How to Write a Resume According to Science: 2021 Study
With so many conflicting pieces of advice on resume writing, we decided to use a data-driven approach to find definitive answers to job seekers’ most pressing questions.
Paralegals are legal superheroes. They work long hours, protect clients, and basically save lives. Show you can fill the suit with this professional paralegal resume sample.
You’re about to see the perfect paralegal resume.
But think about this—
Being a paralegal is not like Law and Order.
It’s better.
The top paralegals make almost $80K a year. The job market will grow at 12% in the next 10 years.
In other words? You picked a great career.
The problem?
The best paralegal jobs draw hundreds of applicants.
But don’t sweat it. We’ll show you how to make a resume for paralegals that gets a hired verdict.
In this guide:
Create a job-winning resume with little effort. Hack your way through ATS software with our 18 beautiful templates—give our builder a try!
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Looking for a paralegal internship? See our guide:. Trying to put paralegal on a resume? Coming into law from another job? Try this guide: Resume for a Career Change
Need a different resume guide? Check these out:
Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Professional Resume Examples.
Holly Ulberg
Paralegal
Personal Info
Phone: 267-255-9595
E-mail: hollyzulberg@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/hollyzulberg
twitter.com/hollyzulberg
Summary
Licensed paralegal with 5+ years of experience. Seeking to increase efficiency and accuracy at Litman & Takacz. At Hudson & Wolff, helped create new legal database that cut time to draft contracts by 35%. Wrote 7+ reports per month and trained 5 junior paralegals. Member of NALA. Skilled in scheduling, investigation, and ERP systems.
Certifications
Experience
Litigation Paralegal
Hudson & Wolff
2014–2019
Junior Paralegal
Hudson & Wolff
2013–2014
Education
AA Paralegal Studies, Harrisburg Community College
2009–2013
Additional Activities
Conferences
Hard Skills: Legal research, writing briefs, billing software, investigation, ERP systems
Soft Skills: Interpersonal skills, communication, efficiency
Here’s how to write a paralegal resume that convinces:
Can you handle the truth?
They’ll judge you by your resume format.
So—
Start with the reverse-chronological layout. It puts the right facts before their eyes.
Expert Hint: Paralegals make from $40K to $73K per year. To almost double your salary, write a paralegal resume that’s tailored to the job requirements.
Danger.
You have little time before they file your resume.
So—
Make your resume summary or resume objective count.
Include:
Save brain cells by writing it last.
These litigation paralegal resume examples give the brief:
I rest my case.
Both paralegal duties resume samples talk writing and training skills. But—
The first adds evidence like 35%, 7+, and 5.
Are you making an entry-level resume for paralegals?
See this entry-level paralegal resume sample:
Objection:
They won’t buy the second of those paralegal resume examples. What does “good communicator” mean without proof?
Expert Hint: Perkins Cole is one of the best big law firms to work for as a paralegal. But don’t limit yourself to big. Aim your paralegal duties resume at small firms to get hired faster.
What skills do you need in a paralegal resume?
Here’s a list:
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
Legal Research | Collaboration |
Drafting Briefs | Interpersonal Skills |
Investigation | Communication |
Drafting Lawsuits | Writing |
Client Counseling | Negotiation |
Settlement Techniques | Self Motivation |
Litigation | Attention to Detail |
Proofreading | Time Management |
Preparing Reports | Multi-Tasking |
Organization |
But there’s a rider.
Don’t list them all. You’ll look silly. Maybe even dishonest.
To write a paralegal job description for resumes:
Copycat the first of these immigration paralegal resume samples:
Say the job ad wants these paralegal skills: IT, writing legal reports, training, investigation.
Experience
Litigation Paralegal
Hudson & Wolff
2014–2019
So close.
The second of those paralegal resume examples skips IT skills, writing reports, training, and investigation.
It also lacks numbers like 35% and 40+.
But—
Does that work in an entry-level resume?
Yep.
Say the job wants these paralegal skills: proofreading, trademark searches, sourcing vendors, scheduling, teamwork.
See this entry-level paralegal resume example with no experience:
Legal Assistant
Hudson & Wolff
2018–2019
Team Member
Buffalo Wild Wings
2014–2018
Legal Assistant
Hudson & Wolff
2018–2019
Team Member
Buffalo Wild Wings
2014–2018
That’s eye-opening.
The first paralegal resume example shows proofreading, and scheduling.
Then it says how much you did of each.
It also cites teamwork from another job.
Expert Hint: Paralegal duties resumes need computer skills. Does the job ad want Excel, Clio, or LexisNexis? What about MyCase? Check the ad, then put proof in your resume.
They already know you have an education.
But—
You can wow them with it.
How?
Put a couple coveted skills in your education section.
This personal injury paralegal resume sample shows how:
Education
AA Paralegal Studies, Harrisburg Community College
2009–2013
Nice.
That paralegal education resume example proves research and settlement techniques.
“Wow, look at that.”
If they say that about your paralegal resume, they’ll call.
So—
Put a couple “added” sections in your resume with key accomplishments.
Try a few of these:
This sample paralegal resume crushes it:
Certifications
Additional Activities
Conferences
Additional Activities
No contest.
The first of those paralegal resume examples shows you’re certified. Then it proves mentorship, leadership, and research skills.
Expert Hint: Write a cover letter. Your paralegal duties resume will sink without it. Yes, many hiring teams don’t care about them. But don’t insult the 45% that do. Check out this paralegal cover letter example for reference.
Here’s how to write a paralegal resume:
Got questions on how to write great resumes for paralegal jobs? Not sure how to put paralegal on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!
With so many conflicting pieces of advice on resume writing, we decided to use a data-driven approach to find definitive answers to job seekers’ most pressing questions.
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