It is important in legal work to keep sensitive information safe. You should include any experience you have managing confidential records or information.

Also, if you have worked in environments that required discretion, such as law offices or in support of legal proceedings, make this clear. Highlight your ability to follow protocols and preserve the integrity of legal processes.

In your work history, focus on tasks that are special to legal work. Mention if you have prepared legal documents, such as briefs or wills, and if you have helped with research for cases. Attention to detail and the ability to handle complex tasks are key in this field.

Mentioning any experience with legal software or court filing systems can set you apart from others. Employers value candidates who can jump in with little training on these tools.

As a legal assistant, your interaction with clients can set you apart. Show your skills in client communication and your role in maintaining client relationships. Mention any experience you've had taking initial client calls or your involvement in client meetings. Your ability to work with clients reflects your understanding of the importance of client relations in the legal field.

Additionally, if you've managed client documentation or correspondence, include this in your resume. It is crucial to demonstrate your organizational skills and confidentiality with sensitive client information. These details help paint a more complete picture of your qualifications as a legal assistant.

When you prepare your resume as a legal assistant, make sure it speaks directly to the job you want. Focus on the specific tasks and skills that show you are a good fit. This makes it easier for hiring managers to see your value quickly.

• Highlight your experience with legal documents by mentioning tasks like drafting affidavits or preparing legal correspondences.
• Show your organization skills by detailing how you manage case files or schedule court dates.
• If you have used legal databases or software, list them. For example, write that you are proficient in using LexisNexis or Westlaw.

As you draft your resume, using strong action verbs can make a big difference. They help you show your skills and experiences in a clear way. Choose verbs that are simple but show your ability to get things done. These words can help employers see you as a good fit for a legal assistant role.

Each task on your resume should start with a verb that captures what you did. This makes your achievements stand out more. Remember to use verbs that fit the tasks you're describing. Here's a list of verbs that are good for a legal assistant resume:

• To show you can manage legal documents, use drafted, prepared, organized, filed, reviewed.
• For client communication skills, use communicated, corresponded, informed, consulted, liaised.
• To show research skills, use investigated, analyzed, researched, compiled, summarized.
• For demonstrating case management, use coordinated, managed, monitored, tracked, administered.
• To exhibit problem-solving abilities, use resolved, addressed, navigated, negotiated, rectified.

Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Managing, Oversee, Analyzed, Worked on, Provide.

When you're applying for roles as a legal assistant, showing growth in your past roles can set you apart. If you've been promoted or taken on leadership tasks, make sure to include these details. They show you are trusted and can handle more responsibility. Here are ways you might have shown leadership:

• Lead a team or project, even temporarily. This can be as simple as being responsible for a group of interns or coordinating a document review project.
• Trained new staff or interns. Teaching others is a key leadership skill. Mention any experience you have in training or mentoring your colleagues.

Think about tasks you've done that required trust and responsibility. Even if you were not formally promoted, these can show leadership. Use phrases like:

• "Oversaw a team of..."
• "Served as the point person for..."

When crafting your resume, focus on including hard skills that hiring managers look for. Here are some essential skills for legal assistants, along with some tips on how to present them effectively:

• Legal research: This skill is crucial for finding case laws, statutes, and regulations. It shows your ability to support attorneys with detailed information.
• Document drafting: Highlight your ability to prepare legal documents such as briefs, motions, and contracts. This can be showcased in your experience section.
• Case management software: Mention proficiency with tools like Clio, MyCase, or Time Matters. These tools help manage case files, schedules, and deadlines.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is often required. These tools are used for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Legal billing: Experience with software like Tabs3 or Bill4Time is valuable. This skill shows you can handle invoicing and track billable hours.
• e-Filing: Mention familiarity with electronic filing systems used in courts. This is important for submitting legal documents.
• Trial preparation: Include experience in organizing exhibits, witness lists, and trial notebooks. This shows your readiness to assist in trial settings.
• Transcription: Note your ability to transcribe legal dictations accurately. This is often a part of daily tasks.
• Calendaring: Mention proficiency in managing court dates and attorney schedules, ensuring important dates are never missed.
• Legal terminology: Demonstrate your understanding of legal terms and jargon. This knowledge is essential for effective communication in a legal setting.

While you don't need to include every skill, focus on those relevant to the job you want. Include these skills in a dedicated skills section or weave them into your work experience. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.