Resume Example
Paralegal Resume Example
Emphasize legal research, discovery management, and trial prep. This sample focuses on case support.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Managed discovery for 15 cases, cutting review time by 30%.
- Drafted pleadings and motions with zero court rejections.
- Prepared trial binders and exhibits for 6 trials.
Soft skills
- Detail orientation
- Time management
- Analytical thinking
- Client communication
Certifications
- NALA Certified Paralegal (CP)
- NFPA PACE
Why this works
- Shows strong litigation support and discovery execution.
- Highlights drafting accuracy and case organization.
- Demonstrates efficiency gains in document review.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Paralegal Resume
Lead with practice area and case volume
Paralegals specialize by practice area. Lead with your focus (litigation, corporate, real estate, immigration), case volume, and the attorneys you support. 'Litigation paralegal supporting 5 partners on 100+ active cases with trial and deposition experience.'
Highlight substantive legal work
Include legal research, document drafting, discovery management, and case preparation. Show you do more than administrative work—paralegals provide substantive legal support.
Quantify case support and efficiency
Include case volumes, document review metrics, filing deadlines met, and any cost savings (e-discovery efficiency, document automation). Numbers demonstrate capacity and reliability.
Include technology and software proficiency
List legal software (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Relativity), document management systems, e-discovery platforms, and case management tools. Tech-savvy paralegals are increasingly valued.
Show education and certification
Include paralegal certificate, ABA-approved programs, and any specialty certifications (CP, ACP). Continuing education and professional development show commitment.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Certified Paralegal (CP) with 7 years in complex commercial litigation. Support 4 partners across 80+ active cases with 15 trials and 50+ depositions. Manage e-discovery for document productions averaging 500K pages.”
Certification, specific practice area, case volume, and substantial e-discovery experience.
“Paralegal with litigation and corporate experience. Strong research and writing skills with attention to detail.”
No specifics on case volume, no attorneys supported, no measurable achievements.
“Corporate Paralegal handling M&A transactions from LOI through closing. Supported 25 deals totaling $2B. Expert in due diligence coordination, closing binders, and entity management for 200+ subsidiaries.”
Transactional specialty, deal volume and value, and specific corporate responsibilities.
“Seeking paralegal position to utilize legal knowledge. Experience with document management and client communication.”
No practice area, no volume, no achievements. Basic activities without context.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Paralegal Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying practice area specialty
- ✗Missing case volume and attorney support scope
- ✗Omitting substantive legal work in favor of administrative tasks
- ✗Not listing legal research and technology tools
- ✗Being vague about certification and education
- ✗Not showing e-discovery and document management experience
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 50,000-65,000 | EUR 34,000-45,000 | CAD 58,000-76,000 |
| Mid | USD 65,000-85,000 | EUR 45,000-59,000 | CAD 76,000-100,000 |
| Senior | USD 85,000-110,000 | EUR 59,000-76,000 | CAD 100,000-130,000 |
US hot markets
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Washington DC
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should paralegals emphasize?
Case support, discovery management, and drafting accuracy.
Which metrics stand out?
Discovery volume, review efficiency, and trial prep outcomes.
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