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What does a Senior Paralegal do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A senior paralegal is a professional who provides support to lawyers by researching laws, investigating facts, and preparing documents. A senior paralegal may also be responsible for managing a law office and supervising other paralegals.

Senior Paralegal job duties include:

  • Drafting and preparing legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings
  • Assisting attorneys in trial preparation
  • Conducting research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles
  • Organizing and maintaining documents and files
  • Scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars
  • Coordinating travel arrangements
  • Handling billing and accounting tasks
  • Answering phones and responding to inquiries
  • Greeting clients and visitors
  • Providing administrative support to attorneys and paralegals

Senior Paralegal Job Requirements

A senior paralegal is a professional who provides legal and administrative support to lawyers. They are usually experienced paralegals who have advanced knowledge in a specific area of the law. In order to become a senior paralegal, one must have a bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience working as a paralegal. Some senior paralegals may also choose to obtain certification in their area of expertise.

Senior Paralegal Skills

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong writing and research skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Time management skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Detail-oriented
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Flexibility
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Problem-solving skills

Related: Top Senior Paralegal Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Senior Paralegal

A senior paralegal is a professional who provides legal and administrative support to lawyers. They are an important part of the legal team and play a vital role in the smooth running of a law firm. If you are considering a career as a senior paralegal, here are some things you need to know.

First, you will need to have completed high school or equivalent. You will then need to complete a paralegal studies program at a college or university. Once you have completed your studies, you will need to obtain a job with a law firm or other legal organization.

As you gain experience, you may be promoted to a senior paralegal position. In this role, you will be responsible for providing legal and administrative support to lawyers. You will also be responsible for managing projects and deadlines.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be organized and detail oriented. You will also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. If you have these qualities, then a career as a senior paralegal may be the right choice for you!

Related: Senior Paralegal Resume Example

Related: Senior Paralegal Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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