Your entry-level paralegal resume is the first impression you make, and for recent graduates or those new to the industry, it’s essential to highlight relevant skills, knowledge, and experiences effectively.

In this article, we'll guide you through the process of writing a strong resume.

From structuring your document to emphasizing the skills that hiring managers seek, we’ll provide practical tips, great samples of resume, and best practices to help you land that crucial first role.

Entry-level paralegal resume examples

Real estate entry-level paralegal resume sample

Real estate paralegal resume template

Entry-Level Real Estate Paralegal Resume
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Resume for real estate paralegal | Plain text

Name: Michelle Jenkins
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: michelle.jenkins@email.com
Location: Chicago, IL

Objective

Dedicated and detail-oriented recent graduate seeking an entry-level position as a Real Estate Paralegal with emphasis on commercial and residential transactions. Eager to apply strong organizational and communication skills while learning from experienced legal professionals.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

City Colleges of Chicago, IL

Expected graduation: May 2025

  • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • Courses include: Real Estate Law, Property Transactions, Legal Research, and Contract Law.

Experience

Legal Assistant Intern

Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Chicago, IL

September 2024 – December 2024

  • Assisted senior paralegals with drafting and reviewing real estate purchase agreements, leases, and title documents.
  • Conducted due diligence on property titles and legal descriptions for real estate transactions.
  • Managed client communications regarding document requests and follow-up meetings.
  • Helped prepare closing documents for commercial property deals.

Administrative Assistant

Miller & Olson Realty, Chicago, IL

May 2022 – July 2024

  • Supported the legal department in organizing documents for property closings.
  • Assisted with tracking contracts, agreements, and closing paperwork for residential transactions.
  • Coordinated communication between clients, realtors, and title companies to ensure smooth property closings.

Skills

  • Real Estate Contracts & Title Review
  • Legal Research & Writing
  • Document Management Systems (Clio, Relativity)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Client Communication

Certifications

  • National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) – Paralegal Certification (2023)
  • Real Estate Law & Property Management Certification (2023)

Volunteer Work

Habitat for Humanity, Chicago, IL

Volunteer, June 2023 – Present

  • Assist with community outreach and event planning for housing projects.
  • Help organize donation drives and ensure all volunteers are informed of project needs.

Strong sides of this entry-level paralegal resume example:

  • It opens with a concise objective that clearly states the candidate’s career goal, emphasizing their interest in real estate law.
  • The education section highlights an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, paired with relevant coursework.
  • The internship experience is relevant and demonstrates exposure to the real estate industry.
How to properly format a resume for an entry-level paralegal?
  • Choose a clean font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Keep font size between 10-12 points to ensure readability.
  • For entry-level candidates, aim to keep your resume at one page.
  • Use standard one-inch margins on all sides. If you need more space, reduce them slightly but no smaller than 0.5 inches.
  • Maintain consistent spacing between sections.
  • When submitting your application online, save it as a PDF file to ensure the layout remains consistent.

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Family law entry-level paralegal resume example

Sample entry-level paralegal resume

Name: Emily Thompson
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: emily.thompson@email.com
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Objective

Aspiring Family Law Paralegal seeking to apply strong research and organizational skills in a supportive role at a respected family law firm. Passionate about assisting clients through sensitive legal processes with professionalism and care.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: December 2024

  • GPA: 3.7/4.0
  • Courses include: Family Law, Legal Ethics, Civil Procedure, and Legal Writing.

Experience

Family Law Intern

Ginsburg & Associates, Los Angeles, CA

January 2024 – April 2024

  • Assisted attorneys with the preparation of divorce petitions, custody agreements, and child support documents.
  • Conducted legal research related to child custody laws, spousal support, and property division.
  • Drafted initial client intake forms and prepared case files for court hearings.
  • Managed case documents and schedules for multiple clients.

Paralegal Intern

The Law Offices of Linda K. McCauley, Los Angeles, CA

June 2023 – August 2023

  • Prepared discovery documents and subpoenas in contested divorce cases.
  • Assisted with filing motions and responses in family law proceedings.
  • Communicated with clients regarding case updates and document requests.

Skills

  • Family Law Procedures & Filing
  • Drafting Legal Documents (Divorce, Custody, Support)
  • Client Intake & Communication
  • Legal Research (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
  • Microsoft Office & Legal Software

Certifications

  • NALA – Paralegal Certification (2023)
  • Family Law Practice Certification (2023)

Extracurricular Activities

UCLA Paralegal Association, Los Angeles, CA

Member, September 2022 – May 2024

  • Participated in mock trial competitions and legal writing workshops.
  • Assisted in organizing guest speaker events for aspiring paralegals and law students.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a paralegal resume will impress recruiters:

  • The inclusion of a Bachelor’s degree from a prestigious institution (UCLA) makes the candidate stand out.
  • Extracurricular activities shows initiative, a commitment to learning outside of the classroom, and an eagerness to participate in the legal community.
  • The coursework directly relevant to family law (e.g., Legal Ethics) is highlighted, reinforcing the qualifications for a family law paralegal role.
Should I choose an entry-level paralegal resume objective or summary?

A summary is best suited for candidates who have some experience, such as internships or related work.

  • It is typically 2-3 sentences at the top of the page that highlights your most relevant skills and qualifications.

Entry-level paralegal resume summary sample:

Detail-oriented entry-level paralegal with a background in legal research, document preparation, and case management. Proven ability to handle confidential information with care and deliver high-quality support to legal teams.

An objective is ideal for recent graduates or those with minimal legal experience who want to express their commitment to entering the field.

Entry-level paralegal resume objective example:

Recent paralegal studies graduate with a passion for supporting attorneys and assisting in case preparation. Eager to leverage strong research and organizational skills in an entry-level paralegal position.

How to showcase your paralegal resume skills?

The skills section allows hiring managers to see at a glance if you have the qualities needed to succeed in a legal environment.

  • Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that can be easily measured and quantified. They often require formal education, certification, or specialized training.
  • Soft skills are less tangible and harder to quantify but are equally important. They relate to how individuals interact with others, manage themselves, and navigate work environments.

Paralegal hard skills:

  • Legal research
  • Document management
  • Drafting legal documents
  • Case management
  • Electronic filing
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
  • Westlaw or LexisNexis
  • Data entry
  • Time management
  • Familiarity with legal terminology

Soft skills for a paralegal:

  • Attention to detail
  • Communication skills
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Critical thinking
  • Confidentiality
  • Teamwork
  • Multitasking

Entry-level immigration paralegal resume template

Entry-level paralegal resume sample

Immigration Paralegal Resume
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Resume for entry-level paralegal | Text version

Name: Mark Reynolds
Phone: (555) 321-7654
Email: mark.reynolds@email.com
Location: Miami, FL

Objective

Goal-oriented and compassionate Immigration Paralegal seeking to leverage educational background in law and passion for helping individuals navigate immigration processes at a reputable firm.

Education

Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies

Miami Dade College, FL

Graduated: May 2024

  • GPA: 3.9/4.0
  • Courses include: Immigration Law, Legal Writing, Legal Ethics, and Constitutional Law.

Experience

Immigration Law Intern

Baker McKenzie, Miami, FL

January 2024 – April 2024

  • Assisted immigration attorneys with filing petitions for visa applications, green cards, and work permits.
  • Prepared and filed various immigration documents including I-130, I-485, and I-765 forms.
  • Communicated with clients to gather necessary documents and information for applications.
  • Conducted research on immigration laws and case precedents.

Paralegal Intern

The Law Offices of Maria Gonzalez, Miami, FL

June 2023 – August 2023

  • Managed client case files and assisted in the preparation of immigration hearings.
  • Drafted affidavits and petitions related to asylum, refugee status, and family reunification.
  • Provided administrative support by organizing client files and correspondence.

Skills

  • Immigration Forms & Procedures (I-130, I-485, etc.)
  • Legal Research (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
  • Client Relations and Intake
  • Case Management & Filing
  • Multilingual: English, Spanish

Certifications

  • NALA – Paralegal Certification (2024)
  • Immigration Law and Procedures Certification (2024)

Languages

  • Spanish: Fluent (Native Speaker)
  • English: Fluent

This sample paralegal resume with no experience is effective for several reasons:

  • The opening statement is clear and concise, demonstrating the candidate’s passion for law and their career direction.
  • Tasks like filing petitions and conducting legal research on immigration cases show real-world application of skills.
  • Being fluent in both English and Spanish adds significant value, especially in the immigration field, where bilingual skills are often in demand.
What academic credentials should I add to my paralegal resume?

For entry-level roles, the education section demonstrates your commitment to the field that could give you an edge.

  • List your degree (e.g., Associate’s or Bachelor’s) along with your major (e.g., Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice).
  • Include the name and location of your college or university.
  • Mention when you graduated or your expected date.
  • Highlight your GPA if it’s above 3.5.
  • Optionally, you can add relevant courses like Legal Research, Civil Litigation, and Document Preparation to showcase your academic background.
  • If you’ve completed a paralegal certificate program or other relevant certification, write it here.
How to organize the experience section in a paralegal resume?
  • Start with your job title, followed by the name of the organization and dates of employment.
  • List 3-5 bullet points for each position, highlighting tasks that align with the skills needed in a paralegal role.
  • Whenever possible, add measurable achievements (e.g., "Prepared over 100 legal documents with 100% accuracy").

If you lack direct legal experience, include relevant roles that demonstrate transferable skills, such as administrative work, assistantships, or customer service positions that required strong attention to detail.

Conclusion

A well-crafted entry-level resume can set you on the path to a successful legal career.

By focusing on relevant skills, incorporating any experience you have—even if it's from internships, volunteer work, or coursework—and using a clear, professional layout, you can make a positive impression on potential employers.

Take the time to tailor your application to each role, and don’t be afraid to highlight what makes you a unique candidate. With dedication and attention to detail, you’re on the way to landing your first job.

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