Paralegal Resume Example & Writing Guide
Build a professional paralegal resume. Expert examples with legal research skills, case management, and litigation support experience.
Paralegal Resume Example
Here's a professional paralegal resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.
Alex Johnson
Paralegal
New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented Paralegal with 5+ years of experience in corporate law and litigation support. Expert in legal research (Westlaw, LexisNexis), document review, and case management. Supported attorneys on 50+ cases with a track record of thorough research and precise document preparation.
Work Experience
Senior Paralegal
2022 – Present
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
- •Conducted legal research and analysis for 50+ cases across corporate law, employment law, and litigation matters
- •Managed e-discovery process for complex litigation involving 500,000+ documents, using Relativity
- •Drafted and reviewed 200+ contracts, agreements, and legal correspondence with 99% accuracy
Paralegal
2019 – 2022
XYZ Company, Chicago, IL
- •Coordinated filing schedules across federal and state courts, meeting all deadlines with zero missed filings
- •Organized and maintained case files for 30+ active matters, improving attorney access time by 40%
Skills
Legal Research (Westlaw, LexisNexis) • Document Review • Case Management • E-Discovery • Filing (Federal/State) • Contract Drafting • Client Communication • Litigation Support • Legal Writing • Deposition Preparation • Court Filing Systems • Microsoft Office • Clio/MyCase • HIPAA/Confidentiality • Calendar Management
Education
B.A. in Political Science/Pre-Law
Paralegal Certificate (ABA-approved)
Paralegal Resume Summary Examples
Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for aparalegal with 5+ years of experience:
“Detail-oriented Paralegal with 5+ years of experience in corporate law and litigation support. Expert in legal research (Westlaw, LexisNexis), document review, and case management. Supported attorneys on 50+ cases with a track record of thorough research and precise document preparation.”
“Hardworking paralegal looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”
Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.
Work Experience Bullet Points
Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a paralegal resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:
- Conducted legal research and analysis for 50+ cases across corporate law, employment law, and litigation matters
- Managed e-discovery process for complex litigation involving 500,000+ documents, using Relativity
- Drafted and reviewed 200+ contracts, agreements, and legal correspondence with 99% accuracy
- Coordinated filing schedules across federal and state courts, meeting all deadlines with zero missed filings
- Organized and maintained case files for 30+ active matters, improving attorney access time by 40%
Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”
Key Skills for a Paralegal Resume
Include these skills on your paralegal resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:
ATS Keywords for Paralegal Resume
These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in paralegal resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:
Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.
Education & Certifications
Education
- B.A. in Political Science/Pre-Law
- Paralegal Certificate (ABA-approved)
Certifications
- Certified Paralegal (CP)
- Notary Public
- eDiscovery Specialist
Expert Tips for Your Paralegal Resume
Include CP certification and any ABA-approved program credentials
List specific legal research databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Fastcase)
Mention practice areas you have experience in
Quantify caseloads, documents reviewed, and contracts drafted
Show proficiency with legal management software (Clio, MyCase)
Paralegal Salary & Job Outlook
Entry Level
$40K
Median Salary
$59K
Experienced
$72K
Job Outlook
4% growth (2022-2032), about 34,800 openings per year
Source: BLS 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a paralegal resume include?
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