This article provides a resume example and tips for writing a strong resume for a senior paralegal position. It offers insight into what employers look for in a paralegal job candidate and provides guidance on how to craft a resume that will stand out. Additionally, it provides an example of a professional senior paralegal resume that can be used as a guide for creating your own.
We will cover:
- How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
- What to put on a resume to stand out.
- The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
- How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
- What a resume template is, and why you should use it.
What does a Senior Paralegal do?
A Senior Paralegal is responsible for providing legal support and assistance to attorneys and other legal professionals in the firm. Duties may include researching laws and regulations, drafting legal documents, filing and organizing paperwork, conducting interviews, preparing legal briefs, and other research and administrative tasks. Senior Paralegals may also be responsible for managing a team of Paralegals and providing mentorship and guidance.
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What are some responsibilities of a Senior Paralegal?
- Advise clients on legal matters
- Conduct research and analysis related to legal matters
- Prepare documents and briefs for court proceedings
- Manage and monitor legal activities
- Assist attorneys with trial preparation and litigation support
- Prepare contracts, memorandums, and other legal documents
- Organize and maintain case files
- Conduct investigations and interviews
- Attend court proceedings and other legal meetings
- Conduct legal searches and research
- Provide administrative support for attorneys
Sample Senior Paralegal Resume for Inspiration
Personal Details:
Name: John Smith
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 12345
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: johnsmith@example.com
Summary:
John Smith is an experienced Senior Paralegal with over 10 years of legal experience. He has a strong legal education and an extensive background in corporate and commercial law. He is knowledgeable in a variety of legal fields and is highly skilled in legal research, document drafting, and analysis. He is an invaluable asset to any legal team.
Work Experience:
- ABC Legal Services, Anytown, CA, Senior Paralegal, 2015-Present
- Provide high-level legal guidance to clients on corporate and commercial legal matters.
- Conduct legal research, including statutory and case law, to support the legal team.
- Draft legal documents, including contracts, leases, and motions, for submission to courts.
- Manage the preparation and filing of legal documents.
- Serve as liaison between clients, staff, and third-parties.
- XYZ Legal Services, Anytown, CA, Paralegal, 2010-2015
- Conducted legal research and analysis on a variety of legal matters.
- Prepared legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, and motions, for submission to courts.
- Managed the preparation and filing of legal documents.
- Provided administrative support to attorneys and staff, including scheduling and calendaring.
Education:
ABC University, Anytown, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, 2009
Skills:
- Legal Research & Analysis
- Document Drafting & Filing
- Statutory & Case Law
- Legal Writing & Editing
- Client Relations & Communication
Certifications:
Certified Legal Assistant, ABC Institute, 2013
Languages:
English (fluent)
Spanish (conversational)
Resume tips for Senior Paralegal
Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Senior Paralegal resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Senior Paralegal - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.
- Include a professional summary that outlines your qualifications and experience.
- Highlight your knowledge and expertise in the field of law.
- Include relevant keywords from the job description to make sure your resume is picked up by any applicant tracking system.
- Focus on accomplishments, not just duties, to demonstrate the value you can bring to the company.
- Proofread your resume for any typos or mistakes, and have a trusted colleague look it over.
Senior Paralegal Resume Summary Examples
A senior paralegal resume summary or resume objective can help you stand out from the competition and make a great first impression. It can showcase your relevant skills and experience, as well as your enthusiasm for the position. It can also be used to demonstrate your legal knowledge and expertise. Finally, it can help you to stand out among other job seekers who may have similar qualifications.
For Example:
- Dedicated Senior Paralegal with 10 years of experience providing legal support to attorneys in a variety of practice areas.
- Highly organized Senior Paralegal with 8 years of experience in corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property law.
- Results-driven Senior Paralegal with 7 years of experience in legal research, document drafting and client management.
- Experienced Senior Paralegal with a background in immigration law, family law, and contract law.
- Knowledgeable Senior Paralegal with a track record of success in researching legal issues, reviewing documents, and preparing legal filings.
Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Senior Paralegal Resume
A strong experience section on a senior paralegal resume is important because it can demonstrate to employers the expertise and knowledge that the candidate has acquired in their career. By highlighting significant accomplishments, the candidate can show that they are a valuable asset to the organization. Additionally, the experience section can be a great way to showcase the skills that the candidate has developed in their position, such as research, drafting, and analysis. Having a strong experience section on a senior paralegal resume is essential for employers to get an accurate picture of the candidate’s qualifications and abilities.
For Example:
- Provided paralegal assistance in a variety of legal matters, including trust and estate planning, real estate transactions and corporate law.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, pleadings, and agreements.
- Conducted legal research and analysis of laws and regulations.
- Updated and maintained corporate and legal filing systems.
- Assisted in the preparation and filing of court documents.
- Attended hearings, depositions, and client meetings.
- Managed the day-to-day operations for the legal department.
- Assisted with the preparation of litigation briefs, memoranda, and reports.
- Performed legal document review and managed document production.
- Provided detailed factual and legal analyses to attorneys.
Senior Paralegal resume education example
A Senior Paralegal typically needs at least a two-year associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field such as law, business, or criminal justice. Some employers may also require certification through a professional organization such as the National Association of Legal Assistants or the American Bar Association. Additional courses in specialized fields such as bankruptcy, family law, or litigation may also be necessary.
Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Senior Paralegal resume:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies from XYZ University, 2020
- Paralegal Certificate from ABC College, 2018
- Continuing Legal Education Courses in Business Formation, Contract Law, Estate Planning, and Tax Law, 2018-2020
Senior Paralegal Skills for a Resume
Adding skills to a Senior Paralegal Resume is important because it allows the potential employer to quickly see what the applicant is capable of. The skills section of a resume should be tailored to the job being applied to, and should showcase the applicant’s expertise. This will make the applicant stand out among others, and show the employer that the candidate is the right person for the job. Examples of skills to showcase in a Senior Paralegal Resume include: legal research and writing, client communication and interviewing, case management, legal document preparation, litigation support, and trial preparation.
Soft Skills:
- Interpersonal Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management
- Communication Skills
- Problem Solving
- Research Skills
- Leadership
- Attention to Detail
- Flexibility
- Negotiation Skills
- Legal Research
- Case Management
- Document Drafting
- Legal Writing
- Litigation Support
- Contract Negotiation
- Statutory Interpretation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Discovery Procedures
- Legal Analysis
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Senior Paralegal Resume
In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.
- Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
- Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
- Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
- Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
- Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
- Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
- Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.
Key takeaways for a Senior Paralegal resume
- Highlight relevant experience, certifications, and education.
- Include soft skills, such as organizational and communication abilities.
- Focus on achievements rather than job duties.
- Showcase technology proficiency.
- Include the most recent experience first.
- Be sure to include awards, publications, and other relevant accomplishments.
- Proofread your resume for accuracy and consistency.
It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.
