From Classroom to Courtoom  Building a Killer Paralegal Resume

 

Congratulations, you’ve graduated! You’ve mastered the legal jargon, honed your research skills, and are ready to conquer the world of legal support. But before you land that dream paralegal job, you need a resume that showcases your skills and experience.

Here’s your roadmap to building a resume that screams “hire me!”

1. THE FOUNDATION: STRUCTURE AND FORMAT

• Keep it Concise: Stick to one page for most entry-level positions.
• Use a Professional Template: opt for a clean, modern design that emphasizes readability.
• Standardized Format: Use a consistent font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and clear section headings.

2. THE BIG PICTURE: YOUR HEADLINE

• Include “Paralegal” in your headline: This ensures you’re considered for paralegal positions.
• Mention Specialization: If you have specific areas of interest (litigation, family law, etc.), highlight them.
• Be Specific: Avoid vague titles like “Legal Assistant.” Instead, use “Paralegal” or “Legal Support Specialist.”

3. EXPERIENCE: SHOWCASE YOUR VALUE

• Start with Your Most Relevant Experience: If you’ve had internships or volunteer work, list those first. If you do not possess a Paralegal Certificate, this is when it’s your time to shine.
• Use Action Verbs: Instead of “Assisted attorneys,” say “Prepared legal documents, conducted legal research, and managed client communication.”
• Quantify Your Achievements: “Increased client satisfaction by 15% through improved communication protocols” is more impactful than “Assisted with client communication.”

4. EDUCATION: YOUR LEGAL FOUNDATION

• Highlight Your Paralegal Certificate if applicable: This demonstrates your specialized legal training.
• Academic Honors: Include any awards, dean’s list mentions, or high GPA to showcase your academic excellence. This is more for entry-level positions.

5. SKILLS: THE TOOLS OF YOUR TRADE

• Technical Proficiency: List software skills (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Microsoft Office) with proficiency levels, if applicable.
• Soft Skills: Include communication, organization, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Language Skills: If you’re bilingual or multilingual, mention this. The demand for a bilingual paralegal is often preferred.

6. KEY THINGS TO HIGHLIGHT

• Legal Research: Demonstrate your ability to find and analyze relevant legal information.
• Document Drafting: Show your proficiency in preparing legal documents like pleadings, motions, and contracts.
• Case Management: Highlight experience with organizing and managing legal files, scheduling, and calendaring.
• Client Communication: Showcase your ability to interact with clients professionally and effectively.

7. THE FINAL TOUCHES

• Proofread Carefully: Errors in grammar or spelling can be a dealbreaker.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight skills and experience most relevant to the specific position.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Feedback: Have friends, mentors, or career advisors review your resume before sending it out.

Remember: Your resume is your first impression. It should be a well-crafted, concise, and impressive representation of your skills and abilities. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can build a resume that sets you apart and lands you that coveted paralegal position. Good luck!

Tips for Prospective Paralegals

BEFORE YOU START:

• Understand the Role: Research what paralegals do. It’s not just about legal research! Learn about the different areas of law, common tasks, and the work environment.
• Develop Essential Skills:
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial.
• Organization: You’ll be managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Research: Learn how to effectively use legal databases and resources.
• Problem-solving: Be able to analyze legal issues and offer solutions.
• Technology: Become proficient in legal software and online tools.
• Consider Your Strengths: Are you detail-oriented? Do you enjoy research? Are you a good communicator? These skills can be valuable assets.
• Network: Attend legal events, connect with paralegals online, and reach out to professionals in your area of interest.

WHILE YOU’RE STUDYING:

• Internships: Gain hands-on experience in a real legal setting. This is essential for building your resume and understanding the job.
• Volunteer: Help lawyers with legal aid organizations or community projects. This is a great way to learn about different legal areas.
• Networking: Connect with professors, legal professionals, and alumni. Build relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
• Develop Professionalism: Dress appropriately, be punctual, and show initiative. These qualities are valued in the legal field.
• Stay Informed: Read legal news, journals, and blogs to stay updated on current trends.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Identify your areas of interest and develop your skills accordingly.

 

AFTER YOU GRADUATE:

• Build Your Resume: Highlight your skills and experience, tailoring it to each job application.
• Job Search: Utilize online resources, job boards, and networking contacts to find opportunities.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice your answers to common interview questions and research the potential employer.
• Stay Flexible: The legal field is constantly changing, so be prepared to adapt and learn new skills.
• Continuing Education: Stay up-to-date with new laws and technologies by pursuing professional development courses.
• Remember: The paralegal field is rewarding and offers many growth opportunities. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful career in this exciting field.

 

Ace your Paralegal Interview: Dressing for Success

Landing a paralegal job is a big deal. You’ve put in the hard work, built your skills, and are ready to showcase your expertise. But before you walk into the interview room, there’s one more crucial element to nail: your presentation.

First Impressions Counts:

Your appearance is a significant part of your first impression. It speaks volumes about your professionalism, attention to detail, and how seriously you take the opportunity.

Here’s how to dress for success as a paralegal:

THE GOLDEN RULE: BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

• Suits: A well-fitting suit is a classic choice. Choose navy, black, or grey suits in solid colors or subtle patterns.
• Dress Pants or Skirt: If you’re not wearing a suit, opt for tailored dress pants or a knee-length skirt in neutral colors.
• Shirts or Blouses: Stick to crisp button-down shirts, blouses, or turtlenecks in white, cream, or light pastels. Avoid anything too revealing or casual.
• Shoes: Close-toed shoes with a low heel are the most appropriate. Choose a polished look in black, brown, or navy.

BEYOND THE BASICS:

• Accessorize Strategically: Keep jewelry minimal and avoid distracting accessories. A watch, a simple necklace, or small earrings are fine.
• Grooming Matters: Ensure your hair is neat and well-styled. A clean and professional look is key.
• Pay Attention to Details: Iron your clothes, polish your shoes, and check for any loose threads or stains.
• Not too much makeup: Keep it natural.

THINGS TO AVOID:

• Jeans, Casual Tops, or Sneakers: These are inappropriate for a professional interview setting.
• Bright Colors or Loud Patterns: Stick to neutral colors and simple patterns to maintain a professional look.
• Overly Revealing Clothing: Ensure your clothing is modest and does not distract from your skills.

THE TAKEAWAY:

Your attire is a reflection of your professionalism and respect for the opportunity. Choose comfortable clothes, well-fitting, and project a professional image.

Remember, dressing for success is about feeling confident in yourself and your abilities. A well-chosen outfit can help boost your confidence and make a positive impression during your interview.

Good luck!

Tips for Paralegals Seeking a Specific Area of Law

1. Self-Reflection & Assessment:

What interests you?

Think about the areas of law that intrigue you. Do you care about social justice? Are you fascinated by technology? Do you prefer a fast-paced environment?

What are your strengths?

Consider your skills and experience. Are you good at research? Are you detail-oriented?

Do you have strong writing and communication skills?

What are your career goals?

Are you looking for a long-term career in a specific area of law? Or are you open to exploring different options?

2. Research & Exploration:

Read legal publications and blogs.

This will give you a better understanding of different areas of law and current legal issues.

Attend legal events and webinars.

Many law schools, bar associations, and professional organizations offer free or low-cost events for paralegals.

Network with legal professionals.

Talk to paralegals, lawyers, and judges in areas of law that interest you. Ask them about their experiences and what advice they have for aspiring paralegals.

3. Develop Specialized Skills:

Take specialized courses or certifications.

Many online platforms and colleges offer courses in specific areas of law like intellectual property, real estate, or family law.

Volunteer or intern in a legal setting.

This is a great way to gain hands-on experience and build your skills.

Join professional organizations.

Associations like the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offer resources and networking opportunities for paralegals.

  STILL TOO FEW AND FAR BETWEEN: THE STATUS OF LATINA ATTORNEYS FIFTEEN YEARS LATER

  written by: Jill Lynch Cruz from HNBA

 

 

In 2008, the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Latina Commission  launched a national research project to investigate the professional  status of Latina attorneys within the legal profession and to identify the barriers preventing them from fully accessing, advancing, and succeeding in their legal careers.

This initiative was prompted by the apparent disparity between the population of Latinas within the U.S. at that time (7.5%) compared to their sparse representation within the legal field (only 1.3% of all U.S. attorneys). That 2009 study, Few & Far Between: The Reality of Latina Lawyers, produced several key findings: 1) Latina attorneys were found to be among the most underrepresented attorney group within the legal profession relative to their presence in the U.S. population; 2) their presence in leadership positions was disproportionately limited; and 3) Latina attorneys were likely to earn significantly lower compensation than their non-Latina attorney peers.

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