Up your resume game with our tips for Paralegals.
Paralegals support lawyers by maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents.
See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.
Paralegals need to be able to write documents and to communicate effectively with a variety of people. As a result, you should list a variety of “soft skills” on your resume:
Paralegals require at least an associate’s degree, though some companies prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Since few institutions offer degrees specifically in paralegal studies, paralegals will typically have a bachelor’s degree in another subject and then earn a certificate in paralegal studies from a paralegal education program approved by the American Bar Association.
It is important to note that a certificate or license is optional, as most paralegals learn while on the job. However, certifications can help your resume stand out as it demonstrates you have knowledge about the legal system. Examples of certificates include:
Requirements for licensure vary by state but generally involve the following:
Job Outlook
The job outlook for Paralegals is growing at 12% per year, which is considered to be much faster than average. In 2018 there were 325,700 jobs available.
Average Salary
Paralegals make $51,740 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $82,500 depending on experience, industry, and location.
Top Paying Salaries by State
Search for Paralegal Jobs
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