Paralegal CV—Examples and 25+ Writing Tips

You’re about to see the perfect paralegal CV.

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 CV for paralegals that gets a hired verdict.

In this guide:

• A paralegal CV sample better than most.
• How to write a CV for paralegal jobs that stands out.
• How to draught a paralegal job description for CVs.
• Why you can’t just list paralegal skills (and what to do instead).

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Looking for a paralegal internship? See our guide:. Trying to put paralegal on a CV? Coming into law from another job? Try this guide: CV for a Career Change

Need a different CV guide? Check these out:

• How to Write a Legal CV
• Legal Assistant CV
• Law School CV
• Attorney CV
• Internship CV

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

  

Paralegal CV Sample You Can Copy and Use

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

1. Choose a Professional Paralegal CV Format

Can you handle the truth?

They’ll judge you by your CV format.

So—

Start with the reverse-chronological layout. It puts the right facts before their eyes.

Paralegal CV Format

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

Expert Hint: Paralegals make from £40K to £73K per year. To almost double your salary, write a paralegal CV that’s tailored to the job requirements.

2. Write a Paralegal CV Objective or Summary

Danger.

You have little time before they file your CV.

So—

Make your CV summary or CV objective count.

Include:

1. “Licenced 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 draught contracts by 35%...)
5. A couple job skills (investigation, scheduling...)

Save brain cells by writing it last.

These litigation paralegal CV examples give the brief:

Paralegal CV Summary—Example

Licenced litigation 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 draught contracts by 35%. Wrote 7+ reports per month and trained 5 junior paralegals. Member of NALA. Skilled in scheduling, investigation, and ERP systems.

Experienced paralegal, skilled in legal research, investigation, training, and Clio billing software. Have built a solid reputation as a hard worker and team player. Excels at using ERP systems and writing briefs. Can start next week.

I rest my case.

Both paralegal duties CV samples talk writing and training skills. But—

The first adds evidence like 35%, 7+, and 5.

Are you making an entry-level CV for paralegals?

See this entry-level paralegal CV sample:

Entry-Level Paralegal CV Objective

Energetic paralegal with skills in legal research and investigation. Seeking to cut the workload at Hudson & Wolff. As legal intern at Litman & Takacz, proofread and prepared 15+ communications per week. Scheduled 200+ appointments.

Junior paralegal. No full-time paralegal experience to data. Worked as paralegal intern for 3 months. Highly skilled in legal research, writing reports, investigation, and using billing software. Positive attitude and a good communicator.

Objection:

They won’t buy the second of those paralegal CV 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.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.

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3. Enhance Your Paralegal Job Description and Skills

What skills do you need in a paralegal CV?

Here’s a list:

Paralegal CV Skills

Hard Skills	Soft Skills
Legal Research	Collaboration
Drafting Briefs	Interpersonal Skills
Investigation	Communication
Drafting Lawsuits	Writing
Client Counselling	Negotiation
Settlement Techniques	Self Motivation
Litigation	Attention to Detail
Proofreading	Time Management
Preparing Reports	Multi-Tasking
Computer Skills	Organisation

But there’s a rider.

Don’t list them all. You’ll look silly. Maybe even dishonest.

To write a paralegal job description for CVs:

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

Copycat the first of these immigration paralegal CV samples:

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

Paralegal Job Description for CV [Sample]

Experience

Litigation Paralegal

Hudson & Wolff

2014–2019

• Conducted legal research, investigated case facts, wrote and proofread legal briefs and reports to prepare for trials.
• Used IT skills to assist with implementation of new legal database that slashed contract drafting time by 35%.
• Wrote 7+ legal reports per month with 95% partner satisfaction.
• Mentored and trained 5 junior paralegals in research.
• Investigated facts for 40+ cases that went to trial.

• Conducted legal research, investigated case facts, wrote and proofread legal briefs and reports to prepare for trials.
• Proofread reports for attorneys to help prepare for trials.
• Drafted correspondences and other documents.
• Performed key administrative tasks and scheduled appointments.

So close.

The second of those paralegal CV 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 CV?

Yep.

Say the job wants these paralegal skills: proofreading, trademark searches, sourcing vendors, scheduling, teamwork.

See this entry-level paralegal CV example with no experience:

Entry-Level Paralegal CV Job Description [Sample]

Legal Assistant

Hudson & Wolff

2018–2019

• Prepared and proofread 20+ communications per week.
• Conducted 40+ trademark searches.
• Helped cut administrative costs 20% by sourcing better IT vendors.
• Scheduled 800+ appointments.

Team Member

Buffalo Wild Wings

2014–2018

• Commended by shift supervisors 3x for teamwork.

Legal Assistant

Hudson & Wolff

2018–2019

• Prepared communications for lawyers and staff.
• Tasked with cutting administrative expenses.

Team Member

Buffalo Wild Wings

2014–2018

• Served food and drinks to customers.
• Vacuumed and mopped.

That’s eye-opening.

The first paralegal CV 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 CVs need computer skills. Does the job ad want Excel, Clio, or LexisNexis? What about MyCase? Check the ad, then put proof in your CV.

4. Squeeze More Out of Your Education Section

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 CV sample shows how:

Paralegal CV Example—Education

Education

AA Paralegal Studies, Harrisburg Community University

2009–2013

• Excelled in legal research classes.
• Conducted 2-credit project in settlement techniques.

Nice.

That paralegal education CV example proves research and settlement techniques.

5. Add More to Your Paralegal CV

“Wow, look at that.”

If they say that about your paralegal CV, they’ll call.

So—

Put a couple “added” sections in your CV with key accomplishments.

Try a few of these:

• Associations (NALA, NFPA)
• Groups
• Certifications (ACP, CP)
• Conferences
• Publications
• Pro bono work
• Freelancing
• Languages
• Additional activities
• Fitness

This sample paralegal CV crushes it:

Paralegal CV—Extra Sections

 Certifications

• Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)
• Certified Paralegal (CP)

Additional Activities

• Member, NALA.
• Mentor 20+ professional paralegals.
• Lead weekly spin classes with 15+ members.

Conferences

• 2019 - NALA Conference - Spoke on panel about research.
• 2017 - NFPA Annual Conference

Additional Activities

• Member, NALA.
• Cycling.

No contest.

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

Expert Hint: Write a cover letter. Your paralegal duties CV 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. 

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

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Key Points

Here’s how to write a paralegal CV:

• Use the paralegal CV template up top. Build your case with skills mentioned in the online job ad.
• Don’t just list paralegal skills. 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 CV sections that show NALA memberships, certifications, or athletic activities.

Got questions on how to write great CVs for paralegal jobs? Not sure how to put paralegal on a CV? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

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