Legal Assistant Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

In the fast paced world of legal assistants, competition is stiff, especially when looking for a top position.

Are you unsure how to make your legal assistant resume stand out among the stacks of other resumes vying for the same position?

To help you create an attention-grabbing resume that covers everything recruiters are looking for, we have drawn up several templates to guide you to success.

The examples cover positions from entry-level legal assistants to specialized legal assistants in the areas of immigration, personal injury and bankruptcy.

Legal Assistant Job Description

A legal assistant is also often called Paralegal professional.

As a legal assistant you will be asked to assist the supervising lawyers in every way possible.

Though you belong to the law fraternity, but you cannot advise the clients.

The lawyer will depend upon you to perform certain crucial tasks such as drafting the contracts and preparing other key legal documents.

Often the paralegal is given the task to research a case and support the arguments made by supervising lawyer in the role of prosecution or defense.

Other smaller tasks that a legal assistant may have to perform can be faxing and filling documents.

In the latest survey it was found that the average salary of a legal assistant was nearly $54,000 per annum.

If you want a high paying job as a legal assistant then you will have to submit a perfect legal assistant resume by professional resume service.

To apply for a paralegal job you should have a Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Paralegal Studies.

How to Write Legal Assistant Resume Objective

Legal assistants are those professionals behind the scene supporting the success of a case.

Their research and documentation skills equip the lawyers with the due force in arguments.

Legal assistants have to go through various confidential which, other than the client and supervising lawyer, no one knows.

It is a skill for the legal assistant to keep all the secrets hidden.

The legal assistant can also sense opportunities, often they have to point out vital points within a case that may turn the tide.

Neatness in arranging documents and keeping a track of them is also vital when you want to become a reputed legal assistant.

The goal of a legal assistant should be to climb up the grades in the legal profession.

Some Sample Legal Assistant Resume Objectives

• Seeking a position of Legal Assistant where I can utilize secretarial and legal skills in an environment beneficial for mutual growth and development in the legal sector.
• To bring my experience in documentation, research and other secretarial skills in the role of a Legal Assistant.
• To obtain the role of Legal Assistant bringing my understanding of legal terms and judicial systems for the well being of a reputed firm.
• Looking for the job of a Legal Assistant where skills in litigation, administration and creating affidavits will be utilized.

How to Write Legal Assistant Resume Skills

The reputation of a lawyer hinges heavily on the skills of a legal assistant.

There are many things a lawyer has to ponder over, the legal assistant takes the workload of documentation maintenance and some amount of research out of the equation for lawyers.

Often some minor clerical work such as responding to the client calls (in the absence of the lawyer); faxing documents fall on the shoulders of paralegals.

Preparing solid bases for arguments in the court of law are also jobs of a legal assistant.

As you can understand the legal assistants have a diverse range of jobs.

The skills section should mention all your capabilities.

Read through the job description and add or subtract some of the relevant skills.

Some of the skills you may mention in the legal assistant resume are mentioned below:

• Skilled in managing important legal documents.
• Capable of assisting the lawyers in high profile cases.
• Organizing and managing documents to be produced in litigation.
• Experienced in performing in-depth research for cases.
• Eye for perfection in managing documents.
• Experienced in preparing affidavits and other legal documents.
• Good computer handling skills.

Mention your education qualifications that make you eligible for the job profile.

Also showcase how you have helped your past employers with your skills.

If there are some special skills that would give you an edge never fail to mention them.

Legal Assistant Resume Examples

The following examples reflect the best way to showcase your skills and expertise with the legal system based on your unique background and level of experience.

General Legal Assistant Resume Example

JAMES SANDERS

---

522 Some Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226
[email protected], (012) 345-6789

OBJECTIVE
Looking for a position of Legal Assistant where I can utilize secretarial and legal skills in an environment beneficial for mutual growth and development in the legal sector.

SKILLS

• Skilled in managing important legal documents.
• Capable of assisting the lawyers in high profile cases.
• Organizing and managing documents to be produced in litigation.
• Experienced in performing in-depth research for cases.
• Eye for perfection in managing documents.
• Experienced in preparing affidavits and other legal documents.
• Good computer handling skills.

ACTIVITIES

• Created a new system for documentation management within a specific database shortening the work for time ratio by about 25%
• Managed the manual filing system effectively thus improving the processes for office administration.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

GEICO
(2012- Present)

Legal Assistant

• Assisted in the preparation of legal documents.
• Assisted in many litigation scenarios.
• Met the client queries.
• Researching and cross checking information related to a case.
• Scheduling client appointments.
• Maintaining the law library and other case file archives.

Plunkett Cooney PLC – Bloomfield Hills, MI
(2011-2012)

Legal Assistant

• Responsible for drafting legal documents such as subpoenas, affidavits, pleadings and interrogatories.
• Scheduled the hearings, depositions, client appointments and other meetings.
• Procured medical records and analyzed them to prepare medical chronology.

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies from University of Eastern Michigan.

DATE:

_______________________
Signature of James Sanders

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Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Example

If you’re going after an entry-level position as a legal secretary, recruiters won’t expect you to possess prior experience in a law firm.

However, you can make your application stand out by highlighting transferable skills you acquired in other industries and your academic background.

Objective

Recent paralegal graduate seeking to gain a first experience in a law firm to utilize my knowledge of court procedures and research abilities.

Education

Paralegal Certificate Program at the University of Miami (2022)

• Learned about procedural rules through exercises, case studies, and mock exams.
• Acquired a solid knowledge of case management best practices.
• Developed expertise in ethics rules and case compliance.
• Practiced drafting legal documents.
• Completed seven research projects available via digital portfolio (insert link to online portfolio).

B.S. in Legal Studies at the University of Central Florida (2017 to 2021)

• Studied basic principles of law and gained a thorough understanding of the legal system.
• Became familiar with paralegal research tools like FastCase, PocketJustice, and Logikcull.
• Gained the ability to perform a thorough legal analysis of civil and criminal cases.
• Graduated with honors and a 3.9 GPA.

Work Experience

Part-Time Receptionist at the U.S. Small Business Administration Office (2017 to 2020)

• Represented the U.S. Small Business Administration while answering calls and provided callers with relevant resources.
• Educated small business owners about various SBA programs and their requirements.
• Scheduled meeting and conference room bookings.
• Managed a digital file system with over 3,000 application records.
• Helped update contact information and program requirements for a list of over 500 SBA-approved lenders.

Skills

• Legal research
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Strong administrative skills
• Verbal and written communication
• Detail-oriented

Why This Resume Works

This candidate chose to use a targeted resume structure to list their academic experiences first.

This decision makes sense since they have a limited employment history, and the two academic programs they completed make their profile stand out when compared to other entry-level candidates.

This applicant created detailed bullet points to describe what they studied in school. They refer to specific digital legal research platforms that reflect what law firms are likely to use.

They also mention exercises and case studies to show they have experience applying their theoretical knowledge.

There is a short work experience section with information about a prior position as a receptionist.

The candidate made this experience relevant to a legal career by focusing on skills that transfer to the paralegal environment, such as client service, managing records, and general organizational skills.

Experienced Legal Assistant Resume Example

Experienced legal assistants possess an extensive background in litigation and managing a legal firm’s day-to-day operations.

The key is to use the right wording to convey the wide range of skills of an experienced paralegal professional on a one-page resume.

Objective

Legal assistant with close to 20 years of experience seeking a position at a law firm specializing in criminal cases.

Work Experience

Legal Assistant at Willis Law (2014 to present)

• Leads preparatory investigations for an average of six new family law cases each month.
• Develops negotiation strategies to settle divorce and custody cases out of court. Over 96% of these cases settle out of court.
• Conducts advanced legal research and presents findings to attorneys.
• Oversees the firm’s communication strategy, including weekly updates to an average of 27 clients.
• Assigns legal research and administrative tasks to a team of four junior paralegal assistants.

Legal Assistant at Levine & Levine Attorneys at law (2005 to 2010)

• Drafted legal documents and legal correspondence.
• Managed time tracking and billing.
• Conducted client interviews to assess cases and gather facts.
• Kept a database of over 300 clients and leads up to date.
• Filed case documents according to legal compliance requirements.
• Additional work experiences and references available upon request

Achievements & Highlights

• Named paralegal of the year by the Michigan Bar Journal (2018)
• Guest speaker at the University of Michigan Law School (2016)

Education

• Criminal Justice Certificate at Drexel University (2020 to 2022)
• Associate of Business in Paralegal Studies at Baker College (2001 to 2003)

Skills

• Litigation
• Calendar management
• Strong work ethic
• Client relations
• Tech skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Why This Resume Works

This experienced legal assistant created a resume that speaks to their expertise regarding legal and administrative tasks. This legal assistant resume also stands out thanks to the goal-oriented profile it creates.

The work history section includes two positions. We can imagine this candidate selected the two jobs with the longest tenure or made a strategic choice and listed two jobs because the first reflects their legal skills.

In contrast, the second emphasizes their experience with administrative duties.

The oldest position showcases the candidate’s ability to manage the administrative aspect of a law firm, while the most recent job highlights their contribution as a legal researcher and leader.

This resume gives the impression that this person grew into their role and progressively took on more responsibilities regarding cases and the paralegal team.

The skill section echoes this mix of legal and administrative skills, tech skills, and the fact that the candidate is bilingual, two valuable things in the legal field.

Another thing that stands out is that the resume tells a clear story and shows this candidate is a goal-oriented person. This legal assistant started working in the early 2000s and rose to prominence in the field of family law.

In 2022, they obtained a criminal justice certificate and are now seeking a position at a law firm specializing in criminal cases. This goal, stated in the objective, makes the candidate stand out.

Personal Injury Legal Assistant Resume Example

Less than 5% of personal injury cases go to trial. For legal assistants specializing in this branch of the law, it’s crucial to demonstrate that they possess strong negotiation and strategic skills to help lawyers dealing with insurance companies.

Summary

Dynamic and result-oriented legal assistant with five years of experience at an award-winning firm specializing in personal injury cases.

Work Experience

Legal Assistant at the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger (2017 to present)

• Works on an average of three cases a week as part of a legal team.
• Screens cases and identifies the best candidates for personal injury settlements.
• Interviews clients and follows best practices for gathering evidence for each case.
• Performs advanced legal research and applies knowledge of tort law to prepare a legal background for each case.
• Utilizes expertise in insurance processes to prepare effective insurance claim filings.
• Works with personal injury lawyers to develop a sound negotiation strategy when dealing with insurers.
• Communicates with insurance adjusters, keeps track of communication, and reports to lawyers.

Recent Cases and Achievements

• Worked on 64 cases over the past six months. Only two went to trial.
• Helped obtain three settlements of more than $1 million in the past year.
• Developed a negotiation strategy that led to a car crash victim obtaining compensation for pain and suffering besides medical bills and property damages.
• Contributed to obtaining a permanent injunction against a leading local employer guilty of neglecting workplace safety.

Education and Background

• Internship at Strom Law Firm (2017)
• Post-Degree Paralegal Program at South College Asheville (2015 to 2016)
• B.S. in Business Administration at South Carolina State University (2011 to 2015)

Skills

• Passionate about justice and helping others
• Knowledge of tort law and insurance processes
• Legal software, including PracticePanther and CARET Legal
• Excellent communicator and team-player

Why This Resume Works

This resume uses a logical progression that demonstrates how this driven and result-oriented legal assistant works.

First, the resume establishes a strong background regarding legal expertise. It mentions tort law, insurance processes, and legal research.

The education section shows this candidate completed a specialized program. The fourth bullet point suggests they play an instrumental role in identifying relevant legal rules and insurance concepts for each case.

Next, the resume shows how this person applies their knowledge. The candidate uses action verbs throughout the resume and refers to strategic planning and negotiation skills.

Lastly, the candidate discusses results with the section that lists their recent achievements. This section details monetary compensation and other outcomes and connects expertise and negotiation skills to concrete results.

This legal assistant resume also stands out by showing how this person is part of a larger legal team.

They describe themselves as a team player, but they also use words that refer to their ability to work with others, such as ‘help,’ ‘contribute,’ or ‘report.’

Immigration Legal Assistant Resume Example

Law firms specializing in immigration cases look for legal assistants with a thorough knowledge of this area of law.

An eye-catching resume needs to establish expertise, show how a candidate is able to obtain results, and mention people skills.

Objective

People-oriented legal assistant with a focus on immigration law and a drive to advocate for clients’ rights..

Work Experience

Legal Assistant at Zubkoff Law (2021 to present)

• Manages the caseload intake and assigns tasks to a paralegal team of three people.
• Gather information and fill out visa petitions on behalf of clients.
• Reviews supporting documents and obtains certified translations of official documents.
• Works with a legal team to develop relevant strategies for establishing proof of residence, appealing immigration decisions, and more.
• Follows submission deadlines and helps clients comply with every aspect of the immigration process.

Legal Assistant at Wilner O’Reilly Law (2017 to 2021)

• Performed legal research regarding immigration cases, including work visas and green cards.
• Prepared legal backgrounds for deportation hearings.
• Communicated with clients to provide updates about their immigration cases.
• Managed records and immigration documents for the firm’s clients.
• Educated clients about the immigration process, including requirements to meet, application documents, and appeal options.

Achievements

• Helped over 80 clients navigate the immigration system and obtain temporary or permanent visas.
• Contributed to reuniting six families through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
• Advocated for the passage of the 2023 Dream Act by contributing to a research project led by the Washington Heritage Foundation.

Education

• ABA-Approved Paralegal Certificate Program at the University of California Irvine (2013 to 2015)
• Alternative Digital Credential in Legal Research and Analysis (2014)
• B.A. in Justice Studies at California State University San Marcos (2009 to 2013)

Skills

• Fluent in Spanish
• Conversational Arabic
• Strong knowledge of USCIS procedures
• Attention to detail
• Excellent administrative skills

Why This Resume Works

This compelling resume immediately conveys that this legal assistant loves what they do, and the highlight section says a lot regarding which achievements they value.

This candidate chose to draw attention to their work to help refugee families and DREAMers, which strongly suggests they are passionate about these causes.

The candidate goes further by describing themselves as ‘people-oriented’ in their objective and a few points that refer to job duties such as communicating with clients.

Overall, this person will bring some positive values to a law firm.

This legal assistant showcases their expertise with the immigration system.

They sound confident in their ability to navigate complex immigration procedures, submit the right documents to establish proof, and take on more advanced cases that require appeals and hearings.

Additional strengths include the administrative and record-keeping skills mentioned in the bullet points of the work section and the skills section.

Listing the two languages they speak at the top of the skills section is another element that makes this resume stand out.

Bankruptcy Legal Assistant Resume Example

With over 387,000 bankruptcy cases filed last year, this branch of law is in high demand.

A legal assistant with a background in bankruptcy needs to emphasize qualities that show they can work with financial documents, contribute to advising clients, and navigate the complex bankruptcy process.

Summary

Detail-oriented Certified Legal Assistant with seven years of experience in bankruptcy law. Seeking a position where I can continue progressing in my career and take on a leadership role with a paralegal team.

Work Experience

Legal Assistant at the Law Office of Kimberly A. Sheek (2019 to present)

• Conducts background research to determine if individuals and businesses are candidates for filing for bankruptcy.
• Helps develop strategies to prevent bankruptcy, protect assets during bankruptcy filings, and assist clients in rebuilding a strong financial foundation after filing for bankruptcy.
• Manages over 200 client records, including sensitive financial information.
• Updates and optimizes an internal data governance framework designed to protect personal information.
• Contributes to building better internal processes for generating leads, gathering sensitive financial documents, and sharing regular updates with clients.

Legal Secretary at Cameron Bankruptcy Law (2016 to 2019)

• Conducted initial phone interviews to educate leads about bankruptcy and screen potential candidates for bankruptcy filings.
• Assisted clients with gathering the necessary financial documents.
• Examined financial documents for accuracy and prepared legal bankruptcy forms.
• Scheduled an average of 18 meetings a week with the firm’s lawyers to discuss the bankruptcy process.
• Personally communicate with clients to provide weekly updates about their bankruptcy filing.

Education and Background

• B.S. in Psychology (2008 to 2012)
• Certified Legal Assistant Program at the North Carolina Central University (2012 to 2014)
• Internship at the Carolina Law Group (2014)
• NALA Legal Assistant Certification (2015)

Skills

• Strong analytical skills
• Solid understanding of financial concepts
• Verbal and written communication
• Strategic thinking
• Advanced problem solving

Why This Resume Works

This candidate begins by stating a career goal. They’re looking for a new job because they want a position with more responsibilities.

They lack traditional leadership experience in terms of managing a team of paralegals.

However, they’re leveraging their work on improving existing processes and creating a better way of handling sensitive data to show they can lead projects and come up with original ideas.

Another positive point is that the candidate demonstrates their expertise in bankruptcy filings.

The different bullet points show they have plenty of experience in reviewing cases individually, reviewing financial documents, and assisting lawyers in recommending the best solution to individuals and businesses.

This candidate is also presenting their strategic thinking as a strength.

The skills section highlights their analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, and the work experience section provides concrete examples of how this person uses these skills, for instance, by helping clients protect assets or rebuild their finances.

The education and background section is another plus. The degree in psychology can feel a little off-topic, but it can make this candidate stand out in a field where interacting with people is a crucial part of the job.

The internship is a plus, and the NALA certification confirms this candidate meets the requirements for legal assistants in North Carolina.

Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include on a Legal Assistant Resume

Legal assistants need strong coping skills to work in a demanding environment. Their job entails dealing with stressed clients, analyzing complex legal cases, and maintaining their knowledge of the law.

A compelling legal assistant resume needs to highlight skills demonstrating the candidate’s ability to research, analyze, negotiate, or identify legal solutions.

Action verbs are another component that makes resumes more engaging while speaking to one’s ability to perform a wide range of tasks.

Common Skills for Legal Assistant Resumes	Common Action Verbs for Legal Assistant Resumes
Litigation Knowledge of the law and specific procedures Legal research Work ethic Legal practice software Record-keeping Verbal and written communication Critical thinking Database management Attention to detail Drafting legal documents Analytical skills Reporting Adaptability Language skills Writing briefs Administrative tasks Ability to meet deadlines Organization skills Compassion	Communicate Research Coordinate Develop Assess Analyze Solve Recommend Help Achieve Conduct Implement Write Fill out Evaluate

Tips for Writing a Better Legal Assistant Resume

Employment opportunities for legal assistants and paralegal professionals are growing at an annual rate of 14%.

In a strong job market, a compelling resume can help you find a law firm that is an excellent fit for your career goals.

Scan the Job Posting

Before you start writing your resume, take a few minutes to scan the job posting and identify keywords. Legal assistants can wear many hats, and the job posting will tell you more about what the recruiter expects from you.

Some positions might emphasize administrative duties, while other recruiters might expect candidates to assist lawyers when it comes to preparing for cases.

Demonstrate that you’re an excellent fit for the role by highlighting the skills mentioned in the job posting and using wording that reflects the job posting.

Make It Personal

When hiring a legal assistant, law firms are also onboarding a new team member. Your job makes you an essential part of the law firm, with duties including communicating with clients, interacting with potential leads, and helping lawyers.

Don’t let legal jargon make your resume feel impersonal. You can let your personality shine through by writing a resume objective or summary where you describe yourself in your own words.

Adding a section that lists your achievements can also show recruiters what you enjoy most about the legal field.

Find a Way to Condense Information

Fitting your many job duties and achievements on a one-page resume can be challenging. Adopt a strategic approach and decide what to include and leave out.

Here are a few tips:

• Include a mix of skills. Reflect on your legal and administrative skills and include hard and soft skills.
• Establish expertise by including references to the areas of law you’re comfortable with.
• When describing a job experience, use at least one bullet point with a number that shows measurable performance.
• A highlight or achievement section with the cases you’re proud of can be more effective than a long list of past positions.
• Is there something that makes you different from other candidates? Make sure to include it.
• When in doubt, go back to the job posting and ask yourself how to show that you’re a good match for what the recruiter is looking for.

Consider the Rest of Your Application

Making everything fit on a one-page resume can be challenging, but the good news is that you’ll rarely send a resume without any additional documents.

You’ll typically attach a cover letter, fill out an online application, or at least send an email to introduce yourself and say please find attached my resume.

Consider the rest of your application when crafting your resume. You need to be consistent and avoid repetitions.

For instance, there is no need to list all your prior work experiences on your resume if you fill out an online application with a comprehensive work history.

You can also shorten your resume objective if you send a cover letter with your professional goals in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read on to learn more about landing your dream job as a legal assistant.

Similar Resume Types to Reference

We encourage you to take a look at these similar resume examples to highlight your unique legal and administrative skills.

• Lawyer Resume: These legal resumes will give you a better idea of how to showcase your legal skills.
• Administrative Assistant Resume: Tell recruiters how you can assist with the day-to-day operation of their law firm with these administrative assistant resume examples.
• Data Entry Resume: Are you in charge of a law firm’s client database? Learn how you can draw attention to this valuable skill.

Wrapping Up

Legal assistants possess a wide range of valuable skills, and creating a compelling profile on a one-page resume can be challenging for those who aren’t sure what to include and what to leave out.

These resume examples should give you a better idea of how you can create a noteworthy application.

Did you recognize your background and skills in the above legal assistant resumes? Tell us in the comments, and share this article with other paralegals.