by Crafting a standout resume is essential for any professional aiming to make a strong impression on potential employers. This article will be your comprehensive guide to building a great lawyer resume, with expert writing tips and detailed examples.
Whether you're a seasoned attorney or at the beginning of your legal career, you'll find valuable insights to help you create a document that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements in the best possible light.
Lawyer resume examples
Lawyer resume template
Corporate lawyer resume example
Theresa Troyer
theresa-troyer@email.com | 209-601-1416 | San Francisco, CAProfessional Summary
Accomplished corporate lawyer with over 7 years of experience specializing in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and contract negotiations. Proven track record of successfully advising Fortune 500 companies and startups on complex legal matters. Adept at mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Experience
Senior Corporate Counsel Tech Innovations Inc. | San Francisco, CA July 2020 – Present
- Provide legal counsel on corporate governance, compliance, and strategic business initiatives.
- Lead negotiations for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, successfully closing deals worth over $500 million.
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts, including licensing agreements, service contracts, and vendor agreements.
- Advise executive management on risk management and regulatory compliance, reducing legal risks by 20%.
Corporate Attorney Harrison & Parker LLP | Los Angeles, CA June 2017 – June 2020
- Represented clients in corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and corporate restructuring.
- Conducted due diligence for acquisitions and investments, identifying potential legal issues and recommending solutions.
- Drafted and negotiated a wide range of corporate documents, including shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and employment contracts.
- Advised startups and emerging companies on formation, governance, and compliance matters.
Skills
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Corporate Governance
- Contract Negotiation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management
- Due Diligence
- Securities Law
- Intellectual Property
- Litigation Management
- Legal Research and Writing
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) University of California, Berkeley School of Law
- Graduated: May 2017
- GPA: 3.80
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
- Graduated: May 2014
- GPA: 3.90
Licenses and Certifications
- Licensed Lawyer | California State Bar (Renewed in July 2024)
- Certified Information Privacy Professional | The International Association of Privacy Professionals (May 2023)
Writing Tips
When composing a lawyer resume, consider the following suggestions:
- Formatting. Choose a clean, professional font like Times New Roman or Arial, sized between 10-12 points.
- Consistency. Maintain consistent font usage and ensure clear, organized headings.
- Style. Opt for a formal tone throughout the lawyer resume. Avoid jargon and overly complex terms.
- Spacing. Ensure proper spacing with adequate margins and clear separation between sections to avoid a cluttered appearance.
- Bullet Points. Utilize bullet points to list responsibilities and accomplishments, making it easier for readers to scan and absorb information.
To simplify the writing process, consider using an online resume builder.
It provides pre-designed lawyer resume templates and AI assistance to help craft compelling summaries and work experience sections.
Save time and enhance the quality of your document with Resume Trick!
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Resume
Contact Information
Including comprehensive and accurate contact details on your lawyer's resume is crucial. This ensures potential employers can easily get in touch with you for interviews or follow-up questions.
Here's a list of the key items you should mention on a lawyer resume:
- Full name as it appears on your law license and other official documents.
- Your current location, indicating your city and state.
- A reliable phone number where you can be reached during business hours.
- A professional email address, ideally one that consists of your name and initials.
- A link to your LinkedIn profile, if you're active on the platform.
- A URL to your professional website if you have one showcasing your work and achievements.
Make sure all contact information is up-to-date.
Double-check for any typos and ensure your voicemail and email signature are professional.
Resume Summary or Objective
When crafting your lawyer resume, you can choose either a summary or an objective to place at the beginning of your document. Knowing the differences between the two types of statements will help you pick which one will work best for you.
A resume summary is a brief paragraph highlighting your professional background, key skills, and achievements.
Lawyer resume summary sample:
Experienced corporate lawyer with 7 years in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and contract negotiations. Proven track record of managing $100M+ deals and maintaining adherence to state and federal regulations. Adept at mitigating risks and providing strategic legal advice to senior management.
A resume objective is a statement with your overall career goals and expectations of what you aim to achieve in the particular position you’re applying for.
Sample lawyer resume objective:
Recent law school graduate with a background in political science. Seeking to transition into a corporate lawyer role. Eager to leverage my professional knowledge gained from a JD degree to contribute to corporate legal strategies and support business objectives.
Key differences:
| Aspect | Objective | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Typically 1-2 sentences. | Usually 2-4 sentences. |
| Best For | Career changers or entry-level candidates. | Experienced professionals with a solid career history. |
| Focus | Your aspirations. | What you’ve already accomplished. |
| Writing advice | Needs to be adjusted for each specific job and company. | Should be tailored to highlight relevant experience for the role being applied for. |
Work Experience
The work history part of a lawyer's resume has to depict your roles and responsibilities in a clear, impactful manner. This section demonstrates your practical application of knowledge and showcases how your skills align with the position's requirements.
Use the bullet points format with each line starting with a strong action verb. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to show the impact of your work.
For every mentioned role, state:
- Your role in the organization
- Name of the firm or company
- City and state where it's located
- Dates of your employment
- Main duties performed
- Specific accomplishments and contributions
Be sure to list only relevant experiences and organize them in the reverse chronological order.
Example:
Family Law Attorney Green & Taylor Family Law Firm (Portland, OR) June 2022 – Present
- Represent clients in family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and alimony, achieving favorable outcomes in over 90% of cases.
- Write and negotiate legal documents such as separation agreements and custody arrangements.
- Conduct client consultations and provide legal advice, leading to a 25% increase in client satisfaction ratings.
- Manage a caseload of 30+ cases simultaneously, improving case resolution time by 5% each year.
Legal Intern Oregon State Public Defender’s Office (Portland, OR) June – August 2021
- Assisted in preparing legal briefs and case files for criminal defense cases.
- Conducted legal research and drafted memos on criminal law topics.
- Observed court proceedings and client interviews, gaining practical courtroom experience.
- Supported attorneys in case preparation, contributing to the successful resolution of 10+ cases.
Education
The academic section of your lawyer resume serves as proof of the foundation for your legal knowledge and shows your preparedness for the role. List your degrees starting with the most recent credentials.
For each of your education history items, indicate the following:
- The type of degree obtained (e.g., Juris Doctor).
- Name of the university
- City and state
- Graduation date
If you're an entry-level candidate, consider providing more information about your academic life to make up for your limited work experience.
Add details such as:
- GPA. Include if it’s strong or requested in the job description.
- Honors and Awards. Scholarships, distinctions, or recognitions.
- Relevant Coursework. Courses that are pertinent to the role.
- Activities. Leadership roles or relevant student organizations you were part of.
Example:
Juris Doctor (JD) | New York University School of Law (New York, NY)
- Graduated: May 2024
- GPA: 3.80
- Relevant Coursework: Corporate Law, Securities Regulation, Mergers and Acquisitions, International Trade Law
- Honors: Best Oral Advocate Award (January 2024)
- Activities: Editor of NYU Law Review, Member of the Moot Court Board
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Columbia University (New York, NY)
- Graduated: May 2018
- GPA: 3.90
- Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (2017), Dean’s List (2016-2018)
Lawyer Skills for Resume
Attorneys need to demonstrate that they're well-prepared for the role theoretically. Additionally, they also indicate their ability to effectively work with people. Therefore, adding both soft and hard skills to the lawyer resume is necessary.
Hard Lawyer Skills Examples:
- Legal Research
- Contract Drafting
- Litigation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Case Management
- Legal Writing
- Due Diligence
- Intellectual Property Law
- Corporate Governance
- Trial Preparation
Soft Lawyer Skills Examples:
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Emotional Intelligence
- Adaptability
- Research
- Stress Management
When writing these skills, be specific, use field-related terminology, and incorporate keywords from the job description. The list of relevant abilities can significantly increase your chances of standing out to potential employers and passing through the ATS.
Additional Information
Including supplementary sections can help showcase your unique attributes beyond the legal experience and provide a fuller picture of your background.
See some of the extra details you may want to mention on your lawyer's resume to make it stand out:
| Section | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hobbies | Activities and interests outside of work that can demonstrate personal skills or qualities. | Avid runner and marathon participant; strong endurance and discipline. |
| Languages | Languages you are proficient in, especially if relevant to the location where you'll be practicing. | Fluent in Spanish and French; conversational in Mandarin. |
| Awards | Recognitions you have received that are relevant to your career. | Winner of the National Moot Court Competition (2024). |
| Volunteering | Volunteer work that demonstrates commitment to community service or legal advocacy. | Volunteer, Legal Aid Society (2022 - Present); assisting with pro bono legal services. |
| Courses | Relevant coursework or special training that supports your qualifications. | Columbia University courses in Corporate Law, Securities Regulation, and Mergers and Acquisitions (Spring 2024). |
| Certifications | Professional certifications that enhance your expertise and credentials. | Certified Mediator, National Association for Conflict Resolution (2023). |
| References | Contacts who can vouch for your professional abilities and character. | Dorothy M. Valdez, Senior Attorney at Jordan's Law Firm, d-valdez@jordans.com. |
Writing a Lawyer's Cover Letter
Your cover letter for lawyer is your chance to expand on what you have said in your resume and further explain why you would be a good fit for this position.
A well-crafted cover letter can distinguish you from competing candidates and improve your chances of securing an interview.
Take note of these suggestions to help you create a compelling lawyer cover letter:
- Address the Hiring Manager. Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager or firm partner.
- Maintain Professional Tone. Use a formal and professional tone throughout the document, avoiding casual language or slang.
- Be Concise. Keep your cover letter brief and to the point, ideally within one page, to ensure clarity and readability.
- Tailor Your Letter. Customize your cover letter for each application by addressing the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role.
- Highlight Relevant Qualification. Focus on your most pertinent legal experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the job description.
- Showcase Your Skills. Emphasize key abilities such as legal research, negotiation, and case management that are essential for the position.
- Include Specific Examples. Provide concrete descriptions of your accomplishments and how they have benefited previous employers or clients.
- Express Enthusiasm. Demonstrate genuine interest in the firm and explain why you are passionate about the role.
- Include Contact Information. Clearly state your contact details and encourage the hiring manager to reach out to you for further discussion.
Before writing your cover letter for lawyer, familiarize yourself with the organization and its core principles, objectives, and specialties. This will allow you to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with their needs.
Now, it's time to see some good lawyer's cover letter examples.
Experienced tax lawyer cover letter example:
Dear Ms. Bailey,
I am writing to express my interest in the Tax Lawyer position at Lone Star Legal Group, as advertised on your firm’s website. With a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law and over 5 years of specialized experience in tax law, I am eager to bring my expertise to your esteemed firm.
In my current role at Green & Taylor Law Firm, I have successfully managed complex tax disputes, provided strategic tax planning advice, and ensured compliance with federal and state regulations. My recent achievements include negotiating a settlement for a high-profile client that resulted in a 40% reduction in tax liability, demonstrating my ability to deliver impactful results.
I am particularly drawn to Lone Star Legal Group due to your firm’s reputation for excellence in tax law and innovative client solutions. I am confident that my strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to client service will be valuable assets to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills align with your needs. Please feel free to contact me at (512) 555-1234 or via email at jordan.smith@email.com to schedule a meeting.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Scott
Entry-level attorney lawyer cover letter sample:
Dear Mr. Singleton,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the entry-level attorney position at Bluebonnet Law Firm, as advertised on your careers page. I am eager to apply my academic training and passion for legal practice to contribute to your esteemed firm._
I recently earned my Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston Law Center, where I excelled in courses such as Civil Procedure, Legal Research and Writing, and Contracts. I am eager to leverage my academic background and passion for law to contribute to your firm.
During my summer internship at Harris County Public Defender’s Office, I supported attorneys in preparing case files, conducting legal research, and drafting motions. I was involved in analyzing case law and creating legal strategies, which sharpened my analytical and research skills. Additionally, my coursework in Trial Advocacy and Constitutional Law provided me with practical insights into courtroom procedures and legal principles.
I am particularly impressed by Bluebonnet Law Firm’s commitment to providing exceptional legal services and its supportive environment for new attorneys. I am confident that my strong work ethic, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn will make me a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Contact me at (713) 555-5678 or via email at alex.lee@email.com with any questions.
Sincerely, Alexander Lee
Create your professional Cover letter in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Cover LetterProofread Everything
For a lawyer, meticulousness is imperative in all aspects of the job. Hence, it is important to thoroughly review your lawyer resume and cover letter before submitting the application.
- Ensure uniformity in formatting, fonts, and style throughout both documents.
- Double-check that all contact details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, are correct.
- Use tools like spelling and grammar checkers to help catch some mistakes quickly.
- Read your documents aloud to identify awkward phrasing and errors that might be overlooked during silent reading.
- Have a friend or mentor review your resume and cover letter to provide an additional perspective.
A thorough proofreading process enhances your credibility and demonstrates attention to detail, which are vital traits in the legal profession.
Conclusion
In summary, creating an impactful resume for a lawyer involves more than just detailing your career history. It’s about strategically showcasing your qualifications and aligning them with the job you're applying for.
Focus on crafting a tailored document that highlights your relevant skills, legal experiences, and academic achievements. Ensure clarity and professionalism in your formatting and content.
By following this guide and looking at the lawyer's resume examples, you will surely be able to write a document that makes a lasting impression.
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Resume
