resume summary examples legal assistant

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• Resume Examples

Legal Assistant Resume Examples 2024 (with Job Description)

Our customers have been hired by:

Legal assistant jobs can come with high pay and prestige. But they may also  come with a surplusage of stress, long work hours, and boring tasks that must be completed in legalese. To land the former, you need to prove you're the  crème de la crème .

That’s why your legal assistant resume must not only make your case, but also win it.

This guide will show you:

• A legal assistant resume example better than 9 out of 10 others.
• How to write a legal assistant resume that gets more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a legal assistant resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a legal assistant to get any job you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume samples here .

Are you writing a legal administrative assistant resume? Do you need a legal secretary resume sample? Or are you applying for other roles? If yes, consider switching to our dedicated guides:

• Secretary Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Entry-Level Administrative Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Legal/Law Resume
• Legal Intern Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Claims Adjuster Resume
• Law Student Resume
• Law School Resume
• Resume Samples for Every Career

1. Legal Assistant Resume Example

Catherine Hamilton

Legal Assistant

123-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/catherine.hamilton

Motivated and organized legal assistant with over 5 years of experience in providing administrative support to attorneys. Eager to join the team at LegalEase Support to provide administrative assistance in a wide range of legal tasks, including document preparation, filing deadlines, managing court dockets, researching laws and regulations, and ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines. Saved more than $7,000 in attorney fees during my time as a legal assistant at Link Legal Services.

Legal Secretary

Link Legal Services, Denver, CO

April 2019–Present

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to multiple attorneys in their daily tasks related to casework.
• Prepare legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, motions, filings etc., using standard templates.
• File documents with the appropriate court or office within set deadlines.
• Proofread all official documents for accuracy and completeness before submission
• Keep an updated database of court dockets and upcoming deadlines.
• Conduct legal research for assigned cases by reviewing statutes and other relevant information.
• Draft correspondence such as letters and memos on behalf of attorneys.
• Provide assistance in preparing reports for clients by compiling confidential information into briefs.

Key Achievement:

• Saved over $7,000 in attorney fees while working as a legal assistant.

ProClaim Paralegal Group, Denver, CO

November 2017-March 2019

• Managed all daily operations in the office while providing assistance to the senior attorney.
• Prepared pleadings by collecting facts from existing sources.
• Drafted appeals briefs for submission to court.
• Created summaries of depositions gathered during the litigation process.
• Organized files electronically; maintained hard copies as well.
• Helped win a $1,000,000 lawsuit against a national corporate agency by preparing a detailed review report that was presented as evidence during trial.

Associate Degree In Paralegal Studies

University Of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO

August 2015–May 2017

Relevant extracurricular activities

• Member Of The Paralegal Club since 2016.
• Volunteer at a local court house twice a week.

Academic achievements:

Attained 4th rank among 210 students in paralegal studies class.

• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Research Skills
• Organization Hard Skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Database Management
• Document Preparation
• Legal Research

Certifications

• Paralegal Certification, National Association of Legal Assistants, 2017
• 2017, Best Legal Assistant Award, Denver Bar Association

Memberships

• Member Of The National Federation Of Paralegals since 2018
• English—Native
• Spanish—Advanced
• Attending local legal events to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in the law.
• Writing articles on various topics related to the legal field for my personal blog.

2. What's the Best Format for a Legal Assistant Resume?

Say hello to the hiring manager at that high-powered firm.

His name’s Kevin and he’d give his bar membership for a detail-oriented assistant.

Are you shocked your legal administrative assistant resume must give him that?

Impress him with the best legal assistant resume format. The reverse-chronological resume format would convince a hung jury.

It opens with your most recent accomplishments.

Fill it with the best resume fonts , big, friendly headings, and lots of white space.

But—should you send it as a PDF or in MS Word ?

Today’s PDFs are machine readable. Send a legal assistant resume PDF unless the job ad outlaws it.

Pro Tip: Is this your first time writing a resume? Use the combination resume format . It’ll make your case with all your best transferable achievements from past jobs.

Want the due diligence on personal injury legal assistant resume format? See our guide: Best Resume Format: How to Choose? (with Examples and Templates)

3. Legal Assistant Resume Summary or Resume Objective

A legal brief starts with a short description of the case.

The first paragraph of your legal assistant resume should do that for your career.

It’s called a resume summary or resume objective. But which is which? And which one should you use?

A resume summary works if you’ve got more experience than Phil Beck. It proves you can do that job because it shows you already have.

Is your experience still making its opening arguments? Write a resume objective . It conveys your Harvey Specter-level passion.

Pack either with evidence of your achievements.

These two senior legal assistant resume examples show how.

Legal Assistant Resume Examples [Resume Summaries]

Where’s the infraction in the first of our senior legal assistant resume samples?

That's not actionable, but it won’t impress the jury.

Do it like the next of our legal assistant resume examples instead:

That legal assistant resume summary could get you hired at Sullivan & Cromwell.

Is your experience less convincing? See the junior legal assistant resume examples below.

Two Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Objectives

Still an entry-level legal assistant with no experience ?

That used to mean you had to show passion. That’s how the first of our legal assistant resume objectives handles it:

Who’s that, Lionel Hutz? A legal administrative assistant resume objective like that lacks evidence.

So—add details, like the next of our entry-level legal assistant resume examples:

I rest my case.

And if you have no experience for a resume for legal assistant jobs?

That’s next.

Pro Tip: The first legal office assistant resume sample summary above says, “solution-driven.” It adds, “seeking to further Flagler’s mission.” Those points came straight from the online legal assistant job description. Seek yours there too.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our professional resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Ready to write the greatest research assistant legal resume on record? Gunning for the perfect real estate legal assistant resume objective or summary? See our guides:

Write a Resume Heading Statement that Wins Jobs: 21 Best Examples Ever

Writing a Resume Career Objective that Gets You on the Employment Fast Track [20+ Examples]

4. How to Describe Your Legal Assistant Experience

Let’s look in on Kevin, our hiring manager.

He really cares about experience.

But he doesn’t just want someone who’s had a legal assistant job.

He wants to know you’ve had the exact legal assistant jobs that match his needs.

So, bind your legal assistant skills resume experience to the job offer like you notarized it.

First, highlight the legal assistant duties and responsibilities in the job ad.

Then, research your past for evidence.

Legal Assistant Resume Examples [Experience]

The first of these professional legal assistant resume examples can’t be discredited:

Perfect. You just made your case like Kelly Ayotte. You used measurable accomplishments that replevin the job.

Now take out those achievements:

So you’ve held legal assistant jobs. But did you do them like Elle Woods or Barry Zuckercorn? I mean—were you good at it?

The best legal assistant resume examples use numbers and achievements.

Think you don’t have those? See the entry-level legal assistant resume examples below.

How to Write a Resume for Legal Assistant with no Experience

You want the truth?

Nobody will hire a legal assistant with no experience.

The good news? You can show experience from:

• Volunteering
• File clerk jobs
• Secretary or office assistant work
• Notary experience
• Writing experience
• Research work

List any work experience that shows you’ve got those J.A.R.V.I.S. chops.

The next entry-level legal administrative assistant resume samples will brief you.

Two Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Samples [No Experience]

The first of these two entry-level legal assistant resume examples pleads no contest:

Guilty! Up the river with you.

So—add transferable experience to get this legal assistant skills resume example:

Vinny Gambini couldn’t have done it better. Even the journalism helps. It shows you’re good at writing.

But you might already have the makings of a legal assistant resume like that.

Pro Tip: Can’t get a job with a real estate or immigration legal assistant resume? Consider taking a legal secretary job and working up. You can get a paralegal certification in as little as 14 weeks.

Your resume for legal assistant jobs shouldn’t read like the Affordable Care Act. Give it zing with action words. See our guide: 240 Resume Buzzwords, Action Words & Power Words to Make Your Resume Shine

5. Is Your Education Section Out of Order? It Might Be

Every legal assistant resume needs an education section.

But there are two ways to write it.

Only one will get you hired.

Start with:

• School Name and Location
• Years in School

But don’t stop there.

Add 3–5 bullet points . Stuff them with achievements that cement you to the job like civil law.

The next legal assistant resume examples give full disclosure:

Legal Assistant Resume Examples [Education]

Pretend Kevin wants someone with writing skills and a detail-oriented mindset. The first of our legal assistant resume samples sets the precedent:

No objection. That assistant was getting ready for this job in college.

If you’ve got your paralegal certificate, list that first, before your other education:

Paralegal Certificate Course, Brazosport College

• Excelled in legal research.
• Praised by professor for project in intellectual property law.

The next of our legal administrative assistant resume examples botches it:

That legal office assistant resume example won’t make parole.

Pro Tip: Online paralegal degrees aren’t always ABA approved. Most lack internships and other bells and whistles. Here’s a good list of ABA sanctioned online programs .

Should you include your major in a resume for legal assistant jobs? What about your school’s location? See our guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]

6. How to Put Skills on a Resume for a Legal Assistant

If you can prove your legal assistant skills, you’ll land the interview.

So why doesn’t everybody do it?

They don’t know how to customize a legal assistant resume skills section.

The next of our legal office assistant resume examples shows the prima facie evidence.

It’s for a job that wants skills in (1) legal document preparation, (2) AV systems, and (3) scheduling appointments.

Legal Assistant Resume Examples [Skills]

Of course you’ll show legal document prep, AV skills, and scheduling in your skills list, plus a couple more.

But then—present your argument like the next of our legal assistant resume examples:

• (1)  Wrote 200+ legal documents, 98% error-free.
• (2)  Maintained AV system with zero work stoppages for 3 years.
• (3)  Scheduled 1,000+ appointments per year with 99% client satisfaction.

That’s no mere legal assistant resume skills list. It’s a court order for an interview.

Use the legal assistant skills for resumes below to start.

List of Skills to Put on a Legal Assistant Resume

This legal assistant resume skills list files some great resume keywords , but—

It doesn’t have them all. Find more in the job ad and other job offers online.

Pro Tip: When you use LinkedIn as your job search site , you get lists of legal assistant or legal administrative assistant resume skills for each job posting. These are the exact skills the employer wants.

You’ll get more interviews if you create a master list of skills. Why? See our guide: +30 Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)

7. How to Show Certifications on a Resume

I’d say this under oath:

A paralegal certification, notary license, or professional legal secretary certificate all look great on legal assistant resumes.

But that hiring manager is busy . He’s got mountains of research, writing and a thousand calls to make.

He might miss your great certification if you hide it in your resume for legal assistant jobs.

So list your most important cert:

• At the top of your legal assistant or legal administrative assistant resume, near your name
• At the beginning of your resume summary
• In a special “Certifications” section beneath your summary

Then the employer will know you’re qualified, even if he skims your resume for legal assistant jobs.

• Certified Paralegal (CP)—NALA

Legal Assistant Certifications: Clearing the Confusion

What’s the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant? Good question!

In the past, paralegal and legal assistant meant the same thing. Both were legal professionals who did quasi-lawyer work.

Law firms started calling legal secretaries legal assistants too .

To confuse things further, NALA (the National Association of Legal Assistants) used to issue a “CLA” certification for paralegals.

NALA no longer offers the CLA cert. Today there are only:

• Certified paralegals (CP from NALA or PP from NALS —referred to as both “paralegals” and “legal assistants”)
• Legal secretaries (PLS—also called “legal assistants”)

Pro Tip: Are you a certified paralegal? List that near the top of your general, bankruptcy, or family law legal assistant resume. Otherwise, put your PLS, or Notary license in that place of honor.

What’s the difference between free online classes and certifications on a resume for legal assistant jobs? See our guide: How to List Certifications on a Resume: Guide

8. Add these Things and Give Your Resume a Fresh Start

Let’s get back to our hiring manager, Kevin.

Would he rather hire:

Someone who “needs a job?” Or—a legal assistant who cares more about her work than Jack McCoy?

On a resume for legal assistant work, that means adding “other” sections .

See that in two sample legal assistant resume sections.

Legal Assistant Resume Examples [Other Sections]

Interesting. Now let’s show you’re a great legal assistant instead.

Do it like this sample from a resume for legal assistant jobs:

That’s no generic legal administrative assistant resume. It’s a fledgeling Stephen Neale.

Even the “yoga” helps because you listed it as self-care. You obviously know enough to do self-maintenance.

Pro Tip: Even with no experience , you can have a killer resume. Cram it with positions you had at school (assistant, intern , projects , part-time jobs). Pack each with bullets that show your super-helper powers.

Should you put scholarships on a resume for legal assistant jobs? Internships? Software? Foreign languages? See our guide: What to List on a Resume (Good Things to Include)

9. What About a Legal Assistant Cover Letter?

Do you need to send a cover letter with a legal assistant resume?

If you want the firm to take you seriously, yes.

Most hiring managers will skim your resume in seven seconds, according to our HR statistics report.

A decent legal assistant cover letter can turn those seconds into minutes and a phone call.

Use the manager’s name if you can find it. Then show you understand his needs.

Then show the smoking gun: proof you’ve already solved problems like his.

This short example legal assistant cover letter gets it right:

I’ve wanted to work exclusively in intellectual property law for years. At Reiger, Reiger & Wolff, I conducted over 50 trademark searches and prepared 200+ legal documents, many in the intellectual property field.

The partners commended my work ethic and attention to detail, but I was excited to find Flagler & Comiter. Your commitment to providing excellence in intellectual property law to clients dovetails with my own...

Always end a cover letter  with an offer. For example: “I’d be happy to jump on a call to discuss how I built and led a team of 50+ volunteers for a money making hobby project."

Pro Tip: When you get the interview, wear a suit. Bring extra copies of your resume . Research the firm and have some interesting questions ready to ask them .

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Why does “PS” on a cover letter make the hiring manager want to read your legal administrative assistant resume? See our guide: How to Write a Good Cover Letter for Any Job

And learn how to write a legal cover letter from our guide: Legal Assistant Cover Letter: Sample, Format & Guide ,   Law Firm Cover Letter Example , Paralegal Cover Letter Sample

10. Do This Before You Add Contact Info to a Resume

Is it easy to add contact info to a legal office assistant resume?

Of course list:

• Updated Phone Number
• Professional Email Address

Ana Mexia, Legal Assistant, CP, [email protected], 214-893-8361

A "professional email address” is [email protected]. Don’t use [email protected].

But don’t leave off your LinkedIn profile. Today, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn for hiring.

Pro Tip: Did you work as a receptionist for just a couple months? Ditch it from your legal administrative assistant resume. Use the space to show how much you soared in more relevant jobs .

Which legal assistant resume format makes hiring managers think you’re hiding something? See our guide: How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide (+30 Examples)

Key Takeaway

Here’s a recap of how to write a legal assistant resume:

• Write a legal assistant resume objec tive or resume summary. Stuff either one with metrics to get custody of the interview.
• Read the job description like an email from Erin Brockovich. Write legal assistant resume bullet points full of achievements that match.
• Add other sections that prove you bleed legal assistant skills. List publications, certifications, volunteer work, conferences, and professional associations.
• Write a legal assistant cover letter. In it, show you understand the firm’s problems and you’ll solve them like Evan Chesler.

Do you have questions on how to write a great resume for a legal assistant? Not sure how to describe your skills or achievements? Give us a shout in the comments! We’d be happy to reply.

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://nala.org/certification/
• https://www.online-paralegal-degree.org/cheapest-aba-approved-online-paralegal-programs/
• https://www.nala.org/certification/nala-certification-program
• https://www.nals.org/page/certification

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• Resume Examples
• Legal Resumes

5 Legal Assistant Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Wherever there are lawyers, you’ll find legal assistants — hard-working support staff working behind the scenes. the position is ideal for people seeking an administrative career or on their way to a law or paralegal qualification. in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to land a legal assistant job, including resume templates and tips on essential skills and keywords..

As a legal assistant, you’ll be working in an administrative office-based role within the legal industry. While an interest in law and additional qualifications can be ideal, they aren’t necessary. Most positions are open to high school graduates or those with general office administration experience, but if you really want to stand out or move into higher roles within the industry, you might consider pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in law or paralegal studies or a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) certification. Even more important are administrative skills like computer literacy, filing, scheduling appointments, and typing correspondence. Familiarity with legal terms and procedures and experience preparing legal documents is also a plus. If you’re interested in a career in law, like becoming a paralegal or attorney, working as a legal assistant is a great way to gain some experience and insight into the field before you commit to an expensive degree. Legal assistants are generally paid hourly, with salary ranges fluctuating depending on your state. Average wages across the United States can range from $16.86 to $25.49 per hour. In 2023, legal assistants should be aware of the impact of trends like automation and remote work on the industry.

Legal Assistant Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Legal Assistant
• Entry Level Legal Assistant
• Experienced Legal Assistant

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Legal Assistant Resumes

Legal Assistant Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Legal Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 5: Legal Assistant Resume Example

As a legal assistant, you'll play a crucial role in supporting attorneys by performing various administrative and research tasks. The legal industry has seen a recent trend in the growth of technology-driven solutions, so employers are increasingly seeking candidates with a balance of traditional legal knowledge and modern technical skills. Crafting a targeted resume is critical for standing out in this competitive field, as it allows you to showcase your unique blend of skills and experience that will make you an asset to any legal team. Your resume should reflect your understanding of the legal industry, highlighting relevant experiences and emphasizing your ability to use technology to improve efficiency. To ensure your resume gets noticed, it's important to tailor it to the specific job requirements, as well as demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to ongoing learning.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Legal Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight relevant legal knowledge.

In your resume, focus on showcasing your understanding of legal procedures, terminology, and documentation. You can accomplish this by detailing your education, certifications, and any internships or volunteer work in the legal field that have provided you with valuable hands-on experience.

   Emphasize technical proficiency

Since technology plays a significant role in the modern legal landscape, ensure you highlight your technical skills on your resume. Mention any specific software programs you're familiar with, such as document management systems, e-filing systems, and legal research databases, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills you can include on your Legal Assistant resume

Template 2 of 5: legal assistant resume example.

Like the name implies, legal assistants are mainly tasked with assisting lawyers and other legal professionals in an office environment. Depending on your industry and firm, your role could include anything from organizing and filing documents to gathering evidence and assisting during trial. You’ll need a high level of research and organizational skills, excellent communication, and the ability to take direction and work within a team.

   Includes hard numbers and metrics relevant to the legal industry

Including numbers and metrics in your accomplishments is a great way to provide extra context for your experience. It also clarifies exactly what you achieved and emphasizes what you can bring to the position. “Updated office records” is a duty, but “updated office records, improving the department's efficiency by 40%” is a resume-worthy accomplishment.

   Good use of skills section to highlight legal skills

When listing skills on your resume, remember to focus solely on hard skills — things like specific software programs and legal certifications. To make this section even easier for a hiring manager to skim, consider breaking these skills down into sections by including separate subheadings for software, techniques, and certifications.

Template 3 of 5: Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Example

As an entry-level legal assistant, you'll be responsible for supporting attorneys and paralegals with tasks such as organizing documents, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. The legal field is constantly evolving, and employers are looking for candidates who can quickly adapt to new technologies and stay updated on current regulations. A strong resume is crucial to showcase your skills and demonstrate your commitment to this fast-paced industry. In the legal field, attention to detail and strong communication skills are highly valued. Companies will be looking for candidates who can efficiently manage their workload, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of professionalism. Crafting a tailored resume for this specific industry is essential to demonstrate your understanding of these expectations.

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Legal Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight relevant coursework and internships.

Even if you don't have direct work experience as a legal assistant, you can still emphasize relevant coursework or internships that have prepared you for this role. Detail specific courses or projects that demonstrate your knowledge of legal concepts, research, and document preparation.

   Showcase your technical and organizational skills

As a legal assistant, you'll often be tasked with managing large volumes of documents and data. Showcase your proficiency in digital tools such as document management software and Microsoft Office suite, as well as your ability to maintain organized files and records.

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Legal Assistant resume

Template 4 of 5: entry level legal assistant resume example.

You can apply for entry level legal assistant positions even without any legal qualifications or office administration experience, or transition to the field from other administrative roles. Employers will be looking for evidence of transferable skills as well as technical skills like data entry software and Microsoft Access. If you have experience as an intern or volunteer in a legal or related field, that can also strengthen your candidacy.

   Tailored to the legal assistant job

Tailoring your resume to a specific position is easier than you think, even if you’re applying for an entry level position. Including the title of the job you’re applying for at the top of your resume is the quickest way to do this and is a great way of getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

   Bullet points begin with strong action verbs highlighting legal skills

Avoid falling into the trap of listing job duties instead of accomplishments by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. This keeps the focus on what you actually did and makes it easier for hiring managers to understand your skills and experience. Emphasize your transferable skills by talking about times you’ve organized records, analyzed data, or conducted research.

Template 5 of 5: Experienced Legal Assistant Resume Example

An experienced legal assistant supports attorneys in a variety of ways. Tasks you can expect include doing research, preparing legal documents, scheduling meetings, organizing documents, etc. To qualify for this job you need to have a degree in law or paralegal studies or a paralegal certificate. This position is for an experienced legal assistant so you will be expected to have years of experience as a legal assistant. It would also benefit you to have experience as an administrator, especially in a law firm. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Legal Assistant resume in 2024

   show a variety of skills..

This position will have you doing a variety of roles as you support attorneys, so show a variety of skills in the skill section. Some basic skills you can include are legal research, scheduling, docketing, etc. Take a look at our list of recommended skills in this guide for more options.

   Use varied action verbs to show experience with different tasks.

Action verbs are powerful tools that you can use to shape your experience section. For this position, you can use them to indicate that you have experience performing a variety of tasks expected for this position. Useful action verbs can include ‘filed’, ‘assisted’, and ‘organized’. Take a look at the action-verb section of this guide for more action-verb options.

Skills you can include on your Experienced Legal Assistant resume

We spoke with hiring managers and recruiters at top law firms and legal departments, such as Davis Polk & Wardwell, Kirkland & Ellis, and Google, to gather their best tips for creating a winning legal assistant resume. They've seen thousands of resumes throughout their careers and know exactly what makes a candidate stand out. Here are their top pieces of advice for crafting a resume that will get you noticed and land you an interview.

   Tailor your resume to the specific legal field

Not all legal assistant roles are the same. A litigation legal assistant will have different responsibilities and skills than a corporate legal assistant. Look closely at the job description and tailor your resume to highlight the most relevant experience.

For example, if applying for a litigation legal assistant role, emphasize your experience with:

• Preparing pleadings, motions, and other legal documents
• Organizing and maintaining case files
• Assisting with trial preparation, such as exhibit binders and witness notebooks

On the other hand, a corporate legal assistant resume might focus more on:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements
• Maintaining corporate records and filings
• Assisting with due diligence for mergers and acquisitions

   Showcase your knowledge of legal terminology and procedures

Hiring managers want to see that you have a solid understanding of legal concepts and can navigate the unique terminology and procedures. Weave in specific examples throughout your resume.

Drafted discovery requests and responses, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission, in complex commercial litigation matters.

Compare that to a more generic description:

Assisted attorneys with discovery in litigation cases.

The first example demonstrates a much deeper knowledge of the discovery process and the types of documents involved, making a stronger impression.

   Highlight your technical skills and software proficiency

Today's legal assistants need to be tech-savvy and adept with a variety of software programs. Be sure to list the specific tools you're skilled in using, such as:

• E-discovery platforms like Relativity or Concordance
• Document management systems such as iManage or NetDocuments
• Legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis
• Billing and timekeeping software

Don't just list the program names though. Provide concrete examples of how you've used each one, like:

• Conducted document review and production using Relativity for a complex antitrust case, culling data from over 500,000 documents
• Managed and organized all case documents, correspondence and pleadings using iManage document management system

   Quantify your achievements and responsibilities

Numbers jump off the page and quickly convey the scope of your experience and impact. Whenever possible, quantify your bullet points with specific metrics. Not so impressive:

• Drafted legal documents
• Managed busy calendar for multiple attorneys

Much more effective:

• Drafted 20+ legal documents per week, including motions, orders, and legal memoranda
• Managed calendars for 6 attorneys, scheduling an average of 15 meetings, depositions and court appearances each week

The added details give a much clearer picture of how much work you can handle and the level of your responsibilities.

   Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities

Effective legal assistants can think on their feet and find creative solutions. Have an example of a time you overcame a challenge or made an improvement? Highlight it on your resume.

• Created a new filing system that increased efficiency by 30% and saved attorneys an average of 5 hours per week in document search time
• Discovered a critical piece of evidence while reviewing deposition transcripts that helped turn the tide in a major case

Problem-solving examples show that you take initiative, pay close attention to detail, and can be relied upon to keep cases running smoothly.

   Include relevant credentials, but don't overdo it

Legal assistants can boost their resumes by earning professional certifications, such as a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Registered Paralegal (RP) designation. However, be judicious about which credentials you include.

Let's compare two certification sections:

• Certified Notary Public
• Certified Microsoft Office Specialist
• Advanced First Aid and CPR Certification
• Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), National Association of Legal Assistants
• E-Discovery Certification, Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS)

The first includes certifications that, while impressive, aren't highly relevant to a legal assistant role. The second focuses on credentials that specifically relate to the job and industry, making them much more impactful to a hiring manager.

Writing Your Legal Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name front and center.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header. It's how hiring managers will identify and remember you, so make sure it stands out.

• Jane Doe, Esq.

Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations that could be confusing or unprofessional, like:

2. Include your legal specialty

If you have a specific area of legal expertise, consider including it in your header. This can help you stand out to employers looking for assistants with your background.

Examples of legal specialties to highlight:

• Real Estate Law
• Corporate Law
• Intellectual Property Law

Keep it concise though. Listing too many specialties can make your header look cluttered and unfocused.

3. Streamline your contact details

Include your phone number, email, and location so employers can easily get in touch. But keep the format simple and streamlined.

[email protected] | 212-555-1234 | New York, NY

Avoid including full mailing addresses, multiple phone numbers, or personal details like your birthday. A bad example would look like:

John Smith 123 Main St, Apt 2B New York, NY 10001 Home: 212-555-1234 Cell: 646-555-5678 [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith DOB: 01/01/85

  Summary

A resume summary for a legal assistant role is optional. It's a short paragraph at the top of your resume that provides an overview of your most relevant qualifications. While it's not required, a well-written summary can grab the hiring manager's attention and convince them to keep reading.

However, avoid using an objective statement instead of a summary. Objectives are outdated and focus on what you want from the employer, rather than what you can offer them. If you have relevant legal assistant experience and skills, showcase them in your summary. But if you're a career changer or entry-level candidate, you may want to let your experience section speak for itself.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Legal Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Legal Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Legal Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the legal field

Your resume summary is the perfect place to show your passion and knowledge of the legal industry. Many legal assistants make the mistake of writing a generic summary that could apply to any job, like this:

Hardworking and detail-oriented professional with 5+ years of administrative experience. Skilled in Microsoft Office, data entry, and customer service. Seeking a challenging role with opportunities for growth.

Instead, highlight your most relevant legal skills and experience. Use industry-specific keywords to show you understand the job requirements, like this:

Detail-oriented legal assistant with 3+ years of experience supporting attorneys in a fast-paced law firm. Adept at preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and managing case files in a litigation practice. Committed to providing excellent support to legal teams and clients.

2. Focus on your most impressive achievements

Don't just list your legal assistant duties in your summary. Employers want to see the impact you've made in your previous roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

For example, instead of saying:

• Conducted legal research
• Managed attorney calendars

Try highlighting specific results, like:

• Prepared 50+ legal documents per week, ensuring 100% accuracy
• Conducted thorough legal research to support attorneys in 10+ litigation cases
• Maintained calendars for 6 attorneys, scheduling 100+ appointments per month

By focusing on your achievements, you show the value you can bring to the role.

  Experience

The work experience section is the core of your legal assistant resume. It's where you detail your relevant experience and accomplishments to show employers you have the skills to succeed in the role.

In this section, we'll walk through the exact steps to write an effective work experience section for a legal assistant resume, including what to include and how to make your bullets impactful.

1. Focus on your most relevant experience

When writing your work experience section, prioritize the roles and responsibilities that relate most to the legal assistant position you're targeting.

For instance, if you worked as a paralegal or legal secretary, those would be highly relevant to include:

• Paralegal, Smith & Associates Law Firm, 2018-2022
• Legal Secretary, Acme Corporation, 2015-2018

Roles less directly related to legal assisting, like an administrative assistant position, can still be included. Just focus the bullets on transferable skills, such as organizing documents, communicating with clients, or managing schedules.

Administrative Assistant, XYZ Company, 2013-2015 Managed busy calendar for executive team, coordinating meetings and travel Prepared and proofread correspondence and presentations Served as liaison between executives and clients

Aim to show a career progression in your work experience if possible. If you've been promoted or taken on increasing responsibilities, make that clear. It demonstrates your ability to succeed and grow.

2. Use strong legal industry action verbs

When describing your experience, start each bullet point with an action verb that showcases what you did. Generic phrases like "responsible for" or "participated in" don't give a clear picture of your actual role.

Instead, choose strong verbs relevant to legal assisting:

• Drafted legal documents including contracts and court filings
• Investigated case law to locate relevant legal precedents
• Interviewed clients and witnesses to gather case information

Compare those to more generic bullet points:

• Responsible for writing legal documents
• Tasked with researching case law
• Helped attorneys with client interviews

The strong verbs make your contributions clear and impactful. They also incorporate key terminology from the legal field.

To find the best action verbs, look at legal assistant job descriptions. Highlight verbs in the responsibilities section, like "analyze", "prepare", "file", "organize", and "coordinate". Then reflect those in your own bullets.

3. Quantify your accomplishments with metrics

To make your experience really stand out, add numbers. Metrics give employers clear insight into the scope of your work and the impact you made.

For example, compare these two bullet points:

• Reviewed and organized case files to prepare for trial
• Reviewed and organized 50+ case files in preparation for trial, ensuring all necessary documentation was easily accessible

Quantifying your work gives it context. Other examples of metrics for a legal assistant could include:

• Drafted 20+ legal documents per week, including motions and pleadings
• Managed schedules and communications for 4 attorneys
• Processed 100+ pages of discovery documents
• Reduced time spent on administrative tasks by 25% by implementing new case management system

Metrics are great for your resume, but don't worry if you don't have exact numbers for everything. Educated estimates, like "Managed 50+ client contracts", are also impactful. Our Score My Resume tool can help. It checks if you're effectively using metrics and action verbs.

4. Highlight key legal tools and software

Legal assistants today need to be proficient in a variety of tools and technologies. Showcase your technical skills in your work experience bullets.

For example:

• Managed client files and deadlines using Clio case management software
• Conducted legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis databases
• Prepared and edited legal documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe PDF

Other technical skills to highlight as a legal assistant could include:

• E-filing court documents
• Transcribing legal meetings and interviews
• Proficiency in specific legal software like Tabs3 or Actionstep

Incorporating these tools shows employers you have the technical proficiency to do the job effectively.

Tailor the tools you mention to the specific job. If the job description emphasizes certain software, make sure to include your experience with those programs, if you have it.

  Education

The education section of your legal assistant resume should be concise yet informative. It's an opportunity to showcase your relevant academic background and any specialized training that qualifies you for the role. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when crafting this section:

1. Put education at the top if you're a recent graduate

If you've graduated within the past few years and your education is your strongest qualification, place the education section above your work experience. This is especially important if you have relevant coursework or academic achievements to highlight.

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies , XYZ University, City, State Graduated: May 2022 GPA: 3.8/4.0 Relevant Coursework: Legal Research and Writing, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts

2. Keep it brief if you're an experienced professional

If you have several years of work experience as a legal assistant, your education section should be concise. Include your degree, the institution you attended, and your graduation year. There's no need to list coursework or GPA.

Here's an example of what not to do:

• Bachelor of Arts in English, ABC College, City, State
• Graduated: May 2012
• Relevant Coursework: Creative Writing, American Literature, British Literature, Poetry
• GPA: 3.2/4.0

Instead, keep it simple:

• Bachelor of Arts in English, ABC College

3. Include relevant certifications

If you have any certifications that are relevant to your work as a legal assistant, include them in your education section. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show your commitment to professional development.

Some examples of relevant certifications:

• Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)
• Certified Paralegal (CP)
• Professional Legal Secretary (PLS)

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, XYZ University Certified Paralegal (CP), National Association of Legal Assistants

4. Leave off unnecessary information

Your resume should be focused and relevant to the job you're applying for. Leave off any education or training that isn't directly related to your work as a legal assistant. This includes:

• High school diploma (unless it's your highest level of education)
• Online courses or workshops that didn't result in a certification
• Degrees or coursework in unrelated fields

Here's an example of an education section that includes unnecessary information:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, ABC University
• Online Course in Photography
• High School Diploma, XYZ High School

Action Verbs For Legal Assistant Resumes

The work experience section of your resume should never read like a job description. Recruiters aren’t interested in what duties you were assigned — they want to know what you accomplished in previous roles and what you’re likely to achieve in this one. The easiest way of distinguishing between a duty and an accomplishment is by starting your bullet points with a strong resume action verb , which keeps the focus on what you actually did. As a legal assistant, you’ll be conducting research, preparing documents, and organizing legal documents. To emphasize your ability to do the job, choose action verbs that reflect what you’ll actually be doing. Systemized and Organized highlight your attention to detail and organizational skills, while Supported, Assisted, and Coordinated emphasize your teamwork and communication.

• Coordinated

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Legal Assistant Resumes

Skills for legal assistant resumes.

As a legal assistant, office administrative skills are crucial. These include both soft and hard skills, but remember not to lump these together in your skills section. Technical skills like document drafting or CLA certification are hard skills that can be listed at the bottom of your resume. Transferable skills, on the other hand — things that are harder to demonstrate, like communication skills or time management — need to be highlighted through your accomplishments rather than stated outright. To find out the exact skills hiring managers and ATS are screening for, always review the job description itself. From there, you can pull out the top skills the job is asking for. For more guided assistance, you can upload your resume to our Targeted Resume tool or browse our comprehensive list of legal assistant skills and keywords to ensure your resume lands on the top of the ‘yes’ pile.

• Legal Research
• Legal Advice
• Legal Writing
• Legal Document Preparation
• Civil Litigation
• Document Review
• Administrative Assistance
• Office Administration

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Legal Assistant Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Legal Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Legal Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Other legal resumes, research assistant.

Sales Manager

• Attorney Resume Guide
• Lawyer Resume Guide

Legal Assistant Resume Guide

• Policy Analyst Resume Guide
• Compliance Resume Guide
• Underwriter Resume Guide
• Regulatory Affairs Resume Guide
• Contract Specialist Resume Guide
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• Legal Assistant Resume Example
• Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Example
• Experienced Legal Assistant Resume Example
• Tips for Legal Assistant Resumes
• Skills and Keywords to Add
• All Resume Examples
• Legal Assistant CV Examples
• Legal Assistant Cover Letter
• Legal Assistant Interview Guide
• Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

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7 Legal Assistant Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Legal Assistant

Best for candidates with 3+ years of experience

With your job experience and a stunning resume layout, recruiters will be ready to give your application the official stamp of approval.

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Legal Assistant Resume

• Legal Assistant Resumes by Experience
• Legal Assistant Resumes by Role

Legal assistants are the backbones of any good law firm. But, let’s be honest—being a legal assistant can be one of the most stressful jobs out there. Dealing with tight deadlines, difficult clients, and demanding attorneys all day is taxing at the best of times. 

You shouldn’t have to worry about  creating the perfect resume or writing a great cover letter , too.

We analyzed countless legal assistant resumes. Our analysis revealed  what resume components are absolutely critical for catching the eye of hiring managers  and, more importantly, the most common mistakes to avoid on your resume.

Read through these seven free legal assistant resume samples and complementary  resume writing tips  to help get you more interviews in 2024.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• We recommend a career/resume objective  when you’re going through a career change, or are just starting out and need to fill some white space on your resume . If this isn’t describing you, or your resume’s beginning to look a little cluttered, go ahead and skip the objective.
• Include the job title you’re applying to, the name of the company, and very specific, relevant skills for that job.
• Having a blanket career objective that you crank out with all your applications can hurt your chances of landing an interview. Instead, use your prime resume space wisely by packing a meaningful punch with a tailored career objective for each application.

Legal Assistant No Experience Resume

• Let’s talk numbers for a second—they amplify your perceived capabilities. “Maintaining a 96% accuracy rate in adding client information” and “reducing retrieval by 19%” are golden mentions.
• Words like “streamlined”, “organized” and “protected” do more than fill space; they breathe life into your piece, painting a glamorous picture of a proactive candidate.
• Now, skills. Any candidate can curate a list of skills and tools, so how about standing out from your equally eager opponents by interlacing yours with your work experience just like Christopher does?
• And let’s not forget about crafting a customized resume that’s as pleasing to ATS as it is to the human eyes. Chris does just that by emphasizing skills and achievements related to the open role’s requirements. You can’t miss, “help senior attorneys conduct legal research” and “helping Texas Roadhouse be compliant with state regulations.”

Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume

• Don’t confuse action verbs like “demonstrated,” “surpassed,” and “communicated” for fillers. Such shows that you previously got the job and did everything right; they’re music to the recruiter’s ears.
• As for getting your resume to match the job listing like a glove? That is your secret sauce for boosting your chances by showing the hiring manager you possess the strengths they’re hunting for. When Diandra mentions “Streamlining the process of vendor vetting” it’s clear she’s speaking the hiring company’s language.
• And those numbers? These are not just digits but your bragging rights. See, for example, “leading to 16+ full-time hires” and “boosting take-out revenue by 125%” in Diandra’s piece.
• Calling attention to your impressive skill set in your work history section could convince recruiters you’re the real deal — “scheduling,” “administrative support,” and “detail-oriented.”

Senior Legal Assistant Resume

• With years (maybe decades) of experience under your belt, you know better than to present yourself as a one-size-fits-all legal pro. So, tailor your resume to fit the job description, much like citing the perfect statute for a case argument. “Assigning projectss and cases each day” makes for excellent examples here.
• Beginning your bullet points with terms like “Restructed,” and “Communicated” speaks to your initiative, painting a picture of a senior legal assistant who did more than doing their job but actually owning it.
• Now, for a sprinkle of that winning evidence in your senior legal assistant resume, consider numbers. “Facilitated case flow” isn’t nearly as impactful as “scheduling meetings for 28+ partners, attorneys, and paralegals.” That’s how you get the jury’s—ahem, the hiring manager’s—attention.
• Every applicant can shout they are proficient with industry-specific skills ( think client communication and research), but how about “drafted 11+ types of legal documents and client communication forms?” Simply put, show you’re the magician who makes the magic happen.

Legal Administrative Assistant Resume

• Set the scene with a strong action verb leading each bullet point, perhaps giving a glimpse of your proactiveness and coordination prowess “Trained,” “Managed,” and “Researched” are excellent choices here.
• Your resume will benefit from real accomplishments but these are best quantified for dramatic effect—something like “reducing instances of incorrect data in legal drafts by 36%” and “making the preparation of such cases 41% more efficient.”
• Go beyond listing tools and skills you are proficient in, showing their application in different settings. Notice how Rachel highlights scheduling appointments with Calendly and organizing legal documents with iManage Work.
• Fancy entering mediation without knowing the other side’s case? Certainly not! Similarly, don’t submit your resume unless it’s customized to the role. A phrase like “allowing higher-ups to make data-driven decisions for more profits” signals that you not only paid attention but also you’re the puzzle piece the prospective employer has just found.

Real Estate Legal Assistant Resume

• Using strong action verbs like “Researched,” “Optimized,” and “Overhauled” is practically walking the hiring manager through your day-to-day awesomeness, elevating your appeal.
• Tailor-make your piece to fit the job you’re after. Drawing inspiration from Klarissa’s resume, phrases like “online portal system for clients and attorneys,” “dedication that improved firm functioning,” and “detailed database and record system” are perfect examples of mirroring what the potential employer is hunting for.
• Shedding light on your competencies (cue legal documents, e-filling, and Microsoft Excel) is recommended but don’t just spotlight them in a section labeled “SKILLS”. By showing off how you applied the tools and skills in real-life scenarios, you elevate your work history from a list of roles to a compelling story of growth and impact.
• A resume without tangible outcomes is as uninviting as an open house with no curb appeal. You want recruiters lining up, right? So, flex quantified accomplishments like “reducing 85% of scheduling and communication efficiencies” and “resulting in 4 Employee of the Month awards.”

Personal Injury Legal Assistant Resume

• Backing up your wins with numbers won’t just add value to your resume; it’s an indispensable testimony. Phrases like “investigating 8+ avenues” and “receiving 98% positive reviews for responsiveness” convincingly reflect on your potential success on the firm you’re targeting
• A resume that mirrors the job ad is like a closing argument that seals the deal. Spotlighting your knack for “providing insight into complicated patient records and injury distinction” showcases a customized fit that’s hard for hiring managers to pass up
• Flaunting proficiency in software and skills specific to a personal injury legal assistant role isn’t just impressive; it’s critical. Take a leaf from Dahlia’s piece where she showcases her mastery in medical research, scheduling, and organizing within her work history.
• Remember, action verbs right on the onset of each bullet point (cue “Investigated,” “Fostered,” and “Collaborated”) are your sidekicks in resume writing. Use them to illuminate your indispensable role in a legal team’s success.

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Legal Assistant Resume Examples—Job Description & Skills

You make the lawyers in the expensive suits look superhuman while you research, write, and schedule like a champion. Prove it to partners with your legal assistant resume.

You’ve stumbled on the perfect legal assistant resume sample. But they won’t hire the best legal assistant for the job.

They’ll hire whoever has the best resume.

Not a resume writing expert? Don’t worry. We are. And we’ll guide you through the steps to knock those partners on their Gucci mohair pants.

In this guide:

• A legal assistant resume sample better than most.
• How to write a legal assistant resume that proves your case.
• Examples of a resume for a legal assistant with no experience.
• How to fine-tune your legal assistant job description to the opening.
• Why you can’t just list legal assistant skills (and what to do instead).

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

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Do you really need a legal assistant resume or something else? See our guides:

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Attorney Resume
• Correctional Officer Resume
• Entry-Level Administrative Assistant Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Grant Writer Resume
• Law School Resume
• Law Student Resume
• Law Clerk Resume
• Legal Resume
• Medical Assistant Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Office Clerk Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Virtual Assistant Resume

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our  Resume Examples for Over 200 Jobs.

Legal Assistant Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

Nola Breguet

Legal Assistant 

Personal Info

Phone: 651-403-4329

Email: [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/nolabreguet

twitter.com/nolabreguet

Efficient legal assistant with 3+ years of experience saving time for partners. Seeking to provide fast, excellent support at Dobbins & Eisengart. Wrote 150+ legal documents at Walsh, Harrison & Montana with no errors. Saved 5+ hours a week with new file system.

Certifications

2019 — Certified Paralegal, NALA

2018 — Certified Notary

Legal Assistant

Walsh, Harrison & Montana, Minneapolis, MN

2016–2019

• Answered 50+ calls per week on attorney direct lines. Answered customer inquiries and solved minor problems, saving attorney time.
• Maintained office records. Implemented new storage system that saved 5+ clerical hours per week for the firm.
• Prepared billing statements for attorneys, ensuring 7% more billable hours than predecessor. Facilitated a 10% revenue increase.
• Managed documents for 500+ clients with Clio and MS Excel.

Key Achievement

• Wrote and proofread 150+ legal documents with zero errors.

Front Desk Clerk 

2014–2016

• Answered 20+ partner phone calls per day.
• Proofread 30+ legal documents per week with 99% accuracy.
• Performed 20 trademark searches.
• Scheduled 1,500+ client meetings and appointments.

Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Kent State University, OH

2012–2014

• Pursued a passion for legal document writing.
• Commended by professor for legal research skills.

BA in Liberal Arts

Carleton College, MN

2008–2012

• Excelled in writing and research.
• Conducted senior project in legal research.

Skills: 

• Legal research
• Legal document writing
• I nterpersonal skills
• Detail oriented
• Time management
• Communication

Additional Activities

• Active member, NALA.
• Walk shelter dogs 2x per month at Hubbard County Animal Shelter.

Legal Assistants are responsible for aiding lawyers with a variety of tasks. These can include taking notes during meetings, scheduling travels and appointments, and answering phone calls and emails. They also often help with creating legal documentation and conducting legal research.

Here’s how to write a legal assistant resume that works:

1. Start With the Best Legal Assistant Resume Format

The format of your resume is sloppy. Now the partners think you’re lazy. At this moment, they’re picturing you dropping horseradish on a case file.

Let’s file an injunction against that. To write a professional legal assistant resume use these tips:

Legal Assistant Resume Format

• Create a 1-page resume .
• Choose a resume font like 11–14pt Arial or Tahoma.
• Leave white space in between so they don’t give up reading.
• Set 1-inch resume margins .
• Write resume sections for Heading, Summary, Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Add jobs in reverse-chronological resume layout.
• For easy reading on all platforms, send a PDF resume .

Expert Hint: Glassdoor data shows legal assistants make from $42,000 to $79,000 per year. That’s a massive spread. To find your way to the upper end of the range, target your resume for legal assistant jobs like Jack McCoy. I’ll show how next.

2. Make a Legal Assistant Resume Objective or Summary

Most hiring managers and partners spend 6 seconds reading each resume. But what if you could make them spend ten times that on yours?

You just need a powerful career objective statement or career summary statement .

• An adjective (efficient, enthusiastic)
• “Legal assistant ” (or title from the job ad)
• Years of experience (1+, 8+)
• How & who you’ll help (provide fast, excellent support at Dobbins & Eisengart)
• Best resume accomplishments   (Wrote 150+ legal documents...)

See these legal assistant resume examples:

Legal Assistant Resume Summary—Example

The second of those legal assistant resume samples promises writing and filing. But the first adds 150+ documents and 5+ hours saved per week.

Saying you’re skilled is nice. Giving proof is hirable .

“But I’m just getting started in the legal assistant field!”

You can still have a great resume. See these entry-level resume samples for legal assistant jobs:

Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Objective

Brief recess.

The second of those entry-level legal assistant resume examples with no experience makes empty promises.

Wouldn’t you rather hire the first? You can believe she’ll do the job. But here’s the kicker—

It’s the same applicant. She just used more details in exhibit A.

3. Target Your Legal Assistant Job Description and Skills Section to the Job

What legal assistant skills do you need in a resume? See this list of  skills to put on a resume :

Legal Assistant Resume Skills

Don’t pin them all on a resume for legal assistant jobs. That’s shifty.

Instead, write the job description  and  tailor your resume with resume keywords from the online job posting.

These legal assistant resume samples show how:

Say the job ad wants skills in answering calls , maintaining office records , billing , and proofreading .

Legal Assistant Job Description for a Resume [Sample]

• Maintained office records . Implemented new storage system that saved 5+ clerical hours per week for the firm.
• Solved minor customer problems and complaints, escalating larger issues to partners and associates.
• Managed client documents and account information.
• Performed daily legal research for partners.
• Assisted with trademark searches and title searches.

I rest my case.

The first of those legal assistant resume examples has evidence of billing, proofreading, and other desired skills. It’s also got 5+, 10%, and 150+ for scale.

What if your legal assistant experience is preliminary? A resume with no experience can use law office achievements from other jobs.

See these junior legal assistant resume examples with no experience:

This job wants answering phones , scheduling , and research .

Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Job Description [Sample]

Front Desk Clerk

• Answered 20+ phone calls per day.
• Proofread 30+ documents per week with 99% accuracy.
• Commended 3x by supervisor for research skills.
• Greeted walk-in clients as they entered the premises.
• Proofread documents per week with high accuracy levels.
• Commended by supervisor for communication skills.
• Facilitated regular client meetings and appointments.

Always add numbers when you can to measure your success.

The second of those entry-level legal assistant resume samples misses out on numbers and resume keywords.

Expert Hint: NALA research shows most legal assistants and paralegals work in litigation or family law practices. If you’ve got experience in those areas, show it on your resume for legal assistant jobs. That’s especially powerful if you’re applying to a litigation or family law firm!

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 resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

4. Write a Skills-Packed Education Section

Can your resume education section get you hired?

Yes! But not the way you think.

You don’t need a Harvard Law School degree to be a great legal assistant.

You just need to show you built law skills in school.

Follow this legal assistant resume sample:

Legal Assistant Resume Example—Education

• Conducted senior project in legal research..

5. Add “Special” Sections to Your Legal Assistant Resume

Who will the partners hire? A legal assistant who punched a clock? Or someone passionate?

If you show legal achievements outside work, they’ll know you love your career.

You can add:

• Certifications ( CP , PC , etc.)
• Volunteering
• Freelancing
• Professional associations ( NALA , NALS )
• Employee awards
• Publications
• Foreign languages
• Additional activities
• Conferences

Legal Assistant Resume—Other Sections

• Mentor 4 other paralegal assistants in best practices.

Only the first of those legal assistant resume samples makes you more hirable. 

Expert Hint: Learn how to write a cover letter for a job as a legal assistant. Focus on the firm’s needs so they know you understand them. Then show you’ve handled similar legal assistant duties before.

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

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

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 .

Haven't written your cover letter yet? See these related guides:

• Legal Assistant Cover Letter
• Legal Cover Letter
• Paralegal Cover Letter

Here’s how to write a legal assistant resume:

• Start with a professional legal assistant resume template . Fill it with your best legal assistant high points.
• Include legal assistant skills like research and writing. Use numbers to show the impact of your skills.
• Write a legal assistant resume objective that gives your best attributes in brief.
• Show you can handle any task with a well-crafted legal assistant job description for resume.
• Add “special” resume sections like a NALS membership or CP certification as proof you live and breathe your legal work.

Got questions on how to write good resumes for legal assistant jobs? Not sure how to put legal assistant on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!  

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

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. Tom holds a degree in English from Colby College.

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Legal Assistant Resume: Example and Tips

• 30% higher chance of getting a job
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Legal assistant work includes management of a law firm’s day-to-day activities. This mid-level job requires a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills, plus an understanding of the law and legal processes.

Use our writing tips and resume examples  construct your own professional legal assistant resume, and showcase your skills in an organized manner.

Get inspiration from  800+ resume samples  and explore our  40+ resume templates  to find the best one for you.

More Resume examples for the next step in your law career

• Legal Receptionist Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Legal Secretary Resume
• Document Review Attorney Resume
• Banking Attorney Resume
• Legal Intern Resume
• Chief Legal Officer Resume
• Lawyer Resume

Legal assistant example (text version)

Name : RITA SULLIVAN

Address : City, State, Zip Code Phone : 000-000-0000 E-Mail : [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Diligent, recently relocated legal assistant seeking new position. Looking to apply communication, comprehension and scheduling skills at larger firm. Ready to take on a role that will greatly expand knowledge of law and personal skill set.

WORK HISTORY

• Manage schedules, take calls for office’s senior leadership.
• Improve average phone and email response time by 90 minutes over previous assistant. Draw up contracts and other paperwork.
• Assisted litigation attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal.
• Promptly answered multi-line phone system and greeted callers enthusiastically.
• Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly and confirmed identification.
• Received packages and mail at front desk and dispersed to correct employees.
• Took calls, answered emails, directed office visitors to appointments.
• Managed and cleaned front desk area; decorated according to holidays or seasonal themes.
• Served as primary liaison with building management and office refreshment vendors.
• Fluent in legal terminology
• Advanced word processing
• Exceptional telephone etiquette
• Document filing
• Litigation support
• Billing Statements

See why My Perfect Resume is a 5-star resume builder

Pair your resume with a matching cover letter, legal assistant resume faq, 1. what are the skills you should emphasize for the legal assistant position.

• Communication skills
• Software skills (e.g., spreadsheets, billing software and online calendar programs)
• Research skills
• Writing skills
• Trial and discovery preparation
• Multitasking ability
• Reliability
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Confidentiality
• Organization skills

2. What are some examples of training and certifications that fit this position?

Here’s some examples of training and certifications that can add weight to your resume:

• Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• Any bachelor’s degree and one year of experience as a legal assistant
• Registered Paralegal (RP) certification for qualifying legal assistants, National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
• NALS (the Association for Legal Professionals)

3. How should you format your resume?

If the legal assistant position you’re applying to requires a few years of experience, use a combination resume format , which gives equal weight to your skills as well as relevant experiences from previous jobs (for example, administrative work from a previous role that shows you can handle similar office tasks). For legal assistant roles that don’t require much experience, use the functional format , which allows you to provide an expanded listing of all your relevant skills, organized in subcategories (e.g., “Soft Skills,” “Office Skills”).

To learn more about formatting your resume, visit our resume format page.

4. How should you craft your resume if you’re looking to take the next step forward in your career?

To move up to a more senior position such as paralegal or office manager, look to:

• Gain more experiences in office administration or management, including leading and mentoring more junior members of the team.
• Expand your knowledge of software needed for the job, such as specific invoice or scheduling systems.
• Acquire a certification in office management or administration.

Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume

• DO create the right “elevator pitch” for your summary. To stand out in the crowd, use the concept of an “ elevator pitch ,” creating a compelling first impression within a few clear, concise sentences. Communicate your strengths and career accomplishments thus far. For example: “Efficient administrative assistant looking to pivot to position as legal assistant. Experienced in research and scheduling skills, and armed with excellent communication skills.”
• DO customize your resume for different job applications. Every job opportunity has different requirements. Instead of submitting the same resume for every job, customize your resume for each job, gearing your skills and work experiences to match each job description. For example, if the job requires heavy usage of word processing skills or spreadsheets, mention your skills and/or previous work experiences that show your proficiency.
• DO check your resume for typos and mistakes.  Legal work requires a good eye for detail and a dedication to accuracy — silly mistakes present the opposite impression. Make sure you double-check your resume before you send it in, and make sure any misspellings or grammar errors are cleaned up.
• DON’T add false information to your resume. Honesty is always the best policy — make sure your information is 100% accurate. The presence of false information in your document can lead to serious consequences if you’re found out.
• DON’T make your resume too long. It takes only 7.4 seconds for recruiters to scan a resume, on average. Don’t hang yourself up with an overlong resume, and risk losing the employer’s attention. Look to keep your resume to around one page, and focus on only the specific abilities and work accomplishments that speak to what the job requires. Use short, concise sentences and bullet points.
• DON’T forget to focus on keywords. Employers often use applicant tracking systems ( ATS ) to scan resumes and make sure they have the right content pertaining to the specific job. To get a passing grade from an ATS, look over the job description and pick out phrases that define what the job requires, such as “trial and discovery preparation” or “proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.” When filling out your resume, make sure these keywords are addressed. For example, you could list “Certified in Microsoft Office” in your skills section, or note an experience in your work history section that involves trial and discovery preparation.

Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Legal Assistant Resume

Your summary should bring attention to must-have skills such as litigation support, billing statements and fluency in legal terminology. In 2-3 statements, give readers a snapshot of these skills and your career thus far. For example: “Diligent legal assistant with 3 years’ experience in litigation support. Proficient with legal terminology and managing billing and invoicing.”

To stand out, scan the description of the job you’re interested in, and take note of key phrases that match your abilities. Incorporate any skills that match your own in this section, such as proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel. Be sure to include soft skills that show how you approach your work, such as excellent oral and written communication, and the ability to prioritize tasks.

Work history

In your resume, put the spotlight on skills that are most relevant for the job. For example, if the potential job calls for research and case support, feature a work history example such as “Assisted litigation attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal.”

In addition to your highest education achievement (e.g., college degree), include any training or certifications you’ve undertaken that apply to legal assistant work, such as a paralegal studies certificate, or certifications in office software or management.

Cover letter examples for the next step in your law career

• Attorney Cover Letter
• Legal Assistant Cover Letter
• Legal Receptionist Cover Letter
• Legal Secretary Cover Letter
• Paralegal Cover Letter

CV examples for the next step in your law career

• Litigation Attorney CV
• Corporate Lawyer CV
• Paralegal CV

Rate this article

Legal Assistant Resume Example

4.5/5 stars with 174 reviews

Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

Legal Assistant Resume Examples

Land your desired job with help from our Legal Assistant resume examples! We’ve got high-quality samples, plus tips for organizing and writing each resume section.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Legal Assistant Resume Summary Examples
• Legal Assistant Resume Work Experience Examples
• Legal Assistant Resume Skills Examples
• Examples of Additional Resume Sections
• Examples of Resume Formats
• Don’t Forget Your Legal Assistant Cover Letter
• Similar Resume Examples

Legal Assistant resume summary examples

To make your resume pass the seven seconds recruiters spend eyeing a resume , write an impactful resume opener.

The resume summary consists of a two to three-sentence paragraph introducing yourself to potential employers by featuring your top skills and professional abilities.

Think of it like a business pitch. Your knowledge and experiences are the product you have to sell to the investor, in this case, the employer.

If you have plenty of work experience in your desired field, choose the professional summary approach.

If this is your first time applying for a Legal Assistant position, use the objective statement , which allows you to share your skills as they relate to your career goals.

You can compare these two approaches in the examples below to determine which is better for your situation.

Good example:

“ I am a motivated and experienced Legal Assistant with 8+ years of experience providing administrative support to attorneys and legal departments. I am highly skilled in legal research, document drafting, and client management, and have a proven track record of streamlining processes to increase efficiency and productivity. I am adept at utilizing technology to improve workflows and create a positive work environment.”

Why this example passes:

• Feature candidate’s success statistic to grab attention. Numbers add detail about how big the results you deliver are, e.g., test scores, passing rate and more.
• Shows career length, 11 years.
• Mentions employer-desired skills: student motivation and interactive lessons.

Bad example:

“ Experienced Legal Assistant with knowledge of the legal system. Able to provide support to attorneys and handle administrative tasks. Passionate about helping clients navigate the legal process.”

Why this example fails:

• Doesn’t include any numbers that quantify legal assistant’s performance
• Uses vague descriptions and skills.
• Doesn’t include years of teaching experience.

The fastest way to write your professional summary

The last thing you want is to miss out on a job because you didn’t apply in time. That’s why you should check out our Resume Builder .

It’s automated and offers pre-written content to help you write an excellent professional summary. You can complete your entire resume in 15 minutes!

Enter the details about the job title you held. The builder comes preloaded with auto-suggested phrasing written by resume experts.

Then, just pick from these suggested phrases that best frame your experience and customize them to your liking!

All you have to do is choose the summary phrases that best frame your experience. It’s like having a professional do it for you!

Our Builder is the quickest and easiest tool for writing a stellar Legal Assistant resume. However, you can also dive deeper with our professional resume-writing services . Take advantage of all the tools LiveCareer offers and start landing interviews!

The reviews are in!

See what they’re saying about us on trustpilot., legal assistant resume work experience examples.

One of the most fundamental sections of your resume is the work experience . Including skills and accomplishments in your work experience section relevant to your Legal Assistant role is critical to writing a good resume . Compare these work experience examples to understand what information to include to make a job-winning resume.

Rolling Meadows Middle School I Rolling Meadows, IL I 8/2018-current

• Assisted in the preparation of legal documents, such as contracts, pleadings, and motions
• Researched legal precedent and wrote memoranda of law for review by attorneys
• Prepared and organized exhibits, affidavits, and other documents for use in legal proceedings
• Coordinated with court personnel to ensure timely filing of documents and other deadlines.
• Numbers and statistics add detail and quantify the results this legal assistant delivers: 4% improvement and a class size of 20-25.
• Good use of strong words and active language.
• References specialized value cahier provides with “individualized lesson plans.”

Emily Dickinson Elementary I Redmond, WA I 4/2022-present

• Answered phones and emails
• Prepared legal documents
• Assisted attorneys with research
• Filed paperwork in the office
• Lacks numbers or statistics.
• Describes general tasks, not teaching achievements or career highlights.
• Uses active verbs, but doesn’t focus on results.

Legal Assistant resume skills examples

Here are 18 sample skills for legal assistant:

• Quality Control
• Client Relations
• Project Management
• Administrative Support
• Database Management
• Logistics Management
• Travel Coordination
• Office Management
• Document Control
• Case Management
• Legal Compliance
• Conflict Mediation
• Risk Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Document Preparation
• Data Management
• Relationship Building
• Payroll Processing

You should sprinkle skills and abilities throughout your resume. Include them in your professional summary, work experience blurbs and a dedicated skills section .

Examples of additional resume sections

Every Legal Assistant resume should have at least five sections: contact information, professional summary, work experience, skills and education . It can also be helpful to add extra sections if they show you’re a fit for the job.

Here are some examples of optional legal assistant resume sections that you could add to provide greater detail:

• Additional skills
• Soft skills
• Professional skills
• Certifications

Including additional sections that help you convince employers you’re the best fit for the position. However, be selective about what qualifications you include, and eliminate any that don’t respond to the job’s specific requirements.

Examples of resume formats

Combination, chronological.

The main difference among them is whether or not they give more visual weight to your work history or to your skills section. The format you should select for your resume is based on your years of work experience as a legal assistant.

How to choose a resume format

0-3 Years of experience

Functional formats

• Focus on skills.
• Best for first-time legal assistant who lack work experience.
• Good for people re-entering workforce.
• May omit dates in the work history section.

Organization:

• Skills listed above work experience.

3-10 Years of experience

Combination formats

• Balance skills and work history.
• Ideal for mid-career legal assistant.
• Suitable for career changers and people seeking promotion.
• Skills next to or above work experience.

10+ Years of experience

Chronological formats

• Put the most focus on work history.
• Best for legal assistant with a long, steady career.
• Most popular format.
• Preferred by recruiters.
• Work experience listed above skills.

Don’t forget your legal assistant cover letter

A cover letter works hand-in-hand with your resume to make a stronger case for why you deserve the job.

Good communication skills are necessary for anyone applying to an Legal Assistant role. That’s why you’ve got to ensure your cover letter is strong!

Your cover letter should explain how you heard about the role and why it appeals to you. It should do more than repeat the details of your resume; it should bring them to life with a story.

If you want help in that challenge, check out our Cover Letter Builder ! It’s a fully automated tool that will walk you through the writing process step-by-step and even suggest text you can use!

Otherwise, use our cover letter examples if you’re still brainstorming what to write. They can inspire you!

For design help, check out our cover letter templates library. We’ve got 15+ preformatted cover letter designs you can use for your document!

To create a great document from scratch, we also feature a complete guide on How to Write a Cover Letter .

Similar resume examples

Want to see more resume examples for jobs related to legal assistant?

Adjudicator

Advocacy Coordinator

Court Clerk

Criminal Lawyer

Legal Officer

Legal Receptionist

More Legal Assistant resume examples

• Advocacy Worker
• Banking Lawyer
• Civil Lawyer
• Corporate Lawyer
• Deputy Clerk
• Immigration Lawyer
• Legal Word Processor
• Title Examiner

Creating a Resume increases your chances of getting a job by 100%.

As seen in *

*The names and logos of the companies referred to in this page are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with LiveCareer.

• Legal assistant objectives and summaries

Legal assistant Objectives and summaries

17 Legal assistant objectives and summaries found

A well-written objective or summary on your resume can be the difference between getting rejected, or getting invited for an interview. Copy any of these Legal assistant objective or summary examples, and use it as inspiration for your own resume. All examples are written by certified resume experts, and free for personal use.

Learn more about: objective vs. summary

Legal assistant

Summary examples.

Dedicated legal assistant who learns quickly and brings a positive attitude to the job. Highly skilled at communicating with clients on the phone and in person, with a priority on delivering exceptional customer service in every interaction. Comfortable learning and using new technology that simplifies and improves business operations. Previously worked in other professional services settings and eager to build a long-term career with a law firm.

Dependable legal administrative assistant who has supported attorneys in diverse practice areas for over 10 years. Highly skilled at drafting documents and correspondence, managing attorney calendars and timesheets, and organizing thousands of legal files. Thrives in a challenging environment that requires creative problem solving. Noted for professionalism, confidentiality, time management, and workload prioritization.

Accommodating and detail-oriented newly certified legal professional who provides insightful legal advice and can memorize complex documents. Well-read in tort law, criminal law, and copyright law. Works well in teams and is supportive of coworkers in stressful and trying situations.

Objective examples

Courteous and diligent legal professional is in search of a career opportunity to assist legal staff with duties that include research, drafting, writing, and proofreading legal documents.

Detail-oriented, organized, and goal-oriented professional with expertise in handling Business Immigration petitions. Builds positive relationships with clients while performing legal research, e-filling, tracking, drafting, and submitting legal documents promptly. I have a typing speed of 70 wpm seeking a full-time position as a Legal Assistant at a law firm.

Compassionate and compliant legal assistant certified as a professional legal secretary (PLS) is seeking a respectable position in a medium sized law firm for handling clerical duties.

Legal secretary

Highly organized and detail-oriented legal secretary with three years of experience in corporate law, legal research, secretarial administration, and litigation. Adept at providing superior administration services to attorneys to manage huge caseloads. Thrive strength includes data management, proofreading, typing, transcription, and schedule management of various legal documents, including complaints, petitions, and commercial affidavits.

Well-qualified legal assistant with seven years of diverse experience proofreading, creating transcription, accounts management, and resolving legal discrepancies. Proven record of completing the assigned tasks independently and managing a high workload. Strong secretarial skills, including calendar scheduling, customer support, record keeping, and updating. Adept at using Prolaw scheduling software for errorless scheduling, MS Outlook for smooth communication, and MS PowerPoint for documenting legal seminars.

Certified legal secretary with extensive secretarial and paralegal assistance experience. Proficient in providing trial documents, drafting litigation matters, and conducting seminars using PowerPoint and Visio presentations effectively. Adept in creating various pleadings through the E-filing system for discrepancy handling, highly organized in taking dictation through Pitman Shorthand, and proficient in using Dictaphone for multiple transcription services.

A skillful and dedicated legal assistant with seven years of secretarial experience in both small and large legal firms. Seeking an administrative position to assist legal personnel in performing various legal documentation tasks effectively.

A professional paralegal with seven years of litigation experience in various law firms is looking for a new opportunity. Eager to utilize expertise in trial documentation, legal administrative support, schedule management, and discrepancy handling for mutual growth.

Vigilant and resourceful law clerk with expertise in complying with legal documentation, compliance and court findings, and legal record keeping. Highly skilled professional with an in-depth command of legal, administrative, and clerical procedures. Dedicated to handling a high workload, adaptable, and willing to assist attorneys and lawyers in compiling documents. Adept at MS Office Suite to share documents internally and proficiently using eLaw, Westlaw, and other legal research software to give accurate results.

Organized legal professional with 5 years of experience in delivering clerical services to family law cases while supporting Attorneys in preparing for mediations, depositions, hearings, and trials. Provides accurate statement and depiction of facts, case law, and precedent by analyzing legal documents and briefs. Meticulous Law Clerk seeking a full-time position at DDD law firm.

A dedicated and attentive legal administrator with six years of experience in legal record keeping while ensuring smooth internal operations related to law and compliance. Seeking a challenging position to utilize my skills in pleadings, trial record management, and legal research to the maximum level.

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Choosing a correct resume format and template

Resume template

Download our American style resume template. Chronological resume format. Download a functional resume template .

Learn more about the differences between a resume and a CV .

CV template

Download our British/European style cv template. Similar to a resume but more commonly used in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Download cv-template.docx 29.34 KB

4 Legal Assistant Resume Examples for Your 2024 Job Search

Legal assistants are experts in the law and have a keen eye for detail. As a legal assistant, your resume should have a lot in common with a legal document. It should be accurate, concise, and tailored to the needs of the employer. In this guide, we'll review X legal assistant resume examples to help you create a winning resume.

Resume Examples

Resume guidance.

• High Level Resume Tips
• Must-Have Information
• Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important
• Writing an Exceptional Resume Summary
• How to Impress with Your Work Experience
• Top Skills & Keywords
• Go Above & Beyond with a Cover Letter
• Resume FAQs
• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Legal Assistant Resumes:

• Drafting and reviewing legal documents, such as contracts, pleadings, and motions
• Preparing and filing legal documents with courts, agencies, and other entities
• Researching legal issues and preparing memoranda on findings
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings
• Maintaining and organizing legal files
• Scheduling appointments, depositions, and other meetings
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for depositions and other proceedings
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for client meetings
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for court appearances
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for settlement negotiations
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for trial
• Assisting attorneys in preparing closing arguments

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

Legal Assistant Resume Example:

• Managed and organized a high-volume caseload of 50+ cases, resulting in a 20% increase in successful case resolutions and a 15% decrease in case processing time.
• Collaborated with attorneys to draft and review legal documents, including contracts and pleadings, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and an increase in client satisfaction scores by 10%.
• Conducted legal research and prepared memoranda on findings, leading to successful outcomes in 80% of cases and recognition from senior attorneys for exceptional research skills.
• Provided administrative support to attorneys in preparing for hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings, resulting in a 30% increase in successful case outcomes and a 20% increase in client retention rates.
• Managed and maintained legal files, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all documents and reducing file retrieval time by 40%.
• Scheduled appointments, depositions, and other meetings, optimizing attorney schedules and increasing productivity by 25%.
• Assisted attorneys in preparing for depositions and other proceedings, resulting in a 35% increase in successful depositions and a 15% increase in client satisfaction scores.
• Managed and organized trial preparation materials, including exhibits and witness lists, leading to a 25% increase in successful trial outcomes.
• Assisted attorneys in preparing for settlement negotiations, resulting in a 20% increase in successful settlements and recognition from senior attorneys for exceptional negotiation skills.
• Case management
• Legal document drafting and review
• Legal research
• Memorandum preparation
• Administrative support
• Legal file maintenance
• Scheduling and calendar management
• Trial preparation
• Deposition assistance
• Settlement negotiation support
• Client communication
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Team collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Proficiency in legal software and technology
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong written and verbal communication

Personal Injury Legal Assistant Resume Example:

• Managed and organized a high-volume caseload of 50+ personal injury cases, resulting in a 20% increase in successful settlements and a 15% decrease in case resolution time.
• Collaborated with attorneys to draft and file pleadings, motions, and other legal documents, resulting in a 25% increase in case success rate and a 10% increase in client satisfaction.
• Conducted thorough legal research and analysis, resulting in the preparation of successful memoranda and briefs, and a 15% increase in case success rate.
• Developed and implemented a streamlined discovery process, resulting in a 30% reduction in discovery time and a 20% increase in successful case resolutions.
• Coordinated and scheduled depositions, hearings, and other court appearances, resulting in a 25% increase in on-time attendance and a 10% increase in overall case success rate.
• Assisted with trial preparation and document organization, resulting in a 15% increase in successful verdicts and a 10% decrease in trial preparation time.
• Maintained and organized client files and other legal documents, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency and a 10% increase in client satisfaction.
• Assisted with the preparation of settlement documents, resulting in a 25% increase in successful settlements and a 15% decrease in settlement time.
• Prepared deposition summaries and assisted with the preparation of interrogatories, resulting in a 20% increase in successful case resolutions and a 10% decrease in case resolution time.
• Legal research and analysis
• Drafting and filing legal documents
• Discovery process management
• Deposition coordination and scheduling
• Trial preparation and organization
• Client file maintenance and organization
• Settlement document preparation
• Deposition summary preparation
• Interrogatory assistance
• Strong communication skills
• Client relationship management
• Legal software proficiency (e.g., Clio, MyCase, LexisNexis)

Entry Level Legal Assistant Resume Example:

• Conducted thorough legal research and analysis for a high-profile case, resulting in the discovery of key evidence that led to a successful settlement for the client.
• Drafted and filed court documents in a timely and accurate manner, resulting in zero missed deadlines and a 100% success rate for court filings.
• Assisted attorneys in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits and evidence, resulting in a smooth trial process and positive feedback from clients.
• Maintained and organized legal files and databases for multiple cases, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency and accuracy of document retrieval.
• Assisted with client intake and billing, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction and timely payment of invoices.
• Scheduled and coordinated depositions and court appearances for multiple attorneys, resulting in a 95% success rate for attendance and preparation.
• Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts and pleadings, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and inaccuracies.
• Assisted with document production and discovery, resulting in a 40% increase in efficiency and accuracy of document retrieval.
• Answered phones and responded to emails in a timely and professional manner, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate from clients and colleagues.
• Drafting and filing court documents
• Legal file and database management
• Client intake and billing
• Scheduling and coordinating depositions and court appearances
• Document production and discovery
• Phone and email communication
• Time management and prioritization
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Adaptability and flexibility

Legal Intern Resume Example:

• Conducted extensive legal research and drafted a memorandum on a complex issue, which was used by the senior partner to successfully argue a case in court.
• Assisted with the preparation of a regulatory filing for a high-profile client, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Participated in negotiations for a major contract, providing valuable insights and contributing to the final agreement.
• Assisted with the due diligence process for a corporate transaction, identifying potential legal risks and providing recommendations to mitigate them.
• Drafted a legal opinion on a novel issue, which was used by the senior partner to advise a client on a critical matter.
• Conducted a thorough review and analysis of a complex contract, identifying key provisions and potential areas of concern.
• Assisted with the preparation of a legal brief for a high-stakes litigation, which resulted in a favorable outcome for the client.
• Conducted extensive research and drafted a memorandum on a cutting-edge legal issue, which was published in a leading legal journal.
• Assisted with the preparation of an intellectual property filing, ensuring that all necessary information was included and accurate.
• Legal writing
• Contract analysis
• Due diligence
• Regulatory compliance
• Negotiation
• Legal drafting
• Intellectual property law
• Risk assessment
• Critical thinking
• Communication

High Level Resume Tips for Legal Assistants:

Must-have information for a legal assistant resume:.

Here are the essential sections that should exist in an Legal Assistant resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies

Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other Legal Assistant candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:

• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for Legal Assistants:

Legal assistant resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• Experienced Legal Assistant with a proven track record of managing complex litigation cases and providing top-notch administrative support to senior attorneys
• Detail-oriented Legal Assistant with expertise in drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and maintaining case files in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Highly organized Legal Assistant with exceptional communication skills and a passion for delivering excellent client service, adept at managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment

Why these are strong: These resume headlines are impactful for Legal Assistants as they highlight key skills and experiences that are highly relevant to their roles. The first headline emphasizes the candidate's experience in managing complex litigation cases and providing administrative support to senior attorneys, which are crucial skills that hiring managers look for in Legal Assistants. The second headline showcases the candidate's expertise in drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and maintaining case files, which are all essential tasks that Legal Assistants are responsible for. Finally, the third headline emphasizes the candidate's organizational skills, communication skills, and commitment to delivering excellent client service, which are all highly valued by hiring managers in the legal industry.

Weak Headlines

• Legal Assistant with Strong Communication Skills
• Experienced Legal Assistant with Knowledge of Legal Procedures
• Detail-Oriented Legal Assistant with Strong Organizational Skills

Why these are weak:

• These resume headlines need improvement for Legal Assistants as they lack specificity and don't emphasize the unique value or accomplishments that the candidates bring to the table. The first headline mentions strong communication skills, but doesn't provide any context or examples of how those skills have been utilized in a legal setting. The second headline highlights experience and knowledge, but doesn't showcase any measurable achievements or certifications that could strengthen the candidate's profile. The third headline mentions strong organizational skills, but fails to provide any examples of how those skills have been utilized to improve legal processes or outcomes.

Writing an Exceptional Legal Assistant Resume Summary:

Resume summaries are crucial for Legal Assistants as they provide a concise yet impactful way to showcase their skills, experience, and unique value proposition. A well-crafted summary can immediately capture the attention of hiring managers, setting the tone for the rest of the resume and positioning the candidate as an ideal fit for the role.

For Legal Assistants specifically, an effective resume summary is one that highlights their ability to provide administrative support to lawyers, manage legal documents, and maintain a high level of organization and attention to detail.

Key points that Legal Assistants should convey in a resume summary include:

Relevant Experience: Clearly mention the number of years of experience you have as a Legal Assistant, highlighting any notable achievements or career highlights. If you have experience with different types of law or industries that are particularly relevant to the job, mention that too.

Technical and Domain Expertise: Showcase your knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, and software such as LexisNexis and Westlaw. Highlight any experience you have with legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files.

Organizational and Administrative Skills: In any legal assistant role, organizational and administrative skills are going to be core components. Emphasize your ability to manage calendars, schedule appointments, and maintain accurate records. Highlight your attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Legal Assistants work closely with lawyers, clients, and other stakeholders. Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with others and maintain a professional demeanor.

Problem-Solving Skills: Show that you can analyze legal documents, identify issues, and make informed decisions to support lawyers and clients. Highlight your ability to research legal issues and provide recommendations to lawyers.

To nail the resume summary, use your best judgment to choose the right combination of these that align closest with the individual role you’re applying for. Remember, your resume summary will be one of the first things that a potential employer will see about you and your legal assistant career.

Legal Assistant Resume Summary Examples:

Strong summaries.

• Detail-oriented Legal Assistant with 5 years of experience in a fast-paced law firm environment. Proficient in legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files. Skilled in communication and collaboration with clients, attorneys, and court personnel to ensure successful case outcomes.
• Experienced Legal Assistant with expertise in corporate law and contract management. Proven ability to support attorneys in all stages of the legal process, from discovery to trial. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, resulting in successful management of multiple cases simultaneously.
• Highly motivated Legal Assistant with a background in immigration law. Proficient in preparing and filing immigration petitions, applications, and supporting documents. Skilled in client communication and case management, resulting in a high success rate for visa approvals.

Why these are strong: These resume summaries are strong for Legal Assistants as they highlight the candidates' relevant experience, skills, and achievements in the legal field. The first summary emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively with clients and attorneys. The second summary showcases the candidate's expertise in corporate law and successful management of multiple cases. Lastly, the third summary demonstrates the candidate's specialized knowledge in immigration law and high success rate in visa approvals, making them a valuable asset to any immigration law firm.

Weak Summaries

• Legal Assistant with experience in providing administrative support to attorneys and managing legal documents, seeking a challenging role in a law firm or corporate legal department.
• Detail-oriented Legal Assistant with strong organizational skills and knowledge of legal terminology, seeking a position where I can utilize my skills to support legal teams and ensure efficient case management.
• Experienced Legal Assistant with a background in litigation and contract management, seeking a new opportunity to contribute to legal strategy and support attorneys in achieving successful outcomes for clients.

Why these are weak: These resume summaries need improvement for Legal Assistants as they lack specific examples of the candidate's accomplishments or skills that would make them stand out to potential employers. The first summary provides only a general overview of the candidate's experience without mentioning any specific legal tasks or projects they have worked on. The second summary mentions organizational skills and legal terminology but doesn't provide any examples of how the candidate has utilized these skills in their previous roles. The third summary mentions litigation and contract management but doesn't provide any details on the candidate's successes in these areas or how they have contributed to legal strategy. Adding specific examples of accomplishments or skills would make these summaries more compelling to hiring managers.

Resume Objective Examples for Legal Assistants:

Strong objectives.

• Detail-oriented and highly organized Legal Assistant with a passion for the law, seeking an entry-level position to utilize my strong research and writing skills to support attorneys in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Recent graduate with a degree in Paralegal Studies and experience in legal research and drafting legal documents, seeking a Legal Assistant position to apply my knowledge of legal procedures, case management, and client communication to support a team of attorneys.
• Goal-driven and proactive Legal Assistant with experience in document management and trial preparation, seeking a challenging position to leverage my skills in legal research, case analysis, and administrative support to contribute to the success of a reputable law firm.

Why these are strong: These resume objectives are strong for up and coming Legal Assistants because they showcase the candidates' relevant skills, education, and eagerness to learn and contribute to the success of a legal team. The first objective emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail and strong research and writing skills, which are essential for a Legal Assistant. The second objective showcases the candidate's educational background and experience in legal research and drafting legal documents, demonstrating a strong foundation for success in the role. Lastly, the third objective highlights the candidate's experience in document management and trial preparation, making them a promising fit for a Legal Assistant position where they can further develop their skills and support the firm's legal operations.

Weak Objectives

• Seeking a Legal Assistant position where I can utilize my skills and gain experience in the legal field.
• Entry-level Legal Assistant with a passion for law and a desire to learn and grow in a professional environment.
• Recent graduate with a degree in Legal Studies seeking a Legal Assistant role to gain practical experience in the legal industry.

Why these are weak: These resume objectives need improvement for up and coming Legal Assistants because they lack specificity and fail to highlight the candidate's unique skills and qualifications. The first objective is too generic and doesn't provide any information about the candidate's background or relevant experience. The second objective is slightly better, but still lacks specific details about the candidate's skills or interests in the legal field. The third objective mentions the candidate's degree, but doesn't elaborate on any relevant coursework or skills they possess that would make them a strong candidate for a Legal Assistant role. Overall, these objectives could benefit from more specific language and details about the candidate's qualifications and interests.

Generate Your Resume Summary with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the ai resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your legal assistant work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Highlight your experience with legal research and drafting legal documents, such as contracts, pleadings, and briefs.
• Showcase your ability to manage a high volume of cases and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of legal procedures and regulations, including court rules and filing requirements.
• Emphasize your experience with legal software and technology, such as case management systems and e-filing platforms.
• Describe how you have supported attorneys in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and managing deadlines.
• Highlight any experience with client communication and relationship management, including responding to inquiries and providing updates on case status.
• Mention any experience with billing and invoicing, including tracking time and expenses and generating invoices for clients.
• Lastly, ensure that your language is clear and concise, avoiding legal jargon that may not be familiar to non-legal professionals.

Example Work Experiences for Legal Assistants:

Strong experiences.

Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on complex legal issues, resulting in successful outcomes for clients in high-stakes litigation cases.

Managed a high-volume caseload, including drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery requests, and coordinating with clients and opposing counsel to ensure timely and effective case resolution.

Assisted attorneys in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, preparing witness outlines, and coordinating with expert witnesses.

Developed and implemented a comprehensive document management system, resulting in a 50% reduction in time spent on document retrieval and organization.

Coordinated and managed all aspects of client billing, including preparing invoices, tracking expenses, and resolving billing disputes, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate.

Assisted in the preparation and filing of corporate governance documents, including articles of incorporation and bylaws, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Why these are strong:

• These work experiences are strong because they demonstrate a range of skills and responsibilities that are essential for success as a Legal Assistant. The first set of experiences highlights the candidate's ability to conduct legal research, manage a caseload, and assist in trial preparation, all of which are critical tasks for a Legal Assistant. The second set of experiences showcases the candidate's organizational and administrative skills, including document management, billing, and corporate governance, which are also essential for success in this role. Overall, these experiences demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle a variety of tasks and responsibilities, and to deliver results that are valuable to clients and the legal team.

Weak Experiences

Assisted attorneys in drafting legal documents and correspondence.

Conducted legal research and analysis using various databases and resources.

Maintained and organized case files and documents.

Answered phones and directed calls to appropriate personnel.

Scheduled appointments and meetings for attorneys and clients.

Prepared and processed legal documents for filing with courts and government agencies.

• These work experiences are weak because they lack specificity and do not showcase the impact of the individual's work or the benefits brought to the company. They provide generic descriptions of tasks performed without highlighting any achievements or contributions to successful outcomes. To improve these bullet points, the candidate should focus on incorporating metrics to demonstrate their efficiency and effectiveness, using more powerful action verbs, and providing clear context that demonstrates their ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Top Skills & Keywords for Legal Assistant Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for legal assistants, hard skills.

• Legal Research and Analysis
• Drafting Legal Documents
• Case Management and Organization
• Contract Review and Analysis
• E-Discovery and Litigation Support
• Court Filing and Docketing
• Trial Preparation and Support
• Client Communication and Correspondence
• Document Management and Organization
• Billing and Timekeeping
• Knowledge of Legal Terminology and Procedures
• Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Organization and Time Management
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Empathy and Compassion
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Multitasking and Prioritization
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Confidentiality and Discretion
• Professionalism and Ethics
• Technology and Software Proficiency

Go Above & Beyond with a Legal Assistant Cover Letter

Legal assistant cover letter example: (based on resume).

As a Legal Assistant, you understand the importance of attention to detail and thoroughness in your work. These same qualities can be applied to your job application process, and submitting a cover letter along with your resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, an opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in a more personalized and detailed way.

Here are some compelling reasons for submitting a cover letter as a Legal Assistant:

• Personalize your application and showcase your genuine interest in the law firm or company
• Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the specific job requirements
• Communicate your understanding of the legal industry and how you plan to contribute to the firm or company
• Share success stories and achievements that couldn't be accommodated in your resume, such as specific cases you have worked on or legal research you have conducted
• Demonstrate your writing and communication skills, which are essential for Legal Assistants
• Differentiate yourself from other applicants who might have opted not to submit a cover letter, showing that you are willing to go the extra mile to stand out

In summary, a cover letter is a valuable tool for Legal Assistants to showcase their skills and experience, personalize their application, and differentiate themselves from other applicants. It doesn't have to be a difficult task, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.

Resume FAQs for Legal Assistants:

How long should i make my legal assistant resume.

A Legal Assistant resume should ideally be one to two pages in length. It is important to include all relevant information and experience, but also to keep the resume concise and easy to read. Legal Assistants should focus on highlighting their skills and accomplishments, rather than listing every task they have performed in their previous roles. It is also important to tailor the resume to the specific job and employer, highlighting relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Overall, a well-crafted and targeted Legal Assistant resume that is one to two pages in length is likely to be more effective in securing job interviews.

What is the best way to format a Legal Assistant resume?

The best way to format a Legal Assistant resume is to start with a clear and concise summary statement that highlights your relevant skills and experience. Use bullet points to list your job duties and accomplishments in each position you have held, and be sure to include any specialized training or certifications you have received. It is also important to include any relevant software or technology skills you possess, as well as any language fluency. Use a professional font and keep the formatting consistent throughout the document. Finally, proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors, and have someone else review your resume before submitting it to potential employers. As a Legal Assistant, it is important to showcase your attention to detail and organizational skills in your resume formatting.

Which Legal Assistant skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

When highlighting skills in a Legal Assistant resume, it is important to focus on those that are relevant to the legal industry. Some of the key skills that should be highlighted include: 1. Legal research and writing skills: Legal Assistants should have strong research and writing skills to assist attorneys in preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and drafting correspondence. 2. Organizational skills: Legal Assistants must be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. They should be able to prioritize tasks effectively and ensure that all necessary documents and information are readily available. 3. Communication skills: Legal Assistants should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. They should be able to communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, and other legal professionals. 4. Attention to detail: Legal Assistants must have a keen eye for detail and be able to identify errors or inconsistencies in legal documents. They should be able to proofread and edit documents to ensure accuracy. 5. Technical skills: Legal Assistants should be proficient in using legal software and technology, including document management systems, case management software, and e-filing systems. By

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a Legal Assistant?

If you have no experience as a Legal Assistant, you can still create a strong resume by highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Here are some tips: 1. Start with a strong objective statement: Your objective statement should clearly state your career goals and how you plan to contribute to the legal field. 2. Highlight your education: If you have a degree in a related field such as paralegal studies, criminal justice, or law, make sure to highlight it prominently on your resume. You can also mention any relevant coursework or certifications you have completed. 3. Emphasize your transferable skills: Even if you haven't worked as a Legal Assistant before, you may have transferable skills from other jobs or experiences. For example, if you have experience in customer service, you can highlight your communication and problem-solving skills. If you have experience in data entry, you can emphasize your attention to detail and accuracy. 4. Include relevant volunteer or internship experience: If you have volunteered or interned at

Compare Your Legal Assistant Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Legal Assistant job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for Legal Assistants:

Legal assistant resume example, entry level legal assistant resume example, legal intern resume example, personal injury legal assistant resume example, more resume guidance:.

• • Implemented a new document management system that improved document retrieval times by 30%.
• • Led a team of 4 paralegals, enhancing team productivity and reducing project turn-around time by 25%.
• • Coordinated and oversaw the preparation of 50+ legal briefs and case presentations on a monthly basis.
• • Managed complex research for multi-state regulatory compliance, ensuring 100% accuracy and adherence to legal standards.
• • Utilized expertise in real estate law to support the acquisition and development of over $100 million in property assets.
• • Streamlined contract review processes that cut down approval times by 20%, directly boosting operational efficiency.
• • Played a key role in a team that resolved 200+ cases per year, enhancing client satisfaction and retention.
• • Negotiated and drafted 150+ legal documents annually, maintaining precise attention to detail to avoid errors.
• • Organized legal department's internal training program, increasing department knowledge and skills.
• • Managed case files for complex litigation, resulting in successful outcomes for 80% of the cases handled.
• • Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to align legal and business strategies.
• • Assisted in the research and drafting of 25+ tenant-landlord dispute cases, surpassing departmental expectations.
• • Conducted legal research that was instrumental in winning a high-profile $2 million case.
• • Maintained a 95% accuracy level in document preparation and legal filing across various court systems.
• • Contributed to a 10% increase in department efficiency through meticulous record-keeping and organization.

5 Legal Assistant Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your legal assistant resume should prominently feature your certification or degree in paralegal studies. It's essential to establish educational credibility right from the start. Ensure that your resume highlights your experience with legal documentation and court procedures. Tailor this section to address the specific requirements listed in the job posting you are applying for.

All resume examples in this guide

Senior Legal Assistant

Entry-Level Legal Assistant

Real Estate Legal Assistant

Personal Injury Legal Assistant

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

As a legal assistant, articulating your diverse skills and experience in a concise yet comprehensive manner on your resume can be a daunting challenge. Our guide provides structured tips and examples to help you effectively showcase your qualifications, ensuring your resume stands out in a competitive legal field.

• Sample industry-leading professional resumes for inspiration and legal assistant resume-writing know-how.
• Focus recruiters' attention on what matters most - your unique experience, achievements, and skills.
• Write various resume sections to ensure you meet at least 95% of all job requirements.
• Balance your legal assistant technical expertise with personality to stand out amongst candidates.

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

• Trial Lawyer Resume Example
• Corporate Lawyer Resume Example
• M&A Lawyer Resume Example
• Counsel Resume Example
• Personal Injury Lawyer Resume Example
• Real Estate Lawyer Resume Example
• Attorney Resume Example
• Patent Lawyer Resume Example
• Immigration Lawyer Resume Example
• Criminal Lawyer Resume Example

Enhancing your legal assistant resume: format and layout tips

Four popular formatting rules (and an additional tip) are here to optimize your legal assistant resume:

• Listing experience in reverse chronological order - start with your most recent job experiences. This layout helps recruiters see your career progression and emphasizes your most relevant roles.
• Including contact details in the header - make sure your contact information is easily accessible at the top of your resume. In the header, you might also include a professional photo.
• Aligning your expertise with the job requirements - this involves adding essential sections such as experience, skills, and education that match the job you're applying for.
• Curating your expertise on a single page - if your experience spans over a decade, a two-page resume is also acceptable.

Bonus tip: Ensure your legal assistant resume is in PDF format when submitting. This format maintains the integrity of images, icons, and layout, making your resume easier to share.

Finally, concerning your resume format and the Applicant Tracker System (ATS):

• Use simple yet modern fonts like Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, etc.
• All serif and sans-serif fonts are friendly to ATS systems. Avoid script fonts that look like handwriting, however.
• Fonts such as Ariel and Times New Roman are suitable, though commonly used.
• Both single and double-column resumes can perform well with the ATS.

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If you happen to have some basic certificates, don't invest too much of your legal assistant resume real estate in them. Instead, list them within the skills section or as part of your relevant experience. This way you'd ensure you meet all job requirements while dedicating your certificates to only the most in-demand certification across the industry.

Don't forget to include these six sections on your legal assistant resume:

• Header and summary for your contact details and to highlight your alignment with the legal assistant job you're applying for
• Experience section to get into specific technologies you're apt at using and personal skills to deliver successful results
• Skills section to further highlight how your profile matches the job requirements
• Education section to provide your academic background
• Achievements to mention any career highlights that may be impressive, or that you might have missed so far in other resume sections

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Proficiency in legal software and case management systems such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or Clio.
• Experience with legal document drafting, filing, and organization, including pleadings, briefs, and discovery documents.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, court systems, and regulatory requirements relevant to the firm’s areas of practice.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to conduct thorough legal research and fact-checking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to liaise with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.

Guide to your most impressive legal assistant resume experience section

When it comes to your resume experience , stick to these simple, yet effective five steps:

• Show how your experience is relevant by including your responsibility, skill used, and outcome/-s;
• Use individual bullets to answer how your experience aligns with the job requirements;
• Think of a way to demonstrate the tangible results of your success with stats, numbers, and/or percentages ;
• Always tailor the experience section to the legal assistant role you're applying for - this may sometimes include taking out irrelevant experience items;
• Highlight your best (and most relevant) achievements towards the top of each experience bullet.

You're not alone if you're struggling with curating your experience section. That's why we've prepared some professional, real-life legal assistant resume samples to show how to best write your experience section (and more).

• Drafted and reviewed over 500 legal documents including contracts, agreements, and motions, leading to a 30% increase in firm efficiency.
• Managed communication with clients, scheduled over 1000 client meetings which enhanced client satisfaction by 25%.
• Organized case evidence and prepared litigation materials for approximately 80 trials, aiding in a 60% win rate for the firm.
• Coordinated with attorneys to prepare for over 150 depositions, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in documentation and scheduling.
• Implemented a new legal research software that reduced research time by 40%, improving overall productivity for the legal team.
• Assisted in the negotiation and settlement of 50+ cases by providing comprehensive legal support and research.
• Monitored and maintained a database of over 700 active cases, improving the tracking system's accuracy and accessibility for the legal team.
• Implemented cost-saving strategies that reduced office supply expenses by 15%, directly impacting the firm’s profit margins.
• Contributed to legal strategies in high-profile cases, which resulted in successful outcomes for 95% of the cases.
• Supervise a team of 5 legal assistants, increasing team productivity by implementing effective workflow processes.
• Develop expert knowledge in e-discovery platforms, leading the digital document management for complex litigation cases.
• Foster strong relationships with clients, earning commendations for exceptional client service reflected in 80% client retention rate.
• Managed the calendaring of court deadlines for over 200 individual cases, ensuring 100% compliance with all legal timelines.
• Developed a system for tracking billable hours that increased billing accuracy and reduced disputes with clients by 20%.
• Coordinated international legal communications for multi-jurisdictional cases, streamlining efficiencies and cutting response time by half.
• Managed the transition to a remote work setup for the legal assistant team during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining 100% operational continuity.
• Assisted with the preparation of briefs and legal arguments for over 40 appellate cases, contributing to a 70% success rate on appeals.
• Regularly conducted legal research that was instrumental in the development of case strategy for litigation in federal courts.
• Instrumental in the establishment of a new compliance protocol for regulatory affairs, reducing the risk of client non-compliance by 40%.
• Trained 10 new legal assistants over 5 years, creating a mentorship program that was later adopted firm-wide.
• Organized an average of 30 monthly client presentations, enhancing the firm's reputation for effective communication.
• Led the due diligence process for a $200 million M&A transaction, ensuring a seamless transition and integration of legal operations.
• Pioneered the use of litigation support tools which reduced document review time by 35%, directly benefiting case preparation.
• Facilitated a series of legal seminars that educated clients on intellectual property rights, enhancing the firm's subject matter authority.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Specify the number of attorneys supported on a daily basis, demonstrating capacity to manage multiple demands and provide efficient legal assistance.
• Include the amount of legal documents prepared each week, indicating proficiency in document management and attention to detail.
• State the percentage of accuracy achieved in document filing and case management, highlighting meticulousness and organizational skills.
• Quantify the reduction in document preparation time achieved through process improvements, showing an ability to increase efficiency.
• List the number of legal research memos completed, reflecting research skills and comprehensive understanding of legal issues.
• Mention the volume of correspondence managed, such as emails and letters, to emphasize communication skills and workload management.
• Provide the scale of litigation support provided, like managing evidence in a certain number of cases, to exhibit your involvement in significant legal procedures.
• Share the number of client intakes or interviews conducted, proving your ability to handle client relations and gather pertinent information.

Action verbs for your legal assistant resume

Four quick steps for candidates with no resume experience

Those with less or no relevant experience could also make a good impression on recruiters by:

• Taking the time to actually understand what matters most to the role and featuring this within key sections of their resume
• Investing resume space into defining what makes them a valuable candidate with transferrable skills and personality
• Using the resume objective to showcase their personal vision for growth within the company
• Heavily featuring their technical alignment with relevant certifications, education, and skills.

Remember that your resume is about aligning your profile to that of the ideal candidate.

The more prominently you can demonstrate how you answer job requirements, the more likely you'd be called in for an interview.

Recommended reads:

• How to List a Major & Minor on Your Resume (with Examples)
• Perfecting the Education Section on Your Resume

Mention specific courses or projects that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.

How to showcase hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Reading between the lines of your dream job, you find recruiters are looking for candidates who have specific software or hardware knowledge, and personal skills.

Any technology you're adept at shows your hard skills. This particular skill set answers initial job requirements, hinting at how much time your potential employers would have to invest in training you. Showcase you have the relevant technical background in your skills section , as well as your certificates ones.

Meanwhile, soft skills hint at how well you communicate, solve problems, and adapt to new environments . Basically, your interpersonal communication skills that show recruiters if 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.

It's also a good idea to add some of your hard and soft skills across different resume sections (e.g. summary/objective, experience, etc.) to match the job requirements and pass the initial screening process. Remember to always check your skill spelling and ensure that you've copy-pasted the name of the desired skills from the job advert as is.

Top skills for your legal assistant resume:

Legal research

Document drafting

Knowledge of legal terminology

Litigation support

Case management

Filing court documents

Regulatory compliance

Transcription

Proficiency in legal software

E-discovery

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Discretion and confidentiality

Time management

Professionalism

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Stress management

If you happen to have plenty of certificates, select the ones that are most applicable and sought-after across the industry. Organize them by relevance to the role you're applying for.

Showcase academic background with education and certifications' sections

Listing your education and certifications should be a rudimentary part of your resume writing.

Including your relevant academic background - in the form of your higher education degree and niche-specific certificates - will prove knowledge of the industry.

For your education section:

• Start by including your degree, followed by start and graduation dates, as well as the institution;
• You could include relevant coursework, major/minor , or GPA, only if your've just graduated from college or if this information would further support your application;
• If you have an "ongoing" degree, you can still list it in case you think your diploma can impress recruiters or it's required;

Follow a similar logic for your certifications section by listing the institution, alongside dates you've obtained the certificate. For some of the most recent and relevant industry certificates , check out the next part of our guide:

The top 5 certifications for your legal assistant resume:

• Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) - National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) - NALS...the association for legal professionals
• Professional Paralegal (PP) - NALS...the association for legal professionals
• Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) - National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• Registered Paralegal (RP) - National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.

• How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume
• How to List Continuing Education on Your Resume

Writing the legal assistant resume summary or objective: achievements, keywords, dreams, and more

Deciding on whether to include a resume summary or resume objective should entirely depend on your career situation.

If you have:

• Plenty of relevant achievements you'd like to bring recruiters' focus to, make use of the resume summary. Ensure each of your achievements is quantified with concrete proof (e.g. % of cases solved).
• Less applicable experience, utilize the resume objective. Within the objective include a few noteworthy, past successes, followed up by your professional dreams.

As a bonus, you could define in either your legal assistant resume summary or objective what makes you the perfect candidate for the role.

Think about your unique hard and soft skills that would make your expertise even more important to the job.

These legal assistant professionals have completely covered the formula for the ideal resume introduction:

Resume summaries for a legal assistant job

• Dedicated legal assistant with 7 years of experience delivering comprehensive support to legal teams, specializing in personal injury and family law. Key strengths include in-depth research abilities, management of complex legal documentations, and a track record of increasing firm efficiency by 30% through process improvements.
• Accomplished administrative professional transitioning into the legal field, bringing over 10 years of exemplary record-keeping, scheduling, and client relations skills. Eager to apply meticulous attention to detail and superior organizational acumen in a challenging legal support environment.
• Energetic marketing manager aspiring to leverage a decade of experience in strategic communication and stakeholder engagement to thrive in a legal assistant role. Expert in crafting persuasive narratives, with a keen interest in applying these skills to support legal proceedings and client advocacy.
• Results-oriented legal assistant equipped with 5 years of experience in intellectual property law, culminating in successfully managing the patent filing process for a major tech firm. Proficient in legal research, drafting, and case preparation, aiming to contribute to high-stakes litigation with a proactive and detailed approach.
• Keen to launch a career as a legal assistant, I bring a fresh perspective bolstered by a recent top-tier paralegal certification and a strong desire to support justice. Committed to applying my academic knowledge in real-world scenarios and to learning from seasoned legal professionals.
• Eager to embrace the challenges of a legal assistant, I am armed with a bachelor's degree in political science and a passion for law. Ready to invest my analytical, research, and communication skills in a supportive role while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a dynamic legal setting.

Extra legal assistant resume sections and elements

Creating a winning legal assistant resume isn't about following a rigid formula. The key is to tailor it to the job requirements while maintaining your unique personality.

Consider including these additional resume sections to enhance your profile:

• Awards - Highlight industry-specific awards as well as any personal accolades to demonstrate recognition of your expertise and achievements;
• Hobbies and interests - Share your interests outside of work. This can provide insights into your personality and indicate whether you'd be a good cultural fit for the organization;
• Projects - Detail significant projects you've been involved in, focusing on your contributions and the outcomes;
• Publications - If you've authored or co-authored academic papers or other publications, include them to establish your credibility and in-depth knowledge of the field.

These sections can give a more comprehensive view of your capabilities and character, complementing the standard resume content.

Key takeaways

• Invest in a concise legal assistant professional presentation with key resume sections (e.g. header, experience, summary) and a simple layout;
• Ensure that the details you decide to include in your resume are always relevant to the job, as you have limited space;
• Back up your achievements with the hard and soft skills they've helped you build;
• Your experience could help you either pinpoint your professional growth or focus on your niche expertise in the industry;
• Curate the most sought-after certifications across the industry for credibility and to prove your involvement in the field.

Looking to build your own Legal Assistant resume?

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Sample Legal Assistant Resume

Can your resume properly defend your skills and experience? To be considered for top legal assistant jobs, resume expert Kim Isaacs says you’ll need to compile a comprehensive legal assistant resume.

Where should you begin? After your contact information, include a legal assistant resume objective or career summary. This short paragraph summarizes what makes you a top-notch legal assistant—including your personal qualities, knowledge, and expertise. Under your career summary, list the most important legal assistant skills. Resume skills sections should mirror the skills requested in the job ad.

You’ll also need to add a professional experience section to your legal assistant resume. Bullet points are a clear, easy-to-read way to display your daily tasks and accomplishments for your prior roles.

For more advice, view this sample resume for a legal assistant that Isaacs created below.

Legal Assistant Resume

Mary Gaines Sometown, MI 55555 | (555) 555-5555 | [email protected] | LinkedIn URL

• Client-focused, computer-savvy legal assistant with a history of exemplary-rated performance within a leading Sometown general practice law firm.
• Highly professional assistant with a comprehensive command of legal, office, administrative and clerical support functions combined with a knowledge of legal documents, court filings and legal procedures.
• Dedicated, reliable and able to handle a high volume of assignments. Known for positive attitude and flexibility—always willing to change work tasks and assist attorneys and paralegals throughout the firm.

Legal Assisting Skills

• Law Office Support
• Legal Research
• Client Relations
• Legal Terminology
• Records Management
• State and Federal E-Filing Procedures
• Word Processing and Data Entry
• Spreadsheet and Database Management
• Calendaring and Scheduling
• Accounts Payable and Receivable

XYZ LAW FIRM (General practice law firm with 25 attorneys) | Sometown, MI Legal Assistant, 9/2013 to Present

Support attorneys and paralegals by performing administrative, clerical and accounting functions. Handle client relations; administer payroll; manage A/P and A/R; maintain firm’s calendar; and produce documents involving litigation, contract agreements, by-laws, briefs, memorandums of law and affidavits.

Key player in providing excellent client service and ensuring smooth internal operations. Contributions:

• Introduced color-coded system that made docket calendar more effective and user friendly.
• Resolved 6-month billing backlog, bringing all accounts receivable (A/R) up to date.
• Managed a range of confidential records, processes and documents throughout legal proceedings such as litigation, settlement negotiations, depositions, divorce and criminal matters.
• Coordinated logistics and document preparation for court proceedings and meetings. Effectively managed high-volume workload of word processing assignments and court filings.
• Improved the organization and security of both paper and computerized files. Implemented new systems and safeguards to protect confidential client information and firm records.
• Ensured prompt responses to phone/email inquiries and displayed professionalism in all client interactions.

SOMENAME COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Sometown, MI Associate of Science, General Business (GPA: 3.75)

Computer Skills

Advanced user of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint Familiar with legal research programs (Westlaw, LexisNexis and eLaw)

Want to save some time? Download the legal assistant resume template in Word. You can also adapt this template to your situation. For instance, if you need to write an immigration legal assistant resume, you might also want to include language skills and volunteerism.

Jobs for legal assistants are projected to grow by 12% for the next 10 years, which is faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Legal assistants make about $45,193 a year . If you want to see how much you’ll make in your location, you can use Monster’s Salary Tools.

Once your legal assistant resume is ready to go, search for legal assistant jobs on Monster. You might want to check out the job listings for these cities where legal assistants are in demand:

• Los Angeles

Need a Professional Legal Assistant Resume?

As a legal assistant, you're used to preparing documents, but that likely doesn't include resumes. Could you use some help? You can get your legal assistant resume reviewed by the experts at Monster. We’ll compile a report analyzing your resume’s appearance and content and send you suggestions for how to make yours even better. Then you can consider it case closed!

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Legal Assistant Resume: Free Template & Real Examples

As a Legal Assistant, you know how to prepare a legal case. However, can you make a case for being hired? Luckily, our well-written resume template will provide the perfect defense for you. With it, you can create an organized resume perfect for anyone in the legal field.

Legal Assistant Resume MSWord® Download our Legal Assistant Resume Template in Word and make a case to get hired.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s imperative that you have an impressive resume from the get-go. When it comes to the law – be it the judge or the HR – there’s nothing like making a solid and professional first impression.

Competition is fierce in this industry, and you’ll want to start off on the right note . Certain skills can set you apart and send you higher up a prospective list when lawyers are looking to hire assistants.

But if your resume turns out well, you could have a lucrative, fast-paced, and fulfilling career ahead of you as a legal assistant. 

This ResumeGiants guide explains everything you need to know to create a killer resume as a legal assistant , including: 

• How to create a resume that goes beyond your recruiter’s expectations
• Things you should know about legal assistant qualifications for resume writing
• Using work experience and job descriptions to optimize your document
• How to incorporate your skill set
• How to use a sample legal assistant resume as a guide

To take even more advantage of our expert advice, remember to use our handy resume builder .

Legal Assistant Resume Sample

Do you need some additional help with your resume’s structure, content, or organization?

Check out our legal assistant resume sample , which we’ve put together to give you a better sense of what a good resume should look like.

[ Alex McDeere ]

[ Legal Assistant ]

[12, Bendini Avenue, Memphis, TN 37501  |  945-726-7281 |   [email protected]]

Solution-oriented legal assistant with experience in research, writing, and patent infringement. Worked as a legal secretary at Watson, Watson & Holmes, and later as a legal assistant at Grisham & John’s. Have been a legal assistant for 2 years and have witnessed around 20 cases. Published pieces in Metro magazine and The Michigan Mail as a freelance and law journalist. Seeking to use my knowledge and expertise to provide a unique approach to Alpha, Beta, and Gamma.

Legal Assistant

08/2019 to Current

Grisham & John’s | Memphis, TN

• Prepared pleadings and motions, organized paperwork, filed court documents, and arranged depositions.
• Maintained calendar for filing deadlines, videoconferences and appointments, depositions, and court dates.
• Drafted discovery requests, including those for jury duty, interrogations, court admissions, and copies.
• Communicated effectively with clients, paralegals, attorneys, court officials, law clerks, and judges.
• Transcribed dictation and reviewed all incoming and outgoing mail.
• Prepared and formatted 6 litigation briefs. 
• Drafted 400+ professional letters, ensuring 100% accuracy.

Legal Secretary

01/2017 to 07/2019

Watson, Watson & Holmes | Memphis, TN

• Maintained calendars and oversaw heavy client call volume
• Prepared litigation papers and closed paperwork for settled claims
• Communicated constantly with attorneys to prep documentation for pleading
• Organized and maintained legal assistants’ schedules, seeing a 23% decrease in missed appointments

Paralegal Studies

Duckworth Community College | Springtown, IL

2013 – 2016

• Graduated with honors at 3.6 GPA.
• Relevant Coursework: Legal Research Certificate Course, Court Management and Documentation, Intellectual Property Infringement Class
• Collaboration
• Time management
• Organization
• Legal Document Preparation
• Transcription
• Legal Terminology
• Spreadsheets
• Videoconferencing

Conferences

• NALS Conference 2021 – IP & Patent Panel
• NALS Conference 2020

Publications

• Abiding in Hiding – Article on patent mix-ups in Metro magazine (2019)
• Interviewed by Harvey Specter on the Suits blog – spoke about IP theft (2021)

You’re welcome to use the free downloadable template above along with plenty of other pointers below.

Consider spending time look at similar samples for more inspiration if you feel you need it, like our Paralegal Resume writing guide .

What’s the Best Legal Assistant Resume Format?

If you want your job application to make a significant impression, you’ll need to pick a professional resume format that’s right for you .

What skills or qualities do you have that make you a good Legal Assistant?

Answering that question will help you pick the ideal format for your resume.

For example, you may want to show off your legal experience or different research and document filing skills . If you’re more experienced you can highlight that first, if not, skills is probably the way to go.

Unless you have decades of experience that you must present and fill up space, most resumes should, preferably, be no more than one page long.

Your resume should contain all the key details about you that you want a prospective employer to know, such as:

• Personal information and how to get in touch with you (this should be quite prominent on your resume)
• A resume overview
• Your qualifications and experience
• Your soft skills and hard skills
• Additional material demonstrating your suitability for the position

A reverse-chronological arrangement , according to most individuals, makes it straightforward to arrange each of these parts consistently and clearly.

In reverse chronological structure, you begin each section by listing your latest employment details, followed by your second most recent, and so on.

The Specifics of Formatting

Here are a few additional things to consider when you create your resume:

• Choose a legible, sophisticated, and tidy font style and size . While fonts might help you customize your resume, they must never overpower it; make it clean and easy to read.
• A standard 1″ margins will be sufficient. Make sure your resume has breathing space from the edges so that the text doesn’t seem cluttered or cramped. A wall of text may seem like it makes your resume more robust, but it can actually turn off some people from taking the time to read all of it.
• If the information on your resume is difficult to see or if it feels like the text blends together, you could try using a greater line spacing number. Some individuals may use double spacing if they have less information to fill up the page. As a general rule of thumb, however, single spacing is usually sufficient to achieve this purpose.
• Unless the firm you’re applying to has specified otherwise, you should save and email your resume as a PDF file. This is the golden standard to keep the layout consistent regardless of how the reader views it. It can also help when your resume is read by ATS systems before being passed on to the HR team.

If you want to dive even deeper into how to write the perfect resume for a legal assistant post, we’ve got you covered. We’ve designed a plethora of simple yet attractive resume templates , each of which can be customized to build an effective document.

How to Write a Legal Assistant Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Irrespective of which one you write, you’ll want your legal assistant resume summary or objective to be unique and attention-grabbing.

Your resume summary or objective is often the first thing potential employers see. It also provides an at-a-glance section for them and is often your resume in a nutshell.

A resume summary describes your previous professional accomplishments and experiences, making it ideal for people who are already working in the area.

The emphasis of a resume objective, on the other hand, is on what a prospective employer is searching for and how your abilities may help. 

In order to write either one, you’ll need to figure out how to compress your essential arguments into a few, strong phrases.

It may take some time and practice to get it right. We recommend putting all of your thoughts in one section , which will appear to be somewhat lengthy at first, but you can easily narrow it down from there, and you’ll get better at it over time.

You’ll need to to rewrite or tweak this text each time that you update your resume when you change position.

Are you having trouble coming up with a resume summary or objective that is just a few lines but compelling? Consider saving it for the very end of your resume-writing process . Writing out your resume first might help you figure out the topics you want to emphasize or expand on.

Legal Assistant Resume Summary Example

Note that an excellent resume summary for a legal assistant’s resume accomplishes precisely what its name implies: it compiles all a recruiter wants to know about your work experience, education and qualifications.

It’s preferable if you can offer more particular instances and facts. Of course, you don’t want things to get overly verbose, so concentrate on the most important points.

We’ve prepared some wrong and right legal assistant resume summary examples to demonstrate how tangible evidence of your accomplishments may create a great final result.

Take notice of both the poor examples and the stronger ones in each case, and put yourself in the shoes of a potential employer – Does it describe legal assistant responsibilities and demonstrate that the individual in question is one that stands out from the crowd? Or does it leave a recruiter wanting more?

Industrious legal assistant with 4+ years of experience and skill set in research and writing. Headed legal assistant duties and roles in an expeditious law firm, including writing and researching legal documents and preparing litigation briefs.

There’s something missing here in this summary and that’s data. If you decide to write a summary, you should include a success rate or number of cases successfully closed or other similar statistics. 

Without a piece of data like that the summary lacks clarity when it comes to how successful the candidate was in their 4 years as a Legal Assistant.

Solution-oriented legal assistant with 4+ years of experience. Seeking to help Bendini, Lambert & Locke to back its clients with its renowned legal representation. At Pearsen & Hardmon, executed 50+ trademark searches. Prepped and formatted five briefs with credit from litigator in four out of five cases. Wrote 600+ pages worth of legal paperwork, 97% error-free.

In this case, the candidate explains exactly what they did and included all the necessary data . The example even shows how successful they were in their previous position.

How to Write an Entry-Level Resume Objective

If you are an entry-level candidate, resume objectives are ideal since they don’t rely on previous work experience or achievements to demonstrate your worth.

The objective is targeted to what a recruiter is seeking and what you can provide in response, regardless of if you do not have any relevant work experience just yet.

So what is a good objective for a Legal Assistant resume? How should you write one?

Pay close attention to what is required from candidates while writing your resume for a legal assistant position.

For example, stressing that you have the specific talents they are looking for, might help you stand out as a potential candidate even if you have no prior legal practice experience.

Use your abilities and expertise to explain why you may be a good addition to the company or firm when drafting a resume objective.

Examples: Entry-Level Legal Assistant Objective

Let’s look at some more instances of resume objectives that work and those that don’t. Keep in mind that the style you want to achieve is one that is precise and clear .

Driven legal assistant, in-depth knowledge on intellectual property theft, contractual agreements, and research. Proficient at filling legal paperwork, spreadsheets, and videoconferencing. Eager to learn on the job.

Here are the problems with this objective. It lacks a clear career goal and specificity about unique experiences or skills. Additionally, it includes irrelevant skills and does not show an eagerness to contribute.

Solution-driven paralegal, skilled in research, writing, and administrative tasks. Have volunteered as legal secretary at Kelleher, Becker & Bruntz. Have been a notary for two years, maintaining approx. 400 transactions.

This is a much better example. It provides specific examples of the candidate’s experience, such as volunteering at a specific law firm and serving as a notary for two years. 

It also quantifies their accomplishment (maintaining approximately 400 transactions), which gives concrete proof of their ability to handle responsibilities. The objective also doesn’t forget to show off the candidate’s administrative competencies.

How to Describe Your Legal Assistant Experience

When it comes to your resume, the work experience section is where things get really competitive – and diverse. The key component of your resume where you may demonstrate your qualifications and achievements is the experience section.

You don’t know where your competitors have had their work experience, so you’ll want to make a good pitch for yourself here.

However, you should also take notice of the precise qualities your potential employer values in order to convey this information in a way that increases your chances of landing an interview or appointment letter.

In general, one of the best things you can do before applying for a job is research the firm you will be working for and figure out what type of values they are looking for on their team. You could even consider reaching out to current or former members of the firm on LinkedIn.

Describing your job descriptions and experiences in a manner that connects to these criteria can help portray you the ideal candidate for interview.

In most instances, it’s preferable to write your work experience in reverse-chronological order. Your latest employment details or work experience should be listed first to highlight your most relevant and recent skills, achievements, and experiences.

Legal Assistant Resume Examples: Experience

Here are some examples of work experience sections , one that is well-written and the other that isn’t as detailed.

Neither can really be called poor, but one does a superior job of detailing exactly what you did instead of just giving a general summary.

Legal Assistant Kelleher, Becker & Bruntz | Regaltown, IL 2018 – 2020

• Responsible for handling patent-related searches
• Handled paralegal-attorney coordination.
• Participated in prepping and formatting briefs.
• Tasked with filing legal documents and letters.

Although this entry includes some good keywords , it is missing key details. Just like in your opening statement, you have to be specific and provide data too. Unfortunately, this example just doesn’t cut it.

Legal Assistant Kelleher, Becker & Bruntz | Regaltown, IL 08/2018 – 11/2020

• Managed 50+ searches related to patent and copyright infringement.
• Coordinated video conferencing between paralegals and attorneys, decreasing missed appointments by 23%.
• Prepared and formatted seven litigation briefs. Commended by litigator for ⅘ cases.
• Drafted 1200+ documents in form of contracts & professional letters, ensuring 98% accuracy.

Any employer reading this will have a clear idea of what the candidate’s responsibilities were in their previous position (‘Managed’, ‘Coordinated’). What’s more, the numbers demonstrate they can efficiently contribute to the law firm that they are applying to. 

If you are an experienced Legal Assistant make sure that your experience section looks like this

An Entry-Level Resume: The Experience Section

You don’t need a ton of experience to produce an eye-catching final result when making a legal assistant resume.

Use your experience area to highlight your areas of expertise. Focusing on what has helped you become an excellent potential legal assistant is what you want to target, so try and ensure your job descriptions reflect that.

Here are a couple of examples to help you achieve that:

Legal Assistant Intern

Legal Aid Society | Anytown, IL|

2022-Present

• Kept patent papers up to date.
• Prepared and filed litigation papers.
• Handled clients who were emotionally distraught.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do: only add minimal info about any of your previous internship or volunteer job.

It’s essential to show off your capabilities, even for unpaid positions, and this example doesn’t do that.

Legal Aid Society | Anytown, IL| 2022-Present

• Supported legal professionals in providing services to underrepresented communities, impacting 25+ clients.
• Organized and archived 100+ legal documents, improving the firm’s case retrieval efficiency by 25%.
• Conducted intake interviews with 30+ new clients, gathering essential information and ensuring a smoother consultation process.

As you can see, there’s much more information present in the description. There is data, which shows how the candidate was effective in organizing legal documents and conducting interviews. 

These pieces of information give an employer a better idea about what the candidate currently does that makes them valuable to a law firm.

Is Your Education Section Acing it?

Education sections may be difficult to handle; after all, how can one make experiences from years ago feel relevant to a current resume?

While it may not appear so, your education is important . It demonstrates that you’re not just competent, but also that you’ve dealt with a variety of problems and tasks.

Most positions in law require a college diploma, so emphasizing your education and any strengths there could prove to be very beneficial. This is because, in a law firm, you will use many similar skills to education, such as organization, reading, writing, and study.

Some companies may even demand a high school certificate or similar educational experience as a prerequisite. Any additional projects, relevant coursework from college , or other training you might have should be included on your legal assistant resume.

Let’s look at a few extra things you might want to consider adding to yours:

• Specify any coursework that is relevant. Demonstrate how the classes you completed helped you develop skills that you can use in the job.
• Describe your key accomplishments. You’re likely to get extra credit  if any particular achievements are related to the tasks and abilities shown in your resume.
• Write down any noteworthy participation or involvements. Demonstrating that you can manage a range of responsibilities in a real-life circumstance proves that you’re a flexible professional.

Concentrate on finding methods to connect your educational achievements and abilities to the legal assistant role you’re interested in. Make it apparent on your resume how the information you’re including makes you a better candidate over other potential applicants.

Examples: Education Section

If you’re looking to keep the resume’s education section interesting and informative for the recruiter to increase your chances of potential employment, consider the following examples:

Paralegal Studies Diploma Duckworth Community College | Springtown, IL 2013 – 2016

• Participated in many relevant courses and received a 3.7 GPA

This is not clear enough. If you are an employer you have no idea which relevant courses the candidate took, so why mention it at all?

Remember to be specific.

Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies

2017 – 2021

• Honors: Graduated with distinction at 3.7 GPA
• Relevant Coursework: Legal Research Certificate Course, Moot Court, Intellectual Property Infringement Class

This is much more like it. Here, the candidate not only lists their high GPA but the specific relevant legal courses that they completed.

The Best Legal Assistant Skills for a Resume

Skills are absolutely crucial when it comes to creating a professional legal assistant resume. 

Any Legal Assistant or other type of legal professional writing their resume might wonder “How do you write up your legal skills on a resume?”

You should include a range of hard and soft talents . Hard skills are ones that are relevant to your industry and are typically gained on the job, while soft skills are more general skills that usually apply to most, if not all, jobs.

We recommend including 5 to max.10 skills ; if you try to put too many skills and attributes on your resume, it could come across as crowded and disorganized – something you definitely don’t want to convey when applying for a legal assistant.

Take time to think. Have you developed good analytical skills that you could add to this resume section? What about organization, time management and teamwork? Here are some examples that you might inlude for this profession.

Soft Skills

• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Customer Service

Hard Skills

• Database Management
• Calendar Management
• Microsoft Office
• Research and Analysis
• Event Planning
• Report Generation
• Proficiency with photocopiers and scanners

How to Add Other Sections for an Excellent Resume

While a strong legal assistant resume will include all the elements we’ve just discussed, the best will need to exceed expectations, and it’s often the one that gets its maker hired.

Going above and beyond to involve things like “Other” sections on your resume, can go a long way when trying to impress a recruiter as it adds more value and shows more about who you are.

Pick “Other” sections that make sense for your skill set and resume. These extra sections may be a great way to fill in the gaps in your resume, show your personality, or highlight your qualifications for the position.

Sample “Other” Sections for a Legal Assistant Resume

When writing an “Other” section, try to approach it with the same mindset and seriousness as you would the rest of your resume. That is to say, precise facts, precision, and relevancy are the most important considerations when writing this section.

Don’t look at this section as simply a miscellaneous or bonus section.

It’s equally important and is often more closely looked at than you might think; once recruiters have realized you put in the extra effort to spruce up your legal assistant resume , they’ll appreciate your work ethic and determination.

This will put you at an advantage and set you apart from the other candidates. However, don’t be tempted to exaggerate or lie on this part of your resume , or any other part of it for that matter. You’ll only regret it if you make the interview and they ask you further details!

Consider also adding links to this section so that anyone reading your resume can click on your articles, pages, or portfolios and read them if they’d like.

• Article published in Metro magazine (2019)
• Interviewed by Suits blog (2021)

If you decide to list your publications it would be a good idea to explain what the subject matter was, unlike in this example.

• Interviewed by Harvey Specter on the Suits blog – Guest speaker on IP theft (2021)

This is a good example of how to explain any publications that you may want to list on your resume as they explain exactly what they are about .

A common question that many aspiring legal assistants ask is: What sort of additions can I make to my legal assistant resume to make it stand out?

Well, here are some common examples , but don’t be afraid to incorporate whatever seems right to you, especially if you feel it enhances your skill set and knowledge of the law.

In the field of law, tens of hundreds of company conferences take place over the year.

These are often compulsory to go to once you are part of a firm, so if you already have a few conferences under your belt, putting them down on your application already gives you a head start.

If you have any kind of published or freelance work in a journal, blog, or any other form of academia, you can go ahead and add it to your resume. Don’t forget to mention the topic or theme you’ve written or spoken about.

If it relates to the position you’re applying for, be sure to highlight that fact.

Additional Activities

If you partake in any additional activities which you feel are relevant to a new job, like being a member of a club, moot court, or volunteering for any organizations , write them down.

You can also mention activities like reading and writing since they heavily influence this sort of position.

• Refer to our sample legal assistant resume above and download the template in Word if you would like some guidance with the format.
• A resume summary or objective (if you’re an entry level candidate) , experience, education, and bonus “Other” sections should all be included in a legal assistant resume that exceeds expectations.
• Use powerful action words and vocabulary, concise wording, and include detailed examples to make a strong, appealing resume.
• When it comes to communicating legal assistant work experience on a resume, the format matters; a reverse-chronological format helps you to focus on the most relevant and important information first.
• Adhering to a clean, straightforward resume layout binds everything together and allows your resume’s content to make for easy, valuable viewing. It also showcases your professionalism as a legal assistant.

We hope you found these resume tips and techniques helpful and that they will help you get that legal assistant job that you are going for!

If you want to make life easier for yourself and take your resume writing to the next level, our resume builder can help you build the ideal legal assistant resume with just a few clicks!

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How to write a legal assistant resume?

The jury is out, you won’t land your dream job without a modern resume.

A lawyer’s life is very hectic. They need a legal assistant to help accomplish things promptly. So, needless to say, your hiring process will probably go through the lawyer who needs your services.

And as the lawyers put every document and file under extreme scrutiny, your resume will very likely go through the same. Hence, your resume should make the same impact as a good attorney’s closing argument.

As a legal assistant, you must be familiar with the importance of correctly drafting documents, but that likely doesn't include legal assistant resumes.

This blog will help you land your dream job by helping you build the perfect legal administrative assistant resume.

This blog will help both freshers and experienced professionals by guiding you to build both, legal assistant resume with no experience and legal assistant resumes for experienced professionals.

Here is a summary of our Legal Assistant Resume 2022 Guide:

• Do not label your resume header as "CV or Resume". This may get your resume misplaced or confused with someone else’s. Instead, always write your full name on the topmost part of your resume.
• Optimize your resume while applying to different job openings according to the job description.
• Use points to structure the professional experience section and group similar points under unique subheadings to increase its effectiveness.

There is more.

By the end of this legal assistant resume blog, you will learn:

• Why do you need a legal assistant resume?
• How to write the professional experience in the legal assistant resume?
• How to write the certification in the legal assistant resume?
• What are the key sections in the legal assistant resume?

This blog will try to answer all your questions regarding your legal administrative assistant resume. You can also use Hiration's Online Resume Builder to simplify your resume building process.

It is armed with 100+ content templates and 25+ resume templates that you can customize to suit your specific requirements. We can also help you build your legal assistant resume cover letter.

Legal Assistant Job Description for Resume

Legal assistants interact with lawyers, courtroom staff, clients, witnesses, opposing counsel, judicial employees, and other third parties. Hence, you must be able to relate and communicate with people from all walks of life.

Following is the legal assistant job description resume list of roles & responsibilities that you might have as a legal assistant:

• Your primary task will be to help the lawyer prepare for hearings, closings, trials and other legal activities by attending to various supportive and administrative functions.
• You may be responsible for identifying judicial decisions, appropriate laws, and specific legal articles among others.
• You will be expected to be extremely detail-oriented and have exceptional writing skills.
• You will work on software like MS Office and Excel.
• You will also need to be proficient in various legal management software programs.

Legal Assistant Salary

The following major websites have quoted the following figures for a legal assistant job:

• Glassdoor : $46,452 / year
• Indeed : $15.61 / hour
• Salary.com : $43,001 to $57,016 / year

What is a Legal Assistant Resume & why do you need it?

Our world is becoming increasingly digital and to keep up you need a digital identity as well. Your legal administrative assistant resume is the identity that will help you find a job.

But why can’t you just refurbish your old traditional resume and put it online?

Well, today most recruiters and big-name companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to shortlist candidates.

It is a recruitment tool that ranks your resume, and this ranking determines whether or not you make the shortlist.

The higher your ranking on the ATS, the higher are your chances of getting shortlisted So, your resume must be optimized to be effective against any ATS.

We can help you build the perfect ATS-targeted legal administrative assistant resume through this blog.

Read our blog on the do’s and don’ts of writing resumes to start building your perfect legal assistant resume now.

Legal Assistant Resume Sections

To build a highly effective ATS-targeted resume, you must have the following sections in your resume:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience
• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

For more details regarding these sections, read Hiration's 2022 Guide to sections in a resume .

Looking to build your job-winning legal administrative assistant resume? Use Hiration’s Online Resume Builder to help you get results which comes with legal assistant resume templates to help guide you.

How to write your Legal Assistant Resume

Being organized will get you everywhere. Be organized while building your resume as well and follow the below-mentioned stages:

• First Stage: Master Legal Assistant Resume
• Second Stage: First draft of Legal Assistant Resume
• Third Stage: Final draft of Legal Assistant Resume

Master Legal Assistant Resume

Let’s begin building the perfect legal assistant resume. Shall we?

We start by composing a master legal assistant resume.

Here, you have to compile all your professional information in one place. By doing this you’ll not only be making your resume-building process easier but also helping your future self.

Let’s see how:

• By compiling all your information, you are making your data easily accessible. Hence, making it easier to compose a resume that is well-suited to the needs of your current target job.
• Secondly, this will help you in updating your resume in the future. By storing your information in one source you will be able to easily refer to all your old experiences and update information if or when the need arises.

First Draft of Legal Assistant Resume

For the second stage of writing your resume for a legal assistant, you need to build the first draft of your legal assistant resume. Use the master resume to pick out relevant points and compose the following sections:

• Certification (if any)

Final draft of Legal Assistant Resume

Now, you have reached the third and final stage of resume-writing.

As part of this stage, you need to compose the key skills and legal assistant resume objective/summary section:

• The key skills section: This is an important section of your legal assistant resume and must be composed second to last.
• The summary or objective section: This section should be composed at the end as it will be easy to pick the highlights of your career and write a highly impactful resume legal assistant resume objectives or summaries.

Read our blog on how to write a resume to help you in your resume-writing endeavor.

Legal Assistant Resume: Header

If you want to compose a perfect legal assistant resume header, take into account the following rules:

• Do not use “CV” or “Resume” as the header of your resume, rather your full name should be the resume header of your legal assistant resume.
• Give a single space between your first name and your last name and write your resume header in the font range of 16-20 font size.
• If you have a middle name, initialize it. Example: Katie Edwin Bell should be written as Katie E. Bell .

Read Hiration’s 2022 Guide To Writing The Perfect Resume Header to compose the perfect resume header.

For resume header writing tips, view our legal assistant resume samples:

Make your resume writing hassle-free by using Hiration’s Online Resume Builder. We can also help you build your legal assistant resume cover letter.

Legal Assistant Resume: Personal Information

This section is vital as a piece of incorrect personal information may lead to a recruiter never finding a way to contact you even when they are interested.

Mention the following when composing the personal information section of your legal secretary resume:

• Updated mobile number
• Professional email address
• Location of residence

Updated Mobile Number

Mention the number you are almost always available in the following standard format:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code
• Write your updated mobile number after the ISD code
• Eg: +1 38723 31981.

Professional Email Address

9 out of 10 times a potential employer will use the email ID you input in your resume to get in touch with you. Hence, it does not just need to be correct but look professional too.

Draft your email address as [email protected] or in a similar professional format.

For eg: if your name is Katie Bell, the appropriate e-mail handle would be [email protected] .

Avoid using unprofessional deeming e-mail handles such as ‘[email protected]’.

Current Location of Residence

Adhere to the following guidelines while listing your location in a legal assistant resume:

• If the job you are applying for is in the same country, mention your city name and state name.
• If you are looking for a job in another country, mention your city name and country name.

Read more about the personal information section at Hiration's 2022 Guide to composing your contact information .

Looking for a position as a legal assistant? You’ll need the right resume, and our legal secretary resume samples can help.

Use the help of our resume writing experts to write the perfect legal administrative assistant resume through Hiration’s Online Resume Builder.

Legal Assistant Resume: Profile Title

A profile title is an important element of your resume. It is a reflection of your latest job title and tells about your seniority.

Following are the guidelines to compose the ideal profile title:

• Being the second-largest text in your resume it should be in the range of 14-16 font size.
• It appears directly below the personal information section.

Our legal assistant resume examples can help guide you in building an ideal profile title:

Get your resume evaluated today by the experts at Hiration’s Resume Review Service.

Legal Assistant Resume: Professional Experience

The professional experience section of your legal administrative assistant resume is the most important section of your resume.

Here you get a chance to dazzle the recruiter by highlighting the most important highlights of your career.

Mentioned below is a guide you can follow to distinguish this section:

• Use the STAR format when structuring the one-liner points
• Avoid using paragraphs
• Use grouping & highlighting

Read our blog on how to compose the professional experience section in your resume to understand more about composing the perfect professional experience section.

Take a look at our legal assistant resume samples, which provide a detailed description of the applicant’s previous positions and quantify their accomplishments:

STAR Format

The STAR format is a handy tool to compose the professional experience section according to the industry standards.

STAR format stands for the following:

S: Situation - The situation/context of your contributions T: Task - Task that was assigned to you A: Action - The action you took to fulfill the assigned task R: Result - The results of the action in the form of an achievement figure

Through using the cause-effect relationship, you can establish the reason behind your actions and the outcome of your actions.

This makes it easy for the recruiter to comprehend the results of your contributions.

Framing Points

If you have been using paragraphs to communicate your professional experience, it’s time to break this habit.

The only goal of your resume is to get you shortlisted for an interview but if your resume fails to engage the recruiter, he might not even evaluate your resume completely.

As is famously said, an average recruiter spends less than 6 seconds on one resume. Using paragraphs discourages recruiters from reading your resume.

You certainly want to avoid that.

A simple fix is to present the same information in a more comprehensible manner by using points instead of paragraphs.

Here are two legal secretary resume samples to demonstrate this.

Example 1 :

"I resolved the billing backlogs for the company going back up to 8 months which brought the accounts receivable up to date. I was responsible for supervising and managing confidential records, processes, and documents throughout 150+ legal proceedings while directly reporting to 7 lawyers. I spearheaded a team of 4 customer service representatives as well and always ensured prompt responses to phone/e-mails which led to a wait time reduction of 40% in all client interactions. I also amassed all the inbound communication including emails, phones which amounted to 20k+ per week."

Example 2 :

Managed to bring all accounts receivable up to date by resolving billing backlogs going back up to 8 months Supervised confidential records, processes, and documents throughout for 150+ legal proceedings Spearheaded a team of 4 customer service representatives to ensure prompt responses to phone/e-mail leading to a wait time reduction by 40% in all client interactions Handled all the inbound communication including emails, phones amounting to 20k+ per week

Framing Points Analysis

Following conclusions can be drawn by observing both legal assistant resume examples:

• While both the legal secretary resume examples are communicating the same data, legal assistant resume example 1 uses paragraphs while legal assistant resume example 2 uses points.
• Legal assistant resume example 1 is hard to read & is incomprehensible. It looks bulky and could discourage a potential recruiter from evaluating it.
• On the other hand, legal assistant resume example 2 uses points to discuss the candidate’s professional experience. Unlike legal assistant resume example 1, legal assistant resume example 2 succeeds in communicating the roles & responsibilities in a streamlined fashion.
• In conclusion, we can say that avoiding the use of paragraphs while using points to structure your resume will lead to better results.

Grouping & Highlighting

Framing points alone may fail to create an impact. However, your resume will be easy to read, it might still fail to catch the recruiter’s attention.

Make your case stronger by using grouping & highlighting.

Here are two legal assistant resume examples to demonstrate this point.

Documentation & Billing Managed to bring all accounts receivable up to date by resolving billing backlogs going back up to 8 months Supervised confidential records , processes, and documents throughout for 150+ legal proceedings Client Communication Spearheaded a team of 4 customer service representatives to ensure prompt responses to phone/e-mail leading to a wait time reduction by 40% in all client interactions Handled all the inbound communication including emails, phones amounting to 20k+ per week

Legal Assistant Resume: Education

You will need at least 24 credits in an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal certificate program approved by the American Bar Association.

If you have a Bachelor’s Degree in any field, you can start working as a legal assistant and get trained on the job by a lawyer.

The education section of your legal assistant resume ideally consists of the following details:

• Name of the school/university you have attended.
• Name of the pursued courses.
• Location of your school/university.
• Enrollment and graduation dates in the month and year format.

Confused about what to show in the education section of your legal assistant resume? Read Hiration's 2022 Guide on how to list education on your resume to clear all your confusions.

Take a look at our legal assistant resume samples to understand what perfect education sections should look like:

Let our resume writing experts help you get a great new job by building your legal assistant resume or legal assistant resume cover letter. Use Hiration’s Online Resume Builder now!

Legal Assistant Resume: Certifications

Why is the certification section important? Imagine two candidates with similar education & professional experience. Now one of them has listed relevant certifications. Who would you pick?

Given below is a list of what the certifications section contains:

• Name of the certification you have pursued.
• Name of the certification issuing body.
• Location of the certifying body.
• Enrollment and completion date in the month & year format.

This needs to be aligned in the format we have mentioned below:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (in month & year format)

Read Hiration's 2022 Guide on listing certifications on a resume to understand how you can distinguish yourself from other candidates.

Check out this legal assistant resume sample to understand how a perfect certifications section looks like in an ideal resume:

Unsure about your resume? Get it professionally reviewed by Hiration’s Resume Review Service before sending it to apply for your dream job.

Legal Assistant Resume: Additional Information

Any important data that does not go in other sections can be illustrated in this section. List your hobbies here or your working knowledge of multiple languages.

This legal assistant resume 2022 is full of legal secretary resume examples. The following legal assistant resume example demonstrates a perfect additional information section:

Don’t stress. Use Hiration’s Online Resume Builder to get your perfect legal administrative assistant resume.

Legal Assistant Resume Key Sections

Legal assistant resume: key skills.

Revolutionize your resume by introducing relevant legal assistant skills resume.

Include industry-specific legal secretary resume keywords.

Most buzzwords, such as “team-player” or “hard-working” have already lost their meaning in the recruitment world so go through the job description to isolate relevant keywords.

Here’s a list of tips that can help you perfect the key skills section of your resume:

• Evaluate the professional experience section of your resume and pick out your legal assistant skills resume. List them down in the key skills section of your legal assistant resume.
• You should also try and optimize this section with the ATS in mind. To do this, you just have to isolate the keywords from the job description of your target job listing and introduce them here.

You can also write the perfect key skills section. Just read Hiration's 2022 Guide on what skills to put on a resume .

Use Hiration’s Resume Review Service to help you perfectly build your legal assistant resume.

Have a look at our legal assistant resume sample showing what an ideal key skills section should look like:

Legal Assistant Resume Summary

The first thing a recruiter will look for in your resume is the summary section so it should smartly summarize your professional experience.

Mentioned below are some tips to make your resume summary appealing to a recruiter:

• Your resume summary should be a short paragraph of all your legal assistant skills & achievements.
• Write a resume summary only if you have a minimum work experience of 3 years.
• You should write your resume summary at the end of your resume-building process.
• The right approach is to pick the highlights of your career from the professional experience section and replicate them in the summary section.

Following these tips will help you impress the recruiter and get you shortlisted.

Read Hiration's 2022 Resume Summary Guide to get a more detailed comprehension of the summary section.

Also, check out our legal assistant resume examples to draft an ideal resume summary:

Take help of our Online Resume Builder to build the perfect resume and the perfect legal assistant resume cover letter.

Legal Assistant Resume Objective

Similar to a resume summary, a legal assistant resume objective is just as important.

Here is a list of what your legal assistant resume objectives on an entry level legal assistant resume should accomplish:

• Your recruiter should feel that you will be the perfect fit for this position.
• The recruiter should be convinced that you have the right legal assistant skills for this position.
• The legal assistant resume objectives of your legal assistant resume with no experience should sell your legal assistant skills and achievements in a way that secures this job for you.

Draft the ideal legal assistant resume objectives for your entry level legal assistant resume with the help of our blog, Hiration's 2022 Guide on Resume Objectives .

Legal Assistant Sample

Take a look at the legal assistant resume sample below to know how a resume can strongly champion or communicate your legal assistant skills resume and experience.

• Resolved billing backlog going back 11 months bringing all accounts receivable up to date
• Managed confidential records , processes and documents throughout for 200+ legal proceedings
• Coordinated logistics and document preparation for court proceedings and meetings
• Enhanced the organization and security of files by implementing new systems to protect confidential client and firm records
• Ensured prompt responses to phone/e-mail leading to a wait time reduction by 45% in all client interactions
• Amassed all the inbound communication including emails, phones amounting to 5k+ per day
• Assured that all outbound communication amounting to 1k+ per day were delivered on time
• Minimized office expenses by 10 % by implementing expense tracking system
• Organized attorneys’ calendars resulting in a 23% decrease in missed appointments
• Handled the scheduling of all meetings & appointments while reporting directly to 7 lawyers
• Trained & Managed a team of 3 Junior Legal Assistants to complete all the assigned tasks
• Perfected and circulated documentation including affidavits, deposition notices, and briefs for review by attorneys
• Drafted 30+ legal documents for attorneys each week to reduce the workload of attorneys
• Conserved 20+ hours of work for attorneys each week by accurately researching reports using legal research programs
• Scheduled client appointments and consultations , leading to a 30% decrease in client wait times
• Organized calendars for attorneys leading to a 15% decrease in missed appointments
• Ranked among the top 15 percentile of the class
• Certified Paralegal professional | Binghamton University | Binghamton, NY | Jun '13 - Oct '13
• Languages : English, Spanish

Resume Review & Free Legal Assistant Resume Templates

We hope that this blog prepares you to write an ideal legal secretary resume.

If you have already drafted your resume and want to know what you can do to perfect it, get it professionally reviewed by Hiration’s Resume Review Service.

With our Resume Review Service, your legal assistant resume will be reviewed in compliance with the following parameters:

• Compliance with industry norms
• Content Relevance
• Recruiter Friendliness
• Design Compatibility
• Conversion Scope
• ATS Compliance
• Global Compatibility
• Performance Assessment
• Resume Formatting (font, margins, the order of sections, etc.)

You will also get 2 legal assistant resume templates for free!

Revolutionize your job hunt by getting your existing resume reviewed with Hiration’s Resume Review Service now!

Online Resume Builder for Legal Assistant Resume

Our Online Resume Builder will help you build your legal administrative assistant resume which will rank high on any ATS.

Hiration’s Online Resume Builder comes with the following amazing resources:

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• 25+ resume designs
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 100+ resume templates
• 1-click design change
• A shareable link
• Live resume editor

Don’t wait anymore! Get your job-winning legal assistant resume with Hiration’s Online Resume Builder now!

Key Takeaways

• Use the month and year format while writing dates in your legal assistant resume and follow this format consistently throughout the whole resume.
• In the professional experience section, use points and grouping & highlighting to enhance the readability and impact of your legal assistant resumes.
• Always use the STAR format to establish a cause-effect relationship .
• Use power verbs to begin each point.
• Power verbs should be in the past tense for past profiles and projects and the present continuous tense for present profiles and projects.
• Write a legal assistant resume objective if you have less than 3 years of work experience.
• Write a legal assistant resume summary if you have more than 3 years of work experience.

With this you have reached the end of this legal assistant resume 2022 blog. We hope we were able to help you build your perfect legal assistant resume.

You can also use Hiration’s Online Resume Builder to put you ahead of the league as it will arm you with the perfect legal secretary resumes.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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4 Legal Assistant Resume Examples & Writing Guide

Want to get hired as a legal assistant? It all starts with your resume. This guide provides 4 legal assistant resume samples and step-by-step tips to help you write a resume that gets results. Learn what to include and how to structure each section. Follow the examples to create a resume that makes a great first impression on law firms and gets you more interviews.

A strong resume is essential for legal assistants who want to get hired. In a field with many qualified candidates, your resume needs to quickly show employers why you're the right person for the job. But writing a resume that stands out isn't always easy, especially if you're not sure what hiring managers are looking for.

That's where this guide comes in. We'll walk you through the process of creating a legal assistant resume that grabs attention and convinces employers to call you for an interview. Plus, we've included four real-life examples of successful legal assistant resumes to give you inspiration and ideas for your own.

Whether you're applying for your first legal assistant role or looking to move up in your career, having a well-written resume is key. By the end of this article, you'll have the knowledge and tools you need to craft a resume that showcases your skills, experience, and value to potential employers. Let's get started!

Common Responsibilities Listed on Legal Assistant Resumes

• Drafting and reviewing legal documents (e.g., contracts, agreements, pleadings, motions)
• Conducting legal research and analysis
• Assisting attorneys with case preparation and trial support
• Managing and organizing legal files and records
• Scheduling appointments, meetings, and court appearances
• Communicating with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel
• Maintaining calendars and tracking deadlines
• Preparing and formatting legal documents according to court rules and procedures
• Reviewing and summarizing legal documents and case files
• Coordinating with court reporters and other legal support staff
• Attending legal proceedings and taking notes or minutes
• Performing administrative tasks such as billing, filing, and copying

How to write a Resume Summary

In building your journey through professional life, you may have encountered both tumultuous tides and periods of mesmerizing calm. Those experiences help shape and enrich you as an individual and as a professional, and translating those experiences into written words can indeed be a daunting endeavor. It's like writing a new chapter of your story, one where you're the author navigating a universe full of possibilities. And it all starts with the essential concept, the summary.

The Power of the Summary/Objective Section

The summary or objective section on your resume serves as your first handshake with your potential employers—it's your golden opportunity to introduce yourself, express your passions, convey your skills and flaunt your experiences in a succinct, engaging manner.

When done right, it can illuminate your persona in prospective employers' minds—much like the beams of a lighthouse piercing through the dense ocean fog—guiding their attention to believe in your expertise and trust in your capabilities. Plus, the summary is your platform to make a lasting impression, as it is typically the first slice of text read by hiring managers.

Without overstating the obvious, creating a powerful, persuasive objective section carries immense value. But how do you spring to life vividly on paper? How do you strike that perfect balance between highlighting your skills without overselling yourself? Let's glance through the lens of a Legal Assistant and craft a clear, convincing summary.

The Art of Shaping an Effective Summary

In structuring your summary/objective section, start by succinctly stating your profession and the number of years of experience you hold. If you're seeking a specific position or have a concrete career goal, include that. Straight away, you're positioning yourself as a decisive and committed professional with a clear view of their career arc.

Next, outline the core competencies you've honed in your journey so far, like research skills, interaction with clients, preparation of legal documents, or case management. Rather than listing tasks, underline the impact you made in your previous roles, conveying a sense of authority and professional achievement.

Follow this with a nod to your strong interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate, and your knack for thriving in fast-paced environments - denoting adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. Pepper your summary with relevant legal terminologies to signify domain expertise and advertize your fluity in the field.

To culminate, underline a key achievement or a significant project you oversaw, helping employers envisage your contributions at their organization. This would help crystalize your value proposition and assert your ability to drive meaningful change.

Remember—You are Trustworthy and Unique

Whilst weaving your professional tale, remember to market your expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Each word should echo your individuality, that unique spice which separates you from the field. Keep your language simple, read-friendly and devoid of jargon, so that readers at every rung of the corporate ladder comprehend your career narration.

Also, to create a more potent and engaging summary/objective section, focusing on answering "why should we hire you?" would align the emphasis on your values, accomplishments and what makes you an idyllic candidate. Most importantly, let your summary be a projection of the best version of you and your career; as authentic, genuine and riveting as you indeed are.

In the grand voyage that is your professional journey, the summary/objective on your resume is your flag marking your territory in unchartered territories. Meticulously curate this message with acumen, vivacity, precision, realizing it as the compass guiding recruiters to recognize your unique worthiness and potent promise; offering a glance into not just who you are, but also who you aspire to become. In crafting this story of you, there's no exact science, no rigid formality, no handed-down methodology, just a testament to your journey, your growth, and your aspirations.

Strong Summaries

• Experienced Legal Assistant with over five years of experience in a top-tier law firm. Skilled in managing large volumes of documentation, coordinating multi- disciplinary teams, and ensuring accurate and timely completion of all tasks.
• Motivated Legal Assistant with extensive knowledge about legal procedures and a strong commitment to helping clients. Proficient in conducting in-depth legal research, preparing legal documents, and managing caseloads. Pursuing a challenging role to promote positive customer experiences.
• Detail-oriented Legal Assistant providing administrative support in legal setting. Proven ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure. Aiming to leverage my skills to effectively fill the role in your company.
• Dynamic Legal Assistant with a demonstrated track record of success in supporting lawyers in managing complex cases. Proficient in drafting memoranda, reviewing court filings, and conducting legal research. Looking to contribute my skills to provide exceptional legal support.

Why these are strong ?

The above examples are good because they showcase the person's skills, experience, and what they're hoping to achieve in the role they're applying for. These summaries provide comprehensive, relevant detail - mentioning specific industry terms like 'legal procedures', 'manage deadlines', 'legal research' and 'memoranda'. This makes it very clear that the individual has a solid understanding of the position. Furthermore, they demonstrate a proactive, can-do attitude by expressing eagerness to apply their expertise to the benefits of the company, which is always a good impression to make with a potential employer.

Weak Summaries

• I am an assistant looking for a job as a legal eagle to help out with various legal jobs. While I do not have any specific experience in the legal sector, I believe that my tendency to binge-watch courtroom dramas on television has adequately prepared me for this role.
• Hey, new possible employer! This is Johny-boy here, currently unemployed but with immense talent. Need a legal assistant? Buzz me up. Part-time worker and yearned no experience in legal things, but pretty sure Google search will help me out in times of crisis.
• I'm a legal assistant looking for a change. No new challenges or changes wanted. I can only work the same way and I won't accept any change in work strategy or method.

Why these are weak ?

These examples are lacking in professional phrasing and contains an unprofessional tone. The casual language used does not reflect the seriousness or professionalism typical in the legal sector. They also suggest an unwillingness to learn, grow, or adapt, all of which are crucial abilities in a legal environment. Moreover, admitting to not having relevant experience or confident in using Google as a resource undermines their competence and reliability as a potential employee. Furthermore, the examples do not state any particular skills, expertise, or achievements, which is essential in making a first impression.

Showcase your Work Experience

The Work Experience section of your resume is not just a list of job titles and tenure; it is the beating heart of your career story, the narrative of your professional journey. It is the bedrock upon which potential employers will evaluate your capabilities and determine your suitability for an open role. It’s essential, therefore, that this section is constructed with clarity, elegance, and a meticulous attention to detail.

Even for a role as detail-oriented as a Legal Assistant, your Work Experience section demands more than a mere chronology of roles. It is the place to communicate not just your experience, but also the scale, context, impact, and results of your actions.

Understanding The Role Of The Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant roles typically involve a blend of administrative and legal tasks. From conducting legal research and drafting documents, to maintaining files and liaising clients, the role requires a sophisticated blend of technical competencies and interaction skills. It's essential, then, that the Work Experience section of your resume reflects this rounded skill-set.

Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.

Structuring Your Work Experience

Begin by listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each role, include the job title, the name of the organization, and the dates of your tenure.

Having set out the basic details, proceed to capture the responsibilities and achievements in each role. Most importantly, target the tasks and results that align most closely with the requirements of the role for which you’re applying. Remember that your potential employer is primarily interested in learning how your past experiences can add value to their operations.

Avoid falling into the trap of spinning out job responsibilities as though reading from a job description. Instead, endeavor to demonstrate how you applied your skills in the course of your duties and the outcomes of these applications.

Present everything in clear, concise language, respecting the fact that the reader of your resume will be reviewing many others. Ensure that your document is easily digestible and fitting into a two-page limit.

Finally, remember to review, revise, and proofread your Work Experience section carefully. Any errors or inaccuracies could lead potential employers into evaluating your application less favorably.

In conclusion, a stellar Work Experience section is ultimately about presenting a compelling, accurate, and insightfully rendered account of your career to date. It's about how you tell your story, how you detail your tasks and your triumphs, and how you relate all this to the needs of your potential employer. And it's about doing all this with the grace, clarity, and attention to detail that is befitting of the consummate Legal Assistant.

Strong Experiences

• Conducted in-depth legal research for over 20 case files and presented findings to attorneys.
• Prepared various legal documents and briefs including wills, contracts, and appeals.
• Managed attorney calendar, scheduled depositions, and coordinated meetings.
• Utilized legal database software to organize case files and streamline case preparation.

These examples showcase the use of active verbs which clearly describe the actual tasks performed by the legal assistant. They quantifiably measure the applicant's responsibility and provide scope to their work. It also shows that the legal assistant is familiar with typical tasks within their role like conducting research, preparing legal documents, and managing schedules.

Weak Experiences

• Did law things
• Achieved stuff at law firm
• Helped lawyers
• Typical office tasks
• Responsible for everything
• Some paralegal work

The examples given above are classified as bad because they lack specificity and professionalism. In a resume, especially one for a legal assistant, an employer would want to see specifics about the tasks performed, skills applied, and results achieved. Statements such as 'Did law things' or 'Achieved stuff at law firm' are poor descriptions and fail to give an accurate idea about the applicants experience and competency. Terms like 'Helped lawyers' or 'Typical office tasks' are too vague and don't offer any insight into the applicant's abilities. A phrase like 'Responsible for everything' could be misleading or overwhelming. 'Some paralegal work' undermines the importance of those duties. These bullet points would not be considered good practice because they don't efficiently convey the candidate’s qualifications or the responsibilities they assumed in their previous role.

Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips

Being a successful Legal Assistant isn't about just knowing the law. It's also about possessing a balance of hard and soft skills that can make your daily tasks easier, while also making you a valued member of your legal team. Here's how these skills can impact your resume, and how keywords and Application Tracking Systems (ATS) are linked to these skills.

Understanding Hard and Soft Skills

Hard skills are teachable abilities that are easy to measure, like knowledge of legal documents and terminologies, or the ability to use a specific software. They're often gained through education or specific job experience. In comparison, soft skills are interpersonal attributes like good communication, time management and problem-solving.

For a Legal Assistant, hard skills might include legal research, case management, or administrative support. Soft skills, on the other hand, could be teamwork, attention to detail, or ethical judgment. Both are valuable for doing the job effectively and should be highlighted in your resume.

Using Keywords

Keywords are crucial since they indicate your skills and qualifications to potential employers. In your resume, you deploy them in the skills' section to illustrate your competence. For instance, keywords for a Legal Assistant might be 'legal writing', 'document management' or 'customer service' — which are a combination of hard and soft skills.

ATS and Matching Skills

An Application Tracking System (ATS) is software used by hiring organizations to sort and scan resumes. It looks for keywords that are related to the job description to decide if a candidate's resume matches the job requirements.

To pass an ATS, your resume's skills section should reflect the keywords mentioned in the job description. Including these terms boosts your chances of advancing through the hiring process, as the software will pick up on these. Be sure to use the keywords naturally and appropriately — misusing them can hurt your chances.

To summarize, hard and soft skills are the backbone of a Legal Assistant's role. Identifying and highlighting these skills with the right keywords can help you create a standout resume. And by taking into account how ATS works, you can make your resume more likely to reach a human reviewer.

Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers

Hard skills.

• Legal research
• Case management
• Document drafting
• Legal writing
• Contract review
• Litigation support
• Legal analysis
• Regulatory compliance
• Evidence gathering
• Legal software proficiency
• Trial preparation
• Legal document management
• Client communication
• Legal terminology
• Legal document review

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Organization
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Confidentiality
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Professionalism
• Conflict resolution

Top Action Verbs

Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.

• Communicated
• Collaborated
• Coordinated

Education & Certifications

To add your education or certificates to your resume, you need to create a section titled 'Education' or 'Certifications'. Begin by stating your highest level of education, including the institution and year of completion. Next, detail all relevant certifications, along with the issuing authority and the date received. As a Legal Assistant, include any legal-based certifications that showcase your skills and expertise. Remember quality over quantity—highlight certificates or courses that are most relevant to your industry or the role you're applying for.

Some of the most important certifications for Legal Assistants

The CLA certification is a professional credential for legal assistants and paralegals.

The ACP certification is for paralegals who want to specialize in a specific area of law.

The CLP certification is for legal professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise.

The CLSS certification is for legal secretaries who want to advance their careers.

The CP certification is for paralegals who want to enhance their professional credentials.

Resume FAQs for Legal Assistants

What is the ideal resume format for a legal assistant.

The most recommended resume format for a legal assistant is the reverse-chronological format. This format highlights your work experience by listing your most recent job first, followed by previous positions in reverse chronological order.

How long should a legal assistant resume be?

A legal assistant resume should typically be one page in length. However, if you have extensive relevant experience, it can be up to two pages. The key is to be concise and highlight only the most relevant information.

What sections should be included in a legal assistant resume?

A legal assistant resume should include sections for contact information, a professional summary or objective statement, work experience, skills, and education. You may also include additional sections like certifications, professional memberships, or language proficiency if applicable.

How can I make my legal assistant resume stand out?

To make your legal assistant resume stand out, focus on quantifying your achievements and using relevant keywords from the job description. Highlight your legal-specific skills, such as legal research, document preparation, and client communication. Additionally, tailor your resume to each specific job you're applying for.

What are some common mistakes to avoid on a legal assistant resume?

Common mistakes to avoid on a legal assistant resume include using a generic objective statement, listing irrelevant work experience, having typos or grammatical errors, and using an unprofessional email address. Additionally, avoid using excessive formatting or graphics that can make your resume difficult to read.

A Legal Assistant plays a vital role in supporting lawyers and legal teams by handling administrative tasks, document management, research, and client communication. When crafting a resume for this role, be sure to highlight any relevant legal administrative experience and transferable skills like scheduling, documentation review, and legal research. Quantify key achievements that showcase your efficiency and impact, such as the number of cases handled or percentage of time/cost savings delivered. Incorporating legal terminology can also demonstrate your industry-specific expertise. Finally, consider having a lawyer or legal professional review your resume before submitting to ensure it resonates with the field.

Highly organized and detail-oriented Legal Assistant with extensive experience in providing comprehensive legal support. Adept at managing multiple tasks, conducting thorough legal research, and collaborating with attorneys to ensure efficient case management. Proven track record of maintaining meticulous legal documents and exhibits while ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines.

• Provide comprehensive legal support to attorneys specializing in corporate law and litigation
• Conduct extensive legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw databases
• Draft and review legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and memoranda
• Maintain meticulous case files and ensure timely filing of legal documents with courts and administrative agencies
• Collaborate with attorneys to prepare for trials, hearings, and depositions
• Assisted attorneys specializing in real estate law and transaction
• Conducted thorough title searches and prepared title reports
• Drafted and reviewed real estate contracts, leases, and closing documents
• Managed client communications and coordinated closing transactions
• Maintained accurate and up-to-date client files and databases
• Assisted attorneys in various practice areas, including family law and personal injury
• Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on a wide range of legal issues
• Assisted in preparing legal documents, including pleadings and discovery requests
• Attended court hearings and depositions with supervising attorneys
• Provided administrative support, including maintaining case files and scheduling appointments
• Microsoft Office
• Multitasking

A Legal Intern provides support to lawyers by researching legal precedents, drafting contracts/briefs, and managing administrative responsibilities. This role offers invaluable exposure to legal procedures and case work. When crafting your resume, highlight research and writing proficiencies along with any related coursework or experiences showcasing strong analytical abilities. Utilize action verbs and provide quantifiable examples of your achievements to demonstrate an eye for detail and aptitude in problem-solving.

Ambitious and driven law student with a passion for corporate law and a strong commitment to social justice. Proven ability to conduct thorough legal research, draft legal documents, and provide valuable support to legal teams. Seeking a challenging legal internship to further develop skills and gain practical experience in a dynamic legal environment.

• Conducted extensive legal research on complex corporate law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, securities regulations, and corporate governance
• Assisted in the preparation of legal memoranda, briefs, and other documents for high-profile corporate clients
• Collaborated with senior associates and partners to develop legal strategies and provide support during negotiations and transactions
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Received positive feedback from supervising attorneys for the quality and timeliness of work product
• Interned for the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, conducting legal research and drafting bench memoranda on a variety of civil and criminal matters
• Observed court proceedings and gained valuable insight into the federal judicial system
• Assisted with the management of the judge's docket and provided administrative support to chambers staff
• Demonstrated strong research and writing skills, as well as the ability to analyze complex legal issues
• Received high praise from Judge Jackson and law clerks for the quality of work and professionalism
• Volunteered with the Housing Unit to provide legal assistance to low-income tenants facing eviction and other housing issues
• Conducted client interviews, drafted legal documents, and assisted with case management under the supervision of staff attorneys
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Contributed to successful outcomes for clients, including preventing evictions and securing necessary repairs to rental units
• Developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the importance of access to legal services
• Contract drafting
• Due diligence
• Corporate law
• Securities regulations
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Corporate governance
• Legal databases

As a Personal Injury Legal Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting attorneys handling cases involving injuries caused by negligence or intentional harm. Your responsibilities include meticulously maintaining case files, drafting correspondence, scheduling depositions and court appearances, and ensuring deadlines are met. Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in MS Office suite are essential. When crafting your resume, prominently showcase any experience in customer service, administrative support, or paralegal roles that demonstrates your ability to thrive in a fast-paced legal environment. Highlight transferable skills such as multitasking, communicating effectively with clients, and prioritizing tasks. Carefully review the job posting and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume to increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

Highly organized and empathetic Personal Injury Legal Assistant with a proven track record of providing exceptional support to attorneys and clients. Adept at managing complex cases, conducting thorough research, and ensuring seamless communication between all parties involved. Committed to advocating for clients' rights and delivering outstanding results in a fast-paced legal environment.

• Managed a caseload of 50+ personal injury cases, ensuring timely filing of legal documents and maintaining detailed case records.
• Conducted extensive research on medical records, police reports, and witness statements to support attorneys in building strong cases.
• Communicated regularly with clients, providing updates on case progress and addressing their concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Collaborated with a team of 5 attorneys and 10 support staff to develop effective legal strategies and negotiate favorable settlements.
• Played a key role in securing over $10 million in settlements and verdicts for clients during tenure.
• Provided comprehensive administrative support to a team of 3 personal injury attorneys, managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and preparing correspondence.
• Drafted legal documents, including demand letters, complaints, and discovery requests, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
• Maintained meticulous records of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages to support clients' claims.
• Assisted in preparing exhibits and demonstrative aids for mediation and trial, contributing to successful outcomes in high-stakes cases.
• Received recognition for exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, streamlining office processes and improving overall efficiency.
• Shadowed personal injury attorneys and gained valuable insight into case management, client interactions, and legal strategy development.
• Conducted legal research on personal injury statutes, case law, and procedural requirements, summarizing findings for supervising attorneys.
• Assisted in drafting legal memoranda, motions, and other documents, honing legal writing skills under the guidance of experienced attorneys.
• Participated in client interviews and case evaluations, developing strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated a keen interest in personal injury law and a commitment to pursuing a career in the field.
• Case Management
• Legal Research
• Document Drafting
• Client Communication
• Mediation Support
• Trial Preparation
• Medical Record Review
• Damage Assessment
• Witness Statement Analysis
• Legal Terminology
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Empathy and Compassion
• Teamwork and Collaboration

An entry-level legal assistant provides vital support by conducting legal research, drafting correspondence, managing files, and ensuring organizational efficiency. When crafting your resume, emphasize skills like meticulous attention to detail, strong written communication abilities, and proficiency with legal software. Include examples highlighting your knack for multitasking and eagerness to learn legal practices. With a clear, well-proofed resume tailored to this role's needs, you'll impress potential employers.

Highly motivated and detail-oriented legal assistant with a strong passion for providing exceptional support to legal professionals. Adept at conducting thorough legal research, drafting documents, and maintaining organized case files. Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.

• Assisted attorneys with drafting legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and correspondence
• Conducted extensive legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw databases
• Maintained accurate and up-to-date case files, ensuring all deadlines were met
• Collaborated with a team of legal professionals to prepare for court proceedings and client meetings
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Provided comprehensive administrative support to a team of 10 employees
• Managed calendars, scheduled meetings, and coordinated travel arrangements
• Drafted and proofread correspondence, reports, and presentations
• Maintained organized filing systems for both physical and digital documents
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with clients and colleagues
• Provided exceptional customer service to clients via phone, email, and live chat
• Resolved complex customer inquiries and complaints with empathy and professionalism
• Maintained accurate records of customer interactions using CRM software
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve customer experience and streamline processes
• Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets and received positive feedback from customers
• Administrative support
• Customer service
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management

Legal Assistant Resume Example (Free Guide)

Create an legal assistant resume that lands you the interview with our free examples and writing tips. use and customize our template and land an interview today..

Are you looking for a job as a legal assistant? If so, you'll need a resume that accurately reflects your skills and experience. Our legal assistant resume example and accompanying writing tips can help you create a document that will grab the attention of potential employers. With the right resume, you can be sure that your talents and qualifications stand out from the crowd.

We will cover:

• How to write a resume , no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a resume to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder .
• What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

What does a Legal Assistant do?

A legal assistant is a professional who provides support to lawyers by researching legal documents, conducting investigations, preparing legal documents, and generally helping lawyers with tasks related to their practice. They may also provide administrative support, such as filing documents, scheduling appointments, and handling correspondence. Additionally, they may also provide paralegal services, such as interviewing witnesses and researching legal precedents.

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What are some responsibilities of a Legal Assistant?

• Conducting legal research
• Drafting legal documents and correspondence
• Filing pleadings and other documents with the court
• Organizing and maintaining client files
• Assisting with legal investigations
• Keeping track of deadlines and court dates
• Preparing trial briefs and assisting in trial preparation
• Managing schedules and calendars
• Answering phones and responding to emails
• Scheduling and attending meetings
• Maintaining contact lists
• Preparing and filing expense reports

Sample Legal Assistant Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details: Name: Jane Doe Address: 123 Any Street, Anytown, Anystate 12345 Phone Number: (123) 456-7890 Email Address: [email protected]

Summary: Jane Doe is a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with over 7 years experience as a Legal Assistant. She is a motivated self-starter capable of multitasking, prioritizing and managing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Jane has a proven track record of providing excellent customer service, maintaining professionalism and working well with colleagues in a team setting.

Work Experience:

• XYZ Law Firm, Anytown, Anystate (2015-Present)
• Provide support to attorneys and staff in all areas of litigation and transactional practice including legal research and document preparation
• Conduct legal research, review of documents and assistance with preparation of legal materials
• Maintain client files and records, including hardcopy and electronic documents
• Assist attorneys with court filings, depositions, hearings and trial preparation
• ABC Law Firm, Anytown, Anystate (2010-2015)
• Provided administrative support to attorneys, staff and clients
• Managed and coordinated legal document preparation, filing and organization of legal documents
• Conducted legal research and analysis of relevant information
• Prepared and maintained legal forms and documents

Education: Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, Anytown University, Anystate (2009)

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects at once
• Ability to work independently and manage own workload

Certifications: Certified Paralegal, Anystate Bar Association (2010)

Languages: English (fluent), Spanish (conversational)

Resume tips for Legal Assistant

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Legal Assistant resume tips. We collected the best tips from seasoned Legal Assistant - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

• Highlight your relevant experience and skills in the summary section.
• Include accomplishments and quantifiable results to show your value.
• Include keywords from the job description throughout your resume.
• Focus on your legal experience, highlighting any specializations.
• Include any certifications, memberships, or awards that are relevant to the position.

Legal Assistant Resume Summary Examples

A Legal Assistant Resume Summary or Resume Objective is a great way to highlight your key skills, qualifications, and accomplishments in a concise, yet powerful statement. It is a valuable addition to your resume because it gives employers a good insight into who you are as a professional, and what kind of value you can bring to their organization. A well-crafted summary or objective will make you stand out from the competition, and is a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the legal profession. For Example:

• Highly organized Legal Assistant with 3+ years of experience in providing support to attorneys. Adept in conducting legal research, drafting documents, and providing administrative support.
• Professional Legal Assistant with excellent communication and organizational skills. Experienced in court filings, data entry, and managing case files.
• Experienced Legal Assistant with 3+ years of experience in providing administrative and legal support. Skilled in legal document preparation and client relations.
• Dynamic Legal Assistant with 5+ years of experience in providing administrative and legal support. Adept in preparing legal documents, conducting research, and client relations.
• Detail-oriented Legal Assistant with 4+ years of experience in providing administrative and legal support. Proficient in preparing legal documents, managing case files, and conducting research.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Legal Assistant Resume

Building a strong experience section for a legal assistant resume is important to demonstrate your expertise and qualifications for the role. This section is your opportunity to highlight your most relevant work experience and demonstrate that you are a qualified and competent legal assistant. By including details on your job duties, accomplishments, and the results of your work, you can showcase your skills and show potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job. Additionally, this section can demonstrate your knowledge of legal principles, processes, and concepts and can help to show potential employers that you are the right person for the role. For Example:

• Provided administrative support to multiple attorneys, including document organization and legal research.
• Drafted and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings.
• Prepared legal documents such as summons, complaints, motions and subpoenas.
• Assisted attorneys with document management, including filing and retrieving documents.
• Reviewed and organized legal documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Conducted research and compiled data for legal cases.
• Calendared deadlines and managed attorneys’ court and client schedules.
• Coordinated travel arrangements and managed expense reports.
• Answered and directed incoming calls, managed emails and other correspondence.
• Provided support to attorneys at client meetings and court hearings.

Legal Assistant resume education example

A legal assistant typically needs at least a two-year associate degree in paralegal studies from an accredited school. Paralegal studies programs include courses in legal research, legal writing, contracts, civil procedure, constitutional law, torts, criminal law, and legal ethics. Some legal assistants may also benefit from additional coursework in business, finance, and accounting. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Legal Assistant resume:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.), Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and History, University of Nevada
• Certificate in Legal Assistant Studies, XYZ College

Legal Assistant Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills to a legal assistant resume because they demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has the necessary skills and experience to be successful in the role. Skills demonstrate knowledge and competencies in areas such as legal research and analysis, document drafting, client relations, organization and time management, communication, and other areas that are essential to the job. By including specific skills, employers are able to quickly see that a candidate is a good fit for the position. Soft Skills:

• Communication
• Organizational
• Attention to Detail
• Multi-tasking
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Interpersonal
• Computer Literacy
• Legal Research
• Contract Drafting
• Document Review
• Case Management
• Court Proceedings
• Legal Analysis
• Billing & Accounting
• Written Correspondence
• Document Filing

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Legal Assistant Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

• Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
• Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
• Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
• Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
• Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
• Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
• Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Legal Assistant resume

• Highlight relevant skills and experience as a Legal Assistant
• Include certifications and relevant coursework
• Mention any specialized software programs used
• List any paralegal or legal research activities
• Include any legal writing, drafting, or editing experience
• Highlight any administrative or organizational tasks
• Emphasize any knowledge of legal terminology, procedures and regulations