- What is a legal assistant’s job?
- Why use this legal assistant resume example?
- How to write a great legal assistant resume?
- Which key skills are relevant for a legal assistant resume?
Legal assistants play a crucial role on every lawyer’s team, and they are integral to the core operations of a law firm. Whether you’re a new graduate looking for a job in this field or an experienced legal assistant looking to move up the corporate ladder, we have the perfect resume to help you take your career to the next level.
What is a legal assistant’s job?
Legal assistants help lawyers with daily tasks, such as scheduling meetings and maintaining court documents. As a legal assistant, you’ll be expected to draft and proofread legal documents, collect and organize case files for lawyers to review, schedule depositions with witnesses, and provide general administrative support.
Why use this legal assistant resume example?
Our legal assistant resume and guide will help you focus on the key skills and experience needed to get the job you want.
The resume starts with your name and contact details and then provides a detailed summary statement, along with core competencies. The summary and skills section showcases your expertise in this field and the important job-related skills you need to enjoy a successful career as a legal assistant.
While many legal assistants have a degree in legal or paralegal studies, they generally only need a high school diploma or GED to get started in an entry-level role. You should only include your high school diploma in the education section of your resume if you graduated in the last three years and don't have any college or advanced training.
Your professional experience includes your current employer and former employers. Each job detail is divided into two portions: daily job duties and key accomplishments. It’s important for your duties to align closely with the job you’re applying for, and your accomplishments should showcase your expertise in this field and the results you’ve delivered.
How to write a great legal assistant resume?
If you’re planning to write a legal assistant resume, here are a few things you should consider:
Your summary statement should include details and qualifications relevant to the job you want to help you stand out among other applicants.
Review the job description(s) carefully and look for hard and soft skills that align with your work history to add to your resume.
Include your relevant work experience. If you don’t have any previous experience as a legal assistant, focus on including transferable job skills you’ve acquired that apply to the role.
Which key skills are relevant for a legal assistant resume?
Whether you’re new to this field or you’ve been a legal assistant for a while, here are some of the skills you’ll need for this job:
Basic legal knowledge
Organization and multitasking skills
Editing and proofreading
Legal document drafting
Interpersonal and communication skills
Electronic filing and data entry
Legal research
Summary example
Recent graduate with experience supporting senior attorneys as a Legal Assistant. Skilled in administrative functions such as filing court documents, handling sensitive court documentation, and operating legal computer software. Highly organized and detail-oriented; thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments requiring excellent skills in multitasking, problem solving, and priority management. Effective communicator and liaison readily collaborating with clients to gather pertinent details. Avid researcher; able to compile, analyze, and report on case details
Employment history example
Legal Assistant at The ABW Law Firm, Medina
2022 - Present
Deliver comprehensive support for ongoing cases by conducting research and drafting legal documents, including briefs, memos, motions, and other legal filings; complete appellate work. Participate in meetings with clients to include supporting case strategy development from initial discovery through drafting responses to opposing counsel motions. Prepare discovery documents.
Developed skills with proprietary legal software, including BestCase bankruptcy software.
Legal Intern at Area Agency on Aging 10b, Uniontown, Ohio
2021 - 2022
Provided legal support and advocacy for residents of healthcare facilities and family members requiring assistance during discharge hearings to ensure patient care continuity. Conducted advocacy and follow-up visits. Investigated facilities, and managed complaints and follow-up procedures; created and disseminated reports. Supported attorney in researching and drafting memo on Medicare, Medicaid, and estate planning.
Research Assistant at Public Health Law and Science Center (PHLSC), Akron, Ohio
2017 - 2021
Contributed to academic and research programs by preparing course sample answers and rubrics. Gathered, analyzed, and reported results. Prepared presentations; maintained program files.
Played an instrumental role in preparing vital documents for PHLSC publication.
Education example
Bachelor of Arts, English at The University of Akron School of Law
Skills example
Healthcare Law
General Counsel
Domestic Law
Legal Case Management
Law Administration
