Legal Secretaries often struggle with effectively showcasing their extensive range of responsibilities and diverse skill sets on a resume due to space limitations. Our guide offers strategies for prioritizing and condensing information, demonstrating how to present these capabilities concisely and powerfully to potential employers.
Here's what you'll read within our professional resume guide:
- Legal secretary resumes that are tailored to the role are more likely to catch recruiters' attention.
- Most sought-out legal secretary skills that should make your resume.
- Styling the layout of your professional resume: take a page from legal secretary resume examples.
- How to write about your legal secretary achievements in various resume sections (e.g. summary, experience, and education).
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Tips for refining your legal secretary resume format
The resume format sets the stage for your professional narrative. Ensure it:
- Adopts the reverse-chronological format, placing your most recent experiences at the forefront. This format is ideal for those with relevant and up-to-date experience.
- Features a clear headline, making it straightforward for recruiters to access your contact details, portfolio, or current role.
- Stays concise, ideally spanning no more than two pages, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
- Maintains its layout by being saved as a PDF, ensuring compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Be mindful of regional differences in resume formats – a Canadian layout, for instance, might vary.
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Pro tip
Make sure your resume is ATS compliant and catches the recruiters' attention by tailoring your experience to the specific job requirements. Quantify and highlight why you're the best candidate for the role on the first page of your resume.
Essential school secretary resume sections for a comprehensive overview:
- Header: Enables recruiters to swiftly access your contact details and peruse your latest work portfolio.
- Summary or Objective: Offers a snapshot of your career milestones and aspirations.
- Experience: Demonstrates alignment with job prerequisites and highlights your tangible contributions.
- Skills: Captures the full spectrum of your expertise, making you a compelling school secretary candidate.
- Education & Certifications: Bridges potential experience gaps and underscores your dedication to the field.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Proficiency in legal terminology and understanding of the law: This includes knowledge of court procedures, legal documents, and various types of law such as corporate, criminal, etc.
- Experience with legal software and technologies: Recruiters often look for experience with software like legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw), case management systems, e-filing systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills: A legal secretary needs to be able to draft and proofread legal documents and correspondences, interact with clients, attorneys, and other staff members professionally.
- Organizational skills and detail orientation: The ability to manage files, schedules, meeting arrangements, and keep track of important details is essential.
- Confidentiality and discretion: Handling sensitive legal information requires a high level of trust, so demonstrating a history of confidentiality is important.
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Detailing your relevant experience on your legal secretary resume
Showcase your credibility in the resume experience section. For an effective legal secretary resume:
- Highlight measurable achievements.
- Scan the job advert for keywords and integrate them throughout your experience section.
- Emphasize your technical proficiencies and how you've applied them in various roles.
- Keep it simple: mention your responsibility, relevant skills, and the outcomes.
- Use this section to convey your unique value, soft skills, feedback received, and the type of company culture you thrive in.
Top professionals ensure their experience section offers a captivating look at their expertise. Check out our sample legal secretary resumes for guidance.
Work Experience
Legal Secretary
Smith & Johnson Law Firm
2017-2021
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to a team of 5 attorneys, managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and organizing travel arrangements.
- Drafted and proofread legal documents, including contracts, briefs, and pleadings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established formatting guidelines.
- Maintained electronic and physical filing systems, improving accessibility and facilitating efficient retrieval of documents, resulting in time savings for the legal team.
- Managed client intake process, conducting initial screenings, gathering necessary information, and preparing relevant documentation for attorney review.
- Assisted with trial preparation by organizing exhibits, coordinating witness schedules, and compiling necessary case materials.
Work Experience
Junior Legal Secretary
Wilson & Bennett Attorneys at Law
2013-2017
- Managed the reception area, greeting clients, answering calls, and directing inquiries to appropriate legal staff members, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
- Prepared and filed legal documents with courts and other governmental agencies, following specified procedures and meeting deadlines.
- Conducted legal research using online databases, gathering relevant case law, statutes, and regulations to support attorneys' arguments and strategies.
- Coordinated and scheduled depositions, mediations, and court appearances, liaising with opposing counsels, court personnel, and witnesses.
- Assisted in the preparation of trial exhibits and trial binders, ensuring all necessary materials were organized and readily available during proceedings.
Work Experience
Senior Legal Secretary
Anderson & Hughes Law Group
2008-2012
- Managed multiple complex calendars for partners, scheduling appointments, meetings, and court appearances, while proactively adjusting for conflicting priorities.
- Collaborated with attorneys to draft and edit legal correspondence, memoranda, and contracts, adhering to established firm templates and guidelines.
- Researched and compiled relevant case law, statutes, and regulations, preparing comprehensive summaries and analysis for use in legal briefs and motions.
- Maintained confidential client files, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation, resulting in streamlined retrieval and improved data integrity.
- Assisted in the preparation of real estate transactions, including reviewing title documents, coordinating with title companies, and facilitating closings.
Work Experience
Legal Assistant
Harrison & Greene Attorneys
2014-Ongoing
- Provide administrative support to a team of 8 attorneys, managing their schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, and organizing internal and external meetings.
- Prepare and proofread various legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and affidavits, ensuring accuracy and adherence to formatting guidelines.
- Maintain electronic databases and physical filing systems, implementing efficient organization methods and improving accessibility to critical case materials.
- Assist in legal research by analyzing complex legal issues, identifying relevant precedents, and summarizing findings for attorney review and decision-making.
- Coordinate discovery processes, including document collection, review, and production, resulting in timely and accurate responses to opposing counsel's requests.
Work Experience
Legal Office Coordinator
Thomas & Parker Law Associates
2011-2015
- Managed the billing process, generating accurate and timely invoices for clients, tracking payments, and reconciling any discrepancies.
- Coordinated with external vendors, such as court reporters and translators, to schedule services needed for legal proceedings, ensuring seamless operations.
- Assisted in trial preparation by organizing and maintaining case exhibits, witness lists, and deposition transcripts, facilitating efficient retrieval during hearings.
- Reviewed and revised legal documents, including contracts and agreements, to ensure compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and client requirements.
- Supported attorneys in drafting and filing various motions and pleadings, utilizing electronic filing systems and adhering to court-specific rules and procedures.
Work Experience
Legal Operations Assistant
Moore & Reynolds Legal Services
2018-2022
- Managed the firm's document management system, implementing effective organization strategies and training staff members on proper usage.
- Prepared and filed legal documents with state and federal courts, ensuring compliance with specific jurisdictional requirements and meeting designated deadlines.
- Collaborated with attorneys to conduct thorough legal research, analyzing complex issues and providing concise summaries and recommendations for cases.
- Assisted in the development and maintenance of the firm's knowledge management resources, including precedent databases and legal research tools.
- Coordinated attorney calendars and schedules, arranging client meetings, court appearances, and other professional commitments, optimizing time management.
Work Experience
Executive Legal Secretary
Preston & Simmons Legal Group
2015-Ongoing
- Provide high-level administrative support to the managing partner, including managing their calendar, organizing meetings, and coordinating travel arrangements.
- Draft and proofread legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established standards.
- Manage the firm's client database, updating contact information, tracking case status changes, and generating reports for analysis and decision-making.
- Support attorneys in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, summarizing depositions, and assisting with the development of trial strategies.
- Respond to client inquiries, providing timely and accurate information, and liaise with external parties, such as opposing counsel and court personnel.
Work Experience
Receptionist/Legal Assistant
Watson & Richardson Law Offices
2009-2013
- Managed the front desk, handling incoming calls, greeting visitors, and directing inquiries to appropriate legal staff, ensuring efficient communication flow.
- Assisted attorneys in the preparation of legal documents, conducting thorough proofreading, and verifying accuracy of citations, references, and formatting.
- Maintained records of court appearances, deadlines, and filing requirements, ensuring compliance with procedural rules and avoiding missed submissions.
- Supported attorneys during trial proceedings, organizing exhibits, preparing witness binders, and coordinating with court personnel for logistics.
- Drafted routine correspondence and handled administrative tasks, such as filing, copying, and document scanning, contributing to office efficiency.
Work Experience
Legal Support Specialist
Gibson & Cooper Law Firm
2012-2016
- Provided administrative support to a team of 10 attorneys, managing their calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating internal and external meetings.
- Reviewed and edited legal documents for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to established standards, ensuring polished deliverables for clients and courts.
- Researched and compiled relevant case law, statutes, and regulations, assisting attorneys in preparing persuasive arguments and drafting legal briefs.
- Collaborated with paralegals to gather necessary documentation and evidence for discovery requests, facilitating efficient case progress and compliance.
- Assisted in trial preparation by organizing trial exhibits, coordinating witness schedules, and preparing deposition summaries for attorney use.
Work Experience
Legal Clerk
Adams & Sullivan Attorneys at Law
2019-Ongoing
- Manage the firm's document management system, implementing efficient workflows and ensuring the proper organization and retrieval of critical case materials.
- Prepare and file various legal documents, such as motions, petitions, and agreements, utilizing electronic filing systems and adhering to court-specific requirements.
- Conduct legal research on a wide range of issues, analyzing statutes, regulations, and case precedents to provide comprehensive support to attorneys.
- Coordinate and schedule depositions, hearings, and client meetings, liaising with opposing counsel, court personnel, and expert witnesses as required.
- Assist in the drafting and editing of appellate briefs and other substantive legal documents, maintaining consistency and adherence to applicable rules.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for legal secretary professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Legal Secretary:
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
- Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
- Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
- Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
- Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.
- Receive and place telephone calls.
- Schedule and make appointments.
- Draft and type office memos.
Quantifying impact on your resume
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Writing your legal secretary experience section without any real-world experience
Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your legal secretary career:
- Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the legal secretary role
- Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
- Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
- Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the legal secretary job
- Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company
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Pro tip
Highlight what sets your experience apart. Incorporate metrics, feedback, and the tangible value you've added to organizations. This specificity ensures your resume remains pertinent and memorable.
Highlighting essential hard and soft skills for your legal secretary resume
Your skill set is a cornerstone of your legal secretary resume.
Recruiters keenly evaluate:
- Your hard skills, gauging your proficiency with specific tools and technologies.
- Your soft skills, assessing your interpersonal abilities and adaptability.
A well-rounded candidate showcases a harmonious blend of both hard and soft skills, especially in a dedicated skills section.
When crafting your legal secretary skills section:
- List up to six skills that resonate with the job requirements and highlight your expertise.
- Feature a soft skill that encapsulates your professional persona, drawing from past feedback or personal reflections.
- Consider organizing your skills into distinct categories, such as "Technical Skills" or "Soft Skills."
- If you possess pivotal industry certifications, spotlight them within this section.
Crafting a comprehensive skills section can be daunting. To assist, we've curated lists of both hard and soft skills to streamline your resume-building process.
Top skills for your legal secretary resume:
HARD SKILLS
Legal document preparation
Case management software
Microsoft Office Suite
Legal research tools
E-filing systems
Document management systems
Billing and accounting software
Dictation software
Time management software
Database management
SOFT SKILLS
Attention to detail
Organization
Communication
Time management
Problem-solving
Confidentiality
Adaptability
Team collaboration
Critical thinking
Interpersonal skills
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for legal secretary professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Legal Secretary’s resume:
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Dropbox
- Database software
- Microsoft Access
Pro tip
Consider dedicating a separate skills section on your legal secretary resume to showcase your technical proficiencies, especially if you want to highlight specific software expertise.
Choosing the right certifications and education for your legal secretary resume
Your education section can highlight skills and experiences perfect for the job.
- List college or university degrees with the school name and dates.
- If you're still studying, mention your expected graduation date.
- Think twice before adding unrelated degrees. Space on your resume is precious.
- Discuss educational achievements if they boost your job relevance.
There are many certifications out there. Which ones should you include?
- List your main degree in a separate section with the school name and dates.
- Only add certifications that highlight your skills and experience.
- Place unique or recent certifications near the top.
- Add a brief description to certifications if it helps show your skills.
Remember, it's not about quantity but relevance.
Best certifications to list on your resume
- American Institute for Paralegal Studies: AIPS Certified legal secretary Specialist (CLSS)
- Law School Admission Council: Legal Research Certification
- Center for Legal Studies: Advanced Paralegal Certificate
Pro tip
The reputation of the institution or organization granting your certification or degree can bolster your credibility. Prioritize recognized and respected credentials.
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Summary or objective: maximizing the impact of the top third of your resume
The top third of your legal secretary resume is crucial. It's often the first thing recruiters see and can set the tone for the rest of your application.
Whether you choose a resume summary or a resume objective, make it count. The former is great for showcasing career highlights, while the latter balances your achievements with your future aspirations.
Both should be tailored to the role, as there's no universal approach to crafting the perfect legal secretary summary or objective. Use the examples below as a starting point.
Resume summary and objective examples for a legal secretary resume
- Detail-oriented legal secretary with 7 years of experience in fast-paced law firms. Specializing in litigation support with proficiency in legal research and document drafting. Known for ensuring seamless operations in high-stakes legal environments. Recognized for superior client service, managing complex calendars, and maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Dedicated legal professional with a decade of experience in corporate law settings. Expertise in handling administrative and paralegal duties, including document preparation and court filings. Reduced paperwork backlog by 40% through developing an effective filing system. Excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.
- Accomplished project manager, ready to leverage 5 years of experience towards a career as a legal secretary. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, conflict resolution, and team leadership. Adept at juggling multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines. Proven track record of improving efficiency in fast-paced environments.
- Seasoned teacher transitioning to the legal field as a secretary. Brings transferable skills such as exceptional organization, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent written and oral communication. Familiarity with office software and ability to learn new technologies quickly. Passionate about facilitating efficient operations in a challenging legal environment.
- Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies seeking an entry-level position as a legal secretary. Eager to apply academic knowledge in practical settings, while advancing skills in legal documentation and procedures. Ambition to contribute positively to a dynamic legal team.
- Motivated individual aiming to step into the legal world as a secretary. Armed with strong computer skills, excellent organizational abilities, and unparalleled commitment. Keen to utilize educational background in criminal justice to provide comprehensive administrative support in a law firm setting.
Additional sections to elevate your legal secretary resume
To further differentiate your legal secretary application, consider adding sections like:
- Publications
- Projects
- Awards
- Hobbies (only if they align with the job or showcase relevant skills).
These sections can further demonstrate your technical acumen and interpersonal skills.
Key takeaways
- Pay special attention to the tiny details that make up your legal secretary resume formatting: the more tailored your application to the role is, the better your chances at success would be;
- Select the sections you include (summary or objective, etc.) and formatting (reverse-chronological, hybrid, etc.) based on your experience level;
- Select experience items and, consequently, achievements that showcase you in the best light and are relevant to the job;
- Your profile will be assessed both based on your technical capabilities and personality skills - curate those through your resume;
- Certifications and education showcase your dedication to the particular industry.
