What Does a Legal Assistant / Paralegal Actually Do?
A Legal Assistant supports solicitors, barristers, or in-house counsel by drafting correspondence, managing case files, conducting legal research, and preparing court bundles. In a busy week you might be updating a matter management system like Osprey or LEAP, chasing court dates, summarising case law, and sitting in on client calls. Law firms, government agencies, insurance companies, and corporate legal departments all hire for this role. You typically report directly to a supervising solicitor or practice manager.
Victoria Knight
Legal Assistant
📍 London, UK✉️ victoria.knight@email.com
Summary
Detail-oriented Legal Assistant with 5 years of experience at Magic Circle law firms. Skilled in due diligence, legal research, and supporting complex M&A and corporate finance transactions.
Work Experience
Legal Assistant at Clifford ChanceSep 2021 — Present
Support 6 Partners and 12 Associates across M&A and corporate finance practice groups
Prepare and manage due diligence documents for transactions valued at £500M+
Junior Legal Assistant at LinklatersJun 2019 — Aug 2021
Conducted legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw for 50+ research assignments
Managed document production for regulatory investigations coordinating 10,000+ page reviews
Legal Assistant CVs need to show attention to detail, legal knowledge, and the ability to support fee earners. Show the type of firm, practice area, and complexity of work handled.
Key Skills to Include
Legal research (LexisNexis, Westlaw), case management, document drafting, court filing, client communication, compliance, contract review, and billing.
Common Mistakes
Not specifying the type of legal work. "Worked at a law firm" tells nothing. Specify the practice area, transactions supported, and their value.
Formatting Tips
One to two pages. Use a conservative, professional template. Include qualifications for legal training. Keep formatting simple with zero errors.
Average Salary — Legal Assistant / Paralegal
United States
$42,000 – $62,000
United Kingdom
$25,000 – $40,000
Germany
$32,000 – $48,000
UAE / Dubai
$38,000 – $58,000
Canada
$40,000 – $58,000
Australia
$45,000 – $62,000
Figures in USD. Ranges reflect mid-level experience (3–7 years). Senior roles and major metro areas typically sit at the top of these bands.
Top 5 Interview Questions — Legal Assistant / Paralegal
1How do you manage competing deadlines across multiple fee earners?
Describe your prioritisation system — whether that's a shared calendar, daily task list, or flagging urgency with fee earners directly. Show you don't let things fall through the cracks.
2What experience do you have with legal research and drafting documents?
Be specific about the platforms you've used (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Practical Law) and the types of documents you've drafted — witness statements, contracts, letters before action.
3Tell me about a time you noticed an error that could have had serious consequences.
This tests your attention to detail. Walk through what you spotted, how you caught it, and what you did about it. The key is showing you take accuracy seriously without being asked.
4How familiar are you with court procedures and filing requirements?
Mention specific courts or tribunals you've dealt with. If you've e-filed with HMCTS or filed in the County Court, say so. Concrete experience matters more than general statements.
5Describe how you handle confidential client information.
Reference GDPR, your firm's data handling policies, and physical security of files. Show you understand that confidentiality is non-negotiable in legal work.
How to Tailor Your CV
Large firms like Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and DLA Piper look for strong academics, attention to detail, and experience with matter management software. High-street and regional firms prioritise breadth — show you've handled a variety of matters and client types rather than purely specialised work.