At Surratt Law, we believe that an effective paralegal is more than just a skilled legal professional – they’re the backbone of seamless client service and the heartbeat of an organized, efficient law office. Whether assisting in family law, estate planning, probate, reproductive law, or LGBT+ matters, paralegals must balance technical precision with empathy and professionalism. Below, we’ve outlined the top hard and soft skills that make a candidate truly stand out when joining our team.
Top Three Hard Skills
Document Drafting and Review – Precision in preparing, formatting, and proofreading legal documents such as pleadings, contracts, discovery responses, and correspondence. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical in all written work.
Case Management and Legal Technology Proficiency – Strong command of case management systems, electronic filing platforms, and document organization tools. The ability to efficiently navigate technology enhances productivity and supports seamless collaboration. We are a tech forward firm and while we can train on a lot of it – if the person doesn’t have the skills to self-learn and pursue technology to it’s maximum potential they are not necessarily going to do well.
Communication and Professionalism – Clear, respectful, and timely communication with attorneys, clients, and courts. A professional demeanor is vital, especially when dealing with sensitive family law, estate planning, probate, reproductive, and LGBT+ matters. While some may call this a “soft skill” – we see it as a mandatory skill as we don’t have room for someone to be shy with the issues we work with.
Top Three Soft Skills
Organization and Time Management – The ability to juggle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain order in a fast-paced legal environment.
Problem-Solving and Initiative – A proactive approach to anticipating needs, resolving issues independently when appropriate, and maintaining composure under pressure.
Team Player – Collaborates effectively with attorneys and staff, demonstrating reliability, flexibility, and a positive attitude. Contributes to a supportive team environment where communication and cooperation lead to the best outcomes for clients. Our Staff love each other – if the team doesn’t want to hire a person – then we don’t hire them.
These skills together create the foundation for a successful, collaborative, and efficient legal team.
