A paralegal resume has to prove you keep matters organized and attorneys prepared — through research, document management, filings, and deadline control. Hiring managers scan for your practice areas, the case management and e-filing systems you know, and evidence of accuracy under deadline. This example shows how to frame legal support around concrete contributions, surface the tools and certifications firms screen for, and keep the resume polished and precise.
Sample resume
Danielle Pierce
Paralegal · Litigation & Case Management
Richmond, VA
Professional summary
Litigation paralegal with 6 years supporting attorneys through discovery, filings, and trial preparation. Precise with deadlines, case management systems, and e-filing across state and federal courts.
Experience
Litigation Paralegal
Feb 2020 – Present
Harrison & Boyd LLP · Richmond, VA
- Managed discovery, document review, and exhibit preparation for a caseload of 30+ active matters.
- Drafted pleadings and filed in state and federal courts via e-filing, meeting every deadline.
- Built and maintained case files and chronologies that kept attorneys trial-ready.
Paralegal
Feb 2017 – Jan 2020
James River Legal Group · Richmond, VA
- Conducted legal research and organized case documents for corporate and real estate matters.
- Tracked deadlines and filings in the case management system, preventing missed dates.
Education
- Paralegal Certificate (ABA-approved) — University of RichmondJan 2017 – Jun 2017
- BA, Political Science — Virginia Commonwealth UniversitySep 2013 – Jun 2017
Skills
Sample resume summary
Paralegal resume highlighting legal research, case documentation, filing accuracy, and attorney support.
Achievement bullet examples
- Prepared case files, summaries, exhibits, and filing materials for attorney review.
- Conducted legal research and organized relevant documents for active matters.
- Tracked deadlines and maintained accurate records in case management systems.
Skills to highlight
ATS keywords
How to write this resume
Name your practice areas
Litigation, corporate, family, real estate — firms hire for specific areas. State yours clearly so a reviewing attorney sees the fit immediately.
Show accuracy under deadline
Meeting filing deadlines and managing a caseload signal reliability where mistakes are costly. Quantify the matters you juggled and your deadline record.
List systems and certification
Case management and e-filing tools plus an ABA-approved certificate are exactly what firms screen for. Put them where they are easy to find.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not specifying practice areas, leaving the firm to guess your fit.
- Writing generic duties instead of caseload size and deadline performance.
- Omitting e-filing and case management systems the role requires.
- Leaving off an ABA-approved certificate or relevant credential.
Frequently asked questions
What should a paralegal resume include?
Your practice areas, a summary, experience with research, discovery, filings and deadlines, case management and e-filing systems, and a paralegal certificate.
How do I make a paralegal resume stand out?
Name your practice areas, quantify your caseload, and show a spotless deadline and filing record — precision is exactly what firms are hiring for.
Do paralegals need a certificate on their resume?
Many firms prefer an ABA-approved paralegal certificate. List it prominently, along with the case management and e-filing systems you know.