Architects, writers, and artists are not the only professionals that land their dream job with the help of a stellar portfolio. It is so important that we, as aspiring or already professional paralegals, don’t sell ourselves short – a portfolio is essential to any professional that writes, researches, and communicates as much as even the most entry level legal assistant does. This blog post will help provide a short guide to inspire you to get your portfolio organized and perfected.
What Should I include in My Professional Portfolio?
First, I’d like to start by identifying the purpose of the professional portfolio. Your résumé is a document that quantifies and lists all your skills and performed job duties, all in the length of one page. Your professional portfolio, however, is a collection of written documents that prove that not only do you possess the skills stated in your résumé, but equally performed your employment duties successfully and superbly. My current Advanced Professional Writing professor Dr. Crystal Colombini often states that in the realm of professional writing:
Your formatting is your ethos.
With that said, careful attention should be paid to the organization and components of your portfolio. Your portfolio formatting and organization should be clear, consistent, and visually appealing.
Professional portfolios are unique to any individual and profession. Mary E. Mulllin, a practicing attorney in California and owner of the blog Paralegal Essentials, included an all-inclusive list of what a paralegal might include in their portfolio in her blog post:
Organizing Your Portfolio
Although this is an intimidating list, don’t let it overwhelm you. Sometimes, less is more, and the quality of your work may speak volumes more than the quantity. Paralegals who have just completed the certification program may not have all of these documents. Instead, portfolios may also include other written reports and research articles drafted outside of the paralegal program or job. For example, I will include in my portfolio a select variety of recommendation reports, memos, abstracts, and memos that I have written during my undergraduate tenure. For those students still completing the paralegal program, it is absolutely necessary to keep and continue to polish all documents composed during your program.
Fortunately, safekeeping of important documents, such as those you want to include in your portfolio, has been insured by the wonders of the internet. In fact, internet portfolios, or commonly termed ePortfolios, is the quintessential mode of displaying and organizing your portfolio. Google Sites, WordPress, and Wix are just some of the internet platforms perfect for housing your online portfolio. In addition to functionality and easy management, online portfolios allow you to include an “about me” page, that may highlight some of your interests and hobbies outside of your profession. It is important to remember that online portfolios are not the only option, however. You may also choose to bring a physical portfolio to interviews. Keep in mind that it is not necessary for ePortfolios to mimic the color and vibrancy of a fashion website – instead, you can include in your website specific tabs that contain PDF or Word Documents of your work. This makes for easy access and design:
Further research of professional portfolios has allowed me to list some portfolio organization basics:
· Formatting: make sure that all of your included documents are similar in formatting, font, and style.
· Group your projects: Organize and differentiate your documents based on audience and style. For example, all legal writing documents should be organized together. An abundance of legal documents may be separated further to include case briefs, discovery documents, interoffice memorandums, correspondence, and the like. Freelance writing, recommendation reports, or independent research should be in corresponding tabs or folders, separate from other documents.
· Be sure to review documents for sensitive material: This is especially important when preparing a legal portfolio. Documents that include specific names and places, or any other sensitive information that could compromise you or the attorney, should be revised or reconsidered.
Closing Comments
All in all, portfolios should not be a stressor or cause any sleepless nights. It is never too early or too late to start working on a professional portfolio. These portfolios should serve as your highlight reel – and the quality of the work will surely speak for itself. There are so many options to customize and organize your professional portfolio to not only be representative of your writing and accomplishments, but also physically showcase your dedication to your craft and profession. Below I have linked some resources for you to check out, that will hopefully answer even more questions you have.
Check out this paralegal portfolio for inspiration: Laura Smith Live Binder
Other Helpful Links:
