Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By managing 50+ client documents monthly and boosting attorney case efficiency by 30%, the applicant’s measurable impact shows their value and strategic mindset.
- Uses action-oriented language: Action verbs like “managed,” “drafted,” and “improved” convey initiative and effectiveness.
- Illustrates problem-solving ability: Innovatively reducing database errors by 40% showcases problem-solving skills.
More Legal Assistant Resume Examples
Browse our legal assistant resume examples to highlight your organizational skills, legal knowledge, and administrative experience. These legal resume samples will guide you in crafting a compelling resume that attracts potential employers in the legal field.
Entry-Level Legal Assistant
Why this resume works
- Effective use of keywords: Integrating role-specific terms like “legal research” and “document management,” the applicant’s resume passes keywords criteria for applicant tracking systems (ATS) screening.
- Puts skills at the forefront: Placing skills such as legal drafting at the top shows a skills-based resume format approach, ideal for those entering the field.
- Shows digital literacy: Using tools like Microsoft Office Suite and case tracking software showcases their computer skills, essential for tech-savvy modern workplaces.
Mid-Level Legal Assistant
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: By detailing achievements like boosting client satisfaction by 20% and maintaining 98% case file accuracy, the applicant effectively illustrates their impact through measurable outcomes.
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: The applicant balances technical skills like legal research with interpersonal skills, evident in leading client meetings that increased satisfaction by 20%.
- Displays technical expertise: With certifications such as Certified Paralegal and Legal Research Specialist, the applicant showcases essential technical expertise for a legal career.
Experienced Legal Assistant
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: The applicant uses a chronological resume format, effectively showcasing their extensive legal career progression from judicial clerk to legal assistant.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Impressive feats like reducing a case backlog by 20% and drafting high-value contracts emphasize the applicant’s senior-level performance and business impact.
- Lists relevant certifications: Certifications such as Certified Paralegal and Legal Research and Writing highlight the applicant’s commitment to professional development and expertise in the field.
Legal Assistant Resume Template (Text Version)
Suki Smith
Los Angeles, CA 90002
(555)555-5555
Suki.Smith@example.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic legal assistant with 6 years of experience enhancing document management systems and boosting workflow efficiency. Proficient in legal research and case coordination with a focus on client communication and satisfaction.
Work History
Legal Assistant
Justice Solutions LLC – Los Angeles, CA
April 2023 – August 2025
- Managed 50+ client documents monthly
- Supported attorneys’ cases with 30% efficiency boost
- Coordinated legal schedules with zero clerical errors
Paralegal Specialist
Law & Order Group – Lakeside, CA
January 2020 – March 2023
- Drafted legal documents, reducing turnaround by 20%
- Conducted research for 25+ legal projects quarterly
- Enhanced database accuracy, reducing errors by 40%
Legal Administrative Assistant
Regal Justice Partners – San Diego, CA
January 2019 – December 2019
- Handled client inquiries, improving satisfaction by 25%
- Prepared legal briefs, increasing workflow speed 15%
- Managed case files, achieving zero misplaced reports
Skills
- Legal Research Expertise
- Document Management
- Case File Coordination
- Schedule Optimization
- Client Communication
- Legal Documentation Accuracy
- Workflow Efficiency Enhancement
- Research and Evaluation
Education
Master of Arts Legal Studies
New York University New York City, NY
May 2018
Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice
Boston University Boston, MA
May 2016
Certifications
- Certified Litigation Support Professional – National Association of Legal Assistants
- Legal Process Improvement – International Institute of Legal Management
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- German – Beginner (A1)
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Legal Assistant Resume
Dive into our guide on how to write a resume tailored for legal assistant roles. Discover how you can highlight your organizational skills, legal knowledge, and attention to detail to stand out in the fast-paced world of law.
Highlight your most relevant skills
Listing relevant skills on your resume is key when applying for a legal assistant job. It helps employers quickly see what you can bring to the role. A well-crafted skills section shows how you match the job requirements.
It’s important to balance hard skills, like legal research and document management, with soft skills, such as communication and organization. These skills demonstrate not only your technical know-how but also your ability to work effectively with others.
Creating a dedicated skills section makes it easy for hiring managers to find what they’re looking for. To make it even more effective, weave these key skills into your work experience descriptions. For example, if you’ve used certain software or managed case files in past roles, mention these experiences specifically.
This approach reinforces your abilities by showing how you’ve applied them in real-world settings. Tailoring your resume this way can set you apart from other job seekers and give potential employers confidence in your fit for the role of a legal assistant.
Legal assistants should choose a resume format that highlights organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal procedures.
Showcase your accomplishments
When organizing your work experience as a legal assistant, list your jobs in reverse chronological order. This means you start with the most recent job and work your way back. For each job, include the job title, employer name, location, and dates you worked there. This format helps employers quickly see your career progression.
Instead of just listing your duties, focus on what you achieved in each role. Quantifying accomplishments makes your resume stand out. Use numbers to show results like percentage increases, time saved, or cost reductions. For example, rather than saying “handled client files,” you might say “managed 150+ client files monthly with a 20% increase in efficiency.” This approach clearly shows the impact of your work.
Use action words that highlight what you’ve done and what you’ve achieved. Words like “improved,” “reduced,” or “streamlined” are stronger than vague descriptions. Quantified accomplishments give hiring managers a clear picture of how you’ve made a difference in past roles and what skills you bring to their team.
5 legal assistant work history bullet points
- Drafted and reviewed over 200 legal documents per year, ensuring compliance with court regulations and reducing errors by 15%.
- Coordinated scheduling and communication for a team of 4 attorneys, improving meeting efficiency by 25% through streamlined processes.
- Managed a case filing system that reduced document retrieval time by 40%, improving workflow for legal proceedings.
- Assisted in trial preparation for more than 30 cases annually, including organizing exhibits and preparing witness lists, contributing to successful outcomes.
- Conducted legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw, supporting attorneys with accurate information that led to favorable case resolutions.
When selecting a resume template, opt for one with clear headings and simple fonts. Limit colors and graphics to ensure employers can easily identify your skills and experience.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary on a resume serves as a powerful introduction to hiring managers. It’s a concise snapshot of who you are professionally and what you bring to the table.
The professional summary is typically three to four sentences that highlight your experience, skills, and achievements. This approach works best for experienced applicants like legal assistants with years of practice in the field. It showcases your professional identity and the value you offer to prospective employers.
In contrast, resume objectives focus on career goals and are ideal for entry-level job seekers, career changers, or those with gaps in employment history. Objectives differ from summaries by emphasizing “what I aim to contribute” rather than “what I’ve accomplished.”
Next, we’ll provide examples of both summaries and objectives tailored for various industries and experience levels, helping you craft the perfect introduction for your resume.
Legal assistant resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in legal studies and an internship experience at a local law firm. Knowledgeable in legal research, document preparation, and client communications. Certified in Westlaw and LexisNexis research databases with strong organizational skills and a keen interest in supporting attorneys with case management.
Mid-career
Legal assistant with over six years of experience in litigation support within corporate and family law practices. Proficient in drafting pleadings, coordinating depositions, and managing discovery processes. Accomplished at maintaining attorney schedules and liaising with clients to ensure seamless communication. Known for attention to detail and ability to manage multiple caseloads efficiently.
Experienced
Seasoned legal assistant specializing in intellectual property law with more than 12 years of professional expertise. Experienced in managing patent filings, trademark registrations, and IP portfolio administration. Excel at leading junior staff, streamlining office operations, and improving client relations through clear communication. Recognized for contributing to successful litigation outcomes through careful case preparation.
Legal assistant resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Motivated and detail-oriented recent paralegal studies graduate seeking an entry-level legal assistant position to apply research and administrative skills in a fast-paced law firm. Eager to support attorneys in case management, document preparation, and client communication.
Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning into the legal field with a background in administrative support and project management. Seeking a legal assistant role to use strong organizational abilities and keen attention to detail while contributing to efficient office operations and effective legal services.
Specialized training
Skilled individual with coursework in legal research, writing, and litigation support seeking an entry-level legal assistant position in a dynamic firm. Passionate about leveraging specialized training to assist attorneys in preparing case documents, managing schedules, and providing top-notch client service.
Want your legal assistant resume to stand out? Use our Resume Builder to easily highlight your skills and experience with a professional layout.
Match your resume to the job description
Tailoring resumes to job descriptions is essential for job seekers aiming to stand out to employers and successfully navigate ATS. Many companies use ATS to scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases from their job postings. If your resume includes these terms, you’re more likely to be noticed by hiring managers.
An ATS-friendly resume incorporates keywords and phrases that align with your skills and experiences. By matching your resume content with the language used in the job description, you increase your chances of getting through ATS filters, allowing hiring managers to immediately see you’re a good fit for the role.
To find keywords from job postings, look for skills, qualifications, and duties mentioned multiple times. For example, a legal assistant job posting might include terms like “document preparation,” “client communication,” or “legal research.” Using these exact phrases can help ensure your resume gets picked up by an ATS.
Incorporating these terms into your resume should feel natural. Instead of simply listing the keywords, integrate them by rewriting related tasks or achievements. For instance, change “handled client queries” to “managed client communication efficiently.” This approach makes your resume more relevant without appearing forced.
Targeted resumes are highly beneficial for ATS compatibility because they show employers you have precisely what they’re looking for. When you customize your resume this way, you improve the chances of making it past electronic screening and being considered for interviews.
Make your resume shine! Use our ATS Resume Checker to catch formatting issues, missing keywords, and structure problems before sending it off.
Salary Insights for Legal Assistants
Thinking about your career path? You can learn about salary trends and job markets from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top 10 highest-paying states for legal assistants
Legal Assistants earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $62,063. The table below highlights the states where legal assistants command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for legal assistants across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $96,200 |
| Washington | $83,930 |
| Massachusetts | $78,540 |
| California | $76,920 |
| New York | $74,580 |
| Minnesota | $71,560 |
| Oregon | $70,210 |
| Maryland | $69,520 |
| New Jersey | $69,010 |
| Illinois | $68,960 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my legal assistant resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your legal assistant resume can make a significant difference in your job application.
A cover letter gives you the chance to highlight your specific interest in the law firm and demonstrate your understanding of their practice areas or recent cases.
For instance, if the firm specializes in corporate law or litigation, you can discuss any relevant experience or coursework that aligns with their focus.
Consider using a Cover Letter Generator to craft a personalized message that complements your resume and emphasizes key skills like research and organization.
Additionally, reviewing cover letter examples can provide inspiration and ensure you’re aligning with industry standards while showcasing your unique qualifications.
How long should a legal assistant’s resume be?
For a legal assistant, a one-page resume is often ideal, especially if you’re early in your career or have limited experience. This format allows you to focus on key skills like legal research, document preparation, and organizational abilities that are important for the role.
However, if you have extensive experience or specialized certifications, a two-page resume might be more appropriate. This lets you highlight significant achievements and relevant work history without overcrowding the page. Just ensure every detail adds value and relates directly to the job.
Consider exploring resources on how long a resume should be to better gauge what fits your specific career stage and accomplishments.
How do you write a legal assistant resume with no experience?
When crafting a resume with no experience for a legal assistant position, highlight your skills, education, and relevant coursework to demonstrate your potential for the role. Follow these tips:
- Emphasize educational background: If you’ve studied law or related subjects, list your degree prominently. Include key courses like legal research or paralegal studies that relate directly to the legal assistant role.
- Showcase transferable skills: Highlight skills such as organization, communication, and attention to detail. These are important for managing case files and assisting attorneys effectively.
- Include volunteer work or internships: If you’ve volunteered at a legal clinic or completed an internship in a law-related setting, detail these experiences as they show your commitment to the field.
- Mention software skill: Familiarity with legal software like LexisNexis or document management tools can set you apart. Ensure you list any such technical skills.
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Legal Assistant
Additional Resources
Legal Assistant Cover Letter Example + Tips
A legal assistant, or paralegal, is the right hand of a practicing attorney, helping to draft correspondence and legal documents, taking formal statements and affidavits, handling exhibits and researching facts
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