Examples of strong action verbs for paralegals include:
Avoid using weak or passive language, such as:
The education section of your paralegal resume is an important opportunity to showcase your qualifications and training. This section should be concise, relevant, and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your education section:
The skills section is a critical part of your paralegal resume. It's where you highlight your top abilities that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Hiring managers and recruiters use this section to quickly assess if you have the right qualifications for the role.
Here are some tips to help you write a strong skills section that will get you noticed:
Here are examples of popular skills from Paralegal job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Paralegal job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
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