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3 Basic Skills for the New Paralegal 

 February 10, 2020

By  Leslie Williams

3 Basic Skills for the New Paralegal

1. Typing Speed of 60-65 cwpm Minimum

Why the ‘need for speed’?

Reason: There’s much work to be done within an 8 hour day. Very simple. So, what do you do if your speed is not up to par? Take a moment to Google the phrase “free online typing tests”.  Practice for 30 minutes every day, focusing not just on building speed but accuracy. Dedicate yourself to this and you’ll go far!

 

2. Microsoft Word – Basic and Advanced Skills for the Paralegal

While you might already possess basic Microsoft Word skills, it’s simply not enough when you land your first Paralegal job.

Reason:  If an attorney regularly writes legal briefs, you undoubtedly have to understand how to create not only a Table of Contents but a Table of Authorities. YouTube is a great resource for free, complimentary instruction. Another advanced skill you must learn is how to perform a ‘Merge’. Don’t wait until you land your first Paralegal job to learn these advanced features. Do it now!

 

3. Proofreading

This skill is one that will undoubtedly build your reputation.

Reason:  How well you review each document, each piece of correspondence, every e-mail will show just how much you care about the work you do.  It also builds trust with the people you work for. When you proofread thoroughly, your attorney begins to see that quality is important to you.

 

 

 

Leslie Williams


Leslie Sansone Williams is a #1 International Best Selling author of "Legal Break-In" and the author of the "Paralegal Career Secrets BlackBook" (pdf). She is the creator of the Paralegal Inner Circle Class, Cover Letter Secrets Class & Job Hunt Kit Class. Her podcast, Paralegal Coffee Talk is available on Spotify. Leslie shares her Paralegal career knowledge via regular videos on the Paralegal Coffee Talk page on Facebook. Leslie has 31+ years experience in the paralegal, publishing & marketing careers. She has worked in the following areas of law: condemnation litigation, probate, estate planning, personal injury (catastrophic and medical malpractice), administrative law, franchise law, professional regulation, zoning, automobile dealership franchise law and business litigation.

Leslie Williams

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