Top 12 Paralegal Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive legal landscape, having a standout resume is crucial for aspiring paralegals seeking to launch or advance their careers. Highlighting a robust set of paralegal skills is essential to demonstrate your capability and readiness to excel in fast-paced legal environments, making you an attractive candidate to potential employers.

Paralegal Skills

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

1. LexisNexis

LexisNexis is a digital platform providing legal research, case law, statutes, regulations, legal news, and legal analytics tools for legal professionals, including paralegals, to assist in legal research and case preparation.

Why It's Important

LexisNexis is important for a paralegal because it provides comprehensive legal research tools, access to a vast database of case law, statutes, and legal publications, facilitating accurate and efficient preparation of legal documents and case research.

How to Improve LexisNexis Skills

Improving your LexisNexis skills as a paralegal involves leveraging available resources and practicing regularly. Here's how you can go about it:

1. Training and Tutorials: Start with LexisNexis's own training resources, including webinars and tutorials tailored for different skill levels.

2. Practice: Regular use and experimentation with different search queries and filters will deepen your understanding. Use the Lexis Practice Advisor for practical, scenario-based learning.

3. User Guides and Tips: Refer to concise user guides and tips provided by LexisNexis to enhance your search techniques and learn new features.

4. Networking: Join paralegal forums or LinkedIn groups where peers share their insights and strategies for effective LexisNexis usage.

5. Feedback and Support: Don’t hesitate to use the LexisNexis support and feedback channels to ask for help or suggest improvements.

By combining these strategies with daily practice, you can significantly improve your efficiency and effectiveness in using LexisNexis for legal research.

How to Display LexisNexis Skills on Your Resume

2. Westlaw

Westlaw is a comprehensive online legal research tool providing access to a vast database of legal resources, case law, statutes, regulations, and legal journals, used by paralegals to support attorneys in case preparation and legal analysis.

Why It's Important

Westlaw is important for paralegals because it provides quick access to a comprehensive database of legal resources, including case law, statutes, and regulations, enabling accurate legal research and efficient preparation of case documents.

How to Improve Westlaw Skills

Improving your efficiency with Westlaw as a paralegal involves mastering search techniques, leveraging available resources, and staying updated with the platform's latest features. Here’s how:

1. Utilize Advanced Search Options: Familiarize yourself with Boolean terms and connectors to refine search results. Westlaw offers a detailed guide on using these effectively.

2. Take Advantage of Westlaw Edge: Upgrade to or make the most out of Westlaw Edge features, such as KeyCite Overruling Risk, which warns you about potentially overruled or invalid precedent. Learn more about Edge here.

3. Use Practice Area Resources: Access practice-specific resources for more relevant results. Westlaw provides tailored content that can be accessed through their Practice Areas page.

4. Participate in Training Sessions: Regularly attend Westlaw training sessions to stay abreast of new features and tools. Register for webinars or find training at the Westlaw Training & Support page.

5. Customize Your Experience: Use Westlaw’s customization options, like creating favorite folders for frequently accessed materials or setting up alerts for specific cases or statutes. This guide on personalizing Westlaw offers more details.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your proficiency with Westlaw, making your legal research more efficient and effective.

How to Display Westlaw Skills on Your Resume

3. CaseMap

CaseMap is a legal case analysis and management software used by paralegals and attorneys to organize, analyze, and present case information, including facts, documents, and witness testimony, facilitating more efficient case preparation and collaboration.

Why It's Important

CaseMap is crucial for paralegals as it streamlines case preparation and organization, allowing for efficient management of facts, documents, and witnesses, ultimately facilitating a more effective legal analysis and strategy development.

How to Improve CaseMap Skills

Improving your proficiency with CaseMap, a case analysis tool, involves a few straightforward steps tailored for paralegals. Here are concise tips along with relevant external resources for deeper exploration:

1. Familiarize with Basics: Start by understanding the core functionalities of CaseMap. LexisNexis offers a comprehensive user guide that covers everything from creating a case file to linking evidence.

2. Utilize Training Resources: LexisNexis provides free training options including webinars and tutorials specifically designed for CaseMap, which are invaluable for improving your skills.

3. Practice Regularly: Apply what you've learned in a real-world scenario or a simulated environment. The more you use CaseMap, the more proficient you'll become.

4. Join User Groups: Participate in online forums or user groups such as LinkedIn groups related to CaseMap. Sharing experiences and tips with other professionals can offer new insights and shortcuts.

5. Stay Updated: CaseMap software receives periodic updates that can include new features or improved functionalities. Keep an eye on the official website for the latest updates and learn how to use them.

6. Explore Advanced Features: Once comfortable with the basics, delve into advanced features like report generation, data visualization, and linking evidence to facts. These can significantly enhance your case analysis capabilities.

By continuously learning and applying these tips, you'll be able to leverage CaseMap more effectively in your role as a paralegal.

How to Display CaseMap Skills on Your Resume

4. TimeMatters

TimeMatters is a legal case and practice management software designed to help paralegals and attorneys organize cases, manage documents, track time, and streamline workflow processes efficiently.

Why It's Important

TimeMatters is important for a paralegal because it streamlines case management, document handling, and calendar scheduling, enhancing efficiency and ensuring critical deadlines are met, which is crucial for legal success.

How to Improve TimeMatters Skills

To improve your proficiency with TimeMatters as a paralegal, focus on the following steps:

1. Understand the Basics: Start with the fundamentals. LexisNexis offers a comprehensive guide on getting started with TimeMatters. Familiarize yourself with the interface and main features.

2. Customization: Tailor the software to your needs. Utilize the customization options for workflows, matter management, and document handling to streamline your tasks. The TimeMatters Support page provides insights on customization.

3. Training and Webinars: Participate in training sessions and webinars. LexisNexis often hosts educational webinars that can enhance your understanding and skills.

4. Leverage Integrations: Make use of TimeMatters' ability to integrate with other tools like Microsoft Office. This integration guide explains how to set up and benefit from these integrations.

5. Practice Management: Improve your practice management skills by exploring advanced features in TimeMatters for case management, billing, and client communication. The Practice Management Resource Page offers valuable tips and best practices.

6. Join Communities: Engage with the TimeMatters user community. The TimeMatters Community Forum is a great place to ask questions, share tips, and learn from experienced users.

7. Seek Help: Utilize the support options available. For technical issues or advanced queries, contact the TimeMatters Support Team directly.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your efficiency and mastery of TimeMatters, making your work as a paralegal more productive and less stressful.

How to Display TimeMatters Skills on Your Resume

5. Concordance

Concordance, in the context of a paralegal's work, refers to an electronic or printed index that organizes and provides access to various legal documents, evidence, and information, facilitating efficient retrieval and review during legal research and case preparation.

Why It's Important

Concordance is important for a paralegal because it provides an organized and searchable database of documents and evidence, facilitating efficient retrieval of information crucial for case preparation and legal proceedings.

How to Improve Concordance Skills

Improving concordance, especially for a paralegal, involves enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of document indexing, searching, and management. Here are concise steps:

1. Standardize Document Management: Implement a consistent system for naming, filing, and organizing documents. This makes retrieval straightforward and reduces errors. National Federation of Paralegal Associations

2. Use Concordance Software: Leverage specialized software designed for legal document management. These tools offer advanced search functionalities, tagging, and indexing capabilities. LexisNexis Concordance

3. Regular Training: Stay updated with the latest features and best practices through regular training sessions. This ensures you can fully utilize the software's capabilities. American Association for Paralegal Education

4. Quality Control Checks: Implement a regular review process to ensure that all documents are correctly indexed and easily retrievable. Consistent quality checks minimize errors and improve reliability.

5. Collaborate and Communicate: Work closely with attorneys and other paralegals to ensure that document management meets the needs of all users. Open lines of communication can lead to more effective document handling strategies. NALA - The Paralegal Association

Adopting these strategies can significantly improve concordance in legal document management, enhancing both productivity and accuracy for paralegals.

How to Display Concordance Skills on Your Resume

6. Pacer

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is an online system that allows paralegals 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 because it provides online access to federal court documents, facilitating legal research, case tracking, and retrieval of essential case information quickly and efficiently.

How to Improve Pacer Skills

Improving your Pacer (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) skills as a paralegal involves several steps focused on navigating, retrieving, and managing federal court documents efficiently. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Familiarize with the System: Begin with the official PACER website which offers comprehensive resources, including user manuals and training videos.

2. Utilize Training Tools: Take advantage of the PACER Training site which allows you to practice searching and running reports without incurring fees.

3. Develop Advanced Searching Techniques: Learn how to use advanced search options to efficiently find documents. The FAQ section on PACER’s site can be helpful.

4. Stay Updated: PACER often updates its interface and features. Regularly check the PACER Announcements for any changes or improvements.

5. Organize and Manage Documents: Learn how to effectively download, label, and store documents for easy access. Consider document management software that integrates well with PACER.

6. Understand Billing and Cost Management: Familiarize yourself with PACER’s fee schedule and learn how to track and manage expenditures. The fee schedule provides current information on costs associated with accessing documents.

By focusing on these areas, you'll enhance your proficiency with PACER, making you a more effective and efficient paralegal.

How to Display Pacer Skills on Your Resume

7. Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software commonly used in legal professions, including word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), email management (Outlook), and presentations (PowerPoint), essential for document creation, data organization, communication, and case presentations for paralegals.

Why It's Important

Microsoft Office is crucial for a paralegal as it facilitates document creation, case management, client communication, and data organization, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in legal tasks.

How to Improve Microsoft Office Skills

To improve Microsoft Office for a paralegal, focus on mastering these key aspects:

1. Advanced Word Skills: Enhance document preparation with templates, styles, and advanced formatting. Learn to create legal documents more efficiently. Word Training

2. Excel Proficiency: Utilize Excel for managing case information, tracking deadlines, and analyzing data. Develop skills in formulas, pivot tables, and data visualization. Excel Training

3. Outlook Organization: Optimize email management, calendar scheduling, and task assignments. Use rules, folders, and categories to stay organized. Outlook Training

4. PowerPoint Presentations: Create compelling presentations for court cases or client meetings. Focus on clear, professional slides that convey information effectively. PowerPoint Training

5. OneNote for Case Notes: Use OneNote to organize case notes, meeting minutes, and research in a searchable, digital notebook. OneNote Training

6. Legal Document Management: Explore third-party add-ins designed for legal professionals to improve document management and integration with legal databases. Office Add-ins

7. Automation and Macros: Learn to automate repetitive tasks in Office applications using macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to save time. Office VBA Documentation

8. SharePoint for Collaboration: Utilize SharePoint for case file management, collaboration with colleagues, and document version control. SharePoint Training

9. Teams for Communication: Leverage Microsoft Teams for secure communication with colleagues, collaboration on documents, and online meetings. Teams Training

Focusing on these areas can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency for a paralegal using Microsoft Office.

How to Display Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume

8. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a software application used for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, essential for paralegals in handling legal documents securely and efficiently.

Why It's Important

Adobe Acrobat is crucial for paralegals because it allows for the efficient creation, editing, and secure sharing of PDF documents, which are widely used in legal documentation, filings, and communication, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in legal processes.

How to Improve Adobe Acrobat Skills

Improving Adobe Acrobat for a paralegal involves focusing on features that enhance document management, collaboration, and legal compliance. Here are concise suggestions:

1. Enhance OCR Accuracy: Improve Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to ensure all scanned documents are accurately converted into searchable and editable text. This is crucial for reviewing and editing large volumes of legal documents.

2. Advanced Redaction Tools: Implement more sophisticated redaction tools that automatically recognize and redact sensitive information, such as personal identifiers, to comply with privacy laws.

3. E-Signature Integration: Strengthen e-signature capabilities (Adobe Sign) ensuring they comply with global legal standards, making it easier to execute legal documents.

4. Streamline Bates Numbering: Improve the Bates Numbering tool for easier application and customization, essential for organizing legal documents.

5. Enhanced Collaboration Features: Boost collaboration tools, allowing multiple users to review, comment, and edit documents simultaneously in real-time, with changes tracked for review.

6. Integration with Legal Databases: Facilitate seamless integration with legal research databases and case management systems, streamlining the workflow for paralegals.

7. Compliance Check Feature: Introduce a feature that scans documents for compliance with relevant legal standards and regulations, alerting users to potential issues.

For more detailed insight into Adobe Acrobat's current capabilities and how they might be enhanced for legal professionals, visit the Adobe Acrobat official website.

How to Display Adobe Acrobat Skills on Your Resume

9. E-filing

E-filing, in the context of a paralegal's duties, refers to the electronic submission of legal documents to a court's system, replacing traditional paper-based filings.

Why It's Important

E-filing is important for a paralegal because it streamlines the submission of legal documents, ensures faster processing times, reduces paper waste, and improves the accessibility and organization of case files.

How to Improve E-filing Skills

Improving e-filing for a paralegal involves several key strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and security. Here's a concise guide:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates from e-filing portals like PACER or state-specific systems. Staying informed about any changes or improvements is crucial.

2. Use Document Management Software: Implement document management software such as Clio or MyCase, which often have built-in e-filing capabilities and can streamline the process.

3. Optimize Document Formatting: Ensure all documents meet the specific requirements (e.g., PDF format, text-searchable) of the court's e-filing system. Tools like Adobe Acrobat can assist in converting and checking documents.

4. Enhance Data Security: Use secure, encrypted connections for transmitting sensitive information. Consider services like Norton Secure VPN for additional security.

5. Attend Training Sessions: Participate in e-filing training sessions and webinars offered by courts or legal associations. Continuous learning can help paralegals stay proficient and efficient.

6. Double-Check Before Submission: Always review documents for accuracy and completeness before submitting. This minimizes the risk of errors and the need for re-filings.

7. Leverage E-filing Help Resources: Utilize help resources and customer support provided by e-filing systems for any troubleshooting needs.

By adopting these practices, paralegals can significantly improve their e-filing processes, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective legal practice.

How to Display E-filing Skills on Your Resume

10. Document Review

Document review, in the context of a paralegal's duties, involves systematically examining legal documents related to a case to identify relevant information, ensure accuracy, and determine their importance or relation to specific legal matters or proceedings.

Why It's Important

Document review is crucial for a paralegal as it ensures the accuracy, relevance, and integrity of legal documents, aiding in the preparation of cases, compliance with legal standards, and protection of client interests.

How to Improve Document Review Skills

Improving document review for a paralegal involves enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and understanding of the review process. Here's a concise guide:

1. Understand the Scope: Clearly define the scope and objectives of the document review process. Know what you are looking for in the documents, such as relevant evidence, privileged information, or specific contractual obligations.

2. Use Technology: Leverage document review software and eDiscovery tools that can help organize, search, and tag documents more efficiently. Tools like Relativity (Relativity) or Logikcull (Logikcull) are popular in legal document review.

3. Develop a Review Plan: Create a structured review plan that includes stages of review, priorities, and deadlines. Divide the documents into manageable batches to focus on and track progress effectively.

4. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with legal standards, review strategies, and software updates. Online courses from platforms like Coursera (Coursera) or LinkedIn Learning (LinkedIn Learning) can be valuable.

5. Quality Control: Implement a quality control process to catch errors and ensure consistency. This could involve a second review of a sample of documents or using software that flags inconsistencies.

6. Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your team and supervisors. Regular updates can help adjust the review process as needed and ensure alignment with the legal strategy.

7. Feedback Loop: After the review, analyze the process to identify what worked well and what could be improved. This feedback loop is crucial for continuous improvement.

By incorporating these strategies, a paralegal can significantly enhance the document review process, making it more efficient and accurate.

How to Display Document Review Skills on Your Resume

11. Legal Research

Legal research, in the context of a paralegal's duties, involves systematically identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making. This includes finding sources of law, such as statutes, case law, and regulations, to assist lawyers in understanding the legal framework related to specific cases or legal issues.

Why It's Important

Legal research is crucial for a paralegal because it enables them to find and interpret laws, precedents, and legal authorities accurately. This supports attorneys in making informed legal arguments, ensuring compliance, and effectively representing clients.

How to Improve Legal Research Skills

Improving legal research skills is essential for a paralegal to support attorneys effectively. Here are concise tips:

1. Understand the Basics: Solidify your understanding of legal principles and terminology. Cornell’s Legal Information Institute is a great resource for foundational knowledge.

2. Utilize Reliable Databases: Familiarize yourself with databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis for accessing case law, statutes, and secondary sources.

3. Develop Effective Search Strategies: Learn how to use Boolean search techniques to refine and target your searches. This Boolean Searching Guide from the University of Minnesota Libraries is helpful.

4. Stay Organized: Keep track of your searches and sources. Tools like Evernote or Microsoft OneNote can help you organize your research efficiently.

5. Practice Critical Thinking: Evaluate the relevance and credibility of sources critically. This skill comes with practice and attentiveness to details.

6. Stay Updated: Legal precedents and statutes can change. Use services like Google Scholar for recent cases and legal news websites to stay informed.

7. Seek Feedback: Regularly consult with attorneys or more experienced paralegals to review your research methods and findings. Continuous feedback is key to improvement.

By incorporating these strategies, paralegals can enhance their legal research skills, contributing to more effective and efficient legal support.

How to Display Legal Research Skills on Your Resume

12. TrialDirector

TrialDirector is a software tool designed for legal professionals, including paralegals, to organize, manage, and present evidence and multimedia files effectively during litigation and trials.

Why It's Important

TrialDirector is important for a paralegal because it streamlines the organization and presentation of evidence during legal trials, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in case management and courtroom presentations.

How to Improve TrialDirector Skills

To improve your use of TrialDirector as a Paralegal, follow these short and concise steps:

1. Get Certified: Enroll in TrialDirector certification programs. This will not only improve your skills but also make you more efficient. Ipro Tech offers various learning resources and certification courses.

2. Practice Regularly: Regular use and experimentation with TrialDirector’s features will improve your proficiency. Set aside time each week to explore and practice new functions.

3. Join Forums and Groups: Engage with online communities on platforms like LinkedIn to share insights and get tips from experienced users.

4. Utilize Tutorials and Webinars: Watch tutorials and attend webinars for advanced tips and updates on features. Ipro’s Webinars are a great resource.

5. Stay Updated: Ensure you’re working with the latest version of TrialDirector for the newest features and bug fixes. Check for updates on the Official Ipro Tech Website.

6. Organize Your Files: Develop a systematic approach to organizing your files and exhibits within TrialDirector for smoother retrieval and presentation.

Adhering to these steps will enhance your efficiency and mastery of TrialDirector, making you a valuable asset to your legal team.

How to Display TrialDirector Skills on Your Resume