Guide on Attorney Resume (with Examples)

Crafting an attorney resume that stands out in the competitive job market is crucial for any legal specialist seeking a new opportunity.

Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer or a recent graduate, a well-written resume must highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that captures the attention of hiring managers.

In this article, we provide 5 attorney resume examples, each tailored to different stages and specializations within the legal field. You'll also find practical tips designed to help you showcase your unique qualifications.

Lawyers are the foot soldiers of our Constitution.

Rennard Strickland and Frank T. Read, The Lawyer Myth

Attorney resume examples

• Corporate attorney resume
• Trial attorney resume
• Associate attorney resume
• Entry-level attorney resume
• Experienced attorney resume

Corporate attorney resume sample

Corporate attorney resume template

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Resume for a corporate lawyer | Plain text

Professional Summary

Dedicated corporate attorney with 10 years of experience specializing in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and contract negotiations. Proven track record of successfully leading high-stakes transactions and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Adept at providing strategic legal advice to senior management and building strong client relationships.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

Graduated: May 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Graduated: May 2012

Professional Experience

Senior Corporate Attorney

BigLaw LLP, Philadelphia, PA

June 2020 – Present

• Lead and close over 50 M&A transactions valued at $500 million+, ensuring smooth integration and compliance.
• Draft and negotiate complex contracts, including partnership agreements, NDAs, and vendor agreements, reducing company risk by 30%.
• Provide strategic legal counsel to C-suite executives on corporate governance and regulatory matters, resulting in enhanced compliance and governance structures.
• Conduct due diligence for acquisitions, identifying risks and liabilities, saving clients an estimated $2 million in potential legal issues.

Corporate Attorney

Smith & Associates, Philadelphia, PA

July 2012 – May 2018

• Managed corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, with a total value exceeding $200 million.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance.
• Advised clients on securities law compliance, including SEC reporting and disclosure requirements.
• Negotiated commercial leases and real estate transactions, reducing costs by 15% for clients.

Skills

• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Contract Negotiation
• Corporate Governance
• Legal Research
• Leadership
• Compliance

Certifications

• Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional (CMAP) - 2023
• Licensed Attorney: Admitted to the New York State Bar - 2012 (Renewed in 2024)

Publications

• "Strategic Approaches to Mergers & Acquisitions", Corporate Counsel Review, March 2023.
• "Navigating Corporate Governance in a Regulatory Environment", Legal Insights Journal, June 2021.

How to properly format a resume for an attorney?

• Use professional and easy-to-read fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Garamond.
• Keep your resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. For more seasoned attorneys, a two-page resume is acceptable.
• Set margins to 1 inch on all sides. You can reduce to 0.5 inches if you need more space but avoid going any smaller.
• Left-align all text for a clean, professional look. Center-align the header if desired.
• In the header, include your full name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile, and location (city and state).
• Use bullet points with action verbs for lists to enhance readability.

Resume Trick is an online resume builder that provides standardized templates that help maintain consistent formatting throughout the document.

All you need to do is choose one resume template and use the customization options to add or remove sections as needed, ensuring all your key information is included.

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Trial attorney resume example

Sample trial attorney resume

Professional Summary

Experienced trial attorney with over 15 years of litigation experience. Proven track record of winning high-stakes cases in both criminal and civil courts. Skilled in legal research, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy. Recognized for exceptional negotiation skills and a client-focused approach. Committed to upholding the highest standards of legal ethics and professionalism.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

Graduated: May 2009

• Honors: Cum Laude

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

University of California, Berkeley, CA

Graduated: May 2006

• Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Bar Admissions

• State Bar of California, Admitted: June 2009
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Admitted: July 2009
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Admitted: September 2009

Professional Experience

Senior Trial Attorney

Smith & Associates Law Firm, Boston, MA

July 2015 – Present

• Case Example. Successfully defended a major pharmaceutical company in a $50 million product liability lawsuit, leading to a complete dismissal of the case.
• Achievements. Maintained a 90% success rate in over 50 trials, including both bench and jury trials.
• Responsibilities. Lead attorney on complex litigation cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and corporate fraud. Manage a team of junior attorneys and paralegals, providing mentorship and guidance.

Trial Attorney

Johnson & Lee LLP, Boston, MA

August 2009 – June 2015

• Case Example. Won a landmark civil rights case that resulted in a $10 million settlement for the plaintiff, setting a precedent for future litigation.
• Achievements. Achieved favorable outcomes in 85% of assigned cases, including several high-profile class action lawsuits.
• Responsibilities. Represented clients in state and federal courts, conducted depositions, drafted legal briefs, and negotiated settlements.

Legal Skills

• Litigation. Expert in trial preparation, case strategy development, and courtroom advocacy.
• Legal Research. Proficient in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal research tools.
• Negotiation. Skilled in negotiating settlements, plea bargains, and alternative dispute resolutions.
• Client Relations. Adept at managing expectations, providing clear legal guidance, and maintaining client confidentiality.
• Communication. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with extensive experience in drafting motions, pleadings, and legal correspondence.

Publications & Presentations

• Article: "Strategies for Effective Jury Selection in High-Stakes Litigation," published in the Journal of Trial Advocacy, April 2023.
• Presentation: "Navigating Complex Litigation: Best Practices for Trial Attorneys," presented at the Annual Conference of the American Bar Association, August 2022.

Awards & Recognitions

• Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, 2020-2023
• Rising Star by Super Lawyers, 2015-2019
• Litigator of the Year by Law City Bar Association, 2018

Community Involvement

• Pro Bono Work. Provided over 200 hours of pro bono legal services annually to underserved communities.
• Volunteer. Legal Aid Society of Law City, offering free advice and representation to low-income residents.

Should I choose an attorney resume summary or objective?

A resume summary highlights your professional background, skills, and accomplishments. It provides a snapshot of what you bring to the table, which is especially valuable for a trial attorney with a substantial career history.

Attorney resume summary sample:

Accomplished trial attorney with over 10 years of experience in high-stakes litigation across criminal and civil cases. Proven expertise in legal research, courtroom advocacy, and client management. Recognized for negotiation skills and a commitment to upholding the standards of legal ethics and professionalism.

An objective typically outlines what you hope to achieve in your career or what you’re looking for in a position. While this can be useful, it is less focused on what you have already accomplished.

Attorney resume objective example:

Recent law school graduate with a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and hands-on experience through a legal internship. Eager to contribute to case preparation, client advocacy, and legal research while continuing to develop practical expertise and support a dynamic team.

Objectives are generally more about what you want rather than what you offer. In a competitive field like law, emphasizing your past achievements and skills is more impactful, so it's usually best to choose a summary.

Associate attorney resume sample

Associate attorney resume template

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Resume for associate attorney | Text version

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented Associate Attorney with 4+ years of experience in civil litigation and contract law. Proven track record of successfully managing complex cases, drafting persuasive legal documents, and providing strategic legal counsel. Adept at collaborating with clients and colleagues to achieve favorable outcomes.

Experience

Associate Attorney

Smith & Johnson LLP, Chicago, IL

June 2020 – Present

• Represent clients in over 50 civil litigation cases, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and real estate issues, resulting in a 75% favorable verdict rate.
• Draft and file legal documents, including motions, briefs, and discovery requests, for high-profile cases involving multi-million-dollar claims.
• Assist in the negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements, contributing to a 30% reduction in trial durations and overall litigation costs for clients.
• Conduct research and prepare detailed memoranda on complex legal issues, aiding senior attorneys in shaping case strategies and arguments.

Legal Intern

Harrison & Miller Associates, Chicago, IL

Summer 2018

• Assisted in preparing materials and organizing evidence for a high-stakes federal court case, leading to a successful outcome for the client.
• Prepared legal briefs and drafted correspondence under the supervision of senior attorneys, which contributed to a streamlined and efficient process.
• Observed and participated in client consultations, gaining firsthand experience in legal strategy and relationship management.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

Graduated May 2020

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude.
• Conducted an independent research project on civil rights law, presented findings at the annual undergraduate conference.

Skills

• Legal Research and Writing
• Civil Litigation
• Contract Negotiation and Drafting
• Client Counseling
• Case Management
• Legal Strategy Development

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Illinois State Bar Association (2022-Now)
• Member, Chicago Bar Association (2021-2023)

Certifications

• Illinois State Bar License, Admitted November 2020

Languages

• English (Native)
• Spanish (Fluent)

How to showcase your attorney skills in resumes?

The attorney skills resume section helps employers quickly identify whether the candidate possesses the essential competencies for the position.

• Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are acquired through education, training, or experience. They are often quantifiable and can be measured or tested.
• Soft skills are more related to personal attributes and interpersonal abilities. They are more about how individuals interact with others and manage their own behavior and emotions.

Entry-level attorney resume example

Sample entry-level attorney resume

Objective

Detail-oriented and proactive J.D. graduate with comprehensive experience in legal research, client advocacy, and case management, seeking to leverage skills and knowledge in a dynamic firm as a Junior Associate Attorney.

Education

Juris Doctor

Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, Chicago, IL

Graduated: May 2024

• GPA: 3.7/4.0
• Honors: Dean’s List (2022-2024)

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL

Graduated: May 2021

• GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Honors: Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Bar Admission

• Illinois State Bar, Admitted July 2024

Professional Experience

Legal Intern

Smith & Johnson LLP, Chicago, IL

June 2023 – August 2023

• Drafted and reviewed legal documents including motions, briefs, and discovery requests, contributing to successful case resolutions in three high-profile litigation cases.
• Conducted legal research on employment law, resulting in a 20-page memorandum used by senior attorneys in preparing for a significant discrimination case.
• Assisted in preparing and organizing trial exhibits, including creating visual aids and timelines that facilitated clearer presentation of evidence in court.

Judicial Extern

Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago, IL

January 2023 – May 2023

• Analyzed case law and prepared summaries for the judge, aiding in the efficient handling of a docket of over 100 cases.
• Observed and documented courtroom proceedings, gaining insight into trial procedures and judicial decision-making processes.
• Drafted recommendations for case management and legal strategy, which were implemented in three separate civil cases.

Legal Research Assistant

Northwestern Law School Legal Research Center, Chicago, IL

September 2022 – December 2022

• Researched and compiled case law and statutes for a professor’s publication on constitutional law, resulting in an article published in the Journal of Constitutional Law.
• Assisted in organizing and analyzing data for ongoing legal studies, contributing to a comprehensive review of recent trends affecting consumer protection.

Skills

• Legal Research and Writing. Proficient in Westlaw and LexisNexis; skilled in drafting legal documents, memos, and briefs.
• Client Communication. Experienced in client interviews, case management, and providing legal advice under supervision.
• Courtroom Procedure. Familiar with trial preparation, evidence presentation, and courtroom etiquette.
• Analytical Abilities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.

Certifications

• Certified in Legal Research and Writing, Northwestern Law School, 2023

Languages

• Fluent in Spanish

What educational credentials should I add to my resume?

Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, and date of graduation.

List your education in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

You can also add honors, relevant coursework, or extracurricular activities if they are pertinent to your legal career.

If you’ve attended additional legal education courses, workshops, or seminars, you can list them in a separate section or under a "Professional Development" heading.

Experienced attorney resume sample

Experienced lawyer resume template

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Resume for an experienced attorney | Sample text

Professional Summary

Accomplished attorney with over 25 years of experience in corporate law, litigation, and contract negotiation. Demonstrated expertise in managing complex legal cases, providing strategic counsel, and ensuring compliance with requirements. Proven track record of success in representing high-profile clients and achieving favorable outcomes in court.

Professional Experience

Senior Partner

Brown & Associates, LLP, San Francisco, CA

March 2017 – Present

• Led a team of 15 attorneys in handling high-stakes corporate litigation and transactional matters.
• Successfully represented a Fortune 500 company in a $50 million breach of contract case, achieving a favorable settlement.
• Advised multinational corporations on mergers and acquisitions, including a $1 billion acquisition of a tech startup.
• Implemented a comprehensive compliance program for a major healthcare provider, reducing regulatory violations by 30%.

Corporate Counsel

Google LLC, Mountain View, CA

January 2009 – February 2017

• Managed all legal aspects of the company’s operations, including contract negotiation, intellectual property, and employment law.
• Negotiated and drafted over 200 complex contracts annually, including vendor, licensing agreements, and partnership deals.
• Successfully defended the company in a high-profile intellectual property lawsuit, resulting in a favorable judgment.

Associate Attorney

Law Offices of Jane Doe, Los Angeles, CA

June 1999 – December 2007

• Represented clients in civil litigation cases, including personal injury, real estate disputes, and business.
• Conducted legal research, drafted pleadings, and argued motions in state and federal courts.
• Achieved a $2 million settlement for a client in a complex personal injury case.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

Graduated: May 1999

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science

University of California, Berkeley, CA

Graduated: May 1997

Certifications and Licenses

• Member of the State Bar of California - since 2001
• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) - valid till 2025
• Licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in California - valid till 2024

Skills

• Corporate Law
• Litigation
• Contract Negotiation
• Regulatory Compliance
• Legal Research and Writing
• Intellectual Property
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Risk Management
• Client Relations
• Team Leadership

How to organize the experience section in my resume?

List your work experience starting with your most recent position and working backward. This format is the most widely used and is preferred by employers because it shows your career progression.

Start each entry with your job title, followed by the company name, location, and the dates of your employment. This makes it easy for HRs to scan and understand your career trajectory.

Use bullet points to outline your key responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Ensure that each entry is formatted consistently to create a professional and polished look. Use the same structure, bullet point style, and verb tense throughout the section.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a well-crafted resume is a vital tool for attorneys seeking to advance their careers in the legal field.

By tailoring your application to your specific career stage and specialization, highlighting your achievements, and using strong, action-oriented language, you can make a compelling case for yourself as a candidate.

The attorney resume samples provided in this article, along with our practical writing tips, are designed to guide you in creating a standout document that sets you apart from the competition.

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