11 Legal Assistant Resume Examples for 2024

Embarking on a career path as a legal assistant requires a resume that reflects both your administrative skills and legal knowledge. This article provides examples of strong legal assistant resumes, each paired with strategic advice to help you land the job. Learn the essentials of showcasing your experience in law practices, from case preparation to document management, in a way that speaks to hiring professionals in the legal field.

  Compiled and approved by Liz Bowen
  Last updated on See history of changes

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At a Glance

Here's what we see in standout legal assistant resumes.

  • Quantifying Your Impact: Top resumes show real results with numbers. These could be decreased document turnaround time, increased case handling efficiency, reduced case preparation hours, or improved client satisfaction scores. Numbers help you clearly show how you've helped.

  • Relevant Skills Are Key: Include skills on your resume that you have and are listed in the job description. Add skills such as legal research, case management software, document drafting, litigation support, and regulatory compliance. These show you are equipped for the tasks.

  • Understanding Technology Trends: Being up-to-date with the latest software is important. Show you're current by including phrases like familiar with e-filing or proficient in Pacer.

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Where to list education

On your resume, place your education section near the top if you are new to the workforce or a recent graduate. This will show you've been focused on learning. For those who have been a legal assistant for a while, put your work experience first. Your hands-on experience is what most employers look at first.

Include any specific legal courses or training you have. This shows that you have the background needed to support legal work. Certifications like Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Paralegal Certificate can be highlighted here too.

Showcase legal tasks

In your work history, focus on tasks that are special to legal work. Mention if you have prepared legal documents, such as briefs or wills, and if you have helped with research for cases. Attention to detail and the ability to handle complex tasks are key in this field.

Mentioning any experience with legal software or court filing systems can set you apart from others. Employers value candidates who can jump in with little training on these tools.

Ideal resume length

For legal assistants with under 10 years of experience, you should aim for a one-page resume. This helps you show your ability to prioritize critical information. Focus on relevant abilities such as document management and attention to detail. Include your most impactful achievements rather than a complete list of duties.

For those with over 10 years of experience or in a senior position, a two-page resume is appropriate. Here, you can detail your comprehensive knowledge about legal procedures and client interaction skills. Ensure the first page covers your most substantial work, keeping readability in mind.

Avoid tiny fonts and margins which make it hard to read your resume. If struggling with length, use space efficiently or edit out less relevant information like older education details or extracurricular activities. Remember, the strength of your resume comes from showing what you can bring to the role, not from the number of pages.

Emphasize confidentiality

It is important in legal work to keep sensitive information safe. You should include any experience you have managing confidential records or information.

Also, if you have worked in environments that required discretion, such as law offices or in support of legal proceedings, make this clear. Highlight your ability to follow protocols and preserve the integrity of legal processes.

Optimize for applicant tracking systems

When you apply for a job as a legal assistant, remember your resume might be read by a computer first. To get it in front of human eyes, you need to make it through the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many firms use. Here are some ways to help your resume stand out.

  • Use keywords from the job description, such as 'document management' or 'legal research.' This shows you're a good match for the job.
  • Include specific software skills like proficiency in Westlaw or LexisNexis, as these are often searched for by the ATS.

Make sure your job titles and skills are easy to find and read by the ATS. You want the system to see you are a fit for the role of a legal assistant. Keep the formatting simple, use a standard font, and avoid tables or images that can confuse the ATS.

Showcase relevant skills

When you prepare your resume as a legal assistant, make sure it speaks directly to the job you want. Focus on the specific tasks and skills that show you are a good fit. This makes it easier for hiring managers to see your value quickly.

  • Highlight your experience with legal documents by mentioning tasks like drafting affidavits or preparing legal correspondences.
  • Show your organization skills by detailing how you manage case files or schedule court dates.
  • If you have used legal databases or software, list them. For example, write that you are proficient in using LexisNexis or Westlaw.

Key skills to include

When crafting your resume, focus on including hard skills that hiring managers look for. Here are some essential skills for legal assistants, along with some tips on how to present them effectively:

  • Legal research: This skill is crucial for finding case laws, statutes, and regulations. It shows your ability to support attorneys with detailed information.
  • Document drafting: Highlight your ability to prepare legal documents such as briefs, motions, and contracts. This can be showcased in your experience section.
  • Case management software: Mention proficiency with tools like Clio, MyCase, or Time Matters. These tools help manage case files, schedules, and deadlines.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is often required. These tools are used for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Legal billing: Experience with software like Tabs3 or Bill4Time is valuable. This skill shows you can handle invoicing and track billable hours.
  • e-Filing: Mention familiarity with electronic filing systems used in courts. This is important for submitting legal documents.
  • Trial preparation: Include experience in organizing exhibits, witness lists, and trial notebooks. This shows your readiness to assist in trial settings.
  • Transcription: Note your ability to transcribe legal dictations accurately. This is often a part of daily tasks.
  • Calendaring: Mention proficiency in managing court dates and attorney schedules, ensuring important dates are never missed.
  • Legal terminology: Demonstrate your understanding of legal terms and jargon. This knowledge is essential for effective communication in a legal setting.

While you don't need to include every skill, focus on those relevant to the job you want. Include these skills in a dedicated skills section or weave them into your work experience. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.

Show leadership and growth

When you apply for jobs, showing growth in your previous roles can make a good impression. If you've been a legal aide and had a chance to lead or got promoted, make sure to include this in your resume.

Think about tasks where you had more responsibility over time. Here are some ideas:

  • 'Led a team of 3 interns, improving document organization and reducing retrieval time by 20%'.
  • 'Promoted from junior to senior legal assistant within 2 years due to strong performance and dedication.'

Even if you're not sure you've been a leader, consider times you helped new team members or when you managed a project. Use simple phrases like:

  • 'Trained new employees in case management software.'
  • 'Oversaw a major case filing system transition.'

Quantify your impact

When you craft your resume as a legal assistant, showing your impact with numbers can make a big difference. It helps hiring managers see the real value you bring. Here are ways to do it:

  • Think about the number of cases you've managed or assisted with. If you've helped with a large volume, this shows your ability to handle a busy workload.
  • Consider any time-saving processes you introduced. For example, if you implemented a new filing system that reduced the time to retrieve documents by 20%, this is a strong metric to include.
  • Did you reduce the number of errors in document preparation? If so, estimate the percentage decrease.
  • Reflect on the size of the legal teams you've supported. Have you worked with five attorneys at once? This shows your ability to multitask.
  • Calculate the amount of money you saved the firm through any cost-cutting measures you initiated or contributed to.
  • If you've increased client satisfaction, include any survey scores or positive reviews.
  • Estimate the number of legal documents you draft or review weekly. This could show your proficiency and efficiency.
  • Record any training sessions or workshops you've led, showing your leadership and knowledge sharing.

Use these ideas to think about your own experience. If you're unsure about exact numbers, make a reasonable estimate. Remember, the goal is to show how you contribute in a clear and measurable way.

Tailoring for company size

When you apply for legal assistant roles, the size of the company matters. Large firms like Baker McKenzie or Latham & Watkins have many layers and value streamlined processes. You should highlight your ability to handle complex filing systems and manage large volumes of information efficiently.

For smaller firms and startups, focus on your versatility. Emphasize skills like direct client interaction and the ability to adapt quickly to different tasks. Show that you are comfortable wearing multiple hats.

  • For large firms: 'Managed extensive legal documentation for high-profile cases.'
  • For small firms: 'Acted as the first point of contact for clients, providing essential support.'
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