Paralegal resume sample
Guilty of neglecting your resume? These writing tips can help.
Are you guilty of neglecting your resume? To be a successful candidate for paralegal jobs, resume expert Kim Isaacs says it helps to have a comprehensive resume. To see how your resume can testify for your skills and experience, view this sample resume for a paralegal that Isaacs created below, or download the paralegal resume template in Word.
Jobs for paralegals are projected to grow by 15% (or 41,800 jobs) from 2016 through 2026, which is much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You'll find the highest level of employment for this job in the following states: California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Illinois; and in the following metropolitan areas: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Atlanta.
As a paralegal, you can expect to earn a median wage of $50,410 per year, or $24.24 per hour, according to the BLS.
Additionally, you can learn about legal careers and search for paralegal jobs on Monster.
Paralegal resume template
Ryan Fordham
Sometown, CT 55555 | 555-555-5555 | rf@somedomain.com | LinkedIn URL
Certified Paralegal Specializing in Family Law
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Experienced paralegal with a strong command of family law in the state of Connecticut. Handle cases such as divorce, custody, adoption and related family law matters. Diligent and resourceful in conducting legal research and case investigations; trustworthy in handling confidential information; and articulate in preparing persuasive legal arguments, motions and agreements. Knowledge of family law rules of procedure, mandatory disclosure requirements, preparation of pleadings, correspondence and e-filing. Technically skilled; use ProDoc, Abacus Next, Westlaw, LexisNexis, eLaw, PACER, STAC and MS Office. |
Legal Skills
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Family Law Proceedings E-filing / Records Management Legal Research Discovery Packages |
Legal Document Preparation Case Management Trial Preparation Court Calendaring |
Motions, Contracts & Agreements Client Interviews Billing & Collections Office & Court Procedures |
Professional Experience
ABC LAW FIRM (Sometown, CT) | Paralegal, 2009 to Present
Provide legal, trial and administrative support for team of 12 attorneys and 3 senior partners within busy family law practice. Manage paralegal activities as well as office/HR functions such as scheduling and billing.
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Legal Support: Achieved in-demand status amongst paralegal colleagues; often personally requested by senior partners to manage complex, deadline-intensive matters. Document Preparation: Assisted attorneys in the timely drafting and filing of legal documents and correspondence supporting case preparation for court appearances, hearings, depositions, trials and meetings. Billing & Invoicing: Collaborated with office manager to standardize billing practices. Commended for efforts that contributed to a 15% increase in profitability in FY2016. Collections: Reduced aged receivables from $95K to $5.4K. Revamped accounts receivables procedures, created spreadsheets to enhance tracking of monies owed and followed up on open accounts. |
DEF LAW FIRM (Sometown, CT) | Paralegal, 2007 to 2009
Prepared pleadings, exhibits, motions, judgments, court orders, inventories and discovery for a premier family law firm in Sometown. Interfaced with clients, legal teams, opposing counsel and court officers.
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Caseload Management: Excelled within a fast-paced law firm; assessed and prioritized competing demands to provide the highest quality of legal representation to clients. Office Reorganization: Overhauled file system; made reception area more inviting and child-friendly; and created document templates. Enhanced records organization, elevated efficiency and improved service levels. |
EARLY CAREER: Held secretary and administrative assistant positions at GHI Co and JKL Co, 2000 to 2007.
Education
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Degree: |
Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies | XYZ College (Sometown, CT) |
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Certification: |
Certified Paralegal (CP) | National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) |
Get a resume review
You devote your work hours to research, preparation, and case management, but knowing how to build an impressive resume is a whole different animal. Could you use some help compiling the necessary elements? Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at Monster's Resume Writing Service. You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of your resume's appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter's first impression. Just as you wouldn't go to trial without a thorough review of your argument, you shouldn't begin a job search without ensuring your resume is indisputable proof of your awesomeness.