Legal Administrative Assistant Resume Examples

Writing a great legal administrative assistant resume is important because it is one of the first things a potential employer will see when they are considering you for a position. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

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If you're looking for inspiration when it comes to drafting your own legal administrative assistant resume, look no further than the samples below. These resumes will help you highlight your experience and qualifications in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance of landing the legal administrative assistant job you're after.

Legal Administrative Assistant Resume Example

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Essential Components of a Legal Administrative Assistant Resume

A Legal Administrative Assistant Resume is a crucial tool that showcases an applicant's skills, qualifications, and experience in the legal administrative field. A well-crafted resume should emphasize the essential elements that employers value, such as a structured format, relevant information, and a compelling presentation.

The resume should effectively communicate the candidate's ability to handle administrative tasks within a legal setting, including case file management, legal research, document preparation, and schedule coordination.

In this guide, we will delve into the various sections of a Legal Administrative Assistant Resume, discussing their importance and content. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to make each section stand out.

1. Contact Information

The "Contact Information" section is crucial for any resume, including that of a Legal Administrative Assistant. It should be prominently placed at the top of the resume for easy access by potential employers.

How to List Contact Information for a Legal Administrative Assistant Resume

Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address, ensuring all information is current and accurate to avoid communication barriers.

Ensure your full name is consistent with your legal documents.
Provide a readily accessible phone number, such as your mobile, with a professional voicemail greeting.
Use a professional email address that incorporates your name. Create a new one for job applications if necessary.

Consider adding your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolios, and list your city and state if preferred over a full home address. Double-check all details before submitting your resume to prevent errors that could cost job opportunities.

2. Objective Statement or Professional Summary

The Objective Statement or Professional Summary is a pivotal section of a Legal Administrative Assistant's resume. It serves as an introduction, offering a snapshot of your skills, qualifications, and career goals. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the specific job.

An Objective Statement might read, "Enthusiastic legal administrative assistant seeking to leverage organizational skills and legal knowledge at XYZ Law Firm." It clearly articulates your career objective and potential contribution to the employer.

A Professional Summary, suited for those with extensive experience, could state, "Detail-oriented Legal Administrative Assistant with over 5 years of experience in managing complex schedules, drafting legal documents, and supporting daily attorney tasks. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information."

Objective Statement: Ideal for newcomers or career changers.
Professional Summary: Best for experienced legal administrative assistants.

Customize this section for each job application, ensuring alignment with the job description to attract hiring managers' attention.

3. Skills and Competencies

The "Skills and Competencies" section is critical, showcasing the abilities and knowledge pertinent to a legal office setting.

Legal Knowledge: Familiarity with legal terminology, procedures, and documentation is essential.
Administrative Skills: Proficiency in organizing files, scheduling, document preparation, and office management is required.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary for liaising with attorneys, clients, court personnel, and staff.
Computer Proficiency: Competence with Microsoft Office Suite, legal research software, and case management systems is beneficial.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in handling legal documents, as minor errors can have significant repercussions.
Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment is important.
Confidentiality: Understanding the importance of discretion and adherence to privacy laws and ethical standards is mandatory.
Customer Service Skills: Providing professional service as the first point of contact for clients is valuable.
Problem-solving Skills: The capacity to resolve issues efficiently is advantageous.
Multitasking Abilities: The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising quality is essential.

These skills ensure the smooth operation of a law firm or legal department, making them desirable attributes for competent Legal Administrative Assistants.

4. Work Experience in Legal Administration

Experience in legal administration is crucial for a Legal Administrative Assistant resume. This section demonstrates your hands-on expertise and familiarity with the legal environment.

List previous legal administration roles, emphasizing responsibilities relevant to the position you're seeking. Start with your most recent job and work backward, including the employer's name, your title, and the dates of employment.

Highlight tasks that showcase your administrative capabilities in a legal context, using action verbs like 'managed', 'coordinated', 'assisted', and 'drafted'. Mention specific software or tools you've used to further demonstrate your technical proficiency.

Quantify achievements when possible, such as "Managed over 300 case files with 100% accuracy" or "Aided in the preparation of 50+ trials". This provides tangible evidence of your capabilities.

Include transferable skills from non-legal roles if they align with the job description, and mention any ongoing professional development activities to show your commitment to the field.

5. Education and Certifications

The "Education and Certifications" section highlights your academic achievements, training, and certifications relevant to the role.

Detail your highest level of education, noting that a high school diploma or equivalent is often the minimum requirement, while an associate's or bachelor's degree in business management or legal studies can be advantageous.

Include specialized training or certifications related to legal office operations, procedures, software, and record-keeping. Certifications such as Accredited Legal Professional (ALP), Professional Legal Secretary (PLS), or Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) are highly regarded.

Also, list any paralegal certificate programs or continuing education courses in legal research or writing. Present educational credentials and certifications in reverse chronological order, including the institution's name and graduation dates.

This section allows employers to assess your suitability for the role based on your educational background and commitment to professional development.

6. Professional Achievements or Awards

The "Professional Achievements or Awards" section showcases your career accomplishments. It allows you to highlight how your skills and expertise have been recognized and have led to significant contributions in previous roles.

List any relevant awards or recognitions, such as 'Employee of the Month' or 'Best Legal Administrative Support', along with contributions to projects or process improvements that resulted in cost savings or increased efficiency.

Provide context and quantify achievements with numbers and percentages where possible, to illustrate the impact of your work. Even if you haven't received formal awards, consider including instances where your efforts were acknowledged by superiors.

7. References or Availability Upon Request

Indicating the availability of references upon request is an important aspect of a Legal Administrative Assistant resume. It adds credibility and allows potential employers to verify your qualifications and work ethic.

Choose references who can vouch for your legal knowledge and administrative skills, typically past supervisors, colleagues, or clients. Due to privacy considerations, it's common to state "References Available Upon Request" rather than listing them directly on the resume.

Obtain permission from your references before listing them.
Confirm their preferred contact information.
Ensure they are willing to provide a positive endorsement.

While not all employers may check references before making a hiring decision, being prepared demonstrates professionalism and thoroughness. It's an essential component of any Legal Administrative Assistant resume.