To secure interviews with the most prestigious law firms, you need an exceptional resume that captures your unique talents and background as a legal assistant. Display how you’ve supported lawyers by performing critical research or managing correspondence with clients and opposing counsel. Emphasize how your efforts have contributed positively to favorable rulings for your previous firms. We’ll provide expert tips and insights to help you translate your career into a legal assistant resume that positions you for long-term success.

Key takeaways:

  • Highlight your legal knowledge: Emphasize your comprehensive knowledge of legal concepts and precedents by illustrating the research you’ve done to support complex cases and trial proceedings.
  • Quantify your achievements: Highlight the number of cases you’ve worked on or monetary figures for major settlements.
  • Include ATS-friendly keywords: Incorporate key terms directly from the job description, such as criminal law, personal injury law, and civil law, to achieve compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Taylor’s resume is a strong example for entry-level candidates. It emphasizes internship and administrative experience and aligns academic knowledge with legal internship responsibilities, demonstrating readiness for the role.

Key Tips:

  • Showcase internship value: Even short-term internships offer real, transferable experience.
  • Connect education to role: Taylor uses her degree to establish relevance in the legal field.
  • Learn how to write a resume with no experience

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Alex’s resume shows long-term experience in corporate legal departments, with a strong focus on compliance and internal governance. Specific examples show a high level of responsibility and accuracy.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight industry tools or documents: Alex includes board documentation and entity management, both of which are crucial in corporate law.
  • Show the impact of support roles: Coordinating across departments demonstrates how legal assistants add organizational value.

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jordan’s resume highlights family law experience with a compassionate tone that suits the field. The resume balances legal skills with client sensitivity, which is key for this area of law.

Key Tips:

  • Demonstrate emotional intelligence in legal roles: Jordan does this through client support responsibilities.
  • Include specific case types: “Custody,” “guardianship,” and “divorce” clarify the legal assistant’s niche.
  • Find more skills to put on your resume

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Morgan’s resume speaks directly to foreclosure work with a deep understanding of legal requirements and filing timelines. The quantifiable impact — reduced attorney preparation time — adds credibility.

Key Tips:

  • Quantify wherever possible: “Reduced prep time by 30%” adds measurable value.
  • List jurisdiction knowledge: Foreclosure law varies. Morgan shows knowledge of Florida-specific rules.
  • Learn more about action verbs on a resume

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Casey’s resume effectively demonstrates skills tailored to personal injury law, including medical documentation and insurance processes. Their contributions to settlement preparation show real value to a legal team.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight role-specific documents: Casey includes demand letters and liens, key in personal injury law.
  • Connect legal tasks to outcomes: This helps show impact on both clients and the firm.
  • See examples of resume job descriptions

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jamie’s resume clearly shows career growth, from document preparation to legal team supervision. The leadership and process improvement elements add value for senior-level roles.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Cameron’s resume speaks directly to real estate law, including tasks like title review and deed preparation. The experience is linked to the daily needs of a real estate legal team.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Drew’s resume is litigation-specific, listing eDiscovery and trial prep responsibilities with detail and clarity. It’s tailored for legal teams looking for support in document-intensive litigation.

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Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Riley’s bilingual skills and deep involvement in USCIS processes make this resume ideal for immigration law firms. The use of specific terminology boosts clarity and professionalism.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Pat’s resume focuses on criminal casework and uses clear legal language related to trial preparation and court filings. It demonstrates reliability in a fast-paced, high-stakes field.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Taylor’s resume focuses on probate-specific responsibilities and client coordination — two key aspects of estate law support. The experience is neatly tied to both legal documentation and personal interaction.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Alex’s resume stands out for its focus on insurance defense tasks like claims documentation and litigation support. The detail aligns well with fast-paced legal environments.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jordan’s resume reflects strong administrative and clerical abilities, and it links directly to legal work like transcription and calendaring. This blend supports hybrid roles.

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Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Morgan’s resume focuses on state-specific procedures and tasks like IMEs, which show a deep understanding of the workers’ comp process.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Casey’s resume stands out for highlighting front-facing legal support tasks. The intake responsibilities clearly show how they support client satisfaction and internal workflows.

Key Tips:

  • Focus on soft-legal roles: Legal intake is an essential part of client services. Casey’s experience aligns with this niche.

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jamie’s resume focuses on the precise skills and legal procedures required in IP law, including docketing and USPTO submissions. Their technical education adds value to patent filings.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Cameron’s resume includes litigation-specific tasks like pleadings and discovery management. Their consistent work in civil litigation shows strong focus and reliability.

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Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Drew’s resume highlights a rare and specialized legal assistant role in compliance, including risk management and audit prep. It shows how legal work intersects with corporate operations.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Riley’s resume is tailored for a support role many firms rely on: billing. It clearly and efficiently covers software, trust accounting, and client communication.

Key Tips:


Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Pat’s resume focuses on the academic and analytical side of legal assistance. It focuses on legal research platforms and structured writing, perfect for firms needing in-depth case prep.

Key Tips:


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  • Entry-Level Legal Assistant
  • Corporate Legal Assistant
  • Family Law Legal Assistant
  • Foreclosure Legal Assistant
  • Personal Injury Legal Assistant
  • Senior Legal Assistant
  • Real Estate Legal Assistant
  • Litigation Support Legal Assistant
  • Immigration Legal Assistant
  • Criminal Law Legal Assistant
  • Probate Legal Assistant
  • Insurance Defense Legal Assistant
  • Legal Administrative Assistant
  • Workers’ Compensation Legal Assistant
  • Legal Intake Assistant
  • Intellectual Property Legal Assistant
  • Civil Litigation Legal Assistant
  • Compliance Legal Assistant
  • Legal Billing Assistant
  • Legal Research Assistant
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Taylor Smith
[email protected] | (000) 111-2222 | Portland, OR

Driven and Organized Entry-Level Legal Assistant
Entry-level legal assistant with one year of internship experience supporting attorneys with legal research, client intake, and document preparation. Passionate about delivering administrative and legal support to ensure smooth case flow. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, case management systems, and courtroom filing procedures.

Key Skills

Client intake
Document preparation
Legal filing
Legal research
Trial support

Professional Experience

Legal Intern | Cascade Legal Aid | Portland, OR | January 2024 to January 2025

  • Conducted legal research and drafted memos for attorney review
  • Assisted with intake and file preparation for over 80 pro bono cases
  • Organized legal documents and tracked case milestones

Office Assistant | Wildwood Law Offices | Portland, OR | June 2023 to December 2023

  • Scheduled client meetings and maintained confidential records
  • Supported office team with file digitization project, improving access and efficiency

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science | May 2023
University of Oregon | Eugene, OR

Like building a credible case or legal defense, your resume needs a proper foundation to convey your achievements, qualifications, and experience effectively. Using a well-structured template will allow the hiring manager to easily navigate your content for the most important pieces of information. Before writing your resume, be sure your format contains the following sections:

  • Contact information
  • Profile
  • Key skills
  • Professional experience
  • Education and certifications

1. Share your contact information

Provide your full name, email, phone number, city, and URLs to your LinkedIn profile. Carefully review the accuracy of your information to ensure your details are current to avoid any potential issues preventing employers from contacting you.

Example

Jane Doe
[email protected] | (555) 123-4567 | Los Angeles, CA | LinkedIn | Portfolio

2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your legal assistant qualifications

Leading with a powerful opening summary is a great way to set the tone for your resume and garner interest from potential employers. Your profile should start by listing your title, up to 15 years of experience, and three to four legal skills that align with the position you’re targeting. Round out your paragraph by highlighting the most impressive aspects of your career as a legal assistant. For instance, you might emphasize how you performed essential research to support a personal injury case that resulted in a $300,000 settlement.

Experienced Legal Assistant Example:

Legal assistant with over eight years of experience in legal research, case preparation, and client communication. Adept at managing complex schedules and maintaining confidentiality. Supported litigation teams handling over 200 cases, achieving a 95% on-time filing rate.

Entry-Level Legal Assistant Example:

Detail-oriented legal assistant with strong research skills and a passion for supporting legal teams. Proficient in managing case files, drafting documents, and performing administrative tasks. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all legal processes.

3. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

The professional experience section of your legal assistant resume lets you make your case for why you’re the best candidate for the job. Your bullet points should be concise, yet descriptive, conveying the full breadth of your legal knowledge and expertise. Highlight specific types of cases that match the law firm’s specialization, or how your research efforts helped lawyers present successful arguments during trials. Demonstrate how your unique talents as a legal professional can bring genuine value to potential employers and clients.

Experienced Professional Example:

Legal Assistant
Carter & Harris LLP, New York, NY | January 2016 to present

  • Assisted in the preparation and filing of 500+ legal documents, maintaining a 99% accuracy rate
  • Conducted in-depth legal research, reducing average preparation time by 20%
  • Coordinate schedules for attorneys, ensuring all deadlines are met and minimizing delays in case management

Entry-Level Professional Example

Legal Intern
Smith & Partners, Chicago, IL | May 2022 to August 2022

  • Organized and reviewed over 200 case files to ensure compliance with court requirements
  • Drafted client correspondence and legal documents under attorney supervision
  • Supported attorneys during court hearings by preparing exhibits and taking detailed notes

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

Quantifying your accomplishments is a great way to maximize the effectiveness of your bullet points and convey your proven track record of success as a legal professional. However, ensure these details aren’t breaking confidentiality agreements before including monetary figures. For instance, rather than providing an exact number, you might mention that you’ve worked on high-profile personal injury cases with settlements valued at over $200,000.

Do
  • "Reviewed 150+ case files, ensuring compliance and accuracy, leading to zero missed deadlines."
Don’t
  • "Responsible for reviewing case files."

Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application

Aligning your resume with the job description is a key aspect of the resume-building process. Law firms want candidates who already have a background working on specific types of cases. For example, if you’re targeting a firm that specializes in family law, highlighting your experience working on divorce proceedings and custody cases can help bolster the strength of your application.

What if you don’t have experience?

If you’re starting your career, focus on relevant coursework, internships, or transferable skills. Highlight experiences like academic research, administrative roles, or volunteer work related to legal tasks. This shows you have the knowledge and qualifications to succeed in an entry-level position, even if you lack a robust work history.

4. Include relevant education and certifications

As a legal assistant, your education, licenses, and certifications are critical elements of your resume. A bachelor’s degree in legal studies is generally preferred, although you can start your career with an associate’s in paralegal studies. In regards to certifications, obtaining a Certified Paralegal credential from the National Associate of Legal Assistants is highly recommended, especially if you plan on advancing in the field long-term.

Education

Template:

[Degree Name] | [Graduation Year]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation]

Example:

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Legal Studies | 2023
University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA

Certifications

Template:

[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

Example:

  • Certified Paralegal (CP) | National Association of Legal Assistants | February 2023
  • Advanced Legal Research Certification (American Bar Association) | November 2023

5. List pertinent key skills

Most law firms utilize some form of ATS to select qualified applicants and reduce the overall volume of the applicant pool. To pass the initial screening process, it’s important to have a robust skills section that features a wide array of keywords that match the job description. Include a blend of legal and administrative skills to show employers that you can handle various responsibilities. Below is a list of potential skills to consider adding to your legal assistant resume:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Administrative support Case management
Civil law Client communication
Communication Criminal law
Document drafting Editing
Family law Filing systems management
Intellectual property law Legal research
Litigation support Personal injury law
Proofreading Regulatory compliance

Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs

Incorporating action verbs can add a unique and engaging element to your writing that can help differentiate you from other candidates during the hiring process. Using proactive language allows the hiring manager to visualize your accomplishments better and lets you take proper ownership of your contributions. Below are action verbs to help you craft a legal assistant resume that stands out in today’s job market:

Action Verbs
Analyzed Assisted
Collaborated Communicated
Conducted Coordinated
Delivered Drafted
Evaluated Identified
Implemented Managed
Organized Performed
Prepared Provided
Researched Reviewed
Supported Wrote
Updated

Choose a clean and professional template with clear headings and consistent formatting. Avoid designs with excessive graphics or colors that might distract from your content. Focus on readability and structure to ensure your qualifications are easy to follow.

Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume
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What should be included in a Legal Assistant CV to catch the attention of employers?

Your Legal Assistant CV should include a strong profile summary that emphasizes your specializations and key skills. Highlight any specific accomplishments that show your ability to impact the company, such as saving money, improving processes, or leading teams. Tailor the skills section to match the requirements of the job you're applying for to increase your chances of being noticed.

How do you align your resume with a legal assistant job description?

Studies from the Bureau of Labor Statistics project a 1% increase in growth over the next 10 years. While this is slower than other industries, over 37,300 openings are expected yearly. To truly set yourself apart from other candidates, aligning your resume with the law firm you're applying to is essential.

For instance, if an organization is looking for a legal assistant with experience working on property disputes, highlight your background performing research to support real estate cases. If a firm is targeting an applicant exposed to criminal law, emphasize your expertise in drafting motions and conducting interviews with witnesses to build effective arguments.

What is the best legal assistant resume format?

The reverse chronological format is best suited for legal assistants. This approach features your most recent and relevant experience towards the top of your document. Combination formats should only be considered if you lack hands-on experience and need to highlight skills, coursework, and certifications in lieu of a substantial work history.

Expert Advice

Include a cover letter with your resume

Once you’ve completed your legal assistant resume, pair it with a custom cover letter to add a personal touch to your application. Be sure to include something specific about the law firm’s reputation or culture in the middle paragraphs. This shows that you’ve researched the organization beforehand and have a genuine interest in the opportunity.

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Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.

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