Whether you are just embarking on your career in law or currently hold a senior position, getting your dream job starts with creating an eye-catching resume that stands out from the competition. That sounds like a hard nut to crack. However, we make it easy for you by using our lawyer resume sample. Cut planning time by half by filling in the already laid out sections with your information.
Not only do we provide you with a job-winning resume, but we also help you with the most important part, writing the content. Due to our expertise in creating impressive resumes, we decided to include this guide to writing your lawyer CV. Read on to learn about how you can optimize this lawyer resume template and make it your own.
How to Write a Lawyer Resume
When writing a lawyer resume, you need to showcase your qualifications, competencies, and experience effectively. Since you already have the resume template, you can just get started on the writing immediately. You can do that easily as long as you follow these tips:
- Place your contact information at the top with your job title.
- Followed by your career objective statement, qualifications, and certifications.
- Use relevant keywords that will boost the visibility of your resume when it is scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems.
- Also, use action verbs to emphasize the skills and responsibilities that you have performed in your previous roles.
- Likewise, quantify your accomplishments and the results that you have achieved in each position with metrics.
- Finally, keep your resume concise and organized by avoiding long sentences or paragraphs, using bullet points, and presenting information hierarchically.
Recommended sections
- Bar Admission
- Professional Memberships
- Case Highlights
- Publications and Presentations
- Languages
- Skills
Optional sections
- Certifications
- Volunteer Work
- Hobbies and Interests
- References
Lawyer Resume Career Objective Examples
Having a strong career objective statement on your lawyer resume is essential since it tells the employer what you bring to the table. That’s why depending on which job title you’re applying for, the objective statement should be tailored accordingly. But don’t over tailor it either! You still want it to look natural. To explain this further, for example:
Chief legal officer objective example
Accomplished and strategic legal executive with a proven track record of providing comprehensive legal guidance to drive corporate success. Seeking a Chief Legal Officer position to lead and oversee all legal functions, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Corporate counsel summary example
Diligent and business-minded corporate counsel with expertise in contract negotiation and risk management. Seeking a challenging role where I can apply my legal acumen to provide strategic legal advice, protect company interests, and support corporate growth initiatives.
Litigation attorney objective example
Seasoned and tenacious litigation attorney with a strong background in handling complex legal disputes. Seeking a position in a reputable law firm where I can utilize my exceptional advocacy skills to provide effective representation for clients and achieve favorable outcomes.
Regulatory attorney summary example
Detail-oriented and knowledgeable regulatory attorney with extensive experience in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Seeking a position where I can leverage my expertise to ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations and effectively advise clients on regulatory matters.
Legal analyst objective example
Analytical and research-driven legal professional with a keen eye for detail. Seeking a role as a legal analyst where I can utilize my strong research and analytical skills to provide comprehensive legal research, support case preparation, and assist in developing sound legal strategies.
Experiences in a Lawyer Resume
The “Experiences” section of a lawyer’s resume is a pivotal component that showcases a candidate’s professional journey, providing insight into their career trajectory, achievements, and the depth of their legal expertise. This section is vital for prospective employers or clients seeking an attorney with a proven track record. Below are three exemplary positions previously held by a lawyer, highlighting their job titles, company names, dates held, locations, and key achievements:
Example of experience on a resume for lawyers
Associate Attorney, Smith & Associates, LLP
July 20XX – Present
- Successfully represented clients in complex civil litigation cases, resulting in multiple favorable settlements.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, and motions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Conducted extensive legal research, contributing to the development of winning legal strategies for high-profile cases.
Corporate Counsel, XYZ Corporation
January 20XX – June 20XX
- Provided comprehensive legal support for corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, resulting in cost savings and successful deal closures.
- Developed and implemented compliance programs to ensure adherence to state and federal regulations, reducing legal risks for the company.
- Negotiated and drafted commercial agreements, significantly improving the company’s contractual relationships with vendors and clients.
Legal Intern, Legal Aid Society
May 20XX – August 20XX
- Assisted in representing indigent clients in various civil and criminal cases, contributing to positive outcomes in several cases.
- Conducted client interviews, legal research, and document preparation, demonstrating a commitment to serving underprivileged communities.
- Collaborated with a team of attorneys to advocate for the rights and interests of clients, gaining valuable courtroom experience.
Education for Lawyer Resume
The “Education” section of a lawyer’s resume is the foundation upon which their legal expertise is built. It provides a glimpse into the academic background and training that prepared them for their career. Here are concrete examples of the education and relevant courses taken:
Example of education on a lawyer resume
Juris Doctor (JD), Harvard Law School
August 20XX – May 20XX
BA Political Science, University of California
August 20XX – May 20XX
Hard Skills for a Lawyer Resume
In a competitive legal landscape, where precision and expertise are paramount, the “Hard Skills” section of a lawyer’s resume is the bedrock of their professional competency. These are the technical skills, specific to the legal profession, that not only distinguish lawyers but also enable them to excel in their roles. Potential employers and clients often scrutinize this section to ensure that a candidate possesses the necessary tools to navigate complex legal challenges effectively.
Example of hard skills for lawyers
- Legal research
- Courtroom representation
- Contract negotiations
- Drafting & reviewing documents
- Case management
- Time management
- Litigation processes
- Oral advocacy
Soft Skills on a Lawyer Resume
The “Soft Skills” section of a lawyer’s resume is equally vital as the “Hard Skills” section, as it provides insight into the interpersonal and personal attributes that influence a lawyer’s effectiveness in the legal profession. While hard skills are the technical competencies, soft skills are the intangible qualities that can set a lawyer apart and enhance their ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and excel in their role.
Example of soft skills for lawyers
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Negotiation
- Research
- Emotional intelligence
Check out How to List Skills on a Resume for more tips
Job Titles for a Lawyer Resume
Include your job title at the top of your lawyer resume in a larger font than the rest of the information around it. However, don’t make it larger than your name, that should be the element that stands out the most. Your job title should obviously reflect the field in which you practice, or wish to practice law. For example:
Examples of job titles on a resume
- Intellectual Property Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Regulatory Attorney
- Corporate Lawyer
- Litigation Attorney
- Legal Analyst
Lawyer Resume Example
John Doe
john.doe@email.com
(555) 555-5555
linkedin.com/johndoe
Profile Summary
Dedicated corporate attorney with 7 years of experience in providing legal counsel to business clients. Expertise in contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance. Strong analytical skills and a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experiences
Corporate Attorney, ABC Law Firm, NY
May 20XX – Present
- Advised a Fortune 500 client on a $50 million acquisition, including due diligence, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance, resulting in a successful deal closure.
- Drafted and negotiated complex commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, licensing agreements, and employment contracts, ensuring clients’ best interests were protected.
Associate Attorney, XYZ Legal Services, LA
June 20XX – April 20XX
- Successfully represented clients in a variety of litigation matters, including employment disputes, intellectual property disputes, and breach of contract cases, resulting in multiple favorable settlements.
- Conducted legal research and drafted legal briefs and motions, arguing cases before state and federal courts.
Legal Intern, LMN Corporation, San Francisco
May 20XX – August 20XX
- Assisted in-house counsel with trademark registration and intellectual property management, ensuring brand protection and compliance with applicable laws.
- Researched and analyzed emerging legal issues and provided recommendations to senior attorneys.
Education
BA in Law, XYZ University
Graduated: May 20XX
Skills
- Contract negotiation
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Legal research and analysis
- Litigation
- Due diligence
- Contract drafting
- Regulatory compliance
- Intellectual property
- Legal writing and communication
Qualities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Client-focused
- Strategic thinker
- Team player
- Ethical and professional conduct
- Time management and organization
- Adaptability and resilience
Software
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
- Document management software (e.g., DocuSign)
- Case management software (e.g., Clio)
Interests
- Volunteering for legal aid clinics
- Continuing legal education and professional development
- Reading legal journals and industry publications
- Playing chess
- Outdoor activities (hiking, biking)
- Cooking and exploring new recipes
Lawyer Resume FAQs
How to download this free lawyer resume sample?
Follow the three simple steps below to get this free lawyer resume example:
- Click on the “Download” button at the top of this page.
- The Microsoft Word document will automatically open.
- Finally, customize your resume template according to your style, qualifications, and experience.
How to make a lawyer resume with no experience?
Keep in mind that entry-level lawyer resumes particularly are one page long. But, don’t fret. You can still create an impressive resume even if you have no experience practicing law. In fact, there’s not much of a difference between the two. Keep on reading for more tips to follow when you are writing your entry-level lawyer resume.
- Stress your skills and attributes that are relevant to the job.
- Mention your extracurricular activities, internships, and volunteer experiences that illustrate your legal knowledge and passion.
- Lastly, underline any certificates or qualifications you have obtained and provide evidence of your accomplishments in the form of references or testimonials from past employers.
Get this free lawyer resume format today!
