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Paralegal Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Successfully assisted clients in family and employment based immigration petitions,
including L1, EB-1, Perm, H-1B petitions
- Drafted correspondence, motions, legal memorandums
- Compiled and drafted demand package for personal injury cases
- Reviewed and negotiated various leasing and contract agreements
- Prepared documentation for real property and bulk sale transactions
- Drafted petitions for sell non-profit assets
- Interviewed clients for immigration and personal injury cases
0-5 years of experience
Assisted in all phases of litigation concerning contested and uncontested divorce.
- Coordinated client’s Statements of Net worth, Four way attorney client conferences and uncontested divorce packets for Supreme Court.
- Managed attorney calendar and monitored court appearances.
- Maintained consistent telephone and email communication with all clients.
- Performed online and offline research to assist attorneys in related casework.
- Assisted in handling heavy volume phone call throughout the course of the day.
0-5 years of experience
Prepared registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs and related supplements for SEC filings under
The Securities Act of 1933, 1934 and 1940.
- Developed and implemented new procedures to comply with The Sarbanes Oxley Act 0f 2002.
- Interfaced with independent auditors and coordinated EDGAR filings.
- Led, directed and participated in the paralegal training program.
- Prepared and organized all Board Meeting documents for quarterly meetings for various mutual funds.
0-5 years of experience
Established a continuous linkage of social services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS through the
HIV/AIDS Representation Project
- Conducted intake interviews and collaborated with attorneys and social workers to resolve issues.
- Explained basic parole revocation procedures to clients awaiting preliminary and final hearings
- Confirmed medical conditions with the Department of Health and Hospital Corporation, correctional facilities
- Researched and provided criminal and medical background to attorneys.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team in monthly meetings
- Performed community and correctional outreach to social services providers
0-5 years of experience
Case management during all phases of the litigation process from the initiation of a case to the discovery period through trial and post-trial.
- Organized and reviewed insurance policies across multiple coverage types, layers, and terms.
- Created coverage charts in Policy Picture by PMC Inc. for submission to clients and court.
- Extensive fact checking, site checking, and general editing for briefs and other responsive pleadings.
- Indexed and summarized supporting documentation and evidence in Concordance as well as Microsoft Office programs, as projects required.
- Managed proprietary databases of materials shared between counsel and client in complex insurance matters.
- Assisted attorneys and clients in litigating complex insurance matters, such as Isolated and multi-state CERCLA claims as well as other pollution exclusion matters.
0-5 years of experience
Traveled the country, to testify in court about Yellowbook contracts and policies.
- Assisted in deposition preparation, pre-trial investigations, trial preparation, including assistance with preparation of witnesses for deposition and/or trial.
- Oversaw the litigation process from the filing of suit, to the judgment collection process.
- Audited attorney contingent/non-contingent suit fees, costs.
- Negotiated settlements during mediations.
- Researched and answered customer complaints, affidavits, court subpoenas, and interrogatories.
- Maintained both paper and electronic filing systems.
- Reviewed all documents, customer issues and litigation metrics before the filing of suit.
0-5 years of experience
Enforced written policies and procedures through investigations and integrity checks.
- Investigated worldwide reports of corporate integrity via email, phone or anonymous tip lines.
- Kept and managed investigation files, completed attorney calendars, meetings/agendas.
- Managed special projects in quality control as assigned.
- Conducted investigation interviews via phone, email, or other.
0-5 years of experience
Started as a receptionist and worked my way up to senior partner and associate’s assistant.
- Completed dictation for multiple attorneys on a daily basis.
- Scheduled Neutral Evaluations, site inspections, mediations, examinations under oaths and court dates.
- Drafted initial Complaints and discovery documentation for Plaintiff sinkhole/falling object property claims.
- Worked directly with clients for insurance defense as well as Plaintiffs to obtain property information and respond to Request to Produce as well as Interrogatories.
- Prepared the attorney for trial and made sure the files were kept organized at all times.
6-10 years of experience
Prepared briefs, pleadings, affidavits, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Filed pleadings with court clerk and maintained document file.
- Gathered and analyzed information, including statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes and documents.
- Located witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Reviewed legal publications and performed database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.
- Organized and maintained law libraries, documents, and case files.
- Collected employment, medical and other records pertinent to cases.
0-5 years of experience
Drafted and analyzed legal documents in Civil, Appellate, Probate, and Family matters
- Prepared for and assisted with trials
- Maintained files, scheduled meetings, notarized documents, and updated clients
- Performed fact based and legal research
- Day to day office administration including: answering phones, maintaining calendars, and administering the comprehensive client database
Paralegal Duties and Responsibilities
Paralegals take on a variety of tasks depending on the organization they work for. Based on job listings we analyzed, a paralegal’s duties typically involve:
Investigating and Researching Facts for the Case Paralegals are responsible for researching anything that can affect the outcome a case, including facts, legal articles, and laws. They gather information that’s relevant to the case and observe regulations which might impact what is discussed in court.
Drafting Correspondence Paralegals draft all correspondence, legal documents, and reports, such as mortgages and contracts, which will then be reviewed and approved by the lawyer.
Maintaining Documents Maintaining documents and ensuring all information is organized in both paper and electronic filing systems is an important aspect of a paralegal’s day-to-day job.
Gathering Statements for Use in Court Paralegals get affidavits and formal statements from witnesses or those involved in the case, which can be used as evidence in court.
Taking Notes Paralegals assist lawyers by taking notes and reviewing trial transcripts, which can then be used in court or for questioning.
Confidentiality Paralegals often work with confidential client information, so maintaining discretion is an important part of the job.
Paralegal Skills and Qualifications
Paralegals need to have excellent time management skills, be good at researching information and preparing reports, and have strong interpersonal skills to work well with colleagues and clients. Typically, employers will require an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, as well as the following abilities:
- Computer skills – paralegals use computers and basic software to carry out legal research, type up reports, and maintain important documents
- Interpersonal skills – paralegals work with clients and other professionals on a regular basis, so it’s important that they make clients feel comfortable and can develop good working relationships with them. They also need to document and present research in a clear and articulate way, so strong communication skills are important
- Organizational skills – paralegals are often involved with multiple cases at once, so good time management and organization skills are vital to ensure deadlines are met
Paralegal Education and Training
The minimum requirement to become a paralegal is an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor’s degree in another subject coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. These certifications can be obtained from a paralegal education program which has been approved by the American Bar Association. Associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in this topic usually offer paralegal training courses, which include topics such as legal writing and legal research.
Paralegal Salary and Outlook
The median annual salary for paralegals is nearly $50,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Paralegals in the 10th percentile earn around $31,000 annually, while the highest paid earn close to $81,000 a year. Some companies offer packages that can reach up to $5,000 from bonus structures based on individual or group performances, and up to $7,000 in profit sharing opportunities. Location and level of experience impact the pay level for this role, and just over half of employers offer dental plans and medical insurance as part of their benefits package. The BLS predicts that the growth rate for this sector is expected to grow by 15 percent through 2026.
Helpful Resources
We’ve collected some of the best resources to help you develop a career as a paralegal.
Paralegal Edu Blog – this blog centers on all things related to paralegal studies, from how to become a paralegal to the value that can be provided by working as one. The site is updated regularly with interesting news, videos, and advice, and makes a great starting point for those new to the legal sector.
Paralegal Network – with over 41,000 members, this LinkedIn group for paralegal professionals was designed to expand the network of ideas, knowledge, and people in the industry. The conversations taking place in this group are focused on paralegal questions and answers, and industry issues, so it’s a useful place to learn.
Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals – a comprehensive and well-organized text, this book offers in-depth information on legal writing, which is reinforced by illustrations and exercises. There is coverage on writing strategies, searching, and how to cite resources properly, as well as validating legal authorities.
Paralegal Practice and Procedure – a newly revised and updated version, this reference guide is helpful for paralegals in all stages of their career. It provides step-by-step instructions on each area of the job, from paralegal ethics and federal court practice and procedures, to legal research tools and court systems.