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Jessica Brandon
Paralegal
Summary
I have 6 years of working experience as a legal assistant, personal assistant, administrative assistant and customer care executive in Bangladesh and Sweden. Currently I am pursuing an Intellectual property (IP) paralegal program of one-year from Affärshögskolan, Karlstad. I am familiar with registration practice, IPR knowledge, and in-depth knowledge of trademark and patent filing and prosecution practices in the PRV, EUIPO, WIPO, PCT, EPO and other major jurisdictions world-wide. I have a bachelor’s degree in law and master’s in social science. I am fluent in Swedish and English in both speech and writing beside having expertise on MS office tools, operating systems and search engines.
Skills
- Reporting and documentation
- Responsible
- Organization
- Problem solving
- Legal research
- Confidentiality
- Team player
- Office 365
- MS Office
Work Experience
Personal Assistant (Part-time)
I supervise an epileptic 21-year-old young man in his daily activities, including administering his medication and provide safe mobility support within house and outside. I also keep records of client’s health condition and updating the parents and his doctor on timely basis or as required.
Legal Assistant
- Case management,
- Gathered and analyzed legal documet,
- Corresponded with authorities, court counterparties and clients,
- Proofreading and translations, text and language processing,
- Perfected and circulated documentation including affidavits, pleadings, depositions notices, and brief for review by attorney,
- Managed client billing by preparing, finalizing and sending them out to the clients
- Managed organize and maintain documents in paper and electronic filing system.
- Provided general administrative assistance such as maintained the attorney’s calendars and making travel arrangements.
Administrative Assistant (Part-time)
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication,
- Orchestrated successful conferences, including associated travel for all speakers and attendees, facilities and support services,
- Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team efficiency,
- Handled all scheduling for director’s calendar and prepared meeting agenda and materials.
Customer Care Executive (Part-time)
- Received incoming calls and analyzed problems in a quick, committed and educational way,
- Solved customer matters regarding phone subscription and other services.
Education
IP Paralegal
The program is designed to learn how to protect innovations and business activities with patents, trademarks, design protection and domain names all over the world including knowledge regarding government communication, case management, information, leadership, team development and business leadership.
Master of Social Science – Victimology and Restorative Justice
Victim counseling and social restoration, victim offender relationship through negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
Bachelor of Law – LLB
Contract Law, jurisprudence, business law, company law, laws of insurance, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration, law of tort, civil and criminal procedure, conveyancing and legal writing, International law, legal research and methodology.
Languages
- English
- French
- Arabic
- German
Career Expert Tips:
- Always make sure you choose the perfect resume format to suit your professional experience.
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What is the Role of a Paralegal?
The role of a paralegal is both dynamic and multifaceted, serving as a cornerstone in the legal industry. Paralegals are legal professionals who work under the supervision of licensed attorneys, providing them with substantial support in various legal processes. Their role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to, conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, and liaising with clients.
Paralegals often find themselves wearing many hats, adapting to the needs of the case at hand and the demands of their supervising attorney. Their role is pivotal in ensuring that law firms and legal departments function smoothly and efficiently. Let’s delve deeper into the world of paralegals, a profession that combines legal expertise with organizational skills to create a role that is both challenging and rewarding.
What are the Paralegal Job Requirements?
Embarking on a career as a paralegal requires a well-rounded skill set and a solid educational background. The journey to becoming a paralegal is paved with dedication and a keen interest in the legal field. Let’s explore the essential requirements that aspiring paralegals must fulfill:
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field, laying the foundation for a successful career.
- Strong research and writing skills, honed through rigorous academic training and practical experience.
- Proficiency in legal research tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, showcasing a readiness to delve deep into legal matters.
- Experience in drafting legal documents, a testament to your hands-on experience in the legal field.
- Excellent organizational skills, a necessity in managing vast amounts of legal documentation and data.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, a critical aspect in handling sensitive legal information.
Securing a paralegal certificate from a recognized institution can further enhance your profile, showcasing a commitment to excellence in the field.
What are the Responsibilities of a Paralegal?
The role of a paralegal is characterized by a diverse range of responsibilities, each demanding a unique skill set and attention to detail. Let’s delve into the core responsibilities that define this role:
- Conducting legal research to support cases, diving deep into legal precedents and statutes.
- Drafting legal documents such as contracts, affidavits, and pleadings, a task that demands precision and attention to detail.
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, ensuring easy access to critical documents at all times.
- Communicating with clients to gather information and provide updates, fostering a relationship of trust and professionalism.
- Assisting attorneys in trial preparation, a collaborative effort that involves meticulous planning and organization.
- Coordinating with various stakeholders including court personnel and opposing counsel, a role that demands diplomacy and excellent communication skills.
Each responsibility is a stepping stone towards building a successful case, showcasing the pivotal role paralegals play in the legal process.
Paralegal Resume Writing Tips
Creating a resume that stands out in the competitive legal industry demands a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you craft a resume that showcases your strengths and achievements as a paralegal:
- Highlight your educational background, showcasing your knowledge base in the legal field.
- Detail your experience in legal research and drafting documents, providing examples of your contributions to successful cases.
- Include any certifications or specialized training you have received, a testament to your commitment to professional growth.
- Personalize your resume for the specific role you are applying for, weaving a narrative that aligns with the job description.
Each tip is a guidepost, helping you navigate the path to crafting a resume that resonates with potential employers.
Paralegal Resume Summary Examples
Your resume summary is a concise snapshot of your career, offering a glimpse into your experience and expertise. Crafting a compelling summary can set the stage for a successful application. Here are some examples to inspire you:
- “Detail-oriented paralegal with 5 years of experience in corporate law, skilled in legal research and document drafting.”
- “Dedicated paralegal with a background in family law, bringing a compassionate approach to client communication.”
- “Experienced paralegal with expertise in litigation support, adept at managing complex cases with multiple stakeholders.”
Each summary paints a picture of a professional ready to bring their skills and expertise to a new challenge.
Create a Strong Experience Section for Your Paralegal Resume
The experience section of
your resume is your opportunity to showcase your journey in the legal field. Here, you can detail the roles you have held and the impact you have made. Let’s explore how to create a compelling experience section:
- Detail your role in successful legal cases, showcasing your contributions to positive outcomes.
- Highlight your experience in legal research, providing examples of complex cases you have worked on.
- Include any leadership roles you have held, showcasing your ability to lead and mentor junior team members.
Each entry in your experience section is a testament to your skills and achievements, painting a picture of a seasoned professional ready for the next challenge.
Sample Education Section for Your Paralegal Resume
Your educational background is a cornerstone of your career, providing the knowledge base that supports your practical experience. Here is a sample education section that showcases a strong foundation in the legal field:
- Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, XYZ University, 2015
- Paralegal Certificate, ABC Paralegal School, 2016
Each educational milestone is a stepping stone, building a pathway to a successful career in the legal industry.
Paralegal Skills for Your Resume
As a paralegal, your skill set is a rich tapestry of legal knowledge and organizational prowess. Let’s explore the skills that can set you apart in the competitive legal landscape:
Soft Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, fostering relationships built on trust and professionalism.
- Organizational skills, a necessity in managing complex legal cases.
- Attention to detail, ensuring precision in legal documentation.
- Problem-solving abilities, finding solutions in challenging situations.
Hard Skills:
- Legal research, a skill honed through academic training and practical experience.
- Document drafting, showcasing your ability to create legal documents that stand up in court.
- Knowledge of legal software, a testament to your readiness to leverage technology in the legal field.
- Understanding of legal terminology, showcasing your deep knowledge of the legal landscape.
Each skill is a building block, creating a profile of a paralegal who is ready to take on the challenges of the legal world.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Paralegal Resume
As you craft your paralegal resume, it is essential to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your chances of landing your dream job. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using a one-size-fits-all resume, failing to tailor your application to the specific role.
- Overloading your resume with legal jargon, obscuring your true value and expertise.
- Ignoring the cover letter, missing an opportunity to connect with potential employers on a personal level.
- Failing to proofread, leaving a dent in your professional image with typos and grammatical errors.
Each mistake is a potential roadblock, avoid them to craft a resume that truly showcases your strengths.
Key Takeaways for Your Paralegal Resume
As we reach the end of this guide, let’s recap the essential elements to keep in mind while crafting your paralegal resume:
- Detail your educational background, showcasing the foundation of your legal expertise.
- Highlight your experience, providing a window into your journey in the legal field.
- Include a strong skills section, showcasing the diverse skill set that makes you a valuable asset to any legal team.
- Personalize your resume, weaving a narrative that aligns with the job description and showcases your unique fit for the role.
Finally, feel free to utilize resources like AI Resume Builder, Resume Design, Resume Samples, Resume Examples, Resume Skills, Resume Help, Resume Synonyms, and Job Responsibilities to create a standout application and prepare for the paralegal job interview.
With these insights and resources at your disposal, you are well-equipped to craft a resume that not only tells your career story but also showcases your readiness to take on new challenges in the legal field. Best of luck!
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