Top 12 Paralegal Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive field of law, standing out as a paralegal assistant requires showcasing a unique set of skills on your resume. This article will guide you through the top 12 skills that are essential for a paralegal assistant, helping you to not only catch the eye of potential employers but also excel in your role.

Paralegal Assistant Skills

1. LexisNexis
2. Westlaw
3. CaseMap
4. TimeMatters
5. Concordance
6. Pacer
7. E-filing
8. Bluebook (Citation)
9. Adobe Acrobat
10. Microsoft Office
11. Document Drafting
12. Legal Research

1. LexisNexis

LexisNexis is a digital platform providing legal research, case law, and legal analytics tools designed to assist paralegal assistants and legal professionals in efficiently managing their legal research and case preparation tasks.

Why It's Important

LexisNexis is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it provides comprehensive legal research tools, access to a vast database of legal documents, case law, and statutes, facilitating efficient preparation of legal documents and helping ensure accuracy in legal research and analysis.

How to Improve LexisNexis Skills

Improving your efficiency with LexisNexis as a Paralegal Assistant involves mastering search functionalities, utilizing training resources, and staying updated on platform enhancements. Here are concise steps:

1. Master Search Techniques: Become proficient with Boolean search operators and segment searches to quickly find relevant cases and statutes. LexisNexis Search Guide.

2. Utilize Training Resources: Access LexisNexis's free webinars and training modules to learn advanced features and tips. LexisNexis Training.

3. Customize Alerts and Newsletters: Set up specific alerts for new case laws or legal news in your practice area to stay informed. Alerts Setup Guide.

4. Leverage Legal Analytics: Use LexisNexis Legal Analytics to gain insights on judges, courts, and legal trends relevant to your cases. Legal Analytics.

5. Use Mobile and Remote Access: Take advantage of LexisNexis mobile apps and remote access capabilities to work efficiently from anywhere. Mobile Apps.

6. Participate in User Groups and Forums: Engage with other LexisNexis users in forums or user groups to share tips and learn best practices. LexisNexis Community.

7. Provide Feedback: Regularly provide feedback to LexisNexis for continuous improvement of the platform based on user needs.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in legal research and case management with LexisNexis.

How to Display LexisNexis Skills on Your Resume

2. Westlaw

Westlaw is a comprehensive online legal research platform used by paralegals and legal professionals to access a vast database of legal resources, including case law, statutes, regulations, legal journals, and more, facilitating efficient and accurate legal research and case preparation.

Why It's Important

Westlaw is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it provides comprehensive and up-to-date legal research resources, enabling efficient retrieval of legal precedents, statutes, and case law critical for preparing legal documents and supporting attorneys' case strategies.

How to Improve Westlaw Skills

Improving your efficiency and effectiveness with Westlaw as a Paralegal Assistant involves mastering search strategies, utilizing available tools and resources, and staying updated with the platform's features. Here are concise strategies:

1. Master Boolean Searches: Learn and apply Boolean logic (using operators like AND, OR, NOT) to refine and target your search results accurately. Westlaw Edge Quick Reference Guide can be a good start.

2. Use KeyCite: Stay informed on the validity and history of a case or statute to ensure your research is current using Westlaw's KeyCite tool. KeyCite on Westlaw offers a comprehensive guide.

3. Leverage Practice Area Resources: Utilize Westlaw's practice area-specific resources for targeted research. This can enhance the relevance and efficiency of your search. Explore Westlaw's Practice Areas.

4. Engage in Continuous Learning: Westlaw offers tutorials and webinars that can help improve your research skills. Regularly participating in these educational resources can keep you updated on the latest tools and techniques. Westlaw Training & Support provides a wealth of learning materials.

5. Customize Your Experience: Use Westlaw's customization options to streamline your workflow, such as creating favorite folders, alerts, and annotations, ensuring quicker access to frequently used resources and information. For customization tips, check Westlaw's User Guide.

6. Feedback and Suggestions: Regularly provide feedback or suggestions for improvements to Westlaw through their support channels. Engaging with the community and support team can lead to enhancements that benefit all users.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily use of Westlaw will significantly enhance your research efficiency and effectiveness as a Paralegal Assistant.

How to Display Westlaw Skills on Your Resume

3. CaseMap

CaseMap is a legal case management software that allows paralegal assistants to organize, analyze, and present case information. It facilitates tracking of evidence, facts, documents, and witnesses, enhancing case preparation and collaboration.

Why It's Important

CaseMap is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it streamlines case organization and analysis, enabling efficient management of facts, documents, and witnesses, thereby enhancing case preparation and collaboration.

How to Improve CaseMap Skills

Improving your use of CaseMap as a Paralegal Assistant involves enhancing data organization, streamlining analysis, and leveraging integrations for efficiency. Here's a concise guide:

1. Master Shortcuts and Features: Familiarize yourself with CaseMap's keyboard shortcuts and features to navigate and manage data more efficiently. CaseMap Support offers guides and tutorials.

2. Utilize Templates: Use or customize CaseMap templates for different case types to standardize data entry and analysis. This saves time and ensures consistency.

3. Integrate with Research Tools: Connect CaseMap with legal research tools like LexisNexis for seamless importation of research findings. This integration streamlines the process of adding authoritative sources to your case file. Check the Integration Guide for step-by-step instructions.

4. Regular Data Review: Schedule regular reviews to ensure all case data is up-to-date and accurately categorized. This practice helps in identifying gaps or inconsistencies early on.

5. Collaborate Effectively: Utilize CaseMap's sharing features to collaborate with attorneys and other paralegals. Efficient collaboration ensures that all case-related data is consolidated and accessible. CaseMap Cloud can facilitate remote collaboration.

6. Training and Webinars: Participate in CaseMap training sessions and webinars to stay updated on new features and best practices. LexisNexis regularly offers training options that can enhance your skills.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your efficiency and effectiveness in using CaseMap, ultimately contributing to better case preparation and management.

How to Display CaseMap Skills on Your Resume

4. TimeMatters

TimeMatters is a legal practice management software designed to organize, streamline, and automate daily tasks and case management for legal professionals, including paralegal assistants. It offers features for scheduling, document management, contact management, time tracking, and billing, aiming to increase efficiency and productivity in legal practices.

Why It's Important

TimeMatters is crucial for a Paralegal Assistant as it streamlines case management, enhances organization through scheduling and document management, and improves client communication, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity in legal practice.

How to Improve TimeMatters Skills

Improving TimeMatters for a Paralegal Assistant involves optimizing productivity, organization, and workflow efficiency. Here are concise steps and resources:

1. Customize Workspace: Tailor the TimeMatters interface to fit your specific needs by customizing dashboards and workspaces. This customization enables quicker access to frequently used tools and information. TimeMatters Customization Guide

2. Use Document Automation: Automate routine documents to save time. Using TimeMatters' document automation features can significantly reduce the time spent on drafting standard legal documents. Document Automation

3. Implement Task Management: Utilize the task management features to organize your day efficiently. Setting up tasks and reminders ensures that deadlines are met and priorities are managed effectively. Task Management Features

4. Training and Support: Take advantage of training resources and customer support offered by TimeMatters to enhance your understanding and use of the software. Continuous learning can help discover new features and best practices. TimeMatters Support

5. TimeMatters Mobility: Use the TimeMatters Mobility feature to access your work remotely. This allows for flexibility and ensures you can stay productive, no matter where you are. TimeMatters Mobility

6. Integrate with Other Software: Leverage the integration capabilities of TimeMatters with email, calendar apps, and billing software to streamline your workflow. This reduces the need to switch between different applications, saving time and reducing errors. Integration Solutions

By focusing on these areas, a Paralegal Assistant can significantly improve their efficiency and productivity while using TimeMatters.

How to Display TimeMatters Skills on Your Resume

5. Concordance

Concordance, in the context of a Paralegal Assistant, refers to an organized, searchable database of documents and evidence used in legal cases, facilitating efficient retrieval and review of case-relevant information.

Why It's Important

Concordance is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it enables efficient organization and retrieval of key documents and evidence, facilitating accurate legal research, case preparation, and supporting attorneys in delivering effective legal representation.

How to Improve Concordance Skills

Improving concordance, especially in the context of a paralegal assistant's duties, involves enhancing the accuracy and efficiency in indexing, organizing, and retrieving legal documents and information. Here are concise strategies:

1. Utilize Concordance Software: Adopt specialized concordance software tailored for legal document management such as LexisNexis Concordance. This software aids in managing large volumes of documents, making it easier to search, organize, and analyze legal information.

2. Regular Training: Engage in continuous learning and training on the latest features and best practices in concordance software. Online courses and webinars offered by software providers are valuable resources.

3. Consistent Document Indexing: Implement a uniform system for indexing documents. This includes consistent naming conventions, categorization, and tagging which facilitate easier retrieval. The American Bar Association provides guidelines and best practices for document management.

4. Quality Control Checks: Periodically review your concordance database for accuracy and completeness. Regular audits help in identifying and correcting errors, ensuring the reliability of the database.

5. Collaboration Tools: Use collaboration tools that integrate with your concordance software to streamline communication and document sharing among team members. This enhances the overall efficiency of managing and accessing documents.

By focusing on these strategies, a paralegal assistant can significantly improve concordance in their legal document management tasks, leading to more efficient and effective legal support services.

How to Display Concordance Skills on Your Resume

6. Pacer

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is an online system that allows paralegal assistants and other users to obtain case and docket information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.

Why It's Important

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it provides online access to federal court documents, facilitating efficient legal research, case tracking, and retrieval of filings, which is essential for preparing legal documents and supporting attorneys.

How to Improve Pacer Skills

Improving your proficiency with PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) as a Paralegal Assistant involves a few key strategies:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the System: Begin by exploring the PACER website. It offers training resources, including user manuals and FAQs that can help you understand how to navigate the system more efficiently.

2. Utilize Training Resources: Take advantage of the free PACER training offered by the U.S. Courts. These resources include webinars and tutorials that cover both basic and advanced features.

3. Practice Regularly: Like any tool, proficiency with PACER comes with practice. Use it regularly to become comfortable with its features and functions.

4. Stay Updated: PACER occasionally updates its interface and features. Keep an eye on the PACER announcements for any changes or improvements.

5. Learn from Peers: Join online forums or local paralegal associations where you can share tips and get advice on using PACER more effectively.

By incorporating these strategies, you'll enhance your ability to efficiently navigate and utilize PACER, making you a more effective Paralegal Assistant.

How to Display Pacer Skills on Your Resume

7. E-filing

E-filing is the electronic submission of legal documents to a court or legal entity, allowing paralegal assistants to streamline case management by submitting, receiving, and accessing legal documents online.

Why It's Important

E-filing is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it streamlines the submission of legal documents to the court, ensures timely and secure delivery, and facilitates efficient case management, saving both time and resources.

How to Improve E-filing Skills

Improving E-filing for a Paralegal Assistant involves enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and security in the electronic submission of legal documents. Here are concise strategies:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly check the court's e-filing rules and guidelines to ensure compliance and understand system updates.
2. Organize Documents: Use document management software like Clio to keep files organized and easily accessible for filing.
3. Utilize Training Resources: Participate in e-filing training sessions and webinars offered by courts or legal software providers to improve proficiency.
4. Double-Check Submissions: Carefully review all documents for accuracy and completeness before submission to minimize the risk of rejection.
5. Implement Security Measures: Use secure connections and follow best practices for data protection to safeguard sensitive information. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides guidelines on cybersecurity standards.
6. Leverage Legal Technology: Embrace legal technology tools designed for e-filing efficiency, such as File & ServeXpress or PACER, to streamline the filing process.

By adopting these strategies, a Paralegal Assistant can significantly improve the e-filing process, making it more efficient, secure, and compliant with court requirements.

How to Display E-filing Skills on Your Resume

8. Bluebook (Citation)

The Bluebook is a standardized style guide for citing legal documents, used primarily in the United States. It provides detailed instructions for formatting legal citations for use in legal writing, including court documents, law reviews, and other legal publications. For a Paralegal Assistant, mastering the Bluebook is essential for accurately preparing and reviewing legal documents to ensure they meet professional and legal standards.

Why It's Important

The Bluebook is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it provides a standardized method for citing legal documents and sources, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in legal writing and research.

How to Improve Bluebook (Citation) Skills

Improving your skills in Bluebook citation, essential for a Paralegal Assistant, involves understanding its rules and practicing regularly. Here are concise steps to enhance your proficiency:

1. Familiarize with the Basics: Start by getting a solid grasp of the fundamental rules. The Bluebook Quick Style Guide is an excellent starting point for quick reference.

2. Practice Regularly: Apply what you learn by practicing citations. Use real documents and try to cite them according to Bluebook standards. CALI's Exercises on legal research and citation can be very helpful.

3. Use Online Tools: Leverage online tools and resources. Websites like Citeus Legalus can automate the citation process, providing examples that help you understand the structure.

4. Stay Updated: The Bluebook rules can change. Regularly check the Bluebook website for updates or new editions.

5. Join Forums or Groups: Engage with communities on platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit where paralegals and legal professionals discuss challenges and share tips.

Remember, mastery comes with time and consistent practice.

How to Display Bluebook (Citation) Skills on Your Resume

9. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a software application used for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, essential for organizing, sharing, and securing legal documents efficiently in a paralegal assistant's workflow.

Why It's Important

Adobe Acrobat is important for a Paralegal Assistant because it allows for the creation, editing, secure sharing, and signing of PDF documents, essential for legal document management and compliance.

How to Improve Adobe Acrobat Skills

To enhance Adobe Acrobat for a Paralegal Assistant, focus on mastering the following features for efficient document management and legal workflows:

1. PDF Editing and Conversion: Quickly modify PDF documents, including text and images, and convert PDFs to and from other formats. Adobe's guide on editing PDFs provides a comprehensive overview.

2. Bates Numbering: Use Bates numbering for easy identification and retrieval of legal documents. Adobe's tutorial on adding Bates numbers is a useful resource.

3. Redaction: Properly redact sensitive information to ensure confidentiality. Learn how to redact properly here.

4. E-Signatures: Streamline the signing process of legal documents electronically. Adobe's e-signature guide offers insights into setting up and managing e-signatures.

5. Comment and Review: Facilitate collaborative reviews with tools for commenting and marking up PDFs efficiently. Check Adobe's advice on commenting and reviewing.

6. Forms: Create and manage digital forms, including legal documents and contracts. Adobe's form creation guide is particularly helpful.

7. Security: Enhance document security through password protection and encryption. Learn about security settings in Adobe Acrobat.

By focusing on these areas, a Paralegal Assistant can leverage Adobe Acrobat's full potential to streamline legal document handling and improve overall productivity.

How to Display Adobe Acrobat Skills on Your Resume

10. Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software that includes tools such as Word for document creation, Excel for data analysis, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email and calendar management, essential for a Paralegal Assistant's tasks including document preparation, case management, and communication.

Why It's Important

Microsoft Office is crucial for a Paralegal Assistant as it enables efficient document creation, organization, and management, vital for legal research, drafting legal documents, and communication, thereby enhancing productivity and ensuring accuracy in legal proceedings.

How to Improve Microsoft Office Skills

Improving Microsoft Office for a Paralegal Assistant involves enhancing efficiency, organization, and document handling capabilities. Here are concise ways to achieve this:

1. Utilize Templates and Quick Parts in Word: Save time on document creation by using legal templates and Quick Parts for repetitive text blocks. Learn more.

2. Master Legal Document Formatting: Use Word's advanced formatting features, such as Styles, Table of Authorities, and Table of Contents, for professional-looking legal documents. Formatting tips.

3. Leverage Excel for Case Management: Track cases, deadlines, and contacts using Excel spreadsheets. Utilize formulas and pivot tables to manage and analyze data efficiently. Excel basics.

4. Improve Email Management in Outlook: Organize emails with folders, rules, and categories. Use Outlook's calendar and task features to manage deadlines and appointments. Outlook organization tips.

5. Secure and Share Documents with OneDrive: Use OneDrive for secure storage and sharing of documents with authorized parties. Leverage version control for document editing and collaboration. OneDrive help.

6. Utilize SharePoint for Team Collaboration: Share and manage documents, and collaborate in real-time on legal cases with your team. SharePoint overview.

7. Customize and Use Legal Templates in PowerPoint for Presentations: Create compelling case presentations with customized PowerPoint templates. PowerPoint help.

8. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts and Microsoft Office Add-ins: Increase efficiency with keyboard shortcuts and add-ins specifically useful for legal work, such as legal citation tools. Keyboard shortcuts.

By mastering these Microsoft Office features and tools, a Paralegal Assistant can significantly enhance their productivity and effectiveness in legal document preparation and case management.

How to Display Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume

11. Document Drafting

Document drafting, in the context of a Paralegal Assistant, involves creating and preparing legal documents, such as contracts, wills, and pleadings, based on existing templates or instructions from an attorney, ensuring accuracy, compliance with legal procedures, and confidentiality.

Why It's Important

Document drafting is crucial for a Paralegal Assistant as it ensures the accurate and clear communication of legal arguments, agreements, and facts, directly impacting the effectiveness and success of legal proceedings and transactions.

How to Improve Document Drafting Skills

Improving document drafting, especially for a Paralegal Assistant, involves honing skills in clarity, organization, and attention to legal requirements. Follow these concise tips:

1. Understand the Purpose: Clearly grasp the document's objective. Whether it's to inform, argue, or record, your understanding directly influences the structure and tone. American Bar Association offers resources on various legal documents' purposes.

2. Know Your Audience: Tailor your language and format to the document's readers, whether they're lawyers, clients, or court officials. This guide by PlainLanguage.gov can help in making complex legal jargon accessible.

3. Organize Your Draft: Start with an outline, organizing information logically. This ensures coherence and flow. The Legal Writing Institute provides tips on structuring legal documents.

4. Reference Legal Authorities: Support arguments or statements with relevant laws, precedents, or regulations. Sites like Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute offer a wealth of legal sources for citation.

5. Review and Revise: Editing is crucial. Look for clarity, brevity, and accuracy. Use tools like Grammarly for grammar and spell checks, and always have a second pair of eyes review your drafts.

6. Stay Updated: Laws and legal formats change. Continuously educate yourself on legal updates and drafting conventions. National Federation of Paralegal Associations provides updates and training opportunities.

7. Practice: Enhance your skills through regular practice and feedback. Engage in drafting exercises and seek constructive criticism from experienced professionals.

By focusing on these areas, paralegal assistants can significantly improve their document drafting skills, ensuring they produce clear, accurate, and effective legal documents.

How to Display Document Drafting Skills on Your Resume

12. Legal Research

Legal research is the process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making. For a paralegal assistant, it involves finding sources of law, such as statutes, court cases, and regulations, to assist lawyers in advising their clients, preparing for litigation, or drafting legal documents.

Why It's Important

Legal research is crucial for a Paralegal Assistant because it enables them to find and interpret laws, statutes, and case precedents accurately, thereby assisting attorneys in building strong, evidence-based cases, ensuring compliance with the law, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of legal proceedings.

How to Improve Legal Research Skills

Improving legal research as a Paralegal Assistant involves a combination of honing your research skills, understanding legal databases, and staying updated with the latest legal developments. Here are concise tips:

1. Understand the Basics: Start with a clear understanding of legal research fundamentals. Familiarize yourself with primary and secondary legal sources. Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute is a great resource for basic legal concepts and terminology.

2. Utilize Legal Databases: Proficiency in legal databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law is crucial. Take advantage of tutorials offered by these platforms to improve your search strategies.

3. Practice Effective Keyword Search: Develop strong keyword search techniques to yield more accurate results. The American Association of Law Libraries provides resources and webinars that can improve your search strategies.

4. Stay Updated: Legal landscapes change rapidly. Use resources like Justia for free access to recent legal opinions and updates.

5. Attend Workshops and Webinars: Participate in workshops and webinars focused on legal research. Many professional associations like NALA offer continuing education opportunities for paralegals.

6. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from attorneys on your research to understand areas of improvement.

Improving legal research is an ongoing process that involves continual learning and adaptation to new resources and technologies.

How to Display Legal Research Skills on Your Resume