Paralegal resume that gets the interview
Practice areas, case support and research skills in the conservative format law firms trust.
Free to build and preview. $4.99 for 30 days or $14.99 lifetime. No renewal.
Build my paralegal resumeATS keywords screeners filter for
Applicant tracking systems match literal phrases from the job posting. These are the terms most paralegal postings expect to see:
legal researchWestlawLexisNexisdiscoverycase managementdocument draftinge-filingtrial preparation
How to write it
- Name your practice areas immediately: litigation, corporate, family, real estate, IP. Firms screen by specialty.
- List your research platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis) and case management software by name.
- Quantify support: active cases handled, documents drafted, filings per month, attorneys supported.
- Keep the design traditional. Law firms read flashy resumes as poor judgment.
Skills worth listing
Technical
- Westlaw
- LexisNexis
- Clio
- E-filing systems
- Discovery management
- Citation formatting
Interpersonal
- Attention to detail
- Confidentiality
- Deadline management
- Attorney support
Recommended style: Executive Classic
Serif headers and refined rules. Revenue and leadership first.
Start with Executive Classic, freeCommon questions
Do I need a paralegal certificate on my resume?
If you have one, list it prominently. Many postings require or prefer it, and it is a common ATS filter.
How do I show experience without a law degree?
Practice area depth, case volume, software fluency and specific drafting or research wins carry the resume.
One page or two?
One page for under 10 years. Firms value concision as a professional skill.