Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for specific legal terminology and administrative skills. For a Legal Assistant, highlighting proficiencies in legal research, document drafting, and case management software is crucial. This guide covers the essential hard and soft skills you need to optimize your resume and impress law firm hiring managers.
Top hard skills for legal assistant resumes
These are the technical skills that ATS systems and hiring managers look for on legal assistant resumes. Include the ones you genuinely have experience with.
Legal Research
Conducting preliminary research on case law and precedents to support attorneys.
Document Drafting
Preparing legal documents, correspondence, pleadings, and discovery requests.
Case Management
Organizing and maintaining physical and electronic case files efficiently.
E-Filing
Filing legal documents electronically with state and federal court systems.
LexisNexis
Utilizing advanced legal research databases to find relevant statutes and cases.
Westlaw
Conducting comprehensive legal research and citation checking for legal briefs.
Calendar Management
Scheduling depositions, hearings, and client meetings accurately to avoid conflicts.
Trial Preparation
Assisting attorneys with trial binders, exhibits, and witness coordination.
Client Communication
Serving as a primary point of contact for client inquiries and case updates.
Legal Billing
Processing invoices and tracking billable hours using legal accounting software.
Proofreading & Editing
Ensuring all legal documents are free of errors and properly formatted before filing.
Discovery Process
Assisting in drafting interrogatories and organizing extensive discovery responses.
PACER
Accessing federal court records and dockets electronically for case tracking.
Notary Public
Authenticating legal documents and administering oaths as an official witness.
Clio / MyCase
Managing practice workflows using dedicated legal practice management software.
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Build your resume →Essential soft skills
Beyond technical ability, these soft skills differentiate strong legal assistant candidates.
- Attention to Detail
- Confidentiality
- Organization
- Communication
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
- Multitasking
- Critical Thinking
Recommended certifications
| Certification | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) | Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of legal procedures and ethics. |
| Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) | Shows specialized expertise in specific areas of law. |
| Notary Public Commission (Notary) | Allows for the official witnessing and authentication of legal documents. |
| Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) | Validates advanced skills in legal office administration and procedures. |
Power action verbs
Start your bullet points with these strong verbs to demonstrate impact.
Example resume bullet points
Here's how to use these skills in real resume bullets with quantified results.
ATS optimization tips
Use Exact Terminology
Ensure your resume uses the exact software names (e.g., LexisNexis, Clio) and legal terms found in the job description.
Include Relevant Certifications
Spell out certifications like 'Certified Legal Assistant' and include the acronym 'CLA' to catch different ATS search parameters.
Quantify Your Work
Add metrics to your bullets, such as the number of cases managed or the volume of documents processed, to show tangible impact.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important skills for a Legal Assistant resume?
The most critical skills include legal research, document drafting, case management, e-filing, and proficiency with legal software like Westlaw or Clio. Strong attention to detail and communication are also essential.
How many skills should I list on my Legal Assistant resume?
Aim to include 10-15 highly relevant hard and soft skills in a dedicated skills section, and naturally weave these keywords throughout your professional experience bullet points.
Should I include administrative skills on a Legal Assistant resume?
Yes, administrative skills like calendar management, client communication, and legal billing are vital to the role and frequently searched for by ATS software.
Put these skills to work
Now that you know which skills to highlight, use our free resume builder to create an ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords in the right places.
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