Paralegal CV: free template, example, & guide
Land your next Paralegal position with ease, by updating your CV with our tips and tools.
As a Paralegal, you’re well-acquainted with the importance of precision and attention to detail.
However, if you feel that your CV isn’t getting the attention you need to land a job, you may need to improve it.
Or maybe you simply just don’t know how to get started.
To ensure your CV stands out and effectively showcases your expertise, it’s crucial to include the information that best highlights your attributes.
Coupled with an easy-to-use CV builder, to help you craft your curriculum in only a few steps, you’ll learn how to:
- Create a Paralegal CV with no experience
- Draft a personal statement that shows off your legal training and experience
- Include the ideal Paralegal skills
- Choose the correct format
- Highlight certifications and memberships relevant to the Paralegal role
You’ll also get to review some different Paralegal CV examples to better understand how your curriculum vitae should look.
Continue reading to discover the formula to create an application that can exceed any hiring manager’s expectations.
The optimal Paralegal CV layout
Like preparing a legal document, your CV should follow a logical structure.
Typically, there are 3 CV layouts to consider:
- Combination
- Skills-based
- Chronological
The best CV layout for a Paralegal often depends on experience. Both seasoned and budding Paralegals need to spotlight different parts of their skills and experiences.
However, most hiring managers prefer a chronological layout, whether you have experience as a Paralegal or not.
A chronological format is ideal because:
- It showcases career progression and growth in the legal sector.
- Long durations at firms suggest loyalty and reliability.
- It’s a format many HR departments are familiar with, ensuring quick information extraction.
Entry-level applicants can also choose to focus on skills over experience depending on the circumstances.
Best Layout for an Entry-Level Paralegal CV
For those new to the Paralegal profession, you may want to go with a combination or a skills-based layout.
Here’s why it can be a different option if you are completely new.
- Focus on skills: Highlight legal and transferable skills gained through your studies, work placements, or even unrelated roles.
- Customisation: A skills-based CV can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the job.
With a custom Paralegal CV template, it’s easier to pick the right CV layout and boost your application’s appeal.
Examine a well-structured Paralegal CV sample
Reviewing a completed CV can offer insights into the structure and content you should use.
Look over the following Paralegal CV example to better understand how to write your own:
Jane Doe
Paralegal
123 Law Lane, London, UK, SW1 1AA
Phone: +44 7123 456 789 | Email: jane.doe@randomemail.com
Personal Statement
Dedicated Paralegal with over 5 years of experience in corporate law. Proficient in legal research, drafting contracts, and liaising with clients. Demonstrated ability to support solicitors in complex litigation cases. Seeking a challenging role in a reputed law firm to further enhance legal expertise.
Experience
Senior Paralegal | ABC Law Firm, London, UK | Jan 2019 – Present
- Conducted comprehensive legal research for over 70 cases, aiding in successful litigation.
- Drafted and reviewed 150+ legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinated with clients, ensuring they were updated on case progress.
Paralegal | XYZ Legal Services, Birmingham, UK | Dec 2016 – Dec 2018
- Assisted solicitors in preparing for trials, resulting in a 90% success rate.
- Managed case files, ensuring all documents were organised and easily accessible.
Education
- LLB Law Degree, University of London, 2016
- Paralegal Certification, National Association of Legal Assistants, 2017
Skills
- Legal research and documentation
- Client liaison and communication
- Proficiency in legal software (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw)
- Attention to detail and multitasking
Certifications
- Certified Paralegal | National Association of Legal Assistants | 2017
Valuable tips for experienced Paralegals
Whether you’re eyeing a promotion or seeking a new opportunity, as an experienced Paralegal, your CV should reflect your expertise and past success.
To ensure your CV resonates with potential employers:
- Quantify your achievements with data.
- Detail your past responsibilities and notable cases.
- Emphasise your legal skills and areas of expertise.
Below are some specific tips for you to use when creating your application.
Highlight training in your personal statement
Your personal statement is the first impression you make. By mentioning key training or professional development initiatives, you demonstrate a proactive approach to your career.
Remember to do the following when writing your statement:
- Be specific: Instead of a generic statement like “committed to continuous learning,” specify a particular course or seminar that had a significant impact on your skills or perspective.
- Fit with the role: If the job description emphasises a particular area of law or skill, highlight relevant training you’ve undertaken in that area.
Example:
Dedicated Paralegal with over 5 years in corporate law and a recent GDPR Compliance certification. Adept at legal research, with advanced training in Westlaw and LexisNexis databases. Seeking a challenging role to apply my expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Skills to emphasise in your Paralegal CV
Over the years, you’ve probably improved on skills that make you an asset in the legal world. Some skills that look great on a CV include:
- Legal documentation and drafting
- Case management
- Client communication and relationship management
- Legal research (specific databases or areas of law)
- Litigation support
By including these skills in your CV, you’ll emphasise your value and expertise to potential employers.
Display Paralegal case highlights
Highlighting specific cases where you played a pivotal role or achieved notable outcomes can set you apart from other candidates.
Here’s how it helps:
- Demonstrate value: This section allows you to showcase your direct contributions and the value you bring to a legal team.
- Quantify success: By providing specific details and outcomes, you can quantify your success and give potential employers a clear picture of your capabilities.
- Showcase expertise: Highlighting specific cases can demonstrate your expertise in particular areas of law or legal processes.
You can do this in the experience section, showing you have what it takes to carry out all your duties successfully.
Here’s an example:
Senior Paralegal | ABC Law Firm, London, UK | Jan 2019 – Present
Smith vs. XYZ Corp. | Feb 2021
- Spearheaded comprehensive legal research and meticulously drafted court submissions for this high-stakes commercial litigation case.
- Result: Successfully defended the client against a claim, saving them over £500,000 in potential damages and establishing a significant case precedent.
How to craft an entry-level Paralegal CV
Starting your journey as a Paralegal? Have you worked professionally in a different field before?
It’s quite normal to consider changing careers. Around a third of UK workers considered changing careers in 2022.
While you might lack extensive experience, your CV can still shine by focusing on your skills, education, and any relevant experiences.
Tips for your entry-level Personal Statement
If you’re an entry-level applicant, you’ll need to focus more on skills rather than experience, which you don’t have yet.
You can mention:
- Transferable skills
- Education and training
- Relevant accomplishments
Have a look at the sample below:
Recently CILEx certified paralegal with a successful 3-year background in finance, managing regulatory compliance and client assets exceeding £100,000. Eager to leverage my analytical skills and precision, nurtured through intensive legal training, to excel in a paralegal role.
Emphasise your education
For entry-level Paralegals, the education section holds a lot of weight.
Make sure to detail your:
- Qualifications
- Relevant coursework
- Notable achievements.
For instance:
LLB Law Degree | University of London | 2022
Achievements:
- Top 10% in the ‘Legal Research and Documentation’ module.
- Led a group project analysing landmark legal cases, achieving a grade of 90%.
Create a Paralegal training section
A dedicated section allows you to list courses, workshops, and seminars in detail, which shows your commitment to professional growth and Paralegal knowledge.
This is the structure that you should follow when explaining your relevant training and certifications:
- Title: Begin with a clear title like “Professional Development” or “Courses & Certifications.”
- Chronological order: List your training in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.
- Details: For each entry, include the course title, institution or organising body, location (if relevant), and date.
Example:
Professional Development & Training
- Advanced Legal Research Techniques | LexisNexis Online Workshop | June 2022
- Contract Law Seminar | London Legal Conference | May 2022
- GDPR Compliance Course | Data Protection Institute, London | March 2022
Key points
Whether you’re a seasoned Paralegal or just starting, if you craft a compelling CV you’ll give yourself a much better chance to land an interview.
Simply keep in mind the main points of this guide:
- Be specific and use quantifiable data
- Choose the CV layout that best showcases your strengths
- Include your Paralegal training and certifications
- Highlight the right skills and experiences
By following these tips, you’ll make a CV that can grab the attention of a hiring manager no matter your level of experience.
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