Legal Administrative Assistant CV: How to write a CV for this role (with example)
Also known as: legal secretary, certified legal assistant, collection legal assistant, certified legal secretary specialist, litigation legal assistant, paralegal assistant, legal administrative secretary, litigation secretary, legal executive secretary, certified legal secretary
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. A strong Legal Administrative Assistant CV must demonstrate both exceptional organizational skills and a specialized knowledge of the legal landscape.
In this guide, we will help you highlight your ability to manage high-pressure environments, maintain attorney 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 agencies. 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 subpoenas or discovery requests, 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 calendars, coordinate travel for depositions, 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 across different jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Draft and proofread legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and appeals.
- ➜ Coordinate service of process and manage electronic court filing (e-filing) systems.
- ➜ Maintain attorney calendars, law dockets, and tickler systems for deadline tracking.
- ➜ Liaise with clients, court clerks, and opposing counsel to schedule meetings or depositions.
- ➜ Organize and index voluminous case files and evidence for litigation support.
- ➜ Conduct preliminary legal research and gather relevant case information.
How to write a Legal Administrative Assistant CV
To secure a position in a competitive 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, and your track record of meeting impossible deadlines without sacrificing quality.
01 CV Structure
The standard structure for a Legal Administrative Assistant CV involves a professional header, a summary that highlights years of legal experience, a detailed work history section, a dedicated skills section, and education. If you have specific certifications such as a CLC or PLS, these should be prominent.
02 Professional Summary
Your professional summary should be a concise pitch of three to four sentences. Include your years of experience, your specific areas of legal expertise (such as personal injury, family law, or corporate litigation), and one or two impactful soft skills like organizational 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 across federal and state jurisdictions, managing complex dockets, and drafting precise legal correspondence. Recognized 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 organization system that reduced document retrieval time by 30 percent.
- ➜ Assisted in the trial preparation for a multi-million dollar corporate fraud case, organizing over 5,000 pages of discovery.
- ➜ 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 specialized legal assistant or paralegal training. If you have completed specific certifications such as the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), list them clearly to provide external validation of your skills.
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. It emphasizes 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, real estate, or intellectual property, as law firms often look for specialized background 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 Clio, Relativity, or Westlaw to pass through ATS filters.
Highlight your typing speed if it is above 70 words per minute, as this is still a valued metric in legal typing.
Include a section for 'Areas of Law' if you have worked in multiple practice areas 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 emphasize confidentiality and discretion in the resume summary.
Using a generic resume 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 US?
Salaries generally range from $45,000 to $65,000 per year. In major legal hubs like New York City or Washington D.C., and within large 'Big Law' firms, experienced assistants can earn upwards of $80,000 plus bonuses.
Do I need a certification to be a Legal Administrative Assistant?
While not always mandatory, certifications like the NALS Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) or a Paralegal Certificate significantly improve your hiring prospects and earning potential.
How long should a Legal Administrative Assistant CV be?
Aim for one page if you have less than ten years of experience. Two pages is acceptable for seasoned professionals with a long list of relevant law firm experience and technical skills.
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