5 Paralegal Resume Examples That Work In 2021

Why this resume works

• This paralegal resume objective clearly states what they are looking for in a job and includes the specific skills that this person brings to the table. The objective is a preface for the work experience you are about to expound upon. Be specific with your strengths and values, and what you have to offer.
  • We always recommend that you specialize your resume objective for each job you apply to. Mention the company name and job title you're applying to.
• This resume includes an array of responsibilities that build on one another, demonstrating clear ownership of the projects and duties.
  • It's important to show the hiring manager that you have an understanding of what is required and that you have done, and will do, exceptional work.
    • Be confident in your value. Did you know that hiring managers are 70% more likely to interview applicants that they deem confident?
• Incorporate specific software knowledge into your resume. These hard skills can be taught, but hiring managers appreciate a paralegal that can jump in and get started researching and drafting case work right away.

Why this resume works

• More than anything when you're creating a litigation paralegal resume, you need to demonstrate you can handle all aspects of the requirements mentioned in the job description.
  • Highlight different areas such as file management, working with the attorney, problem solving, legal knowledge, software understanding, ways in which you boosted efficiency, etc.
• If you are specifically applying for a litigation paralegal position, you are more likely to get an interview if you have previous experience in litigation paralegal work.
  • But, you can use any paralegal experience to hone in on relevant skills. 
    • Highlight the skills and experience you have that correlate with the job you are applying for. That way the hiring manager will be confident in your ability to meet the nuanced needs of the job.

Why this resume works

• Getting into a new career field will always be difficult, but it is by no means impossible. Don't hesitate to include previous work experience that is outside of your desired field. Having previous jobs at all proves that you are diligent and committed.
  • Highlight any experience that may be relevant to the job you are applying for, even if it comes from an unexpected place. You can include relevant school projects, volunteer experiences, and internships.
• Your skills section is especially important for an entry level resume. While you may not have worked in the field before, your list of skills can show a hiring manager that you have the correct temperament and abilities to accomplish the job.
  • Try to include 4 to 10 relevant skills that you possess. 
  • This entry level paralegal resume does a great job of incorporating skills into work experiences. Demonstrate your time management, detail oriented, communication, and organizational skills throughout your entire resume. Your skills section emphasizes the skills that you should be showcasing consistently.  

Why this resume works

• If the job you are applying for is specifically an immigration law firm, display your understanding of that niche. For example, this immigration paralegal resume includes "bilingual" in the list of skills. Showing this specificity can really put you above other candidates and get you into an interview.
  • Mentioning an understanding of immigration petition forms, and a high regard for client satisfaction will also make your application more competitive. 
• If you have extensive experience in your field, display how your responsibilities have evolved throughout your career. Show the hiring manager that you are prepared to take on new responsibilities in your next role.
  • We recommend listing your work experiences in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent work experience at the top of the page, to emphasize job growth and development. 

Why this resume works

• This resume demonstrates over 10 years of experience in personal injury law. Especially in niche jobs, displaying this experience will show the hiring manager that you require less training and acclimation for the environment. This can save them time and money, so make sure you narrow down your resume to fit the specific job title you're applying to. 
  • This means including software specific to the type of law if applicable, unique types of forms and documents, the number of clients you cared for (this will vary drastically based on client case sizes, case difficulty, firm type, etc.), and specific tasks that are especially important in your field. 
• Make sure your work experiences start with strong action words, avoid filler words, and use present tense.
  • If you need some more help with your resume, or just want to see how your resume stacks up, you need to take advantage of every possible resource. Our resume checker will show you where you can further optimize your resume to get your dream job in 2021.