Resume Keywords/Paralegal

Legal · ATS Keywords

Paralegal Resume Keywords

Paralegal resumes are scanned for practice area, document, and legal-software keywords. Name the case-management tools and the filings you handle.

Scan my resume against these

Must-have

Core skills & ATS keywords

  • Legal Research
  • Document Drafting
  • Case Management
  • Litigation Support
  • Discovery
  • Filing
  • Contract Review
  • Legal Writing
  • Compliance

Tools & tech

Tools and technologies to name

  • Westlaw
  • LexisNexis
  • Clio
  • Microsoft Office
  • PACER

Soft skills

Soft skills recruiters look for

  • Attention to Detail
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Discretion
  • Problem Solving
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Collaboration
  • Critical Thinking
  • Work Ethic
  • Initiative
  • Leadership

Strong verbs

Action verbs to start bullets

  • Drafted
  • Researched
  • Filed
  • Reviewed
  • Coordinated
  • Managed
  • Achieved
  • Improved
  • Developed
  • Delivered
  • Led
  • Increased
  • Reduced
  • Streamlined
  • Implemented
  • Optimized
  • Collaborated
  • Executed

Credentials

Certifications that help

  • Certified Paralegal (CP)
  • NALA Certification

How to use these

Keywords get you read. Context gets you hired.

  1. Match the posting first.The list above is a strong baseline, but the keywords that matter most are the ones in the exact job description you're applying to.
  2. Put them in context. Work each keyword into a real bullet point or skill line - ATS filters weight keywords inside your experience over a bare list.
  3. Quantify. Pair a keyword with a number wherever you can (drafted X by Y%). Recruiters scan for measurable outcomes.
  4. Check your match.Paste your resume and the job description into Cvali to see which of these keywords you're missing before you apply.

Quick copy

All paralegal keywords in one line

Legal Research · Document Drafting · Case Management · Litigation Support · Discovery · Filing · Contract Review · Legal Writing · Compliance · Westlaw · LexisNexis · Clio · Microsoft Office · PACER

Want to see these keywords used in real bullet points?

Paralegal resume example

FAQ

Paralegal resume keyword questions

How many keywords should a paralegal resume have?

Aim to naturally include 8-12 of the most relevant keywords from the job description you're applying to. Don't stuff - each keyword should sit inside a real bullet point or skill line.

Where do these keywords go on the resume?

Spread them across your skills section, job bullet points, and summary. ATS filters weight keywords that appear in context (inside experience) more than a bare skills list.

Will copying these guarantee I pass the ATS?

No - they're a starting point. The keywords that matter most are the ones in the specific job posting. Paste your resume and that job description into Cvali to see your real match score.

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