Legal Assistant Resume Examples and How to Write
Frustrated by applying for legal assistant positions without securing interviews, despite having strong administrative skills and genuine interest in the legal profession? You’re not alone. Many capable administrative professionals across Australia find themselves overlooked for legal assistant roles at law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, wondering why their organisational abilities and attention to detail aren’t translating into opportunities in this essential legal support field.
Australia’s legal services sector employs over 100,000 professionals and continues to grow as businesses navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments and legal requirements. Whether you’re transitioning from general administrative roles, completing legal studies through institutions like TAFE NSW, or seeking to formalise your legal support experience, your resume needs to demonstrate both administrative excellence and the specialised legal knowledge that Australian law firms and legal departments demand.
This comprehensive guide will transform how you present your legal assistant capabilities, providing you with industry-specific strategies to showcase your legal administration skills, highlight your attention to detail and confidentiality management, and demonstrate the client service and case management abilities that position you as the reliable legal support professional Australian legal practices need to deliver exceptional client outcomes and operational efficiency.
Legal Assistant Resume (Text Version)
MICHELLE CHEN
Legal Assistant
Mobile: 0434 567 890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellechenlegal
Location: Melbourne, VIC
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Detail-oriented legal assistant with 5+ years of experience providing comprehensive administrative and case management support across corporate law, family law, and litigation practices. Successfully managed 150+ client files whilst maintaining 100% accuracy in document preparation, court filing procedures, and confidential information handling. Expert in legal research, document drafting, and client communication with deep knowledge of Australian court systems, legal procedures, and compliance requirements essential for effective legal practice support.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Legal Assistant | King & Wood Mallesons | February 2021 – Present
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to 8 senior lawyers across corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, and commercial litigation matters
• Manage complex case files including document review, evidence organisation, and court filing preparation for Federal and Supreme Court proceedings
• Coordinate client communications, meeting scheduling, and travel arrangements for legal teams managing multi-million dollar transactions
• Prepare legal documents including contracts, correspondence, court pleadings, and discovery materials using Microsoft Office and legal databases
• Maintain confidential client information systems ensuring compliance with legal professional privilege and privacy legislation requirements
Legal Assistant | McCarthy Tétrault Australia | June 2019 – January 2021
• Supported team of 5 lawyers specialising in employment law, workplace relations, and industrial disputes affecting major Australian corporations
• Conducted legal research using Westlaw, CCH, and other professional databases to support case preparation and client advisory services
• Prepared employment contracts, workplace policies, and Fair Work Commission documentation ensuring compliance with Australian employment legislation
• Coordinated with external counsel, expert witnesses, and court registries to manage hearing schedules and procedural requirements
• Maintained detailed billing records and client matter management using Aderant legal practice management software
Legal Secretary | Victoria Legal Aid | September 2017 – May 2019
• Provided frontline client service and administrative support for criminal law and family law legal aid services
• Processed legal aid applications, eligibility assessments, and funding approvals whilst managing sensitive client information confidentially
• Prepared court documents, correspondence, and client files for solicitors representing disadvantaged community members
• Coordinated with court staff, counsel, and community support services to ensure clients received appropriate legal representation
• Gained comprehensive understanding of criminal procedure, family law processes, and community legal service delivery models
Administration Assistant | Family Law Chambers | March 2016 – August 2017
• Supported barristers’ chambers specialising in family law, child custody, and property settlement matters
• Managed appointment scheduling, client intake procedures, and document preparation for family court proceedings
• Processed court filing requirements, served legal documents, and maintained client confidentiality in sensitive family disputes
• Assisted with client communication and case status updates whilst developing foundational knowledge of family law procedures
• Learned legal terminology, court protocols, and professional ethics standards under supervision of experienced legal professionals
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Diploma of Legal Services | TAFE Victoria | 2018
• Specialisation: Legal Administrative Support
• Practical modules: Australian Legal System, Court Procedures, Document Preparation, Client Communication
• Work Placement: 200 hours practical experience at Melbourne Family Law Practice
Certificate IV in Business Administration | TAFE Victoria | 2016
• Foundation skills in business communication, document management, and administrative procedures
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Legal Research and Writing Workshop – Law Institute of Victoria (2023)
• Privacy and Confidentiality in Legal Practice – Australian Legal Practice Management (2022)
• Court Filing and Procedure Updates – Victorian Bar Association (2023)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Legal Research: Westlaw Australia, CCH IntelliConnect, AustLII
• Document Management: iManage, NetDocuments, SharePoint
• Practice Management: Aderant, LEAP Legal Software, ActionStep
• Court Systems: RedCrest (VIC), NSW Online Registry, Federal Court eLodgment
• Software: Advanced Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, transcription software
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Maintained 100% accuracy rate in court document filing and deadline compliance over 4+ year period
• Processed 500+ legal aid applications with 98% approval rate through thorough documentation and client support
• Recognised for exceptional client service with average satisfaction rating of 4.9/5.0 across all client interactions
• Successfully managed confidential information for high-profile cases with zero privacy breaches or compliance issues
What is The Best Format for a Legal Assistant Resume?
The reverse chronological format is ideal for legal assistant resumes as it clearly demonstrates your progression through legal support roles and showcases your increasing familiarity with legal procedures, case management, and law firm operations. This format works particularly well in Australia’s legal industry where employers value steady experience growth and demonstrated competency in legal administration.
Use professional, traditional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri that convey reliability and attention to detail. Your name should be prominent at 16-18 points, section headings at 12-14 points, and body text at 11-12 points for optimal readability. Maintain consistent 1-inch margins and ensure adequate white space to create a clean, organised presentation that reflects the precision expected in legal work.
Always submit as a PDF unless specifically requested otherwise, as this preserves formatting and demonstrates your professional standards and attention to detail. Your resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title (Legal Assistant), mobile number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location (city and state).
Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your legal support experience, specialisations, and key achievements in legal administration.
Experience: Detail your work history in reverse chronological order, focusing on legal assistant, legal secretary, and related administrative roles.
Education & Training: Include relevant legal studies, administrative qualifications, and any specialised legal training.
Other sections: Add professional development, technical skills, and key achievements that demonstrate your legal expertise and administrative excellence.
What Experience Should Be on Your Legal Assistant Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your growth in legal support capabilities whilst highlighting specific achievements that show your impact on case management efficiency, client service quality, and legal practice operations. Focus on roles that showcase your knowledge of legal procedures, ability to handle confidential information, and competency in supporting lawyers with complex legal matters.
Australian employers particularly value legal assistants who understand local court systems, legal procedures, and regulatory requirements. Emphasise experiences that show your familiarity with Australian legal frameworks, ability to work with diverse legal software systems, and track record of maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality required in legal practice.
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Legal Assistant | Corrs Chambers Westgarth | March 2020 – Present
• Support 6 partners and senior associates across commercial litigation, construction law, and dispute resolution practices
• Manage case files for 40+ active matters including document discovery, evidence compilation, and court filing preparation
• Prepare complex legal documents including affidavits, witness statements, and court pleadings ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines
• Coordinate with external counsel, expert witnesses, and court registries to manage hearing schedules and procedural requirements
• Maintain comprehensive client databases and billing systems achieving 99.5% accuracy in time recording and matter management
INCORRECT EXAMPLE:
Legal Assistant | Law Firm | 2020 – Present
• Helped lawyers with administrative tasks
• Filed documents and answered phones
• Worked on legal cases and client matters
• Used computers and legal software
• Maintained client files and information
Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level legal assistants, focus on any experience that demonstrates administrative competency, attention to detail, and customer service skills. Include internships, work placements, volunteer legal support, or relevant administrative roles that show your foundation for legal support work.
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Legal Administration Trainee | Blake Dawson Chambers | January 2024 – Present
• Complete comprehensive legal assistant training program whilst supporting barristers with case preparation and administrative duties
• Assist with document preparation, court filing procedures, and client communication under supervision of experienced legal staff
• Learn legal research techniques using Westlaw and CCH databases whilst supporting senior legal assistants with case management
• Maintain confidential client information and develop understanding of legal professional privilege and ethics requirements
• Process court documentation and correspondence whilst gaining practical experience with Victorian court systems and procedures
INCORRECT EXAMPLE:
Trainee | Legal Office | 2024 – Present
• Learning about legal work
• Helping staff with various tasks
• Attending training sessions
• Working with legal documents
• Gaining experience in law
How to Write the Education Section for your Legal Assistant Resume
Education is important for legal assistants as it demonstrates your foundational knowledge of legal systems, procedures, and administrative practices essential for effective legal support. Australian employers value qualifications from recognised training providers like TAFE institutions or legal education providers that offer practical skills combined with theoretical knowledge of Australian legal frameworks.
Include relevant legal studies qualifications, administrative certificates, and any specialised training that shows your commitment to professional development in legal services. Highlight practical components, work placements, or notable achievements that demonstrate your applied learning and competency development.
Legal Assistant Resume Example [Education]
Diploma of Legal Services | TAFE Queensland | 2022
• Specialisation: Legal Administration and Client Services
• Major Project: “Electronic Document Management in Australian Law Firms” – achieved High Distinction
• Practical modules: Australian Legal System, Court Procedures, Document Preparation, Legal Research, Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• Work Placement: 240 hours hands-on experience at Brisbane Supreme Court and major commercial law firm
Certificate IV in Business Administration | TAFE Queensland | 2021
• Foundation training in business communication, records management, and professional administrative practices
How to Write the Skills Section for your Legal Assistant Resume
The skills section is crucial for legal assistants as it demonstrates your technical competencies, legal knowledge, and administrative capabilities essential for supporting legal practice operations effectively. Include 12-16 skills that directly relate to legal support work, balancing technical legal skills with administrative abilities and client service capabilities.
Focus on skills that are in demand across Australia’s diverse legal landscape, including proficiency with legal research databases, court filing systems, and practice management software. Employers particularly value legal assistants who combine traditional legal support skills with modern technology competency and strong client communication abilities.
Legal Assistant Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Legal research and database navigation
• Court document preparation and filing
• Legal correspondence and drafting
• Case file management and organisation
• Client intake and interview procedures
• Legal billing and time recording
• Document review and discovery management
• Court procedure and deadline tracking
• Confidentiality and privacy compliance
• Legal software and database proficiency
• Transcription and dictation services
• Contract and agreement preparation
• Evidence compilation and organisation
• Regulatory compliance and reporting
Legal Assistant Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Confidentiality and discretion management
• Time management and prioritisation
• Client service and relationship building
• Professional ethics and integrity
• Adaptability to changing legal requirements
• Stress management under tight deadlines
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity
• Team collaboration and support
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Initiative and proactive approach
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Continuous learning and professional development
How to pick the best Legal Assistant skills:
1. **Review legal job advertisements** carefully to identify the most commonly requested technical and administrative skills
2. **Prioritise legal-specific competencies** that demonstrate your understanding of legal procedures and court systems
3. **Include technology proficiency** that shows your capability with modern legal software and research databases
4. **Balance technical and interpersonal skills** to demonstrate both legal competency and client service abilities
5. **Focus on skills you can substantiate** with specific examples from your education, training, or work experience
6. **Consider local legal requirements** including knowledge of Australian court systems and legal procedures
Legal Assistant Resume Examples [Skills]
• Legal Research Excellence: Proficient in Westlaw, CCH, and AustLII databases, conducted 200+ comprehensive legal research projects with 98% accuracy rate
• Court Filing Expertise: Managed electronic court filings across Federal, Supreme, and Magistrates Courts with 100% on-time submission record
• Client Communication: Maintained professional client relationships with average satisfaction rating of 4.8/5.0 whilst handling sensitive legal matters
• Document Management: Organised and maintained 300+ complex case files using legal practice management software ensuring complete accuracy and accessibility
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Legal Assistant Resume?
Additional sections can strengthen your legal assistant resume by showcasing professional development, industry engagement, and specialised knowledge that demonstrate your commitment to legal excellence. These sections are particularly valuable in Australia’s competitive legal services market where continuous learning and professional growth are highly regarded by employers.
Consider including Professional Development which shows your commitment to staying current with legal procedures and technology. Specialisations can highlight your expertise in specific areas of law like family law, corporate law, or litigation support.
Technology Proficiency is increasingly important as legal practices adopt new software and systems. Community Involvement with legal aid organisations or pro bono work can demonstrate your commitment to access to justice. Awards and Recognition provide validation of your professional excellence and client service.
Legal Assistant Resume Examples [Other Sections]
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Advanced Legal Research Techniques – Law Institute of Victoria (2023)
• Privacy and Data Protection in Legal Practice – Australian Institute of Administrative Law (2023)
• Family Law Updates and Procedures – Family Law Section, Law Council of Australia (2022)
SPECIALISATIONS
• Family Law: Comprehensive knowledge of Family Court procedures, parenting orders, and property settlement documentation
• Corporate Law: Experience with company registrations, commercial contracts, and ASIC compliance requirements
• Litigation Support: Skilled in discovery processes, evidence management, and trial preparation procedures
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Volunteer Legal Assistant – Fitzroy Legal Service (2022-Present)
• Administrative Support – Law Week Victoria Community Legal Education Events (2021-2023)
RECOGNITION
• Client Service Excellence Award – King & Wood Mallesons (2023)
• Outstanding Student Achievement – TAFE Victoria Legal Services Program (2018)
INTERESTS
• Legal work
• Administration
• Helping people
• Reading
OTHER
• Have training certificates
• Help with community activities
• Good with legal work
Tip: You can include relevant personal interests like legal history, current affairs, or justice issues that demonstrate your genuine interest in the legal profession. Language skills can be valuable in multicultural legal practices or when working with diverse client populations.
How to write a Legal Assistant Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary is essential for legal assistants as it immediately establishes your legal support competency, demonstrates your understanding of legal procedures, and communicates your reliability and attention to detail that law firms require. This 3-4 line section should capture your experience level, key specialisations, notable achievements, and what makes you valuable in providing essential legal administrative support.
Focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact on practice efficiency, client service quality, or case management effectiveness. Include specific legal knowledge and administrative capabilities that align with employer needs and demonstrate your professional competency.
• **Quantify your legal experience** with specific numbers of cases managed, clients served, or documents prepared
• **Highlight legal specialisations** such as particular areas of law or specific court systems you understand
• **Include technical competencies** with legal software, research databases, and administrative systems
• **Mention accuracy and reliability** metrics that demonstrate your attention to detail and professional standards
• **Reference client service excellence** and ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive legal matters
Legal Assistant Resume Summary Examples
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Experienced legal assistant with 7+ years of comprehensive administrative and case management support across family law, commercial litigation, and corporate legal practices. Successfully managed 200+ client files whilst maintaining 100% accuracy in document preparation, court filing procedures, and confidential information handling. Expert in legal research using Westlaw and CCH databases, proficient in electronic court filing systems, and experienced in client communication with proven track record of 4.9/5.0 client satisfaction ratings. Committed to supporting legal excellence through meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding of Australian court procedures and legal compliance requirements.
INCORRECT EXAMPLE:
Legal assistant with experience in law firms and legal work. Good with administrative tasks and helping lawyers with legal matters. Reliable worker who is organised and detail-oriented. Looking for legal assistant position where I can use my skills.
Entry-level candidates should focus on education credentials, any legal work experience or placements, and genuine enthusiasm for legal support work. Highlight your training, attention to detail, and commitment to developing professional legal administrative skills.
Entry-Level Legal Assistant Resume Summary Examples
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Motivated entry-level legal assistant with Diploma of Legal Services and 300+ hours practical experience through work placements at commercial law firms and family law practices. Demonstrated competency in legal research, document preparation, and client communication whilst maintaining strict confidentiality standards and professional ethics. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, legal research databases, and court filing procedures with strong foundation in Australian legal system and court procedures. Eager to contribute to legal practice operations through exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to supporting access to justice.
INCORRECT EXAMPLE:
Recent legal studies graduate looking for first legal assistant position. Completed training and have some practical experience. Good with administrative work and want to learn more about legal profession.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Legal Assistant Resume
LinkedIn profile alignment with your resume is increasingly valuable for legal assistants, as the platform helps showcase your professional development, connect with legal professionals, and discover opportunities in Australia’s dynamic legal services sector. Research shows that 69% of Australian legal employers use LinkedIn to evaluate administrative and support candidates, making professional profile optimisation important for career advancement.
Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume whilst taking advantage of the platform’s networking capabilities and professional content sharing opportunities. This alignment helps establish your credibility in the legal community and connects you with legal professionals, career opportunities, and industry developments across Australia.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Legal Assistants
EFFECTIVE EXAMPLES:
“Legal Assistant | Case Management & Client Services | Family Law & Commercial Litigation | Melbourne”
“Experienced Legal Support Professional | Document Management & Court Procedures | Available for Opportunities”
“Legal Assistant | Diploma Qualified | 5+ Years Experience | Corporate Law & Legal Research | Sydney”
INEFFECTIVE EXAMPLES:
“Legal Assistant”
“Administrative Professional”
“Legal Support Worker”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary should adopt a more conversational, first-person tone whilst expanding on your interest in legal work, approach to client service, and commitment to supporting the legal profession. Unlike your resume’s concise summary, LinkedIn allows 2,000+ characters to share your professional journey and insights about legal support work.
Include your motivation for working in legal services, favourite aspects of legal administration, and your understanding of the importance of legal support in ensuring access to justice. Use relevant hashtags like #LegalAssistant, #LegalSupport, #AustralianLegal, or #LegalAdministration to improve discoverability among legal professionals.
Showcasing Legal Assistant Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for richer storytelling than traditional resume constraints. Expand your legal support achievements to include examples of particularly challenging cases you’ve supported, client service successes, or process improvements you’ve contributed to (whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality).
Use LinkedIn’s media feature carefully and appropriately to share any published articles about legal administration, certificates from professional development, or recognition received for legal support excellence (ensuring all content respects client confidentiality and professional obligations).
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Legal Assistants
Prioritise legal support skills such as “Legal Administration,” “Legal Research,” “Document Preparation,” “Client Services,” “Case Management,” and “Court Procedures” alongside administrative competencies. Seek endorsements from supervisors, colleagues, legal professionals you’ve worked with, and clients (where appropriate).
Consider completing LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas like “Microsoft Office,” “Customer Service,” or “Administrative Assistance” to earn verified skill badges. These assessments provide additional credibility and help demonstrate your professional competencies to potential employers.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Legal Assistants
Engage with Australian legal content by following law firms, legal associations, and professional legal publications. Share insights about legal administration improvements, professional development experiences, or thoughts about supporting access to justice to demonstrate your ongoing engagement with the legal profession.
Connect with legal professionals, other legal assistants, legal educators, and legal service providers across major Australian legal centres. Join relevant groups such as “Legal Assistants Australia,” “Australian Legal Professionals,” or local legal association networks to expand your professional network and stay informed about legal industry developments and opportunities.
Creating an outstanding legal assistant resume requires balancing administrative excellence with legal knowledge, technical competency with client service skills, and individual achievements with team support capabilities. Your resume serves as the vital first impression that demonstrates your ability to provide essential legal support and contribute effectively to legal practice success.
Remember that Australia’s legal services industry values professionals who combine strong administrative skills with understanding of legal procedures, individual reliability with collaborative teamwork, and technical competency with genuine commitment to supporting justice and legal excellence. Your resume should reflect these qualities whilst clearly demonstrating your unique strengths and professional development in legal support.
As you advance your legal assistant career, ensure your resume works effectively alongside with our cover letter resources that expands on your passion for legal work and dedication to supporting legal practice excellence. This combination will position you strongly for success in Australia’s essential and rewarding legal support profession.
For ongoing professional development and industry connections, consider engaging with the Law Council of Australia and exploring training opportunities through local law institutes and professional legal education providers. These connections, combined with a strategically crafted resume, will support your continued success in Australia’s dynamic legal services sector.
