Ready to take the legal world by storm and make your mark as a stellar legal assistant? Your first step towards career triumph starts with an impressive legal assistant resume.
Legal assistants are the backbone of a legal team, providing vital support and contributing to the success of the cases they work on.
This guide will show you how to weave together your legal skills, experiences, and unique traits into a captivating document. Get ready to unlock opportunities, dazzle hiring managers, and pave the way for an exciting legal assistant journey.
Let's dive into the art of composing a winning resume!
Legal Assistant Resume Examples
Corporate Legal Assistant Resume Template
Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Example
Experienced Legal Assistant Resume Example
Adrien Narcisse
adrien-narcisse@email.com | 504-528-1577 | New Orleans, LASummary:
Dynamic and detail-oriented Legal Assistant with a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University of Louisiana, complemented by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. Proven expertise in legal research, case management, and administrative support. Recipient of the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) certification.
Education:
Juris Doctor (JD), Tulane University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, May 2019
Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, May 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, May 2015
Professional Experience:
Legal Assistant
JJC Law, New Orleans, LA, June 2019 - Present
- Conduct comprehensive legal research, contributing to successful case outcomes.
- Draft and edited legal documents, including motions, pleadings, and correspondence.
- Manage case files, ensuring timely filings and compliance with procedural requirements.
- Facilitate communication between clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
- Coordinate client meetings, witness interviews, and deposition schedules.
Business Development Analyst
Parker & Elder Law, New Orleans, LA, August 2015 - May 2019
- Conducted market research and analysis to identify business growth opportunities.
- Assisted in the development of business plans and strategies to expand the firm's client base.
- Collaborated with attorneys on the implementation of marketing initiatives.
- Prepared reports and presentations for client pitches and internal strategy meetings.
Legal Intern
Nearby Notary LLC, New Orleans, LA, January 2015 - May 2015
- Assisted in the preparation of legal documents, such as memoranda and briefs.
- Conducted legal research on relevant statutes, regulations, and case law.
- Supported attorneys in trial preparation, focusing on document organization and exhibit preparation.
- Maintained organized legal files, ensuring quick retrieval of critical information.
- Provided administrative support, managing phones, scheduling appointments, and handling correspondence.
Awards:
Outstanding Legal Professional Award
Louisiana Legal Professionals Association
- Date of Award: March 2020
Skills:
- Legal research and writing;
- Case management;
- Notarial processes and document authentication;
- Business development analysis;
- Client interaction;
- Data protection laws and regulations.
Mid-Level Legal Assistant Resume Sample
Sample resume for immigration legal assistants
Jacob Reed
jacob-reed@email.com | 205-299-9602 | Birmingham, ALObjective:
Detail-oriented and experienced Immigration Legal Assistant seeking to contribute strong organizational skills, legal knowledge, and dedication to client service in a dynamic immigration law firm.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Samford University (Homewood, AL)
- Minor: Legal Studies
- GPA: 3.90
- Graduation date: May 2021
Certifications:
- Immigration Law Training | Mennonite Central Committee, 2022
- Certified Paralegal (CP) | American Paralegal Association, 2021
Professional Experience:
Immigration Legal Assistant | Greenfield & Associates (Birmingham, AL) February 2022 - Present
- Assist immigration attorneys with preparing and filing immigration petitions for H-1B applications, and other legal documents such as I-130, I-485, etc.
- Conduct legal research on immigration laws, regulations, and procedural requirements.
- Communicate with clients to gather necessary information and documents for cases.
- Maintain case files, ensuring all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and organized.
- Prepare correspondence and draft legal documents under attorney supervision.
- Schedule client appointments, court dates, and USCIS interviews.
- Assist in translating documents and interpreting during client meetings as needed.
Legal Intern | Smith & Partners (Birmingham, AL) June 2021 - January 2022
- Provided administrative support to attorneys, including drafting correspondence and organizing case files.
- Conducted initial client interviews and intake assessments.
- Researched legal issues and prepared memoranda on various immigration law topics.
- Assisted in preparing legal documents for filing with USCIS and immigration courts.
- Participated in client meetings and observed court proceedings.
Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Strong knowledge of immigration law and procedures
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, with experience in translation and interpretation
Professional Affiliations:
- Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) | since 2023
- Member, Birmingham Paralegal Association | since 2022
References:
Available upon request.
Contact Information
There are over 426,833 employed legal assistants and paralegals in the United States, according to National Today.
While putting down contact information on a legal assistant's resume, it is necessary to be brief and direct. Refrain from excessive descriptions of your personal life facts.
The following data is essential for your paralegal resume:
- Name. Indicate your full name with the correct spelling and capitalization.
- Address. Display your current address or provide your city, state, and zip code.
- Phone number. Provide a number that you can be reached at or a valid voicemail.
- Email address. Give an appropriate email.
- Website URL. If applicable, attach a site showcasing your skills or credentials.
- LinkedIn profile. Include a hyperlink to your LinkedIn.
The inclusion of all this information on your resume will make sure HR can easily identify your application among others. It also gives employers a way to contact you directly if they have questions or need more information from you.
Legal Assistant Experience
It is imperative to structure your work background in the most advantageous way possible. Starting with the most recent experience, list each of your entries in reverse chronological order. This will provide employers with an overview of your career in a brief and organized manner.
For each job history entry, you should add the name of your employer, location, job title, and dates employed. Also, enumerate any key duties or achievements that you've had in your previous roles.
Carrying this out facilitates employers to rapidly examine the resume and comprehend what talents you possess.
Here is an example of how to organize experience:
Legal Assistant - Vanguard Legal Practice - Los Angeles, CA (March 2018 - Present).
- Drafted legal documents counting pleadings, motions, and correspondence.
- Conducted research on relevant case law to support attorneys' arguments.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation along with witness contact and document management.
- Coordinated client meetings and court appearances.
Paralegal Intern - Evergreen Law Office - San Francisco, CA (June 2017 - August 2017).
- Researched state laws related to civil cases.
- Prepared briefs summarizing case law applicable to various cases.
- Filed documents with courts following established bounds.
- Performed factual investigations by gathering information from clients and external sources.
Employers will understand your accomplishments and value to the company if you invest the time into clearly structuring your resume. Ensure that your resume grabs attention by incorporating the above tips.
Legal assistants are projected to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education
When constructing a legal assistant resume, keep your academic background properly organized. Focus on including the most pertinent data that can describe you in the best way.
It's best to arrange your education chronologically, starting with your most recent degree or certification.
To help you craft an effective resume, here are some listing tips:
- Start with your highest degree.
- State the school's name, location, degree, and year of completion.
- If you have more than one certification, rank them in reverse chronological order.
- Remember to add any courses you have taken that are analogous to the field of law.
- If you have any honors or awards related to your education, include them.
- Don't forget to record internships or extracurricular activities you may have had.
Look at the below legal assistant resume sample that demonstrates how you might list your education history:
Example:
Juris Doctor Degree
Harvard Law School | Cambridge, MA | 2018
- Completed coursework in civil procedure and evidence law.
- Member of Harvard Law Review.
- Received the Dean's Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Paralegal Certificate
Boston University | Boston, MA | 2016
- Coursework in legal research and writing.
- Participated in an internship with a local law firm.
- Graduated with honors.
By applying the mentioned tips you will definitely make your education history demonstrate that you're a qualified legal professional.
Legal Assistant Skills
It is crucial to incorporate both hard and soft skills to show that you're a well-rounded candidate.
Hard skills are those that can be measured and are specific to the job. Soft skills are more personal qualities that make someone successful in their role.
Legal Assistant Resume Examples of Soft Skills:
- Communication. Articulate and persuasive speaking and writing abilities.
- Interpersonal. Ability to interact with co-workers, clients, and other stakeholders.
- Problem-solving. Creative thinking and initiative to solve problems efficiently.
- Time management. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines.
- Organizational. Excellent skills in managing documents and data.
- Teamwork. Ability to work effectively in teams.
Legal Assistant Resume Examples of Hard Skills:
- Legal research. Understanding of research tools and techniques.
- Document drafting. Ability to draft legal documents accurately and quickly.
- Court filing procedures. Proficient understanding of procedures in different jurisdictions.
- Litigation support. Skilled in providing support such as discovery management, document review, etc.
- Technology proficiency. Awareness of software such as Microsoft Office, document management systems, etc. used by legal professionals.
- Legal terminology. Familiarity with law glossary and court filings used in the practice area.
Resume Summary
According to Statista, legal assistants in the United States earn an average annual salary of approximately $63,000.
A good legal assistant resume summary should concentrate on the key points of your career journey that make you the best-suited contestant. It should be concise and to the point, engagingly presenting your information.
These are 3 strategies for crafting an impressive resume summary:
- Display your primary qualifications and triumphs that are suitable for the job you are hunting.
- Use action verbs like "organized", "developed", or "negotiated" to describe your accomplishments.
- Avoid using too many adjectives or making it sound too generic by employing phrases like "hardworking" or "team player".
Legal Assistant Resume Summary Example:
Highly motivated and detail-oriented legal assistant with 5+ years of experience in offering comprehensive assistance to attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals. Experienced in drafting documents, researching case law, preparing presentations, filing pleadings, and organizing case files. Expert in Microsoft Office programs and legal software platforms such as LexisNexis and Westlaw. Skilled communicator with the ability to build rapport with clients and colleagues alike.
Additional Information
Legal assistants should consider providing additional sections to their resumes beyond the basic requirements. This will give a more comprehensive overview of their skills and qualifications.
Including such sections allows candidates to showcase their commitment to ongoing learning, their involvement in community initiatives, or their proficiency in specific software or tools relevant to the legal field.
Here are the examples of what to mention:
- Hobbies: Reading legal journals for development, attending local bar association meetings, and volunteering with pro bono organizations to provide assistance to those in need.
- Courses: Completed lections in civil law, criminal law, contracts, constitutional law, and evidence.
- Internships: Completed a summer internship at a small firm specializing in family law and estate planning. Conducted legal research, drafted pleadings and motions, and attended court hearings and client meetings.
- Languages: Proficient in English and Spanish; basic French phrases.
- Awards: Received the Outstanding Student award for maintaining a high GPA and demonstrating excellence in the study of law.
- References: Recommendation letters are available upon request from former employers, professors, or colleagues.
- Certificates: Certified Professional Paralegal by National Association of Legal Assistants.
These supplementary sections not only offer a deeper insight into the candidate's capabilities but also demonstrate their versatility, initiative, and potential for growth, thus making their resume stand out to employers in a competitive job market.
Use Resume Builder
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Write a Legal Assistant Cover Letter
Legal Assistant Cover Letter Template
Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on the resume in more detail. Here are some guidelines for creating a compelling legal resume letter.
Strong Introduction
At the beginning of the letter, you should introduce yourself and mention the position you're applying. Make sure to keep it short, and ensure that you incorporate relevant details about the background.
Highlighting Your Skills
Your cover letter should center on the facts that make you the top choice for the position as well as your enthusiasm for this particular role. Focus on the skills, and experiences and provide supporting arguments.
Conveying Enthusiasm
Employers need to understand that you are sincerely eager about the job opportunity. Use language that conveys passion and expresses your willingness to work hard and take initiative.
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Good Example of a Legal Assistant Resume Letter:
Dear Ms. Stratford,
I am writing to express my interest in the Legal Assistant position at Stratford & Associates Legal Solutions. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and have over three years of experience providing administrative and research support to legal teams. Hence, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your organization.
I have honed my skills in legal document preparation, research, and database management. I am proficient in utilizing document management software and legal research tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw. In my current role, I have implemented efficient filing systems and coordinated executive calendars, demonstrating my strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.
What excites me most about the opportunity at Stratford & Associates Legal Solutions is the chance to contribute to a dynamic team known for its commitment to excellence. I am particularly drawn to the firm's emphasis on innovative legal solutions and dedication to client satisfaction.
Furthermore, I am impressed by Stratford & Associates' recent recognition as a top-tier firm in corporate law, as highlighted in the Legal Gazette's annual rankings. This achievement underscores the firm's reputation for excellence and sets a high standard for delivering exceptional legal services.
Thank you for considering my application.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. I am eager to be part of such a forward-thinking organization and contribute to its continued success in delivering outstanding legal solutions to clients.
Please find my resume attached for your review.
Sincerely, Luiz Cardoso
Bad Example of a Legal Assistant Resume Letter:
Dear Hiring Manager,
After viewing your job listing online, I am keen to apply for the position of Legal Assistant at your company. Attached is my resume with all qualifications listed such as a law degree and some experience with a law firm. I think I'm qualified enough so please consider me!
Thank you!
Mike
This legal assistant resume letter example is bad because it lacks enthusiasm or any real effort put into creating an appealing introduction. There is no emphasis on relevant skills or qualifications.
There is just a list with no explanation or evidence of why you are qualified for the job. It fails to provide any specific details about why they should be considered over other applicants as well.
Cover Letter Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume:
Dear Dr. Philips,
I am writing to express my interest in the Assistant to a Lawyer position at Philips Law Group. While I do not have prior professional experience in the field, I am confident that my academic background and skill set make me a strong candidate for this role.
I recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Law, where I received comprehensive training in various legal disciplines including contract law, family law, criminal law, and civil litigation. Throughout my academic journey, I developed strong analytical skills that I believe are essential for success in a legal assistant role. These skills have been further refined through practical application during internships at local law firms.
During my internships at Vanguard Law Firm and Summit Legal Associates, I had the opportunity to assist attorneys with case research, document preparation, and client communication. These experiences not only provided me with valuable insight into the intricacies of legal practice but also honed my ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and detail-oriented environment.
Although I am new to the workforce, I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to your team. I am highly motivated to learn and grow in this role. I am confident that my dedication and enthusiasm will enable me to excel. I am eager to further discuss how my academic background and internship experiences have prepared me to support your legal team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the success of Philips Law Group.
Sincerely,
Isaiah Jackson
This example is good because it explicitly states why the candidate is applying for the job along with the needed qualifications. Then explain what was learned during the internship.
This cover letter example demonstrates that the author is knowledgeable about numerous aspects of the law, even without prior practical experience.
Proofread
Double-checking the resume and cover letter is a must. Grammatical errors, typos, and poor formatting can leave employers with an unfavorable impression of you.
Not only is it important to use proper grammar, but also accurate words. It's essential to choose descriptive words, as this will set you apart from other applicants.
Here is a guide for reviewing your legal assistant resume:
- Read the entire document out loud - This allows you to hear any errors or awkward phrasing.
- Check all facts - Make sure your education, experience, etc., are correct.
- Get an outside opinion - Ask a family member or friend to inspect the document; they could potentially discover something you overlooked.
- Double-check punctuation - Ensure all commas, periods, colons, etc., are in the appropriate place.
- Perform a word count - Having too few or too many words can hurt your chances of landing a job.
Make the effort to proofread and spell-check the piece of work if you want to provide a good impression. Taking these extra steps will show that you care about your work and take pride in it.
The NALA survey also found that most paralegals work full-time, with 41% reporting 40 hours per week and 27% working more than that.
Final Words
Formulating a legal assistant resume may be daunting, but with the proper strategy, it can be streamlined.
Begin by highlighting all of your accomplishments. Ensure to include your contact information and certifications. Additionally, highlight your experience with case management, document filing, and litigation.
Writing a resume can seem intimidating, but along with the right guidance and a reliable resume builder you can accomplish the task in no time!