How to write a legal assistant resume

Legal assistants help lawyers and other legal practitioners with their routine duties. They usually hold jobs in private companies, the government, or law offices. Despite having fewer duties than a paralegal, many legal assistants choose to seek a paralegal profession. To apply for jobs for a legal assistant role, you will need an eye-catching resume in this dynamic job market. In this guide, we suggest some tips on writing a legal assistant resume, things to include in a legal assistant resume, and legal assistant resume examples.

Tips for writing a legal assistant resume

Here are the tips for writing a legal assistant resume;

Customize your resume: Customize your resume for each job you apply for by highlighting your skills and experiences that match the requirements listed in the job description.
Highlight your knowledge of legal terminology and procedures: Showcase your understanding of the legal system and your ability to apply this knowledge in a practical setting. Include any certifications or courses that demonstrate your expertise.
Include relevant experience and education: List any prior legal assistant or paralegal experience and education, such as a paralegal certificate, that showcases your qualifications. Mention specific tasks or responsibilities you have held in previous positions and how they relate to the job you are applying for.
Emphasize your organizational and communication skills: As a legal assistant, you will need to be highly organized and able to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and legal professionals. Highlight any examples of your ability to multitask, prioritize, and communicate clearly and effectively.
Mention your proficiency in utilizing legal technology and software: Many legal offices rely on technology to manage cases and communicate with clients. Mention any legal software or tools you are proficient in, such as document management systems or court filing systems.
Use keywords relevant to the legal industry: Add relevant keywords and industry terminology throughout your resume to improve its chances of being noticed by potential employers.
Focus on results and accomplishments: Rather than just listing your responsibilities in previous roles, highlight specific achievements and the results of your efforts. For example, you might mention how you helped streamline a process that saved the office time and money.
Keep it concise: Legal hiring managers are often busy, so keep your resume to 1-2 pages maximum. Use clear, concise language and focus on the most crucial information.

How to format a legal assistant resume

When formatting a legal assistant resume, keep the following tips in mind;

Keep it simple: Use a clean and professional font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and limit the use of color and graphics.
Highlight your relevant experience: Start with a summary or objective statement that showcases your skills and experience as a legal assistant. Emphasize your experience in legal research, document preparation, and client communication.
Be specific: Use specific examples and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your abilities and achievements in previous legal assistant roles.
Use keywords: Legal firms often use applicant tracking systems to screen resumes, so it's essential to include keywords related to the legal field and specific job requirements.
Organize the information: Use clear headings and bullet points to organize your information and make it easy to read.
Review: Carefully review your resume for typos, grammar errors, and other mistakes before submitting it.

Things to include in a legal assistant resume

The things to incorporate in a legal assistant resume are;

Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, and email.
Objective or Summary: A brief statement highlighting your goals and qualifications for the role.
Education: Degree or relevant courses taken, with dates and institutions.
Relevant Experience: Prior experience as a legal assistant or paralegal, including job titles, dates, and responsibilities.
Skills: Relevant skills and knowledge, such as proficiency in legal terminology, organizational abilities, and experience with a legal software.
Accomplishments: Results-oriented examples of specific achievements in previous roles.
Certifications or Licenses: Any certifications or licenses relevant to the legal field.
Keywords: Industry-specific keywords relevant to the legal field to help improve your resume's visibility in applicant tracking systems.
Optional: Memberships in professional organizations, volunteer experience, and language proficiency.

Other resources on a legal assistant, how to become a legal assistant, legal assistant resume sample, legal assistant skills for resume and cover letter, how to write a legal assistant cover letter.

Legal Assistant Resume Skills and Keywords

When crafting a legal assistant resume, it's vital to highlight your relevant skills and includes keywords utilized in the legal field. Here are some skills and keywords to consider;

Skills:

Legal research
Document preparation
Client communication
Court filings and filings
Legal terminology and knowledge
Calendaring and scheduling
Time management
Attention to detail
Organizational skills

Keywords:

Legal document review
Legal research databases
Legal writing and editing
Electronic filing
Legal document drafting
Court filings and filings
Legal briefs and memorandums
Legal filing deadlines
Legal office management
Litigation support

Including these skills and keywords in your resume can help you demonstrate your qualifications and show that you have the skills and knowledge required for a legal assistant role. Additionally, including these keywords can help your resume get noticed by hiring managers because they use applicant tracking systems.

Do's and don't of writing a legal assistant resume

Optimize your resume for the job you are applying for by highlighting relevant skills and experience.
Use keywords related to the legal field and specific job requirements to help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems.
Add clear headings and bullet points to organize your information and make it easy to read.
Highlight your relevant experience, including your experience in legal research, document preparation, and client communication.
Quantify your achievements, for example, mentioning the number of legal documents you have prepared or the number of court cases you have supported.
Check your resume for typos, grammar errors, and other mistakes.

DON'T

Don't use a generic or outdated resume format. Use a professional and modern format that is easy to read.
Don't include irrelevant or outdated information, such as job experiences that are not related to the legal field or jobs you held more than 10 years ago.
Don't use overly complicated language or technical terms that the average reader may not understand.
Don't exaggerate or lie about your skills and qualifications.
Don't include personal information, such as your religion, political views, or social security number, on your resume.
Don't use a font that is too small or difficult to read. Stick with a standard font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in a font size of 10-12 points.

Legal Assistant Resume Sample

A legal assistant will help the attorneys by carrying out various regular activities, such as keeping track of and entering information in files, doing legal research, and creating legal papers. Examining case specifics and facts, doing studies on pertinent rules and regulations, arranging and keeping documents, assisting attorneys by formulating trial reports, obtaining affidavits and official statements, preparing legal documents, and planning client discussions are just a few examples of usual work tasks listed on a legal assistant resume. Employers generally examine the following skills in resumes; demonstrated industry experience, understanding of the law, legal processes, and methods, familiarity with the justice system, competence with daily activities in a legal context, working know-how of case software applications, and the capacity to balance various tasks. Applicants with a degree in law, a paralegal course, or paralegal qualifications are eligible for this position.

Legal Assistant Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Legal Assistant Resume Professional Summary

Experienced Legal Assistant with 5+ years of supporting lawyers in various legal matters. Proficient in conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies and is certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Seeking a challenging role to utilize my skills and knowledge to provide efficient and effective support to lawyers.

Legal Assistant Resume Skills

Interpersonal skills
Organization
Time-management skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Familiarity with legal software and technology
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Confidentiality and discretion

Legal Assistant Resume Job Description

Conduct legal research and assist in the preparation of legal documents and correspondence
Organize and maintain client files, legal documents, and other relevant materials
Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other legal professionals as needed
Assist lawyers in court proceedings by preparing legal arguments and supporting materials
Draft legal memos, motions, and pleadings under the supervision of a lawyer
Prepare legal briefs and other documents for filing with the court
Proofread and edit legal documents to ensure accuracy and completeness
Perform investigations and gather relevant information to support legal cases
Maintain knowledge of legal procedures and regulations, and assist in ensuring compliance

Executive Legal Assistant Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Executive Legal Assistant Resume Professional Summary

Highly organized and detail-oriented Executive Legal Assistant with eight years of experience supporting top-level executives in a fast-paced legal environment. Skilled in case management, document preparation, and client communication. Possess a thorough understanding of legal terminology and court procedures. Committed to maintaining a positive and productive work environment while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in all tasks

Executive Legal Assistant Resume Skills

Legal research and writing
Court procedures and filings
Document management and drafting
Contract review and preparation
Legal terminology and diction
Problem-solving
Multitasking

Executive Legal Assistant Resume Job Description

Generate court evidence, petitions, document exchanges, court papers, etc. in collaboration with lawyers and clients.
Support clients in comprehending the procedure and maintaining their comfort, composure, and knowledge.
Develop more file gussets and boxes as necessary, file everything properly and promptly, and make everything tidy and structured.
Keep a record of the time during the day, fill up time cards, and give a copy to the lawyer every week.
Modify both calendars by scheduling meetings and court appearances, and reserve a conference space for meetings.
Compose all appropriate paperwork in a precise and timely manner, such as forms, letters, petitions, and other papers as allocated and as needed.
Acquainted with all of the legal paperwork employed often and the software required.

Administrative Legal Assistant Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Administrative Legal Assistant Resume Professional Summary

Looking for a role that will challenge and enable me to use my legal expertise and excellent operational capabilities to add value to the organization's growth. To land a job with a cutting-edge business that will make use of my abilities and offer opportunities for advancement.

Administrative Legal Assistant Resume Skills

Knowledge of legal databases
Research tools
Confidentiality and discretion
Attention to detail
Ability to prioritize tasks
Client relations
Knowledge of ethics
Legal professional standards

Administrative Legal Assistant Resume Job Description

Capable of multitasking by taking care of many activities as necessary, like taking notes, booking appointments, organizing, and taking calls.
Offering partner's development and lodging of petitions, exhibits, motions, and other court filings administrative services.
Generated settlement solutions in the client's best interests after gathering and examining the relevant data.
Managed office calls, booked client appointments, wrote letters and client invoices for lawyers to examine, and processed papers.
Compile affidavits or other papers, like legal letters, and arrange and manage them in a file system, whether it be paper-based or electronic.
Collect and evaluate research information from sources like laws, rulings, legal books, guides, and documents.

Senior Legal Assistant Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Senior Legal Assistant Resume Professional Summary

Legal assistant who has worked with attorneys in the areas of lawsuits, business, property investment, and oil & gas. Seeking a job as a legal assistant who is trustworthy, diligent, energetic, and has exceptional interpersonal skills.

Senior Legal Assistant Resume Skills

Office management
Executive support
MS Office
Client Acquisition
Customer Service Skills
Negotiation and Closing Techniques
Strategic Planning

Senior Legal Assistant Resume Job Description

Give direction and counsel on legal and regulatory issues, and help ensure adherence to all relevant laws and requirements.
Create and keep up-to-date, precise legal documents and records
Keep up with legislative and judicial developments, and help ensure the business and its attorneys are operating appropriately.
Understanding the local court laws and court protocols to do non-routine tasks including evaluating incoming files and identifying when different legal papers should be prepared.
Competent in creating reports and papers on a variety of devices as required.
Preparation and submission of court filings, records, reports, communications, and other paperwork within predetermined dates were done while keeping track of the status of ongoing cases.

Legal/Paralegal Assistant Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Legal/Paralegal Assistant Resume Professional Summary

Committed, a results-driven legal assistant with a track record of success in conducting legal work and support. Proficiency in resource planning, precise recordkeeping, trial planning, and organizational management. Capability to determine priorities and adhere to timeframes.

Legal/Paralegal Assistant Resume Skills

Complex scheduling
Calendar management
Business & Legal acumen
Interpersonal relationship
Meticulous
Detail-oriented
Tech-savvy

Legal/Paralegal Assistant Resume Job Description

Initially trained brand-new hearing clerks and ordinary legal assistants for a month.
Rechecked the written findings of the attorneys after conducting research, preparing exhibits, and preparing medicare appeal cases.
Aided in the creation of the integrated activity measurement plan, which was created to enhance time management in charge of monitoring medicare appeals.
Dedicated to assisting the working group on narcotics enforcement against organized crime, initiatives to make communities secure, and situations of violent crime.
New and improved legal software programs and technology, and training for support workers in time management.
Keeping confidentiality while relating professionally to every customer and professional.
Filed the necessary legal papers by following the law