When applying for your first position in the law industry, an entry-level legal assistant resume is essential in catching the eye of employers.

This document highlights your skills, experience, and educational background, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a professional resume and offer beginner resume examples to guide your process.

Entry-level legal assistant resume examples

Entry-level legal litigation assistant resume sample

Entry-level legal litigation assistant resume template

Legal Litigation Assistant Resume
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Resume for litigation assistant | Plain text

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 555-1234 | Email: lesliesmith@gmail.com

Objective

Detail-oriented and motivated legal assistant eager to support a high-functioning litigation team at Thompson & Associates Law Firm. Seeking to leverage research and organizational skills to contribute to the success of the firm's litigation practice.

Skills

  • Legal research and analysis
  • Case file management
  • Drafting pleadings and discovery documents
  • Trial preparation and support
  • Knowledge of Illinois state and federal rules
  • Document management software (e.g., Clio)
  • Strong communication and writing skills
  • Client interaction and service

Education

Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies

University of Illinois, Chicago, IL

Graduated: May 2025

  • Relevant Coursework: Legal Writing, Civil Litigation, Legal Research, Evidence

Experience

Litigation Assistant (Part-Time)

Chicago Legal Services — Chicago, IL

September 2024 – Present

  • Support senior attorneys in managing civil litigation cases.
  • Prepare and file court documents including subpoenas and notices of deposition.
  • Assist with organizing evidence for trials and hearings.
  • Manage scheduling and logistics for depositions and court appearances.
  • Draft and proofread legal correspondence and court documents.

Legal Assistant (Intern)

Smith & Johnson Law Firm — Chicago, IL

June – August 2024

  • Assisted attorneys with preparing case files for upcoming trials.
  • Drafted legal documents including motions, complaints, and discovery responses.
  • Conducted legal research to support case arguments and trial preparation.
  • Organized and maintained case files for multiple litigation cases.
  • Communicated with clients to gather information and provide case updates.

Certifications

  • Certified Paralegal (CP) — National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) — 2025
  • E-Discovery Certification — eDiscovery Institute — 2024

Volunteer Experience

Court Volunteer

Cook County Court System — Chicago, IL

January – May 2023

  • Assisted with court document preparation for hearings.
  • Observed courtroom procedures and assisted attorneys in managing trial logistics.
  • Supported the court staff with administrative tasks during trial days.

Strong sides of this entry-level legal assistant resume examples:

  • The document highlights relevant litigation experience with detailed responsibilities, making it easy for employers to assess qualifications.
  • It includes certifications that demonstrate commitment to professional growth and industry standards.
  • The addition of volunteer experience in a court setting strengthens the candidate’s exposure to legal environments.
How to properly format a resume for an entry-level legal assistant?
  • Opt for classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, sized between 10 and 12 points. These styles are visually appealing both on screen and in print.
  • As a candidate with limited experience, aim to keep your resume concise, ideally fitting it on one page. Focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications.
  • Add 1-inch margins on all sides for a balanced and tidy layout. This helps ensure that your document isn't overcrowded with text or too sparse.
  • Adjust line spacing to 1.15 or 1.5 to make the content easy to read and prevent the page from looking crowded.
  • Bullet points help break up text. Maintain uniform formatting throughout for a neat and professional appearance.
  • Bold text should be reserved for section headings. Avoid overusing italic or underlined text as it can detract from your content and appear cluttered.
  • Place your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) at the top to make it easy for the employer to reach you.

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Entry-level corporate legal assistant resume example

Sample entry-level corporate legal assistant resume

Michael Brown

New York, NY
Phone: (212) 555-6789 | Email: michaelbrown@gmail.com

Objective

Ambitious and detail-focused legal assistant looking to contribute to a dynamic in-house legal department at Jackson & Harper LLC. Eager to apply my skills in contract management and corporate law to assist the legal team in ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Skills

  • Contract review and management
  • Corporate governance and compliance
  • Legal research and documentation
  • Intellectual property support
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal software (e.g., NetDocuments)
  • Attention to detail and organization
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Client and vendor relations

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies

New York University, NY

Graduated: May 2025

  • Relevant Coursework: Contract Law, Corporate Law, Ethics in Business, Legal Writing

Experience

Corporate Legal Assistant

Jackson & Harper LLC — New York, NY

September 2025 – Present

  • Provide legal support for contract negotiations and corporate compliance issues.
  • Draft standard contracts and handle the preparation of board resolutions and shareholder agreements.
  • Manage internal databases to ensure the proper filing of corporate records.
  • Support senior legal staff with intellectual property cases and licensing agreements.
  • Communicate with outside counsel and vendors regarding legal matters.

Legal Assistant (Intern)

Miller & Smith LLP — New York, NY

June 2024 – August 2024

  • Assisted corporate lawyers in drafting and reviewing contracts for business transactions.
  • Conducted legal research to support the company’s intellectual property and trademark issues.
  • Managed the filing and organization of corporate records and documents.
  • Assisted with due diligence during corporate acquisitions and mergers.

Professional Development

  • Corporate Law Fundamentals — Coursera, 2024
  • Advanced Contract Drafting — The Legal Institute, 2024

Technical Skills

  • Document Management Software: NetDocuments, iManage
  • Legal Research Tools: LexisNexis, Westlaw
  • Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat
  • Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack

Here are a few reasons why this example of an entry-level legal assistant resume will impress recruiters:

  • The document effectively showcases corporate law expertise by emphasizing contract management and compliance skills.
  • It includes a dedicated section for technical skills, reinforcing proficiency in legal software and research tools.
  • The professional development adds credibility by highlighting relevant coursework and certifications.
Should I choose an entry-level legal assistant resume objective or summary?

The summary is ideal for those with some relevant experience, such as internships or volunteer work.

  • Length: Aim for 3-4 sentences that describe your background.
  • What to Include: Key abilities, relevant positions, and any significant achievements.

Entry-level legal assistant resume summary sample:

Experienced legal assistant with a background in case management and legal research. Skilled in drafting legal documents, maintaining client records, and managing schedules. Ready to contribute to your firm's success.

The objective is best suited for entry-level candidates or those switching industries.

  • Length: Keep it concise, typically 2-3 sentences.
  • What to Include: Your career aspirations, how you plan to add value to the company, and your key skills.

Entry-level legal assistant resume objective example:

Detail-oriented and motivated legal assistant with a passion for law, eager to support the legal team. Seeking an opportunity to apply strong organizational and research skills.

How to showcase your legal assistant resume skills?

The skills section helps employers quickly see if you have the necessary abilities to excel in the role.

  • Hard skills are technical, measurable competencies acquired through training, coursework, or previous roles.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal traits that enable you to work effectively in a team or handle client interactions.

Legal assistant hard skills examples:

  • Legal research
  • Case management software
  • Document preparation
  • Legal terminology
  • Organizing legal files
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
  • Client management software
  • Drafting legal documents
  • Time management
  • Billing and invoicing

Sample of soft skills for legal assistant:

  • Communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork
  • Client relations
  • Adaptability
  • Initiative
  • Critical thinking

Entry-level immigration legal assistant resume template

Entry-level immigration legal assistant resume sample

Immigration Legal Assistant Resume
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Beginner immigration legal assistant resume | Text version

Sophia Garcia

Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (323) 555-9876 | Email: sophiagarcia@gmail.com

Objective

Motivated and compassionate legal assistant with a passion for immigration law, seeking to support the legal team at Cohen & Hernandez Immigration Law in helping individuals navigate complex immigration processes.

Skills

  • Immigration petition preparation
  • Family-based and employment-based immigration cases
  • Knowledge of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)
  • Legal research and document drafting
  • Client communication and case tracking
  • Filing and organizing immigration documentation
  • Knowledge of Visa, Green Card, and Citizenship procedures

Education

Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies

Los Angeles Community College, CA

Graduated: June 2025

  • Relevant Coursework: Immigration Law, Legal Writing, Administrative Law, U.S. Government

Experience

Immigration Legal Assistant

Cohen & Hernandez Immigration Law — Los Angeles, CA

July 2025 – Present

  • Prepare and submit petitions for family and employment-based immigration cases.
  • Provide clients with updates on their case status and collect required documentation.
  • Draft legal documents for visa applications, work permits, and green card petitions.
  • Work closely with attorneys to prepare for hearings and interviews with USCIS.
  • Manage client files and ensure compliance with deadlines for documentation submissions.

Immigration Paralegal Intern

López & Martinez Law Firm — Los Angeles, CA

January – May 2024

  • Assisted attorneys with preparing and filing immigration applications, including family and employment-based petitions.
  • Drafted and reviewed forms such as I-130, I-485, and I-765 for accuracy.
  • Communicated with clients regarding application status and document requirements.
  • Conducted legal research on visa and naturalization laws.
  • Organized client files and ensured timely filing of petitions with USCIS.

Certifications

  • Certified Immigration Paralegal (CIP) — American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) — 2025
  • Immigration Law Essentials — National Immigration Law Center — 2024

Languages

  • Spanish: Fluent (spoken and written)
  • English: Native proficiency

This sample entry-level legal assistant resume is effective for several reasons:

  • The application emphasizes bilingual skills, a crucial asset for immigration law firms handling diverse clientele.
  • It provides clear evidence of hands-on experience with petitions, strengthening the candidate’s practical knowledge.
  • The certifications section enhances credibility by demonstrating specialized training in immigration law.
What academic credentials should I add to my legal assistant resume with no experience?

The education section is especially crucial when you're starting in the legal field. It shows that you've received the necessary training and knowledge, even if you don’t yet have an extensive job history.

What to include here:

  • The name of the institution and location
  • The degree or certificate earned (e.g., Associate's in Paralegal Studies)
  • Graduation date or expected date
  • Any honors or distinctions, if applicable
  • Relevant coursework or projects (especially if professional experience is limited)

Write your GPA if it's above 3.5 or if it’s requested.

How to organize the experience section in an entry-level legal assistant resume?
  • Begin with your most current or relevant position to give the hiring manager an immediate overview of your capabilities.
  • Bullet points make it easier to digest your key responsibilities and achievements.
  • For each job, note your title, employer, dates, and location.
  • Even if your experience isn't directly in a legal assistant position, highlight transferable skills such as office management, communication, or research.
  • Whenever possible, include numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Managed 40+ client files").
  • Start each bullet with strong action verbs like "organized," "researched," "drafted," or "coordinated."

Conclusion

A well-crafted entry-level legal assistant resume is your first step toward launching a successful career in the law field.

By showcasing your skills, relevant experience, and tailored format, you can make a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Use the tips and examples provided here to create a document that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from the competition.

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