Job-Winning Lawyer Resume Examples and Tips For 2023
The demands placed on resumes by companies change along with the legal world. Lawyers must create captivating resumes that highlight their skills, experiences, and achievements effectively.Around 1.3 million attorneys compete for 790,000 positions. Over 45,000 new ones enter the market every year.
An experienced attorney with a focus on the result. Achieved 90% client satisfaction while maintaining 800 billable hours per year at LDP. Strong expertise in legal research, writing persuasive briefs, and negotiating favorable settlements. Conducted 30 trials and 95 out of 100 mediations were successful.
BLS projects that there will be 4% more job openings for attorneys in the US until 2029, which is about average growth. This reflects an increase in the number of legal positions on the market of almost 32,300.
Got an idea of the competition from the figures? With a compelling resume in hand, you will enhance your chances of landing your desired legal job and advancing your career.
This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to captivating lawyer resume examples and tips that will help you craft a compelling resume that gets noticed by employers.
By implementing these tips and tailoring your resume to each opportunity, you'll increase your chances of grabbing the attention of employers and securing your desired legal position.
It's important to keep your lawyer's resume concise and focused.
Highlight the key skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
Quantify your achievements whenever possible, using numbers, percentages, or other measurable results to demonstrate your success.
Highlight your legal skills and expertise that are relevant to the specific job you're applying for.
Begin your resume with a compelling summary statement that captures the attention of the reader.
Structure your resume by placing the most relevant and impressive information at the top of each section to grab the reader's attention.
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb and focus on specific achievements or responsibilities.
Research the keywords commonly used in the legal industry and include them in your resume to increase your chances of passing the initial screening.
Tips For A Strong Attorney Resume With No Experience
Focus on relevant coursework and academic achievements: If you're a recent law school graduate or have limited professional experience, highlight your academic achievements and relevant coursework.
Emphasize transferable skills: Showcase the transferrable skills you have acquired through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities even if you lack specific legal experience.
Include relevant legal internships or clerkships: If you have completed any internships, clerkships, or legal assistant positions, include them on your resume. Even if they were short-term or part-time, they demonstrate your exposure to the legal field and provide valuable experience that can be relevant to a potential employer.
Research and Writing Experience: Highlight your research and writing experience, specifically emphasizing your ability to prepare legal briefs, memos, and academic papers. Include writing samples or publications that showcase your abilities, providing tangible evidence of your research and writing skills.
Volunteer Work: List any pro bono or volunteer work you have done for law firms, demonstrating your commitment to serving the community.
Personalize your cover letter: A strong cover letter is essential when applying for a legal position with no experience. Use the cover letter to explain your passion for the legal field, your commitment to learning and growth, and your transferable skills that make you a strong candidate.
Attorney Resume Examples
The following Attorney Resumes are created by professional resume writers after studying thousands of resumes from the industry.
Highly driven Harvard Law School graduate seeking an entry-level position as a lawyer, utilizing strong academic achievements and a passion for delivering exceptional legal services. Committed to upholding ethical standards, providing comprehensive legal support, and making a significant contribution to a reputable law firm.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Ridgewood Law School, NY
Graduated – May 2020
Relevant Coursework:
Contracts Law
Criminal Law
Civil Procedure
Constitutional Law
Legal Writing and Research
Administrative Law
Legal Experience
Excel Law Firm
Law Clerk
New York City, NY
Aug 2022 - Present
Responsibilities:
Assisted attorneys in legal research, document preparation, and case management for a variety of practice areas.
Conducted thorough legal research using online databases and prepared memoranda and briefs.
Drafted legal documents, including contracts, motions, and settlement agreements.
Attended client meetings, hearings, and depositions to observe legal proceedings and gain practical experience.
Pierre Law Company
Intern
New York City, NY
Sept 2020 – May 2022
Responsibilities:
Conducted legal research on various legal issues and assisted in case preparation.
Drafted legal documents, including demand letters and complaints.
Assisted in client intake interviews and performed initial case assessments.
Conducted client interviews and prepared case summaries for supervising attorneys.
Observed courtroom proceedings and gained knowledge of trial procedures.
Skills
Strong legal research and writing skills
Proficient in legal research tools, including Westlaw and LexisNexis
Attention to detail and analytical thinking
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Case management and organization
Ability to work effectively in a team
Familiarity with legal citation formats (Bluebook, APA)
Resume Format - Attorney Resume
Write a concise statement that highlights your career goals, relevant experience, and areas of expertise.
List your law degree with the name of the law school, year of graduation, and any honors received.
Quantify your achievements when possible, using numbers or percentages.
Highlight your relevant legal skills and areas of expertise. Be sure to include any software or tools you are proficient in.
List any professional organizations or bar associations you are a member of.
Mention any relevant certifications or licenses you hold, such as passing the bar exam or specialized legal certifications.
How To Write Lawyer Resume Summary or Objective? (Resume Introduction)
Customize your summary or objective to align with the specific job you're applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that directly relate to the role you're seeking.
Keep your summary or objective brief and to the point. Aim for a few sentences or bullet points that capture your key qualifications and career goals.
Emphasize your core strengths and unique selling points as an attorney. Highlight your expertise in specific practice areas, your track record of success, or any specialized skills or certifications you possess.
Mention any notable achievements, such as successful cases, awards, or contributions to legal publications.
Use specific language and concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and experiences. Avoid vague statements and provide quantifiable results whenever possible.
Lawyer Resume Summary Samples
Correct Example
“Experienced litigation attorney with 5 years of practice. Proven track record of successfully representing clients in complex civil litigation cases, including contract disputes and personal injury claims. Strong expertise in legal research, writing persuasive briefs, and negotiating favorable settlements. Committed to delivering exceptional client service and achieving positive outcomes.”
Incorrect Example
“Experienced attorney with a proven track record and strong expertise in legal matters. Want to achieve a position that can help me accomplish my passion for justice.”
Lawyer Resume Objective Samples
Correct Example
“Devoted and motivated attorney with a strong moral guide, and a passion for justice and truth. Aspires to build a career in a prestigious legal firm that is dedicated to upholding the law and using its full might to assist people in need in placing their confidence and faith in our judicial system.”
Incorrect Example
“Dedicated recently graduated attorney. Seeking a challenging position in a law firm. Skilled in various areas of law and experienced in handling legal matters. Looking to contribute to a team-oriented environment and expand legal knowledge.”
How To Quantify Professional Experience As An Attorney?
It’s important to provide accurate and honest information when quantifying your professional experience.
Whenever possible, include specific numbers or percentages to demonstrate your work.
If you have worked on significant cases or transactions, mention the size or value to provide context and showcase the complexity of your work.
If your work involved multiple clients or parties, quantify the number to indicate the volume and breadth of your experience.
Highlight the positive outcomes, successful resolutions, or tangible impacts of your work.
Quantify the time or efficiency improvements you have achieved in your work.
Utilize client feedback or satisfaction ratings to quantify the quality of your work.
Quantify your contributions to team efforts or collaborative projects.
Job Description Examples
Correct Example
Lansford Law Firm
Attorney
Ohio, OH
Mar – 2020 – Present
Responsibilities:
Led a team of five associates in a high-profile litigation case resulting in a successful outcome for the client.
Successfully resolved 90% of personal injury cases, resulting in an average settlement increase of 25% compared to industry standards.
Conducted due diligence on 20+ multimillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions transactions, resulting in successful deal closures.
Conducted negotiations and drafted agreements for commercial contracts involving up to 10 parties.
Incorrect Example
Attorney at a law firm in Ohio
Responsibilities:
Handled personal injury cases and achieved positive outcomes.
Managed a large caseload of clients and closed cases efficiently.
Conducted due diligence on various mergers and acquisitions transactions.
Advised a variety of clients on regulatory compliance matters and drafted commercial contracts.
How To Write The Education Section For A Lawyer Resume?
Here are some tips on how to effectively structure and write the education section:
Begin with your Juris Doctor degree, as it is the most relevant qualification for a lawyer.
If you have obtained any additional degrees that are relevant to your legal career, include them after your J.D.
List any scholarships, prizes, or awards you received during your legal education.
Any coursework or courses that are pertinent to the position you're looking for or the practice area you're interested in should be highlighted.
If you were involved in law-related student organizations, moot court competitions, or legal clinics, mention them.
Education:
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Major in Intellectual Property Law
Haddock School of Law
Lansing, MI
Graduated – May 2019
Recipient of Legacy Scholarship Program for Academic Excellence
Bachelors In Company Law, Michigan University,
Lansing, MI
Graduated – May 2016
Relevant Coursework : Constitutional Law, Legal Writing and Research, International Relations
Education:
Law Degree, Haddock School of Law
Bachelor's Degree, Michigan University
List Of Action Verbs To Highlight Your Legal Experience
Advocated
Advised
Analyzed
Arbitrated
Assessed
Briefed
Collaborated
Conducted
Consulted
Drafted
Evaluated
Negotiated
Investigated
Litigated
Mediated
Prepared
Researched
Reviewed
Served
Strategized
Supervised
Synthesized
Argued
Defended
Filed
Interviewed
Examined
Monitored
Presented
Settled
How To Highlight Professional Skills As An Attorney?
Identify the key skills mentioned in the job description or requirements for the position you're applying for.
Include a dedicated skills section in your resume to highlight your relevant abilities.
Select the skills from your repertoire that align closely with the requirements of the job
Include a mix of both hard and soft skills to showcase your law expertise as well as your interpersonal skills.
When describing your skills and achievements, use action verbs to make your statements more dynamic and impactful.
Common Key Skills
Legal Research: Conduct comprehensive legal research using various resources and databases to gather relevant information and precedents.
Legal Writing: Crafting clear and persuasive legal documents, including memos, briefs, pleadings, and motions.
Case Management: Efficiently managing cases, organizing documents, coordinating with clients and witnesses, and ensuring deadlines are met.
Client Counseling: Providing clients with competent legal assistance and advice, listening to their issues, and creating plans to help them reach their objectives.
Legal Analysis: Analyzing complex legal issues, statutes, regulations, and case law to develop strong legal arguments and strategies.
Advocacy: Effectively advocating for clients' interests and presenting persuasive arguments in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and courtroom settings.
Dispute Resolution: Resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution methods to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
Hard Skills
Contract Law
Legal Research Software (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Trial Preparation
Intellectual Property Law
Corporate Law
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Regulatory Compliance
E-Discovery
Due Diligence
Soft Skills
Communication
Analytical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Negotiation
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Collaboration
Adaptability
Client Service
Adding Other Sections To Make An Effective Resume
Certifications and Licenses: Include a section highlighting any certifications, licenses, or bar admissions relevant to your legal practice. This can include state bar admissions, specialized certifications (e.g., Certified Specialist in Criminal Law), or industry-specific certifications.
Publications and Presentations: If you have authored legal publications, or articles, or have been a speaker at conferences or seminars, create a section to showcase your scholarly contributions or public speaking engagements.
Professional Memberships: Highlight any memberships or affiliations with professional legal organizations, such as bar associations or legal societies.
Languages: Fluency in additional languages can be valuable, especially in multicultural or international legal settings.
Technical Skills: If you possess specialized software or technical skills relevant to the legal profession, such as proficiency in legal research databases, document management systems, or e-discovery tools, highlight them in a dedicated section.
Continuing Education: Include a section to mention any relevant continuing legal education (CLE) courses, workshops, or seminars you have attended to stay updated with the latest legal developments and enhance your skills.
Tips to Write Cover Letters For An Attorney
Highlight how your skills, experience, and qualifications align with the requirements of the position. Avoid using a generic cover letter that does not address the specific needs of the employer.
Mention the position you are applying for and explain why you are interested in the role or the organization. Briefly highlight your most relevant qualifications.
In the body of the cover letter, provide specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate.
Demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs and how you can contribute to their goals.
Use your cover letter as an opportunity to showcase your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. Write in a professional tone and avoid jargon or overly complex language.
Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to highlight key points and make it easy for the reader to scan.
Make sure to proofread your cover letter carefully for any grammatical or spelling errors.
End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
Use a professional tone throughout your cover letter and follow the standard business letter format.
FAQs
How To Highlight Hobbies Or Personal Interests Related To Law?
Choose hobbies or personal interests that directly relate to the legal field or demonstrate skills and qualities that are valuable for lawyers. Like mock trials or legal writing.
Include hobbies or interests that demonstrate your dedication to continuous learning and professional development within the legal field. This includes continuing legal education or bar association involvement.
If your hobbies or personal interests demonstrate leadership, organizational skills, or teamwork, include them to showcase these valuable qualities.
Ensure that you maintain a balance between legal-related activities and other interests. Including diverse hobbies can help showcase your well-rounded personality and demonstrate that you have interests outside of the legal profession.
Correct Example
Incorrect Example
