RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Legal Assistant Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the top errors that keep hiring managers and ATS from noticing your skills.
How This Page Helps
This page helps legal assistants spot frequent resume pitfalls, understand why they matter, and apply proven fixes to boost interview chances.
Learn the 7 most common resume errors for legal assistants
Understand how each mistake impacts ATS and recruiters
Get side‑by‑side before‑and‑after examples
Apply actionable fixes in minutes
Download a printable checklist and mini‑workshop
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague or Non‑Standard Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t quickly see relevance
- ATS may not map the role to legal assistant keywords
How to fix
- Replace with standard title like “Legal Assistant” or “Paralegal Assistant”
- Add a brief descriptor if needed, e.g., “Legal Assistant – Litigation Support”
❌ Before
Administrative Support
✓ After
Legal Assistant – Litigation Support
ATS Tip
Match the exact title used in the job posting.
Detection Rules
title does not contain 'Legal Assistant' or related synonyms
Resumly Tip
Our parser flags titles that deviate from common legal support terms.
Duty‑Focused Bullet PointsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate impact
- ATS looks for quantifiable results
How to fix
- Start bullets with action verbs
- Include numbers, percentages, or outcomes
- Show how you supported attorneys or saved time
❌ Before
Managed calendar and scheduled meetings.
✓ After
Coordinated 150+ attorney calendars, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%.
ATS Tip
Include keywords like “drafted”, “filed”, “managed”, with metrics.
Detection Rules
bullets lack numbers or action verbs
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights bullets missing measurable results.
Missing Legal Tech KeywordsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS filters out resumes lacking required software experience
- Recruiters assume lack of proficiency
How to fix
- Add specific tools such as Clio, LexisNexis, Westlaw, MyCase, Microsoft Office Suite
- Place them in a Skills section and weave into bullet points
❌ Before
Proficient with office software.
✓ After
Proficient with Clio case management, Westlaw research, and Microsoft Office Suite.
ATS Tip
Mirror the exact tool names from the job description.
Detection Rules
skills section missing 'Clio', 'LexisNexis', 'Westlaw'
Resumly Tip
Our keyword scanner suggests missing legal tech terms.
Inconsistent or Missing Employment DatesLOW
Why it hurts
- Creates confusion about career continuity
- ATS may misinterpret date fields
How to fix
- Use consistent format like 'MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY' or 'Month Year – Present'
- Include month and year for each role
❌ Before
2018 – 2020
✓ After
Jan 2018 – Dec 2020
ATS Tip
Standardized dates improve parsing accuracy.
Detection Rules
date strings not matching 'MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY' pattern
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags dates that deviate from the recommended format.
Excessive Legal Jargon & AcronymsLOW
Why it hurts
- Recruiters outside the firm may not understand
- ATS may not recognize uncommon abbreviations
- Reduces readability
How to fix
- Use plain language, spell out acronyms on first use
- Focus on transferable skills
❌ Before
Prepared BGB filings and executed DPA compliance.
✓ After
Prepared Business Governance Brief (BGB) filings and ensured Data Protection Act (DPA) compliance.
ATS Tip
Balance industry terms with clear explanations.
Detection Rules
bullets contain >2 unexplained acronyms
Resumly Tip
Our tool highlights acronyms without definitions.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Key Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_LegalAssistant_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, two pages max for 5+ years experience
Date Format: MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a standard legal assistant title
- Include quantifiable achievements
- List relevant legal software
- Maintain consistent date format
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Add a concise professional summary
- Limit resume to 1‑2 pages
- Save as PDF with proper file name
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Bullhorn
Keyword Strategy: Legal assistant, paralegal support, case management, document drafting, discovery, client intake, Clio, LexisNexis, Westlaw
Heading Format: Use clear headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Key Skills' to match ATS expectations.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current legal assistant resume text
- Standardize job titles
- Convert duty statements to achievement bullets
- Add missing legal tech keywords
- Normalize date formats
- Spell out acronyms
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