9 Technical Skills Every Paralegal Needs to Know
Paralegals are truly the backbone of any legal operation, and having strong technical skills can set you apart in this rapidly evolving field. As technology continues transforming the legal profession, paralegals and other legal professionals must stay current with the latest tools and systems. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just beginning your career, mastering the right technical skills can significantly enhance your efficiency and marketability.
Employers increasingly prioritize candidates who are comfortable working with legal research platforms, document management tools, and e-filing systems. And it’s no surprise: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for paralegals is projected to grow 14% by 2033, which is notably faster than many other professions. This trend reinforces the importance of staying tech-savvy to remain competitive in today’s job market.
In this guide, we’ll explore nine essential technical skills that every paralegal, legal secretary, or law firm professional should cultivate to remain indispensable in the modern legal landscape.
In-Demand Paralegal Tech Skills
Document management
Effective document management is the foundation of any law firm’s day-to-day operations. Paralegals juggle everything from deposition transcripts and court pleadings to crucial exhibits. Tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iManage provide secure storage, sharing, and retrieval of files, reducing the need for physical paper systems. Features like tagging, version control, and advanced search functions help streamline busy workflows.
Being proficient with document management systems also makes it easier for team members to find critical information when needed, minimizing the risk of lost or misplaced files.
Legal research platforms
Mastering platforms like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and AI-driven tools such as Casetext’s CoCounsel is a must for efficient, accurate legal research. These resources offer quick access to case law, statutes, and secondary materials while simplifying citation generation. Advanced AI features can even provide predictive analytics and drafting support, giving paralegals an edge in producing high-quality work under tight deadlines.
A 2024 Legal Trends Report noted that firms using AI-enhanced research tools cut their research time by 25%, helping them stay ahead of the curve.
Billing and project management software
Accurate billing and organized task management are critical in any law firm. That’s why tools like Clio, TimeSolv, and PracticePanther Legal Software handle time tracking, invoicing, and expense management. Meanwhile, project management platforms such as Asana, Trello, and Legalboards can help you stay on top of deadlines, assign tasks, and keep tabs on case progress.
Paralegals who know how to use these tools effectively help ensure compliance, streamline office workflows, and prevent billing errors—all of which boost client confidence and satisfaction.
Word processing and presentation tools
Drafting legal documents and creating presentations are core responsibilities for paralegals. Microsoft Word remains the gold standard for pleadings, contracts, and memos, while Google Docs is great for real-time collaboration. Presentation tools like PowerPoint, Prezi, and Keynote allow you to present complex information in a clear, compelling format—whether for court hearings or client discussions.
Taking time to learn advanced features like mail merge, macros, and formatting shortcuts can save you hours and result in a polished final product.
Digital organization and e-filing
With courts increasingly going digital, familiarity with e-filing platforms—like PACER or state-specific portals such as the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal—is becoming non-negotiable. Paralegals need to know how to upload documents, manage digital files, and monitor case statuses.
Understanding how e-filing systems integrate with the firm’s case management platforms is another big plus, as it facilitates seamless processes and helps you meet crucial deadlines.
Cybersecurity awareness
In a tech-driven legal environment, safeguarding sensitive client data is imperative. Paralegals should understand basics like encryption, secure file-sharing practices, and how to spot phishing attempts. Many firms rely on password managers like LastPass and malware protection solutions like Malwarebytes to keep data safe.
A 2025 Cybersecurity in Legal Report revealed that 60% of law firms have experienced data breaches, highlighting just how important cybersecurity expertise is for modern legal teams.
Knowledge management systems (KMS)
Large law firms often rely on knowledge management systems like SharePoint, HighQ, or NetDocuments to store and share internal resources—from templates to case data and research. Paralegals who can navigate these systems easily enable faster collaboration and better decision-making.
Knowledge management tools also encourage consistent document-handling practices and make it simpler for teams to find exactly what they need right when they need it.
Conferencing software and smartphone applications
Today’s legal teams depend on platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet for remote meetings, depositions, and even virtual court hearings. Paralegals should be able to schedule, troubleshoot, and manage online meetings, including using features like screen sharing and breakout rooms. Apps such as Clio Mobile for case management, Evernote for note-taking, and Slack for communication help you stay connected and organized anywhere, anytime.
Syncing these apps with your office systems keeps all your info up to date and supports a smooth workflow.
Office technology
Even though much of the legal world has gone digital, traditional office equipment like scanners, printers, copiers, and fax machines still play a role in many firms. Knowing how to operate and troubleshoot this technology is crucial to supporting daily operations. You might need to create PDF portfolios for exhibits or securely fax sensitive documents to meet certain requirements.
Being adept with this equipment demonstrates your technical reliability and helps the entire office run more smoothly.
How Paralegals Can Keep Up With Technology Trends in 2025
Ongoing learning is one of the best ways to stand out in the legal world. Consider pursuing professional development opportunities, like certifications, online courses, or webinars. For example, NALA’s CP Exam Review or ABA-approved continuing education programs often include modules on emerging legal technologies. Keeping pace with updates to platforms like LexisNexis, Westlaw, or Clio ensures you’re always ready to tackle new challenges.
Beyond formal training, explore tech trends on your own. A 2024 Legal Tech Report found that 78% of law firms now rely on AI-powered tools for document review and research. Getting comfortable with tools like AI and understanding evolving cybersecurity protocols positions you as a forward-thinking paralegal who adapts quickly to industry changes.
You can also learn a lot from peers by joining professional forums or associations such as the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Sharing best practices and real-world experiences can give you new ideas for improving workflows back at your own firm.
