Paralegal Resume: Examples, Skills & Template
Here's something law firms won't tell you: the paralegal resume that lands the interview isn't the one with the fanciest formatting. It's the one that proves you can handle complex legal work with precision.
I've helped paralegals land positions at AmLaw 100 firms, boutique practices, and corporate legal departments. The resumes that succeed have one thing in common: they demonstrate legal competence through specific examples and measurable contributions.
"Assisted attorneys with legal research" appears on every paralegal resume. "Conducted Westlaw research for landmark IP case resulting in $12M jury verdict for client" shows real value.
This guide will help you build a paralegal resume that demonstrates your legal research skills, case management expertise, and the attention to detail that law firms demand. For comprehensive strategies on optimizing your resume language, our professional impact dictionary covers the exact verbs and metrics for legal roles.
What Law Firms Look For in Paralegal Resumes
Hiring partners and legal recruiters have specific priorities when reviewing paralegal applicants. They need to quickly assess your legal capabilities and practice area fit.
Here's what they're scanning for:
The biggest mistake? Vague descriptions of legal support work. "Assisted with case preparation" tells them nothing. "Prepared trial binders, witness files, and exhibit lists for 15 jury trials" demonstrates real litigation experience.
Essential Skills for Paralegal Resumes
Paralegals need a strong combination of legal knowledge, research ability, and organizational skills.
Legal Research & Writing
These demonstrate your core competencies:
Case Management & Organization
These prove you can handle complex matters:
Technology & Software
Law firms increasingly value tech-savvy paralegals:
Understanding ATS optimization is critical in legal recruiting where keyword matching matters. Ensure your resume includes standard legal terminology.
How to Structure Your Paralegal Resume
Professional Summary: Lead with Practice Area
Your summary should immediately establish your specialization and experience level.
Strong Example for Litigation Paralegal:
"Litigation Paralegal with 6 years of experience supporting complex commercial litigation in AmLaw 100 environment. Expert in e-discovery, trial preparation, and case management for matters ranging from $1M to $100M+. Westlaw and Relativity proficient. Certified Paralegal (NALA). Supported lead partner on $45M breach of contract verdict."
Strong Example for Corporate Paralegal:
"Corporate Paralegal with 5 years of experience in M&A transactions, securities filings, and entity management. Supported due diligence for $500M+ acquisitions. Expert in SEC EDGAR filings, subsidiary management, and closing coordination. Paralegal Certificate from Georgetown University (ABA-approved)."
Certifications & Education Section
Place this prominently, especially if you have credentials:
Certifications
- Certified Paralegal (CP), NALA - 2021
- Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) - E-Discovery, NALA - 2023
Education
- Paralegal Certificate, Georgetown University (ABA-Approved) - 2019
- Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Virginia - 2017
Work Experience: Organize by Legal Function
For each role, group your contributions by type of legal work:
Litigation Paralegal
Smith & Associates LLP, Washington, DC
June 2020 - Present
Case Management & Discovery
Legal Research & Writing
Trial Preparation
Paralegal Resume Template
Here's a proven structure for paralegal resumes:
Header
Jennifer Torres, CP
Washington, DC | (555) 567-8901 | jennifer.torres@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifertorresparalegal
Professional Summary
Litigation Paralegal with 7 years of experience in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation at AmLaw 50 firms. Certified Paralegal (NALA) with expertise in e-discovery, trial preparation, and case management. Managed document review projects involving 1M+ documents and supported trial teams for matters resulting in $75M+ in client recoveries. Proficient in Relativity, Westlaw, and Concordance.
Certifications & Education
Certifications
- Certified Paralegal (CP), NALA - 2020
- Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) - Litigation, NALA - 2023
Education
- Paralegal Studies Certificate, George Washington University (ABA-Approved) - 2017
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Maryland - 2016
Professional Experience
Senior Litigation Paralegal
Major Law Firm LLP, Washington, DC
April 2020 - Present
Litigation Paralegal
Boutique Litigation Firm PC, Washington, DC
June 2017 - March 2020
Skills
Legal Research: Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, Bloomberg Law, State Court Databases
E-Discovery: Relativity, Concordance, Logikcull, Document Review, TAR
Case Management: Clio, ProLaw, iManage, NetDocuments
Software: Microsoft Office (Advanced Word, Excel), Adobe Acrobat Pro, SharePoint
Tailoring Your Resume by Practice Area
Litigation Paralegal
Emphasize trial experience, discovery management, e-discovery platforms, and case volume. Include deposition support, motion practice, and courtroom experience.
Corporate/Transactional Paralegal
Focus on M&A transactions, securities filings, entity management, due diligence, and closing coordination. Include transaction values and deal volume.
Intellectual Property Paralegal
Highlight patent prosecution, trademark applications, IP docketing systems, USPTO procedures, and portfolio management.
Family Law Paralegal
Emphasize client intake, document preparation for divorce and custody matters, court filing experience, and sensitivity with clients during difficult situations.
Real Estate Paralegal
Focus on title searches, closing preparation, loan documentation, and transaction coordination. Include transaction volume and types handled.
Salary Expectations and Career Growth
Paralegals have strong career prospects with competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for paralegals was over $60,000 in 2023, with top earners in metropolitan areas and specialized fields earning significantly more.
Career advancement paths include:
- Senior Paralegal or Lead Paralegal
- Paralegal Manager or Supervisor
- Legal Operations Specialist
- Compliance Officer
- Contract Administrator
Your resume should highlight any supervisory experience, specialized certifications, or advanced technology skills that position you for career growth.
For more on resume formatting, see chronological vs functional formats.
Common Mistakes on Paralegal Resumes
1. Vague Legal Descriptions
"Assisted with legal matters" proves nothing. Be specific: "Managed discovery for 25 employment discrimination cases" or "Drafted 50+ contract summaries for M&A due diligence."
2. Missing Practice Area Focus
Law firms hire for specific needs. If applying for litigation, emphasize litigation. If applying for corporate, emphasize transactional work. Tailor each resume.
3. Overlooking Technology
E-discovery and legal technology skills are increasingly essential. List specific platforms: Relativity experience is highly valued in litigation.
4. Hiding Certifications
If you have CP, ACP, or RP certification, put it after your name in the header. It's a differentiator that should be visible immediately.
5. Typos or Formatting Errors
Paralegals are expected to be detail-oriented. Any typo on your resume suggests you'll make errors in legal documents. Proofread meticulously. Avoid common resume word choices that weaken your impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paralegal certificate to get hired?
While not always required, a certificate from an ABA-approved program significantly improves your candidacy, especially at larger firms. If you're career-changing into paralegal work, a certificate is almost essential.
How do I break into a new practice area?
Highlight transferable skills: research, writing, organization, and technology apply across practice areas. Emphasize your learning ability and any exposure to the target area, even if limited.
Should I include law school if I didn't finish?
Yes, if you completed significant coursework. "Law School Studies (2 years), University of X" shows legal education even without the JD.
How do I handle confidentiality on my resume?
You can describe work without disclosing client names: "Managed e-discovery for Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company in product liability litigation." Describe the matter type and scope, not specific clients.
Is paralegal experience at a corporate legal department valued?
Absolutely. Corporate legal departments ("in-house") experience is different but valuable. It often includes broader responsibilities and business context that law firms appreciate.
Should I include billable hours targets I've met?
If you've consistently met or exceeded billable hour requirements, you can mention it: "Maintained 1,900+ billable hours annually while supporting complex litigation matters."
Next Steps: Build Your Paralegal Resume
You now have everything you need for a paralegal resume that demonstrates your legal expertise. Here's your action plan:
- Lead with practice area: Match your summary to target firm needs
- Feature certifications: CP, ACP, RP credentials prominently displayed
- Quantify case experience: Number of matters, document volumes, transaction values
- List legal technology: Westlaw, Relativity, case management systems
- Organize by function: Research, discovery, trial prep sections
- Proofread meticulously: Attorneys notice typos
- Tailor for each application: Match firm's practice areas
Create Your Professional Paralegal Resume Today
Your paralegal resume should demonstrate the same attention to detail you bring to legal work. Show them you can handle complex matters, manage deadlines, and support attorneys effectively. Precision matters—in legal work and in your resume.
