Applying for a job is like pleading a case. Your paralegal resume must win the jury over—and this guide can help achieve that. Check our paralegal resume example and start writing.
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:
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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:
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.
You have little time before they file your resume. Make your resume summary or resume objective count.
Include:
Save brain cells by writing it last. These litigation paralegal resume examples give the brief:
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:
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.
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What skills do you need in a paralegal resume? Here’s a list:
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 paralegal resume samples:
Say the job ad wants these paralegal skills: IT, writing legal reports, training, investigation.
Experience
Litigation Paralegal
Hudson & Wolff
2014–2019
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:
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
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 also 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
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. 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
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:
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
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!
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Having published over 200 career-advice articles, Tom Gerencer is a career expert who covers the whole array of job-seeking topics for people at all career stages, from interns to C-suite members. His insights, commentary, and articles reach over a million readers every month. With inside knowledge of key industry players and in-depth research, Tom helps job seekers with advice across all professions and career stages.
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