Paralegal Resume Example with Skills (+ Tips for 2023)

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 paralegal resume that gets a hired verdict.

In this guide:

• A paralegal resume example better than most.
• How to write a resume for paralegal jobs that stands out.
• How to draft a paralegal job description for resumes.
• Which paralegal skills for resumes are in-demand now.

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Coming into law from another job? Try this guide: Resume for a Career Change

Need a different resume guide? Check these out:

• How to Write a Legal Resume
• Legal Assistant Resume
• Law School Resume
• Law Student Resume
• Attorney Resume
• Internship Resume

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Professional Resume Examples.

Paralegal Resume Example

Here’s how to write a paralegal resume that convinces:

1. Choose a Professional Paralegal Resume Format

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.

Paralegal Resume Format

• Draft a single-page resume.
• Set 1-inch resume margins for the document.
• Use a resume font like 10–12pt Helvetica or Didot.
• Create resume sections like Heading, Summary, History, Education, and Skills.
• Put white space between sections for easy reading.
• Save your resume in PDF form. PDF resumes show up well on different screens.

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.

2. Write a Paralegal Resume Objective or Summary

Danger. You have little time before they file your resume.

Make your resume summary or resume objective count.

Include:

1. “Licensed paralegal”
2. Years of experience (2+, 4+)
3. How/who you will help (increase efficiency at Litman & Takacz)
4. Best paralegal moments (cut time to draft contracts by 35%...)
5. A couple job skills (investigation, scheduling...)

Save brain cells by writing it last.

These litigation paralegal resume examples give the brief:

Paralegal Resume Example: Summary

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:

Entry-Level Paralegal Resume Objective

Objection:

They won’t buy the second of those paralegal resume examples. What does “good communicator” mean without proof?

Expert Hint: There are plenty of law firm rankings, but you should learn how to assess each company by yourself.

3. Enhance Your Paralegal Job Description and Skills

What skills do you need in a paralegal resume?

Here’s a list:

Paralegal Skills for a Resume

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Client Counseling
• Client Interviews
• Collaboration Skills
• Computer Skills
• Conceptual Skills
• Court Calendaring
• Court Procedures
• Critical-Thinking Skills
• Databases
• Depositions
• Drafting Briefs
• Drafting Lawsuits
• Interpersonal Skills
• Investigation
• Legal Assistance
• Legal Research
• Litigation
• Multi-Tasking
• Negotiation
• Organization Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Proofreading
• Preparing Reports
• Relationship Building
• Settlement Techniques
• Time Management
• Trial Preparation
• Verbal and Written Communication

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:

1. Pick the right resume skills in the job posting.
2. Put them in your resume as keywords.
3. Show the results you got from using them.

Copycat the first of these paralegal resume samples:

Say the job ad wants these paralegal skills: IT, writing legal reports, training, investigation.

Paralegal Job Description for Resume [Sample]

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+.

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:

Entry-Level Paralegal Resume Job Description [Sample]

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.

4. List Education on a Paralegal Resume

They already know you have an education. But you can also wow them with it.

How?

Put a couple coveted skills in your education section.

This personal injury paralegal resume sample shows how:

Paralegal Resume Example—Education

Nice.

That paralegal education resume example proves research and settlement techniques.

5. Add More to Your Paralegal Resume

“Wow, look at that.”

If they say that about your paralegal resume, they’ll call. Put a couple “added” sections in your resume with key accomplishments.

Try a few of these:

• Associations (NALA, NFPA)
• Certifications and licenses (ACP, CP)
• Conferences
• Publications
• Pro bono work
• Freelancing
• Languages
• Additional activities
• Hobbies and interests

This sample paralegal resume crushes it:

Paralegal Resume—Extra Sections

No contest.

The first of those paralegal resume examples shows you’re certified. Then it proves mentorship, leadership, and research skills.

Expert Hint: Learn how to write a cover letter for a job. 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. 

Haven't written your cover letter yet? See these related guides:

• Paralegal Cover Letter
• Legal Assistant Cover Letter
• Legal Cover Letter

Key Points

Here’s how to write a paralegal resume:

• Use the paralegal resume template up top. Build your case with skills mentioned in the online job ad.
• Don’t just list paralegal skills on a resume. Researching and investigation are great. But to get hired, show how they helped the partners.
• Your education section needs evidence. Salt in skills like training or computer use.
• Include resume sections that show NALA memberships, certifications, or athletic activities.

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!