5 Legal Assistant Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Legal assistants, also called paralegals, now handle more tasks traditionally done by lawyers, such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, and preparing cases. This shift, driven by law firms aiming to boost efficiency and cut costs, results in legal assistants having a more demanding role. The projected 10% job growth from 2022 to 2032 reflects the increasing reliance on paralegals, making their role both challenging and crucial in the evolving legal industry​. Time to perfect your legal assistant resume? Try our thorough guide to navigate through the essential steps. We’ll cover:

• How to format your resume like a pro
• Examples of experience sections tailored to a specific job posting
• Creative ways to include tangible results on your resume
• Nailing the skill section with a good balance of hard and soft skills
• Tips on what a good education section should feature
• The best certifications for a legal assistant
• Polishing your resume summary or objective–and more info on the difference between the two
• Ideas for additional sections that will make you shine

If the legal assistant resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:

• Trial Lawyer Resume Examples
• Corporate Lawyer Resume Examples
• M&A Lawyer Resume Examples
• Counsel Resume Examples
• Personal Injury Lawyer Resume Examples
• Real Estate Lawyer Resume Examples
• Attorney Resume Examples
• Patent Lawyer Resume Examples
• Immigration Lawyer Resume Examples
• Criminal Lawyer Resume Examples
• Legal Assistant Cover Letter Example

Legal assistant resume sample

Wondering what a well-written legal assistant’s resume looks like? Check out the one below, or create your own with our Enhancv resume builder. It only takes minutes.

How to format a legal assistant resume

Formatting your resume for a legal assistant role is the first keystone to getting noticed. Choose a clean, easy-to-follow format that focuses on your qualifications. The layout for your experience and skills should reflect your seriousness and professionalism—to emphasize your fit for the role.

Resume formats

Depending on your profile and the job posting you’re applying to, choose between the three most common formats for your legal assistant resume. These are:

• Reverse-chronological resume: That’s the classic approach—and the truth is, it’s so popular because it works really well. By listing your experience from most recent to oldest positions, you present a clear outline of your career so far. If every work experience entry represents a certain stage in our lives, starting with the most recent one can give a snapshot of where you are right now. Very useful for recruiters!
• Functional resume: This format puts the focus on your skills and accomplishments rather than your experience, which means it’s great for recent graduates or those switching careers. Emphasizing what you can do rather than what you have done is a helpful tool to work around any gaps or shortages in your expertise.
• Combination resume: This hybrid format is ideal if you feel strongly about both your skills and experience. Remember: your focus should be on skills and experience relevant to the role. Don’t fill your resume with fluff.

Now that you’ve chosen your resume structure, look at some more tips on formatting:

• Clean design: Choose a 1-inch margin on each side of your application to ensure the resume doesn’t feel overwhelming. A modern sans-serif font such as Rubik, Lato, or Calibri will make reading easy and a splash of color here and there can make your resume really engaging. Stick to a subtle color scheme to keep it professional. Try dark blue, gray, or green. Another way to improve readability is using a resume template with lines in it to distinguish between sections. If you need to adjust margins without compromising on readability, use our resume builder.
• Resume header: Positioned at the top of your paralegal resume, the header is your business card. As such, make sure it includes basic contact information, such as name, job title, and professional email address. Add a personal website, such as a portfolio of your projects, or a LinkedIn profile for a quick glance into your career path. Don’t hesitate to check your header info twice–you don’t want a perfectly crafted resume with a typo in your email or phone number!
• Resume length: Usually, a 1-page resume is preferred for most positions. You can make it 2 pages, too, just make sure you only list experience that’s really relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• PDF format: After you’ve spent some time on finetuning your resume layout, you’d want a format to keep all that information in its right place. So, choose a PDF format to ensure everything stays exactly where you want it to be. What’s even better, this format is readable by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), even if you’ve heard otherwise.

Already have a resume? Use our free 16-point checker to make sure you haven’t missed anything!

As unique as your legal assistant resume should be, there are still general sections every resume should have. Here are the ones you definitely need:

Most legal assistant resume bullet points should include the following:

Your experience shows what you’ve done so far. Let’s see how to write this section.

How to write your legal assistant resume experience

When detailing the experience section of a resume, it’s best you provide specific examples of your legal assistant duties and achievements. Mention tasks like drafting pleadings, managing case files, and conducting thorough legal research. Include specific accomplishments. Maybe you’ve streamlined document processing by 30%? Successfully coordinating over 200 case files? Awesome features for your resume! Mention proficiency with legal software like LexisNexis and Westlaw, and demonstrate organizational and communication skills through examples. Tailor the content to the job description by incorporating relevant keywords and using clear, precise language. This approach will demonstrate your expertise and ability to support a legal team effectively.

Take a look at this real-life job legal assistant job description:

And look at a bad experience section for that same role:

Why this one doesn’t work:

• Lacks legal specificity: The experience listed is generic administrative work and does not show any legal-specific tasks, which is crucial for a paralegal position.
• No client interaction: There is no mention of interacting with clients, which is a key part of the job description.
• Limited responsibilities: The responsibilities listed are very basic and do not demonstrate the advanced organizational or multitasking skills required for the role.

Instead, try to mimic this one:

This legal assistant experience sample is much better because it includes:

• Relevant experience: The position listed is directly related to the job applied for, showing relevant experience in a paralegal role.
• Detailed responsibilities: The bullets detail specific legal assistant duties that align perfectly with the job description, demonstrating suitability for the role.
• Client and case management: Highlights experience with client communication and case management, which are critical components of the job at XYZ Law Firm.

Describing what you’ve done is a given, but illustrating your legal assistant achievements with concrete data is what makes your resume stand out.

How to quantify impact on your resume

Measurable impact is something recruiters can easily relate to and remember. Think of what specific examples of your work you can enhance your application with.

• Document processing speed: Indicate the average speed of processing legal documents. This shows efficiency and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Accuracy rate: Showcase your accuracy rate in legal transcription or document preparation, highlighting precision and attention to detail to the recruiter.
• Case loads handled: Specify the number of case loads you have managed simultaneously, demonstrating your capabilities in multitasking and management skills.
• Training attendance figures: Mention the number of relevant legal training sessions or workshops attended to show commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
• Compliance rate: Include the percentage of tasks or projects completed in accordance with legal compliance standards, signifying your in-depth understanding of lawful practices.
• Client satisfaction levels: If available, incorporate client satisfaction rates or feedback scores. It demonstrates your skills in client interaction and service delivery.
• Software proficiency levels: Cite specific competency levels in legal software use, which suggests your readiness to handle technological aspects of the role.
• Cost-saving measures: Include instances where your actions resulted in costs savings for the company. This demonstrates your business acumen and your contribution to the organization's bottom line.

It’s easier to show what you’ve got than what you don’t. You can still turn heads even with little to no experience. Check out the next section to see how.

How do I write an entry-level legal assistant experience section

There’s no shame in being new to something or beginning again. On the contrary—it’s brave. Show you’re up for challenges by emphasizing your enthusiasm and contributing with the knowledge and skills you’ve already got.

Here are a few tips on writing your experience section if you’re an entry-level legal assistant:

• Take the time to research the role you’re applying for. Building an in-depth understanding of the values of the company or the specific skillset needed for the job can help you feature key notions on your legal assistant resume.
• The functional resume format is ideal for entry-level positions. It focuses on your skills rather than your experience.
• Think of what transferrable skills you have that will translate well into the role you desire. These could include research or organizational skills, time management, client service, or problem-solving.
• Opt for a strong resume objective that will convince hiring managers you’ve thought about how you can contribute to the team.
• Display your alignment to the role with relevant certifications and education. Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the legal field, such as Legal Research and Writing, Contract Law, and Civil Procedure.
• Include internships and volunteer work, like preparing legal documents, conducting client interviews, and supporting attorneys with research.
• Mention extracurricular activities that developed relevant skills, such as participating in mock trials or organizing legal events.

The more prominently you can demonstrate how you align with your desired job’s requirements, the more likely you'd be called in for an interview.

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume

The skills section on your resume is a quick and efficient way for recruiters to see where your strengths lie. Your skillset should be a well-rounded combination of hard and soft skills.

Hard skills are usually industry-specific and can include any technology you’re adept at. That means you’d better leave out skills you’re not fully confident in. You’re supposed to show your best side, not your mediocre side, and it’s never a good idea to lie on your resume. Legal assistants need strong legal research and document drafting abilities, proficiency in legal and office software, and a solid understanding of legal procedures and terminology. These skills enable them to manage case files, schedule tasks, and assist in preparing legal documents and arguments accurately and efficiently.

Add some of your hard and soft skills across different resume sections (e.g. summary/objective, experience, etc.). For soft skills, include specific examples how your abilities helped the organization. For example, “Improved client satisfaction by 15% through effective communication and feedback responsiveness.” This is how recruiters see the real impact of your work.

Your resume for a legal assistant can include some of these hard/soft skills:

Your soft, or interpersonal skills, show recruiters how you'd fit into the team and company culture. You could use the achievements section to tie in your greatest wins with relevant soft skills. This section could include things like effective communication, attention to detail, organization, and confidentiality are vital for legal assistants. you must work well in teams, think critically, and adapt to changes, ensuring smooth operations, client satisfaction, and adherence to ethical standards in the legal environment.

Your education section is a good way to show your marketable skills. Read on for tips on how to master it.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

As a legal assistant, your education section is fundamental to your success. Here are a few reasons why:

• Established qualifications: The legal field can be competitive, and some employers have specific educational requirements. For example, many law firms require legal assistants to have at least an associate degree in paralegal studies. By listing your Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies on your resume, you directly show that you meet this requirement. Some positions might also prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. So, listing your Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies further qualifies you for roles with higher educational standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge: A relevant degree or coursework shows that you have foundational knowledge in legal principles, terminology, and procedures, which is essential for a legal assistant role. Let’s say your BA in Legal Studies included coursework such as Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation, and Criminal Law. These courses provided you with critical skills in drafting legal documents, understanding litigation processes, and navigating criminal procedures, all of which are essential for a legal assistant. Including this coursework demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills.
• Builds credibility: Employers often use education as a benchmark to assess a candidate’s potential. A solid educational background can add credibility to your application. Relevant certifications, such as the Paralegal Certificate from a recognized online school, reinforce your credibility and assure employers of your competence and commitment to the profession.

Here’s an example of a well-written education section on your paralegal resume:

This education section rocks because it includes:

• Specific information: The section thoroughly details the degree obtained, institution attended, GPA achieved, and the timeframe of the studies, offering a complete and transparent educational background.
• Key accomplishments: By highlighting honors graduation, a capstone project on legal research methodologies, and active membership in the NYU Paralegal Association, the section shows dedication, academic excellence, and leadership skills.
• Practical experience: Including an internship at a notable New York law firm and listing relevant coursework like Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation, and Criminal Law emphasizes the candidate's hands-on experience and specialized knowledge. This makes their qualifications particularly compelling to potential employers.

Including a certification section is another great way to show your dedication to your profession. It shows commitment to development, and a readiness to stay in touch with news in your field. Let’s see what the most popular legal assistant certificates are.

Now that you’ve covered all the essential sections of your paralegal resume, it’s time to go back to the start. The personal statement you put on top of your resume is a recap of what you’ve done and can do. It takes little space, but it’s quite a big deal, so keep reading to find out how to perfect it.

How to write your legal assistant resume summary or objective

Your exact career situation calls the shots in your choice of a resume summary or objective. It’s all about your level of experience and what you want to emphasize when contacting the potential employer. Ask yourself, “Can my previous experience contribute to the company’s goals, or is it rather the other way around–the company aligns well with my goals for future development?”. Depending on the answer to this question, you’ll know which one you need. If you feel the first part is where you’re at professionally, choose a resume summary. 

A resume summary is usually preferred by those already established in the field. It serves as a snapshot of your expertise as a legal assistant, demonstrates how your skills contributed to a previous company's success and is best for those with over 2 years of experience. Make it 3–5 sentences for a comprehensive overview.

A resume objective, on the other hand, is more suitable for those with less experience in the paralegal field, or those who are switching careers. It focuses on your future goals and your eagerness to achieve them.

Let’s look at two legal assistant resume summary examples. They’re both tailored to the job description above. Here’s the bad one:

Can you see what’s wrong with this one?

• Vague and generic: The summary is too broad and does not specify experience related to the specific tasks or responsibilities mentioned in the job posting.
• Lacks personality fit: Does not convey the personality traits or cultural fit that XYZ Law Firm values, such as being motivated, compassionate, and collaborative.
• No mention of key skills: Fails to highlight proficiency in specific software (case management software, LexisNexis) and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, which are crucial for the role. The summary doesn’t mention specific legal assistant duties like drafting settlement demands or assisting with pleadings and scheduling.

And now a better example:

This one is:

• Tailored to job description: The summary highlights experience with first-party property damage claims, which is directly relevant to the job posting.
• Demonstrating software proficiency: Mentions proficiency in case management software and LexisNexis, matching the job requirements.
• Fit for the role: Emphasizes traits like motivation, compassion, and collaboration, aligning with the company's desired qualities. It also mentions specific tasks such as drafting settlement demands and assisting with pleadings and scheduling.

Finally, think about what else you can add to your paralegal resume. What makes you you? Take your pick from our suggestions for additional sections.

Additional sections for a legal assistant resume

Sometimes we think of additional as good-to-have, but not necessarily a must-have. Well, in a competitive job market where thousands of uniform legal assistant resumes are submitted every day, it’s good to have something extra to stand out. We’ve made a list of the most useful additional sections for your paralegal resume:

• Key achievements: Showcase specific accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise and impact in previous roles. For example, "Successfully managed a complex case documentation process for a high-profile litigation, resulting in a 20% reduction in preparation time and contributing to a favorable outcome for the client."
• Professional affiliations: List memberships in professional organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or local bar associations. For example, "Active member of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) since 2018, participating in annual conferences and contributing to professional development initiatives."
• Volunteer work and pro bono projects: Mention any volunteer work or pro bono projects related to the legal field. For example, "Volunteered with the Legal Aid Society, providing assistance in preparing legal documents and offering administrative support for low-income clients."
• Language skills: If you are multilingual, list the languages you speak. For example, "Fluent in French and English, enabling effective communication with diverse clients and assisting in bilingual legal documentation and interpretation."
• Publications and presentations: Include any articles, papers, or presentations you have authored or contributed to. For example, "Authored an article on 'The Role of Legal Assistants in Streamlining Case Management' published in the Legal Assistant Journal, demonstrating expertise and thought leadership in the field."
• Testimonials and references: Add a section with quotes from former employers, colleagues, or clients who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. For example, "Jane Doe, Senior Attorney at XYZ Law Firm: 'Leah's exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail have been instrumental in our case preparations. He consistently goes above and beyond to support our team.'"

Lastly, here’s a specific example of an additional section.

How to put a continuing education section on a legal assistant resume

Imagine you want to list any ongoing education efforts, such as workshops, seminars, or online courses. For example, "Completed a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course on Intellectual Property Law, enhancing my ability to assist in IP-related cases and stay current with legal developments.

Here’s an example of such a section:

A continuing education section is a great way to show future employers you’re on a path of constant improvement.

Key takeaways

That’s all, folks! Now it’s your turn to make a brilliant legal assistant resume using our comprehensive tips. And just in case, here’s a quick recap:

• Choose the right format for your resume depending on your focus: skills, experience, or both
• Use lines and pops of color to focus attention on important info on your legal assistant resume
• Your experience could help you either pinpoint your professional growth or focus on your niche expertise in the industry
• List your key accomplishments as tangible results to best reflect you’re a top-notch candidate!
• If you’re an entry-level legal assistant, just think about what transferable skills and abilities you can bring to the table
• Back up your achievements with the hard and soft skills they've helped you build
• Master your education section to show reliability and a serious approach
• Personalized additional sections can be the gateway to that dream job