Legal Administrative Assistant CV: How to write a CV for this role (with example)
Also known as: Legal Secretary, Legal PA, Litigation Assistant, Legal Operations Assistant, Legal Executive Assistant, Paralegal Assistant
A Legal Administrative Assistant is the backbone of any successful law firm or legal department. Beyond standard clerical duties, this role requires a deep understanding of legal procedures, court filing systems, and the precise language used in legal documentation in England and Wales. A strong Legal Administrative Assistant CV must demonstrate both exceptional organisational skills and a specialised knowledge of the UK legal landscape.
In this guide, we will help you highlight your ability to manage high-pressure environments, maintain solicitor schedules, and handle sensitive case files with discretion. Whether you are an experienced litigation secretary or just starting as a paralegal assistant, our advice will help you stand out to law firm partners and legal recruiters.
What does a Legal Administrative Assistant do?
Legal Administrative Assistants manage the daily operations of law firms, corporate legal departments, and government bodies. Their work is a mix of high-level administrative tasks and industry-specific legal support. They are often responsible for drafting legal correspondence, preparing formal documents like witness statements or disclosure bundles, and ensuring that all filings meet strict court deadlines. Accuracy is paramount in this role, as a minor clerical error can have significant consequences for a legal case.
Additionally, these professionals act as the primary point of contact for clients and witnesses. They manage complex diaries, coordinate travel for conferences or hearings, and maintain the firm’s filing system (both digital and physical). They must be proficient in legal practice management software and possess a strong grasp of procedural rules, such as the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), across different jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Draft and proofread legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and bundles.
- ➜ Coordinate service of process and manage electronic court filing systems like HMCTS E-Filing.
- ➜ Maintain solicitor diaries, court dates, and bring-forward systems for deadline tracking.
- ➜ Liaise with clients, court clerks, and opposing counsel to schedule meetings or conferences with Counsel.
- ➜ Organise and index voluminous case files and evidence for litigation support.
- ➜ Conduct preliminary legal research and gather relevant case information via LexisNexis or Westlaw.
How to write a Legal Administrative Assistant CV
To secure a position in a competitive UK legal environment, your CV must reflect the same precision and polish that you apply to legal documents. Focus on demonstrating your familiarity with legal software, your ability to handle confidential information under GDPR, and your track record of meeting tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
01 CV Structure
The standard structure for a Legal Administrative Assistant CV involves a professional header, a personal profile that highlights years of legal experience, a detailed work history section (reverse-chronological), a dedicated skills section, and education. If you have specific certifications such as the CILEX Level 3, these should be prominent.
02 Professional Summary
Your personal profile should be a concise pitch of three to four sentences. Include your years of experience, your specific areas of legal expertise (such as conveyancing, family law, or commercial litigation), and one or two impactful soft skills like organisational prowess or discreet communication.
Example Summary
Detail-oriented Legal Administrative Assistant with over seven years of experience in high-volume litigation firms. Proven expertise in electronic court filings via HMCTS, managing complex diaries, and drafting precise legal correspondence. Recognised for maintaining exceptional client relations and ensuring absolute confidentiality in sensitive case matters.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Successfully managed a 50-case docket for three senior partners, ensuring zero missed court deadlines over a four-year period.
- ➜ Implemented a new digital file organisation system that reduced document retrieval time by 30 per cent.
- ➜ Assisted in the trial preparation for a multi-million-pound corporate fraud case, organising over 5,000 pages of disclosure.
- ➜ Spearheaded the transition to a paperless office environment, training five other staff members on cloud-based legal software.
Experience Guidelines
In your work experience section, move beyond listing tasks and focus on the scale of your achievements. Instead of saying you 'filed documents,' mention how many cases you supported or how you streamlined the firm's documentation process to improve efficiency.
Education Guidelines
List your highest degree first, followed by any specialised legal assistant or paralegal training. If you have completed specific certifications such as the CILEX Professional Paralegal or an ILSPA Legal Secretary Diploma, list them clearly.
Key skills for a Legal Administrative Assistant
Legal Expertise
Software & Tech
Soft Skills
Legal Administrative Assistant CV example
The following example showcases a candidate with a strong background in litigation support within the UK legal sector. It emphasises technical proficiency and the ability to handle the administrative burdens of a fast-paced law firm.
Notes for adapting this example:
Adjust this example by highlighting the specific type of law you have experience with, such as criminal, conveyancing, or intellectual property, as law firms often look for specialised practice area knowledge.
Expert CV Tips for Legal Assistants
Use professional legal terminology but avoid unnecessary legalese that makes the CV hard to read.
Mention specific software names like SOS Connect, Proclaim, or LexisNexis to pass through ATS filters.
Highlight your typing speed if it is above 70 words per minute, as digital dictation remains a core task.
Include a section for 'Practice Areas' if you have worked in multiple fields like Family Law, Probate, and Litigation.
Proofread your CV multiple times. In the legal world, a single typo can be grounds for rejection.
Common mistakes to avoid
Neglecting to mention familiarity with local court rules and filing procedures.
Failing to emphasise confidentiality and GDPR compliance in the profile.
Using a generic CV that does not specify the types of legal documents you are comfortable drafting.
Overlooking your experience with time-tracking and billing, which is essential for firm profitability.
Including irrelevant hobbies that take up space better used for legal certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a Legal Administrative Assistant in the UK?
Salaries generally range from £22,000 to £35,000 per year. In major legal hubs like London (the City), and within 'Magic Circle' firms, experienced assistants or Legal PAs can earn upwards of £45,000 plus bonuses. (Source: Estimated market data)
Do I need a certification to be a Legal Administrative Assistant?
While not always mandatory, certifications like a CILEX Level 3 Diploma or an ILSPA Legal Secretary Diploma significantly improve your hiring prospects and earning potential in the UK.
How long should a Legal Administrative Assistant CV be?
Aim for two pages. This allows enough space to detail your technical skills and specific practice area experience while remaining concise for recruiters.
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