Writing a CV can be a challenging task for people who don’t have a lot of experience writing, but it’s a necessary component of a successful job applicant’s file. When there are hundreds of employment applications for one job, the CV is the primary way that the hiring manager can get a clear sense of your qualifications for the job. With the help of the paralegal CV example and following tips, you can learn how to write each part of a well-written CV and improve your chances of landing your next job.
City, State Zip Code
T: 000-000-0000
E: email@email.com
Knowledgeable legal professional with more than seven years of work experience as a paralegal. Dedicated partner to those in the legal office and supportive team player in any necessary tasks. Highly organized and excellent attention to detail when working with legal documents. Excellent communication and listening skills when dealing with clients. Motivated and self-directed individual who seeks to advance in this career.
- Formulate legal documentation for cases, and create an organized filing system to keep all documents and communication records in one place.
- Support trial preparation tasks with other law staff by identifying and sorting through different legal exhibits.
- Discuss case details with other staff members and clients, and coordinate information gathering with clients.
- Met with the court system’s legal clerk and submitted legal filings in a timely and efficient manner.
- Organized a series of documents consisting of call logs, emails and affidavits for upcoming court trial presentations.
- Researched facts and information through public records in order to prepare information for upcoming cases.
- Managed legal subpoena deliveries by coordinating the purpose, destination and delivery method of the document.
- Composed legal documents for court cases or real estate title searches, such as briefs, contracts, wills and closing statements.
- Met with clients and discussed options for legal proceedings, and gathered information that was relevant to the case through discussion.
- Strong understanding of all relevant legal precedents and federal, state and local laws and regulations
- Excellent reading comprehension skills when reviewing dense legal jargon and documentation with clients and other staff members
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint for optimal collaboration between team members
- Strong listening skills when getting information about cases or legal documents from clients or other staff members
- Solid speaking skills that allow for professional presentation while discussing information about cases
Zumba instructor. In my off time, I am a Zumba instructor, and I enjoy teaching exercise classes a few times a week. Tai Chi hobbyist. I like to supplement my physical fitness with practice in Tai Chi. I also enjoy working in ceramics and clay through the pottery wheel or hand building sculptures.
Tips for Writing Your Paralegal CV
Paralegal Overview
Those who work in the legal profession as paralegals have a host of responsibilities to focus on, as noted in the paralegal CV example. Paralegals mostly provide support to lawyers and other legal staff members. They may be responsible for the preparation of specific legal documents and other important pieces of paperwork for legal proceedings. They may also spend a lot of time interacting with clients before a case goes to arbitration or court and discussing the details to help improve the law office’s potential strategy. Paralegals also may work on gathering information by searching through online or physical public records’ databases and may submit pleadings to the court.
Skills and Knowledge to Include in Your Paralegal CV
If a recruiter is trying to fill a paralegal position in a law firm, he or she may have a clear set of skills and knowledge that is required for the future candidate. You can get a good idea of some of these important skills and competencies by reviewing the paralegal CV example carefully. It’s important for paralegals to have a strong knowledge and background in all legal matters. They need to be aware of court procedures and appropriate laws and jurisdictions. Explain your knowledge base in your CV to demonstrate your readiness for the work. Additionally, your common office computer software and communication skills are essential in this type of work setting. Show off your skills with computer programs by listing the ones you are most familiar with in the skills section of your CV.
Tips for Writing an Excellent CV
As soon as you have an idea about which position you want to apply for, take a look at the paralegal CV example to see how you can make your own CV ready to impress. Then, start brainstorming how you can craft your experiences and education credentials to show how talented you are. Here are some other things to consider:
- Avoid the temptation to add too much detail to your CV. These documents should be shorter in length than other types of correspondence. One or two pages are fine.
- Show off your qualifications through your educational credentials and coursework if you’re a new graduate.
- Use a professional email that is not tied to your current position if you are still employed by that organization.
- Focus on providing plenty of good examples of how you helped out your past company by saving them money, improving efficiency or helming a big project.