Top 12 Corporate Paralegal Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the competitive field of corporate law, a well-crafted resume highlighting essential paralegal skills can set you apart from other applicants. This article explores the top 12 skills that corporate paralegals should showcase to demonstrate their proficiency and readiness to excel in this demanding environment.
Corporate Paralegal Skills
- LexisNexis
- Westlaw
- Document Review
- Litigation Support
- Contract Management
- EDiscovery
- PACER
- CaseMap
- Time Matters
- Bluebook Citation
- Corporate Governance
- Compliance Tracking
1. LexisNexis
LexisNexis is a leading global provider of legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics, offering an extensive range of online research and data solutions designed to support the work of corporate paralegals in conducting legal research, due diligence, compliance, and risk management tasks.
Why It's Important
LexisNexis is important for a Corporate Paralegal because it provides comprehensive access to legal research, case law, statutes, regulations, and legal precedents crucial for preparing legal documents, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
How to Improve LexisNexis Skills
To improve your LexisNexis experience as a Corporate Paralegal, focus on the following strategies:
Training and Education: Regularly update your skills through LexisNexis' own training resources tailored for legal professionals. This includes webinars, tutorials, and certification programs.
Customization and Preferences: Customize your LexisNexis interface and settings to suit your specific needs as a Corporate Paralegal. This involves setting up practice-specific alerts and saving frequent searches. Learn more about customization through the LexisNexis Support Center.
Integration Tools: Utilize LexisNexis integration tools to streamline your workflow. Tools like Lexis® for Microsoft Office enable efficient research and citation without leaving your document.
Networking and Community: Engage with the LexisNexis community via LexisNexis University, where you can exchange tips and tricks with peers. Also, attend LexisNexis events and webinars to network with other professionals.
Feedback and Updates: Stay informed about the latest updates and provide feedback to LexisNexis about the tools and features you need. Participating in forums and feedback sessions helps shape the development of resources tailored to paralegals.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in using LexisNexis as a Corporate Paralegal.
How to Display LexisNexis Skills on Your Resume
2. Westlaw
Westlaw is an online legal research service and proprietary database for lawyers and legal professionals, providing access to a vast collection of legal resources, case law, statutes, regulations, and legal analysis. For a Corporate Paralegal, it is an essential tool for conducting legal research, due diligence, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Why It's Important
Westlaw is important for a Corporate Paralegal because it provides comprehensive and up-to-date legal information, enabling efficient research on statutes, case law, and regulations crucial for advising on corporate legal matters and ensuring compliance.
How to Improve Westlaw Skills
Improving your Westlaw skills as a Corporate Paralegal involves focusing on efficiency, precision, and leveraging the platform's advanced features. Here are concise strategies:
Keyword Optimization: Understand Boolean search logic to create precise search queries. Westlaw's Boolean search guide can enhance your search efficiency.
Use Field Restrictions: Narrow down search results by using field restrictions to search within specific document sections (e.g., headnotes, citations). Westlaw Field Restrictions guide provides detailed instructions.
Leverage KeyCite: Utilize Westlaw's KeyCite feature to validate the authority of cases and statutes, ensuring your references are up to date. KeyCite information can help you understand its full capabilities.
Customize Alerts: Stay informed on relevant legal developments by setting up custom alerts for specific cases, statutes, or topics relevant to corporate law. Learn how to set alerts with this Westlaw Alerts guide.
Use Practice Area Resources: Take advantage of Westlaw's practice area-specific resources for corporate law, including forms, checklists, and transactional documents, to increase your productivity. The Westlaw Practice Areas page offers a starting point.
Participate in Westlaw Training: Regularly participate in Westlaw training sessions and webinars to stay current with new features and tools. Westlaw offers training and support tailored to various user levels.
Utilize Westlaw Edge: If available, use Westlaw Edge for its advanced AI and analytics capabilities, providing deeper insights and faster research. Explore what Westlaw Edge offers.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly enhance your proficiency and effectiveness in using Westlaw for corporate paralegal tasks.
How to Display Westlaw Skills on Your Resume
3. Document Review
Document review, in the context of a Corporate Paralegal, involves the examination and analysis of documents related to corporate transactions or litigation to ensure accuracy, compliance with legal standards, and to identify any relevant information or issues.
Why It's Important
Document review is crucial for a Corporate Paralegal as it ensures that all legal documents are accurate, compliant with relevant laws and regulations, and protect the corporation's interests, thereby mitigating legal risks and liabilities.
How to Improve Document Review Skills
Improving document review, especially for a Corporate Paralegal, involves a blend of organizational skills, technological tools, and strategic planning. Here's a concise guide:
Leverage Technology: Use document management systems and e-discovery tools to automate and streamline review processes. Tools like Relativity and Logikcull help in managing large volumes of documents efficiently.
Develop a Review Plan: Before diving into the documents, outline your objectives, key search terms, and review stages. The American Bar Association provides guidelines on creating effective review plans.
Use Advanced Search Techniques: Employ boolean searches and predictive coding to filter relevant documents quickly. Familiarize yourself with the search functionalities of your document review platform.
Continuous Training: Stay updated with the latest trends and tools in document review. Platforms like Lawline offer courses on document review and legal technology.
Quality Control Checks: Implement multi-tier review stages and use sampling to ensure accuracy and completeness. Establish clear guidelines for tagging and annotating documents.
Collaborate Effectively: Use collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack to communicate seamlessly with your review team and stakeholders.
Review and Improve: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your document review process and adapt based on lessons learned. Continuous improvement is key to efficiency.
By integrating technology, planning strategically, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Corporate Paralegals can significantly enhance the document review process.
How to Display Document Review Skills on Your Resume
4. Litigation Support
Litigation support for a Corporate Paralegal involves assisting attorneys in managing large-scale litigation processes. It includes organizing documents, coordinating electronic discovery (eDiscovery), preparing for depositions, assisting with trial preparation, and providing administrative and technical support throughout the litigation lifecycle.
Why It's Important
Litigation support is crucial for a Corporate Paralegal as it involves managing and organizing evidence, documents, and data critical to legal proceedings, ensuring the legal team is prepared and efficient in representing the corporation effectively in disputes and litigation.
How to Improve Litigation Support Skills
Improving litigation support, particularly for a Corporate Paralegal, involves enhancing organization, leveraging technology, and fostering communication. Here's a concise guide:
Leverage Technology: Utilize legal technology tools for document management, e-discovery, and case management to streamline processes. Explore platforms like Relativity for e-discovery and Clio for case management.
Enhance Organization: Implement rigorous file organization systems and maintain detailed records. Tools like Evernote or Microsoft OneNote can help keep notes and case files orderly.
Improve Communication: Foster clear communication channels with all stakeholders. Utilize collaboration tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for seamless interaction between legal teams and external counsel.
Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest in legal tech and litigation practices through online courses and webinars from sites like Lawline or The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Data Security: Prioritize the security of all legal documents and communications. Implement robust cybersecurity measures and educate the team on best practices. Consider resources from The American Bar Association for guidance.
By focusing on these areas, a Corporate Paralegal can significantly improve litigation support, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in legal proceedings.
How to Display Litigation Support Skills on Your Resume
5. Contract Management
Contract management involves the administration of company contracts, encompassing drafting, evaluation, negotiation, execution, and oversight, to ensure legal compliance, mitigate risks, and optimize operational and financial performance.
Why It's Important
Contract management is crucial for a Corporate Paralegal because it ensures that the company's agreements are legally compliant, properly executed, and effectively managed. This minimizes legal and financial risks, optimizes operational and financial performance, and maintains positive business relationships.
How to Improve Contract Management Skills
Improving contract management, especially for a Corporate Paralegal, involves streamlining processes, leveraging technology, and ensuring clear communication. Here’s a concise guide:
Centralize Contract Storage: Use a secure, centralized contract management system to store all contracts. This makes it easier to access and manage contracts efficiently. Consider platforms like ContractWorks or DocuSign.
Standardize Processes: Develop standard templates and clauses for common contract types. This speeds up drafting and review processes. The American Bar Association provides resources and guidelines that can help in standardizing contracts.
Implement Contract Management Software: Invest in contract management software that offers features like automated reminders for important dates, workflow automation, and analytics. Tools like Agiloft and Ironclad are designed to improve efficiency.
Regular Training: Ensure regular training for all team members involved in the contract lifecycle on best practices and any new technologies adopted. Online platforms like LinkedIn Learning offer courses on contract management.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your contract management processes and tools based on feedback and evolving needs. Engage with communities through forums such as TechSoup for non-profits or Legal Operators for insights on improving operations.
By focusing on these key areas, a Corporate Paralegal can significantly improve contract management within their organization, leading to greater efficiency, reduced risks, and better compliance.
How to Display Contract Management Skills on Your Resume
6. EDiscovery
EDiscovery, in the context of a Corporate Paralegal, refers to the process of identifying, collecting, preserving, and reviewing electronically stored information (ESI) in legal proceedings or investigations.
Why It's Important
EDiscovery is crucial for a Corporate Paralegal because it allows for the efficient identification, collection, and analysis of electronic data relevant to legal cases, ensuring compliance, reducing risks, and streamlining the litigation process.
How to Improve EDiscovery Skills
Improving EDiscovery for a Corporate Paralegal involves streamlining processes, leveraging technology, and maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders. Here are concise strategies:
Implement Advanced Software: Use advanced EDiscovery software that offers efficient data processing, review, and management capabilities. Tools like Relativity and Logikcull can automate tasks and improve accuracy.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest EDiscovery trends, technologies, and best practices through continuous education. Platforms like ACEDS provide resources and certification programs.
Develop Clear Protocols: Establish and document clear EDiscovery protocols. This includes data identification, preservation, collection, review, and production processes.
Strengthen Data Management: Improve data governance by implementing policies for data retention, deletion, and storage. Tools like NetDocuments can help in managing documents more efficiently.
Enhance Communication: Ensure effective communication with your IT department, external legal teams, and vendors. Regular meetings and clear guidelines can help in aligning goals and expectations.
Outsource Strategically: For complex projects, consider outsourcing to specialized EDiscovery vendors or consultants. This can provide access to expertise and technology that may not be available in-house.
Review and Optimize Regularly: Regularly review and assess the EDiscovery process for potential improvements. This involves analyzing past cases for insights and feedback.
By focusing on these strategies, a Corporate Paralegal can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their EDiscovery process.
How to Display EDiscovery Skills on Your Resume
7. PACER
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is an online system that provides access to U.S. federal court documents and case information for legal research and case management.
Why It's Important
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is crucial for a Corporate Paralegal because it provides real-time, online access to federal court documents, enabling efficient legal research, case tracking, and retrieval of important filings relevant to corporate litigation and compliance matters.
How to Improve PACER Skills
Improving PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) usage for a Corporate Paralegal involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and cost management. Here are concise strategies:
Training: Invest in PACER training programs to understand advanced features and shortcuts. PACER Training offers various resources.
Utilize Browser Extensions: Browser extensions like RECAP can automatically search for free copies of documents, reducing costs.
Set Up Alerts: Use the PACER Case Locator to set up email alerts for new documents in relevant cases, saving time on manual searches. PACER Case Locator
Document Management Software Integration: Integrate PACER with document management systems to organize and track documents efficiently. Explore software like Clio for seamless integration options.
Cost Tracking and Management: Implement cost tracking tools to monitor and allocate PACER expenses accurately. Consider setting up a centralized PACER account for better management. PACER Billing Center
Use PACER Exemptions When Applicable: Understand and apply for PACER fee exemptions for eligible research and cases. Fee Exemption Guidance
By adopting these strategies, a Corporate Paralegal can enhance their PACER usage, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
How to Display PACER Skills on Your Resume
8. CaseMap
CaseMap is a legal software tool designed for organizing and analyzing case-related information, including facts, issues, and documents, facilitating case preparation and management for legal professionals, including corporate paralegals.
Why It's Important
CaseMap is important for a Corporate Paralegal because it streamlines the organization and analysis of case facts, documents, and research, enhancing case preparation efficiency and accuracy.
How to Improve CaseMap Skills
Improving your use of CaseMap as a Corporate Paralegal involves a few key steps focused on leveraging its features more effectively for case analysis and data organization. Here are concise tips:
Advanced Training: Enhance your skills through LexisNexis’s official training resources for CaseMap. Understanding deeper functionalities can streamline case analysis.
Customization: Tailor CaseMap templates and fields to better suit corporate legal needs. Customize case chronologies, fact summaries, and document indices to reflect the specific details and nuances of corporate law.
Integration: Efficiently integrate CaseMap with other software tools used by corporate paralegals. Explore LexisNexis’s support page for guidance on integrating CaseMap with document management systems and email for seamless data import/export.
Data Visualization: Utilize CaseMap’s report and graph generation features to create visual representations of data. This can aid in presenting complex case information in a more digestible format for internal review or strategic planning.
Regular Review and Update: Consistently update case files and review data within CaseMap to ensure information accuracy and relevance. Regular maintenance is key to leveraging CaseMap’s dynamic analysis capabilities.
Collaboration: Make use of CaseMap’s collaboration features to share case analysis and insights with your legal team. Effective sharing and collaboration within the platform can enhance the collective understanding and strategy development for cases.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your efficiency and efficacy in using CaseMap, contributing to better organized, analyzed, and presented case information within your corporate legal department.
How to Display CaseMap Skills on Your Resume
9. Time Matters
Time Matters is a legal practice management software designed to streamline operations, manage case information, and improve productivity for law firms and corporate legal departments, including tasks relevant to corporate paralegals such as document management, calendaring, and client communication.
Why It's Important
Time Matters is important for a Corporate Paralegal because it streamlines case management, document handling, and communication, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in legal processes.
How to Improve Time Matters Skills
To improve Time Matters for a Corporate Paralegal, focus on the following key areas:
Customization: Tailor Time Matters to your specific corporate legal needs by customizing forms, fields, and matter types. This ensures that the data relevant to your corporate environment is readily accessible. LexisNexis's guide on customization offers helpful tips.
Training: Enhance your proficiency by participating in training sessions. LexisNexis offers training options that range from webinars to personalized instruction, designed to optimize your use of Time Matters.
Integration: Streamline work by integrating Time Matters with email, document management systems, and billing software. This reduces manual data entry and errors. Learn more about integration capabilities on the official integration support page.
Automation: Utilize the document automation features to create templates for frequently used documents and correspondence, saving time and ensuring consistency. The Time Matters documentation provides insights into leveraging automation.
Maintenance: Regularly update the software and conduct database maintenance to ensure optimal performance and security. LexisNexis offers maintenance tips and support to help keep the software running smoothly.
By focusing on these areas, a Corporate Paralegal can significantly improve their efficiency and effectiveness in using Time Matters.
How to Display Time Matters Skills on Your Resume
10. Bluebook Citation
Bluebook Citation is a standardized method for referencing legal documents and sources, widely used in the legal profession, including by corporate paralegals, to ensure clarity and consistency in legal writing and documentation.
Why It's Important
Bluebook Citation is important for a Corporate Paralegal because it ensures accurate and consistent legal referencing across documents, facilitating clear communication and professionalism in the legal process.
How to Improve Bluebook Citation Skills
Improving your Bluebook citation skills, especially as a Corporate Paralegal, involves understanding the nuances of legal citation to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal documentation and court submissions. Here's a very short and concise guide:
Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the Bluebook rules. Focus on the sections most relevant to corporate law, like cases, statutes, and regulations.
Practice Consistently: Apply Bluebook rules in your everyday tasks. Consistent practice helps in retaining formatting standards and exceptions.
Use Online Resources: Leverage online guides and tools for quick referencing. Websites like Georgetown Law Library and Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute provide handy guides and examples.
Attend Workshops/Webinars: Participate in workshops or webinars focused on legal citation. Many law schools and legal institutions offer these sessions.
Cross-Check Citations: Always cross-check your citations with the latest Bluebook edition or reliable online legal citation tools.
Stay Updated: The Bluebook rules can change. Stay updated with the latest edition and subscribe to legal newsletters or forums that discuss changes or clarifications in citation rules.
Use Citation Management Software: Tools like Zotero and EndNote can help manage and automate citations, though always double-check for Bluebook compliance.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask attorneys or more experienced paralegals to review your citations for accuracy and offer constructive feedback.
By consistently applying these tips and utilizing resources effectively, you can significantly improve your Bluebook citation skills, ensuring your work meets the professional standards required in corporate law.
How to Display Bluebook Citation Skills on Your Resume
11. Corporate Governance
Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It involves balancing the interests of a company's many stakeholders, such as shareholders, management, customers, suppliers, financiers, government, and the community. For a Corporate Paralegal, it means ensuring the company adheres to legal and ethical standards, as well as internal policies and bylaws, while facilitating corporate transactions and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Why It's Important
Corporate governance is important because it ensures a company is managed in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner, protecting stakeholders' interests (such as shareholders, employees, and customers) and enhancing the company's integrity and performance. For a Corporate Paralegal, it is crucial for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks, and facilitating effective decision-making processes.
How to Improve Corporate Governance Skills
Improving corporate governance involves enhancing the structures and processes that dictate corporate direction and performance. For a Corporate Paralegal, focusing on the following areas can lead to meaningful improvements:
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the company is up-to-date with all legal and regulatory requirements. Staying informed on changes in corporate law can be facilitated through resources like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Corporate Governance Institute.
Board Structure and Function: Advocate for a well-composed, diverse, and independent board that aligns with the company’s strategic goals. The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) provides resources and guidance for board governance.
Ethical Standards and Practices: Promote high ethical standards and a strong culture of integrity within the company. Tools and insights can be found through the Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI).
Transparent Reporting: Support transparent and comprehensive reporting practices to stakeholders. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) offers standards and guidance on sustainability reporting that enhances transparency.
Stakeholder Engagement: Encourage active engagement with shareholders and other stakeholders to incorporate their views into the company’s decision-making process. Guidance can be found at the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN).
Continuous Education: Keep abreast of the latest developments in corporate governance through continuous education. Online courses and webinars from institutions like Harvard Law School's Program on Corporate Governance can be particularly useful.
By focusing on these areas, a Corporate Paralegal can play a crucial role in strengthening the governance framework of their organization, leading to increased trust and better outcomes for shareholders and other stakeholders.
How to Display Corporate Governance Skills on Your Resume
12. Compliance Tracking
Compliance tracking in a corporate paralegal context refers to the process of monitoring and documenting the corporation's adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies to ensure legal and regulatory obligations are met continuously.
Why It's Important
Compliance tracking is crucial for a corporate paralegal as it ensures that the company adheres to legal standards, regulations, and internal policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and penalties, and maintaining corporate integrity.
How to Improve Compliance Tracking Skills
Improving compliance tracking for a Corporate Paralegal involves implementing a systematic and digital approach to manage and monitor the company's legal and regulatory obligations. Here's a concise guide:
Digital Compliance Tools: Utilize specialized compliance software to automate and centralize compliance tasks. These tools offer features like real-time monitoring, alerting for deadlines, and document management.
Checklists and Templates: Develop checklists and templates for recurring compliance requirements. This standardizes processes and ensures nothing is overlooked.
Training and Awareness: Regularly conduct compliance training sessions for employees to understand their roles in compliance. This helps in creating a culture of compliance within the organization.
Regular Audits: Schedule regular compliance audits to identify and rectify compliance gaps. This includes reviewing policies, procedures, contracts, and past compliances.
Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and ongoing communication with all stakeholders regarding compliance matters. Use project management tools like Asana for tracking tasks and deadlines, ensuring everyone is updated.
Legal Updates: Stay informed about new and changing laws that affect your business. Subscribe to legal newsletters and alerts from relevant regulatory bodies.
Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for feedback on the compliance process from employees. Use tools like SurveyMonkey for this purpose, allowing for continuous improvement.
By integrating technology, standardizing processes, ensuring employee awareness, and maintaining open lines of communication, a Corporate Paralegal can significantly improve compliance tracking within their organization.
How to Display Compliance Tracking Skills on Your Resume
