What Lawyers Really Want: 5 Essential Paralegal Skills
Discover the core abilities that make paralegals indispensable to attorneys and law firms.
What Makes a Paralegal Truly Valuable to an Attorney?
When law firms and solo practitioners are hiring, they’re not just looking for someone who can type quickly or file documents neatly. They’re searching for a strategic support partner who can handle complex legal tasks with precision, anticipate needs, and operate with minimal supervision. While technical knowledge is important, the most sought-after paralegals bring a combination of hard and soft skills that directly impact case outcomes, client satisfaction, and firm efficiency.
This article breaks down the five core skill areas attorneys consistently prioritize when evaluating paralegal candidates. These aren’t just checkboxes on a job description—they’re the foundation of a high-performing legal support role.
1. Mastery of Legal Research and Case Analysis
One of the first things attorneys assess in a paralegal is whether they can independently find, interpret, and apply relevant legal authority. Strong research skills go far beyond knowing how to use a legal database. They involve understanding how to frame a legal question, identify the right jurisdiction and court level, and distinguish between binding precedent and persuasive authority.
A paralegal who excels in this area can:
- Locate statutes, regulations, and case law relevant to a specific issue
- Summarize key holdings and distinguish fact patterns from prior cases
- Identify gaps in the law or areas where legal arguments may be weak
- Present findings in a clear, concise memo or outline that attorneys can quickly use
Attorneys rely on paralegals to do the heavy lifting in discovery, motion preparation, and settlement negotiations. A paralegal who can independently research and analyze issues saves attorneys hours of time and allows them to focus on strategy and client interaction.
2. Precision in Legal Writing and Documentation
Legal writing is not just about grammar and spelling—it’s about clarity, accuracy, and adherence to formal standards. Attorneys look for paralegals who can draft pleadings, correspondence, discovery requests, and internal memoranda that are both legally sound and professionally polished.
Key aspects of strong legal writing include:
- Using correct legal terminology and avoiding vague or ambiguous language
- Following court rules and firm style guides for formatting, citations, and structure
- Organizing arguments logically and concisely
- Proofreading thoroughly to eliminate errors that could undermine credibility
Even a small mistake in a filing—such as an incorrect date, citation, or party name—can delay a case or even lead to sanctions. Paralegals who consistently produce clean, accurate documents are seen as low-risk, high-value team members.
3. Exceptional Organizational and Time Management Abilities
Law is a deadline-driven profession, and attorneys need paralegals who can manage multiple cases, deadlines, and tasks without dropping the ball. Strong organizational skills mean more than just keeping a tidy desk; they involve systematic case management, proactive planning, and the ability to prioritize effectively.
Paralegals who stand out in this area typically:
- Maintain detailed case files, both physical and electronic, with consistent naming and filing conventions
- Track all deadlines (court dates, discovery responses, filing requirements) in a reliable calendar system
- Break large projects into manageable steps with internal milestones
- Anticipate upcoming needs (e.g., preparing discovery packets before depositions, organizing exhibits before trial)
Attorneys appreciate paralegals who can say, “I’ve already pulled the deposition transcripts, organized the exhibits, and scheduled the conference room for next week’s meeting.” That level of initiative and foresight reduces stress and keeps cases moving forward smoothly.
4. Strong Communication and Client Interaction Skills
Paralegals often serve as the first point of contact for clients, opposing counsel, experts, and court personnel. Attorneys look for candidates who can communicate clearly, professionally, and empathetically in a variety of settings.
Effective communication skills for paralegals include:
- Drafting clear, concise emails and letters that convey necessary information without unnecessary detail
- Speaking confidently and professionally on the phone, whether scheduling depositions or following up on documents
- Explaining legal processes and next steps to clients in plain language, without giving legal advice
- Listening carefully to instructions and asking clarifying questions when needed
Paralegals who handle client interactions well help maintain positive relationships, reduce misunderstandings, and free up attorneys to focus on higher-level legal work. They also serve as a buffer during stressful moments, helping to manage client expectations and emotions.
5. Technological Proficiency and Adaptability
Modern legal practice runs on technology, and attorneys increasingly expect paralegals to be comfortable with a wide range of tools. This includes not only word processing and email but also case management systems, e-filing platforms, eDiscovery software, and secure communication tools.
Key technological competencies include:
- Proficiency with legal software such as case management systems (e.g., Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther) and document automation tools
- Experience with e-filing systems used by state and federal courts
- Understanding of eDiscovery processes, including document review platforms, metadata, and production formats
- Basic cybersecurity awareness, such as recognizing phishing attempts and using secure file-sharing methods
Attorneys value paralegals who can quickly learn new tools and adapt to changing workflows. A paralegal who can troubleshoot minor technical issues or train others on a new system becomes an even more valuable asset to the team.
How These Skills Translate in Real-World Practice
These five skill areas don’t exist in isolation—they work together to create a paralegal who can operate with a high degree of independence and reliability. For example:
- A paralegal researching a motion to dismiss must combine legal research, writing, organization, and technology skills to produce a draft that attorneys can refine and file on time.
- Preparing for a deposition requires organizing documents, drafting discovery requests, communicating with the client and experts, and using technology to manage exhibits and transcripts.
- Managing a litigation docket involves tracking deadlines, communicating with opposing counsel, drafting correspondence, and ensuring all filings are accurate and timely.
When attorneys see that a paralegal can handle these integrated tasks effectively, they’re more likely to trust that person with greater responsibility and complex cases.
Building and Demonstrating These Skills
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, there are concrete steps you can take to strengthen these core competencies:
- Practice legal research: Use free or low-cost legal databases to research sample issues and write short memos. Ask an attorney or mentor to review your work and provide feedback.
- Improve legal writing: Study court rules and sample pleadings. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and proper formatting. Edit ruthlessly to eliminate errors.
- Develop systems: Create templates for common tasks (e.g., discovery checklists, deposition preparation sheets) and use a reliable calendar to track deadlines.
- Enhance communication: Practice writing professional emails and letters. Role-play client conversations to build confidence and empathy.
- Learn legal tech: Take online courses or tutorials on case management software, e-filing, and eDiscovery tools. Volunteer for tech-related tasks at work to gain hands-on experience.
What Attorneys Look for in Interviews and Resumes
When hiring, attorneys often look for evidence of these skills in both resumes and interviews. Strong candidates:
- Highlight specific achievements, such as “managed discovery for 15+ active cases” or “reduced filing errors by implementing a new document review checklist.”
- Describe experience with relevant legal software and case types (e.g., litigation, corporate, family law).
- Provide examples of how they’ve used research, writing, and organizational skills to support attorneys and improve efficiency.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to learn during the interview process.
Paralegals who can clearly articulate how their skills have contributed to case outcomes or firm operations are more likely to stand out in a competitive job market.
FAQs: What Attorneys Want in a Paralegal
What’s the most important skill for a paralegal?
While all skills matter, attorneys often say that attention to detail and reliability are the most critical. A paralegal who consistently produces accurate, well-organized work builds trust and becomes an indispensable part of the team.
Do I need a degree to be a good paralegal?
A formal degree or certificate can be helpful, but many attorneys place more weight on demonstrated skills and experience. Strong research, writing, and organizational abilities, combined with a professional attitude, are often more important than the specific path you took to get there.
How can I show I’m good at legal research and writing?
Build a portfolio of sample work, such as research memos, draft pleadings, or discovery requests (with identifying information removed). In interviews, be ready to walk through how you approach a research question and how you ensure your writing is clear and accurate.
What if I don’t have much experience with legal software?
Be honest about your current level, but emphasize your willingness and ability to learn quickly. Mention any related tech skills (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, document management) and any steps you’re taking to gain legal tech experience, such as online courses or certifications.
Can soft skills really make that much of a difference?
Absolutely. Attorneys work in high-pressure environments and rely heavily on their support staff. Paralegals who communicate well, manage their time effectively, and maintain a positive, professional demeanor are often the ones who get promoted and entrusted with the most important cases.
Conclusion: Becoming the Paralegal Attorneys Want to Hire
Attorneys don’t just want someone who can complete tasks—they want a paralegal who can think like a lawyer, communicate like a professional, and manage complex work with precision. By focusing on legal research, writing, organization, communication, and technology, you position yourself as a candidate who can add real value to any legal team.
Whether you’re applying for your first paralegal role or aiming for a more senior position, investing in these core skills will make you more competitive, more confident, and more indispensable to the attorneys you support.
References
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants : Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2023-09-06. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm
- Understanding Paralegal Core Competencies — NALA – The Paralegal Association. 2024. https://nala.org/nalas-essential-core-competencies/
- How to Become a Paralegal in 5 Steps — Vanderbilt Law School. 2024. https://law.vanderbilt.edu/master-legal-studies/articles/how-to-become-a-paralegal/
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