Paralegal Resume Sample

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Are you guilty of neglecting your paralegal resume? To see how your resume can testify for your skills and experience, view this sample resume for a paralegal that resume expert Kim Isaacs created below.

You can replace the traditional paralegal resume objective with a more modern career summary, which calls out your qualifications and professional accomplishments in a few sentences below your contact information. We chose four strong statements, each beginning with bold text. Here's another tip: Use numbers to quantify your achievements. This helps provide proof (you know it well) that you've found success at past jobs.

For more guidance, see our paralegal resume example.

Paralegal Resume Template

Ryan Fordham
Sometown, CT 55555 | 555-555-5555 | rf@somedomain.com | LinkedIn URL

Certified Paralegal Specializing in Family Law

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

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, 20xx 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.

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 FY20xx.

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, 20xx to 20xx

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.

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, 20xx to 20xx.

Education

Degree:

Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies | XYZ College (Sometown, CT)

Certification:

Certified Paralegal (CP) | National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

Download the paralegal resume template (Word) for free.

Jobs for paralegals are projected to grow by 12% (or 41,400 jobs) over the next decade, which is faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for a paralegal is $45,200 per year, and you'll find a big demand for these workers in the following metropolitan areas:

Check the Monster Salary Tool to learn what you might earn in your area. Additionally, you can search for paralegal jobs on Monster.

Get a Free Resume Review

You devote your work hours to research, preparation, and case management, but knowing how to build an impressive paralegal resume is a whole different animal. Could you use some help compiling the necessary elements? Get a free resume review today from Monster. You'll find it valuable whether you're writing an experienced paralegal resume or an entry-level paralegal resume. 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.