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How to write a lawyer resume?

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Good lawyers know the law, great lawyers know the judge. . and fantastic lawyers know how to get shortlisted for the legal job everyone's after!!

You've probably done a great job at representing people in courtrooms, cracked the toughest of cases, and maybe, even taken up a lot of pro-bono projects. And now, you want to work for the most badass legal firm in town.

What do you do?

While your professional experience and past association with reputed firms look fantastic on a resume, that's not the only thing you will need to get the coveted job in the prestigious law firm that you have been dreaming to go to.

You will need to communicate the right things in your legal resume. You'll need to show the promise of showmanship. You'll need to demonstrate that you fit right in.

And to do this, you will need a highly relevant, well-written resume that hits the right notes.

Here, you will be able to write entry-level attorney resumes, attorney resumes, law school resumes - basically, you will be able to write legal resumes irrespective of the career stage you are in.

That's not all.

You will also learn:

• How to write a perfect summary of your attorney resume.
• How write professional experience to make an articulate lawyer resume?
• How to add personal information in a legal resume cover letter?
• Should you discuss your legal resume bar admission?

. . . All so you can get shortlisted for the legal job of your dreams.

Read on to uncover the top legal resume tips to help you write the best legal resume.

Watch out for the 10+ legal resume samples and legal resume examples to get a better idea of how each section is to be perfected.

What is a Legal Resume & why do you need it?

A legal resume is a resume that is designed for to-be-lawyers and lawyers in all stages of their career such as:

• An advocate resume is a legal resume for advocates.
• A law student resume is a legal resume for law students.
• A general counsel resume is a legal resume for general counselors.
• An entry-level attorney resume is a legal resume for entry-level attorneys.

They are all legal resumes for different legal professionals.

You need a legal resume to get shortlisted for your dream job. But given the onset of the ATS (applicant tracking system) and it’s rampant use across most industries and companies for hiring, the need of the day is to make an ATS-targeted or ATS-compliant resume.

This means:

• Your advocate resume should be ATS-compliant.
• Your law student resume should be ATS-compliant.
• Your general counsel resume should be ATS-compliant.
• Your entry-level attorney resume should be ATS-compliant.

Doing this will ensure that your legal resume will have a higher scope of getting shortlisted because it will rank well in the ATS.

Legal Sample Resume

Before we begin, take a look at our legal resume sample to know what an ideal resume should look like:

• Legal Research
• Legal Proceedings
• Case Resolution
• Legal Memorandum
• Case Study & Report making
• Motion Drafting
• Document Review
• Legal Contracts
• Documentation
• Tax Compliance
• Bankruptcy Proceedings
• Corporate Law
• Dispute Resolution
• Appointed as New York State Bar member in May '12
• Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Elementary)
• Administered the drafting of pleadings, and settlement demand letters
• Supervised legal research and prepared ~5 legal memoranda on a weekly basis
• Facilitated 10+ written & oral case status reports to co-counsel and clients every month
• Conducted legal research, motion drafting , and document review to implement fact-based litigation
• Interpreted law, rulings , and regulations for 20+ businesses on a monthly basis
• Monitored company compliance with taxes, business licenses , and employment regulations
• Implemented department-based company initiatives and assigned projects to lawyers & paralegals
• Advised small & mid-size businesses in bankruptcy proceedings and corporations & partnership agreements
• Consolidated 30+ legal documents to finalize closings for high profile clients every month
• Settled landlord/tenant disputes and resolved bank discharges & title policy issues to prevent stalling of closings
• Awarded ' Most Competent Associate ' for concluding the highest number of closings per month in Jun, Jul & Sep '16
• Top 5% of the class
• Top 10% of the class

How to write a Legal Resume

Writing the perfect legal resume demands that you follow the 3 stages of resume writing that we have mentioned below:

• Stage 1: Master Legal Resume
• Stage 2: First Draft of Legal Resume
• Stage 3: Final Draft of Legal Resume

Master Legal Resume

In this stage, you have to compile all your information in one place. Doing this guarantees a reserve of information with you at all times.

Be it your educational background, the certifications you have done, the professional expertise that you have amassed, etc. - put them all in one place.

That's step 1.

This helps in the twin process of resume writing in the present & resume update in the future as the need to fish for information gets removed.

All you have to do is pick the relevant information and write or update your resume accordingly.

First Draft of Legal Resume

The second stage of resume writing involves composing the following sections:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Professional Experience
• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

Final Draft of Legal Resume

In the final stage of resume-writing, your job is to conclude your legal resume.

As part of this conclusion stage, you have to compose two sections i.e. the 'key skills' section and the 'summary/objective' section.

Both these sections are composed towards the end as it becomes easy to identify your core skills and career highlights, which makes drafting these sections extremely easy.

It also saves you the much-needed time as the scope of revisiting some sections of your resume just to compose these sections gets eliminated.

Legal Resume Sections

Knowing what to put in your resume is winning half the battle. Knowing how to present this information is what helps you hit the right notes with the ATS.

The ATS often scans your resume, and when information is presented haphazardly, it reduces the ATS-compatibility of your legal resume.

Thus, as a general rule you should always arrange your information under the resume sections that we have mentioned below:

• Summary/Objective

Additionally, you can also put in the extra information regarding your work life under the below-mentioned sections:

Legal Resume: Professional Experience

Most people will tell you that the shortest route to an impeccable resume is a highly informative professional experience section. And they're right.

It is only after thoughtful evaluation of this section that a recruiter gets the best idea of your professional caliber and work history.

But, that's not the only thing.

How you present information also matters.

So here's what you can do to effectively present the details of your work experience in your sample attorney resume:

• Frame points
• Use the STAR format
• Use Bucketing & Bolding

Framing Points

Do you know that using paragraphs is counter-productive in a law student resume?

Do you know what you can do to reverse it?

One-liner points. This is the answer to all your problems.

Let us elaborate further through the legal resume examples that we have outlined below. All you have to do is observe them closely:

As part of my roles & responsibilities as a layer at Company X, I was responsible for looking after a range of important functions which mainly included handling clients and resolving cases by concluding settlement agreements. To achieve this, I interviewed and briefed clients on a day to day basis. Other responsibilities include preparing motions, affidavits, interrogatories, contracts, and negotiated contracts. I have also been accountable for the important responsibility of filing lawsuits, handling legal research and preparing for court appearances - something I did with a lot of diligence.

• Handled cases, interviewed clients, and prepared briefs daily
• Prepared motions, affidavits, interrogatories, contracts, and negotiated contracts
• Filed lawsuits and handled various aspects of legal research & preparation for court appearances
• Studied case files and signed settlement agreements to resolve client disputes

Framing Points: Analysis

The legal resume examples that we have given above brings us to the following conclusions:

• Both attorney resume examples are communicating the same message.
• While Law Resume Example 1 uses one long bulky paragraph to talk about the applicant's roles & responsibilities, Law Resume Example 2 uses one crisp one-liner point which helps demonstrate the applicant's work experience optimally.
• Law Resume Example 2, which uses one-liner points, also has the added advantage of being reader-friendly. It is both easy to read & comprehend vis-a-vis Law Resume Example 1 which uses paragraphs.
• It also uses action verbs which give your sample lawyer resume the much-needed tone of assertiveness & professionalism.
• Our advice? You should use one-liner points instead of paragraphs to communicate the details of your work experience.

STAR Format

Next up is the STAR format.

What is its importance? Let's find out!

But before we do, here's what the STAR stands for:

• The Situation or context of your contributions.
• The Task you were assigned in the given situation at work.
• The Action or strategy you have deployed to execute the assigned task.
• The Result or outcome of your work or actions using performance figures.

Performance figures are numbers using which you can showcase the extent of your contributions in your workplace. It helps you show the importance of your professional skills in your chosen industry.

It helps you demonstrate how your efforts helped scale a business.

Thus, adding numbers make your actions more meaningful and relevant. It helps a recruiter understand your professional abilities which enhance your shortlist chances.

Bucketing & Bolding

Now that you know how to enhance the readability and effectiveness of your sample attorney resume, the next thing in your to-do-list is to ensure that your work experience details get read .

This is where the bucketing & bolding comes handy.

Mentioned below are two lawyer resume examples showcasing how bucketing & bolding helps you enhance the visibility of your sample attorney resume:

• Interpreted law, rulings, and regulations for 20+ businesses on a monthly basis
• Implemented company initiatives and assigned projects to a team of 5+ paralegals
• Prepared 10+ legal memorandums and conducted legal research every week
• Administered the drafting of pleadings, discovery, and settlement demand letters
• Facilitated 10+ written & oral case status reports to clients every month
• Conducted legal research, motion drafting, and document review to implement fact-based litigation
• Regulated company compliance with business licenses, taxes, and employment regulations

Legal Compliance & Bankruptcy Proceedings

• Interpreted law, rulings, and regulations for 20+ businesses every month
• Regulated company compliance with business licenses, taxes , and employment regulations

Legal Research & Memoranda

• Administered the drafting of pleadings , discovery , and settlement demand letters
• Facilitated 10+ written case status reports to clients every month

Bucketing & Bolding : Analysis

The above-mentioned legal resume examples present us with the following information:

• Law Resume Example 1 uses one-liner points to communicate the details of your work experience using points. It is extremely readable but it doesn't do enough to get your law resume get read.
• Law Resume Example 2 uses bucketing & bolding to organize each one-liner point by organizing similar points under relevant subheadings & marking the important career highlights in bold.
• By using bucketing & bolding, you can easily divert the recruiter's attention to your key responsibilities and skills as it becomes next to impossible to ignore them.
• Thus, you should use bucketing & bolding alongside one-liner points to ensure that your resume projects your career highlights effectively.

Legal Resume Sample for Professional Experience

It is embedded with experienced attorney resume samples to help you effectively illustrate your professional caliber in the professional experience section of your resume.

Moreover, make a healthy habit of picking the right resume format for your lawyer resume. The legal resume format you choose will significantly impact the receptiveness of your resume as it prioritizes the elements in your resume for maximum effectiveness.

The reverse chronological resume format is the industry choice for drafting attorney resumes. Use this format as it is both ATS-compliant & recruiter-friendly resume (a win-win!).

The lawyer resume sample that we have attached below shows you what this section should ideally look like once you follow the legal resume tips that we have explained for this section:

Legal Resume: Key Skills

The whole point of writing a lawyer resume is to demonstrate your professional skills. To do this, make a separate ' key skills ' section highlighting your core skills.

Add your 'technical skills' if you are writing a resume for a technical profile.

Since a lawyer resume does not fit into this category, you don't have to make a separate 'technical skills' section.

For best results, compose this section only after you have concluded the professional experience section. Doing this helps you curate an impeccable 'key skills' section without missing out on an important point.

Here's a sample law resume showcasing what the skills section should ideally look like in your legal resumes.

Legal Resume Summary or Objective?

Whether you write a legal resume summary or a legal resume objective depends on the number of work experience with you. If your work experience transcends 3 years, write a summary, and if you have less than 3 years of work experience, write an objective.

Both ways, the goal of both is to endorse your skills to ensure that you get shortlisted for a job in the legal industry. It has to be impactful and highly effective.

Here's a list of what you should do to write impactful summaries & objectives:

• When you compose your resume summary/objective after concluding the rest of your resume, it helps you write effective summaries and objectives as you simply have to pick the highlights of your career and present them here.
• The idea is to endorse your legal resume skills in the most pro-active way.
• Unnecessarily bulking up your resume summary or objective would be counterproductive. So as a general rule of thumb, try to keep your legal resume summary/objective limited to a 3-5 lines paragraph.

Here's a lawyer resume sample showcasing what an ideally composed summary for your lawyer resume should look like.

Legal Resume: Header

Your lawyer resume header needs to be composed while keeping in mind its importance. Its goal is to give your resume an individual identity of its own.

This is why writing 'CV' or 'Resume' is frowned upon because it is obvious that you are submitting a resume.

You don't have to announce such obvious facts to the world.

This is why you should personalize this space and make a habit of writing your real full name as the resume header.

Do this and position it at the extreme top part of your lawyer resume and write it in the largest font size of 16-20 points to enhance its visibility. Doing this will tell the recruiter that this resume belongs to you.

We have attached a legal resume sample below. It illustrates what the perfect resume header should look like:

Legal Resume: Personal Information

This section of your lawyer resume should communicate important contact-specific information about you such as:

• Your mobile number
• Your Email ID
• Your Location

Make sure that you don't unnecessarily flood this section with irrelevant and extremely personal details such as your sexual orientation or religious beliefs unless explicitly asked for. Doing this will make you prone to biased hiring and you don't want that!

Mobile Number

Are you writing your contact information correctly on your law resume?

Have you been composing it the wrong way this whole time?

Read on to find out:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your mobile number.
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code.
• Eg: +1 37648 21511.

Do not mention more than one mobile number in your law resume and makes sure that this mobile number is active. Recruiters tend to get in touch with you over the phone, so any mismatch would mean that you would miss out on a potential job offer or shortlist announcement.

Your email ID is just as important as the mobile number in your law resume as it is the official mode of communication between two professionals - the recruiter and the applicant.

Thus, you mustn't use childish email IDs that spell unprofessional.

All you have to do is write your name followed by the domain name i.e. [email protected] . Example: '[email protected]'.

Your location is another important element of your law resume. It gives the recruiter a fair idea of the place of your residence, which further helps him/her identify if you would be up for a job-switch in another city or state.

Point is, locations are important.

Do yourself a favor and don't excessively complicate it.

Simply mention your city & state if you're applying for jobs in the country you are based in. For job applications in other countries, simply mention the city & country of your residence.

Legal Resume Sample for Personal Information

To know what an ideal personal information section should ideally look like, take a look at the sample attorney resume below.

Legal Resume: Profile Title

Your profile title is important as it communicates important career-relevant details about you.

Be it your functional industry, your seniority level in it, or your job title; your profile title says it all!

This is why it is important to illustrate them in your law resume with maximum visibility.

Here's what you should do to enhance the visibility of your law resume:

• Write it in the second-largest text in your sample legal resume.
• Write it in the font range of 14-16 points.

Given below is a lawyer resume sample illustrating the perfect profile title for your law resume.

The key is to truthfully present this information without exaggeration.

Legal Resume: Education

Most people tend to overlook this section.

This is where they are making a grave mistake. The education section of your resume is a must-include-section and should not be missed.

Your educational details are important. Thus, you must make a separate 'Education' section in your law school resumes.

It should have the below-mentioned information:

• The schools or universities you went to.
• The courses you pursued in the universities you went to.
• Location of your school/university.
• Detailed information of your enrolment & graduation in month & year format.

Here's a sample legal resume showcasing what this section should look like once you have followed the legal resume tips for the 'Education' section.

Legal Resume: Certifications

Is your lawyer resume up to mark? If it isn't, follow the legal resume tips we have mentioned below:

• Make a certifications section in your lawyer resume.
• Furnish it with important certification-centric information.
• Put down the certification name, certificate-issuing body, location of the institute and enrolment & completion date in month & year format .

After you do this, arrange these points horizontally in the below-mentioned format:

{Name of Certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (month & year format)

Legal Resume Bar Admission

Your legal resume bar admission is important and should find a place in your resume.

Not only does it tell a recruiter that you are educationally equipped, but it also shows that you have stepped it up a notch and passed the bar exam.

Showcasing this in your resume helps you demonstrate that you are qualified to practice law.

Here's a lawyer resume sample demonstrating how you should inculcate your legal resume bar admission details in your resume:

Legal Resume: Additional Information

If you have extra information that you'd like to put in your lawyer resume, but don't know where to put them, list them down in the 'Additional Information' section of your resume.

But while we say this, make sure that you make this section only if it helps you advance your job application in any way.

The sample law school resume that we have attached below perfectly demonstrates what this section should look like in your law student resume:

Key Takeaways

• Keep your lawyer resume simple and informative. Stick to a one-page resume if your work experience is limited to 10 years.
• Write a legal resume summary only if you have a minimum work experience of 3 years. If you don't, write a legal resume objective.
• Make a 'key skills' section to talk about your legal resume skills. Doing this will help a recruiter identify your proficiency areas in one go.
• Instead of blatantly stating that you're skilled in this and that, show the visible extent of your contributions using numbers. For eg:' Conducted legal research to resolve 10+ cases in one week'.
• Don't use paragraphs in your lawyer resume. Instead, use crisp one-liner points to communicate your roles & responsibilities.
• Use action verbs to begin each point in your professional experience section. Doing this gives your resume a tone of confidence & professionalism.
• Use the month & year format for dates across all sections of your lawyer resume.
• Use the city/state code format if you are looking for job applications in the country of your residence. If you're looking for opportunities outside your home country, use the city/country code format .

You can either follow these steps or use Hiration's Career Building Platform to frame a professional legal resume. This AI-powered platform comes with 24/7 chat support to provide you a smooth user experience. Additionally, you can also discuss your career related issues with our experts at [email protected] .

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Law and Legal Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples

How To Write a Law and Legal Resume

• Resume Text Examples

When writing your resume for legal jobs, use each section to show you have strong knowledge in your specialized field. Hiring managers want to know where you gained important skills such as legal research, public speaking, or settlement negotiations. They also want to see how you’ve applied those skills to help clients, attorneys, and other colleagues. The tips and examples below will help you draft a powerful resume that gets you interviews for your next legal job.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your law and legal qualifications

Brainstorm the top sources of your law knowledge, then identify the ones most relevant to your target job. These points should form the basis of your summary profile . For instance, if you’d like to work in family and custody law, cite any years of experience you have in that area already. Or, if your work experience is limited, focus your profile on your legal education and any related internships you’ve done.

Keep your profile short and to the point. Even a one-sentence headline can work here if it captures the scope of your legal background.

(Note, most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.)

Profile Example

Attorney with 12 years of experience representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice lawsuits. Won multimillion-dollar settlements for clients in cases related to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and medication errors. Strong experience overseeing paralegals and mentoring law students on malpractice lawsuits and other personal injury cases.

2. Create a powerful list of your law and legal experience

Use the experience section to give examples of your applying law knowledge effectively – this helps hiring managers envision the value you’d generate for their firm. Under each legal position in your work history, brainstorm your various duties and achievements. Then identify and elaborate on the ones that overlap with your target job.

For instance, say you’re after paralegal jobs focused on accurate documentation. Spell out the types of legal records you’ve helped prepare and organize, such as motions, subpoenas, or witness lists. Also, describe any ways in which you streamlined reporting procedures to provide better support for lawyers at the firm.

Or, say you’d like to represent clients in the area of commercial leasing. For any similar jobs you’ve held, describe how you helped clients negotiate favorable contract terms and qualify for rent savings. Express these highlights in terms of a clear percentage or dollar amount.

Professional Experience Example

Staff Attorney, McGill Law Firm, Chicago, IL | September 2014 to present

• Meet with potential clients and review their medical documentation to determine if claims have merit
• Investigate whether medical professionals breached standards of care
• Prepare for trials by filing motions and writing legal briefs in support of each client’s case
• Source expert medical witnesses to testify on behalf of clients
• Ensure all documents are filed well in advance of state statutes of limitations
• Negotiate settlement offers with defendants, ensuring final amounts are adequate to replace clients’ lost income or cover ongoing medical needs

3. List any education and certifications relevant to law and legal work

School degrees and certifications are usually key to a law resume since they provide the foundation of your required legal knowledge. Flesh out these sections with plenty of relevant detail, especially if you have limited work experience. For each higher education degree, consider including any law-related majors, minors, coursework, or school activities. Also, consider giving a brief description of any training or certificate programs you’ve done that are not well-known but still applicable to your target job.

If you’re just out of school, your education experiences may be your main selling point. Feel free to place your education section above your professional experience section, particularly if the jobs you’ve held so far don’t pertain to the legal jobs you’re now pursuing.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note optional template areas appear in [brackets].

Degree Name — [Major, Minor], School Name, City, ST | [Year] [Academic honors and awards] [Select legal coursework] [Law-related school activities]

Juris Doctor, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM | 2020 3.82 GPA | magna cum laude Served as Editor-In-Chief of the UNM Law Review. Distributed research assignments; edited submissions for clarity; ran editorial meetings; and collaborated with writers, editors, and graphic designers to publish each issue on time.

Certification

Certification Name or Title , [Awarding Organization] | [Year] [Description]

Registered Paralegal , The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Minneapolis, MN | 2012

4. List key skills and proficiencies for law and legal work

Add a key skills section to show the various ways you can apply your law knowledge in a work setting. This section should focus on specific legal disciplines and software programs, but you can also include more general soft skills like collaboration and client relations. Just make sure each item overlaps in some way with your target job.

Below are some common skills and keywords to consider for your law resume:

How To Pick the Best Law and Legal Resume Template

As with most vocations, legal professionals should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Opt for a layout that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with a colorful or elaborate design. Also, ensure the template complies with applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers to screen resumes.

Law and Legal Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Marina Michaels (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Chicago, IL 60007 | www.linkedin.com/example

• Client communications
• Expert witness sourcing
• Junior staff mentoring
• Legal document preparation
• Legal research and analysis
• Settlement negotiations

Professional Experience

Staff Attorney, Pavia & Marko, Attorneys at Law, Chicago, IL | January 2011 to September 2014

• Helped partners prepare for trial by sourcing expert witnesses, meeting with clients, performing legal research, and drafting relevant correspondence
• Negotiated with defendants, under supervision of lead attorney on each case
• Prepared for depositions by drafting interrogatories and preparing clients to answer questions from opposing counsel

Juris Doctor, UIC John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL | 2011

Kimberly Clarkson (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Carolina Beach, NC 28425 | www.linkedin.com/example

Certified paralegal with over 10 years of experience including five years in North Carolina family and custody law. Draw on deep knowledge of common legal practices, documents, and standards. Quickly adapt to new work challenges and industry conditions.

• Legal file digitization
• Legal research standards
• Strategic time management
• Task prioritization
• Team collaboration
• Trial document preparation
• Writing, editing, proofreading

Staff Paralegal, Legal Assistance of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC | January 2018 to present

• Conduct legal research for family court and custody cases
• Prepare motions, subpoenas, complaints, and witness lists for attorneys
• Manage case files and associated documents
• Serve as liaison between attorneys and clients to ensure positive, productive communications at all points
• Screen potential clients for subsidized legal assistance

Paralegal, Cowell Law Firm, Greensboro, NC | June 2012 to December 2017

• Contributed to legal research for upcoming trials
• Prepared motions, subpoenas, complaints, and witness lists
• Digitized physical documents in the electronic filing system

Legal Assistant, Anker & Collo, LLC, Durham, NC | September 2010 to May 2012

• Helped draft motions, subpoenas, complaints, and other legal documents
• Assisted with legal research for upcoming trials
• Uploaded physical documents to the digital legal filing system

Bachelor of Arts — Legal Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 2014

Associate of Arts — Paralegal Studies, Alamance Community College, Durham, NC | 2012

Credentials 

Family Law Paralegal Specialist Certificate, Duke University, Durham, NC | 2017

Registered Paralegal, The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Minneapolis, MN | 2012

Michael Francis (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Albuquerque, NM 87109 | www.linkedin.com/example

Bar-admitted attorney with three years of experience negotiating business contracts and commercial leases.

Key Skills 

• Contract and lease negotiations
• Dispute resolution
• Professional courtroom practices
• Public speaking and presentations
• Rules of civil procedures

Staff Attorney, Girardi & Howell PC, Albuquerque, NM | May 2020 to present

• Represent clients in complex negotiations related to commercial leasing, mergers, and acquisitions
• Draft and review legal agreements to ensure terms are fair and legally compliant
• Supervise and performance-manage one paralegal and two legal assistants

Highlights:

• Assisted clients with saving an average of 28% on their commercial rents
• Enhanced the firm’s reputation by delivering presentations on business contracts, commercial property, and other key topics at meetings of professional associations
• Helped a restaurateur break their lease with no penalties, due to a breach of contract by the landlord

Legal Intern, Mirage Real Estate, Albuquerque, NM | January 2020 to May 2020

• Helped staff attorneys draft contracts and prepare for closings on commercial real-estate purchases
• Gathered and distributed documentation to attorneys, mortgage brokers, and others involved in property transactions
• Attended closings and helped staff attorney prepare final documentation

Juris Doctor, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM | 2020

• 3.82 GPA | magna cum laude
• Served as Editor-In-Chief of the UNM Law Review. Distributed research assignments; edited submissions for clarity; ran editorial meetings; and collaborated with writers, editors, and graphic designers to publish each issue on time.

Erica Pizem - Legal Recruiter and Expert Contributor, LinkedIn

Meet our Expert: Erica Pizem is a licensed attorney based in New York City, leveraging her expertise in recruiting within the legal industry.

1. What are the most in-demand skills for law and legal careers that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? -

A candidate that is interested in pursuing a law or legal career should make sure to emphasize that they are fully capable of managing their own caseload independently and can handle cases from inception to the discovery phase and to the trial phase if needed. A candidate should be able to prepare various legal documents and be familiar with motion practice. Additionally, a candidate should have excellent supervisory skills so that they can delegate work if needed and have excellent communication skills so that they can communicate with clients. Moreover, a candidate should be detail oriented, a team player, and able to multitask.

2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in law and legal candidates? -

Hiring Managers are interested in candidates with exceptional writing and research skills. A candidate should have the relevant skills in the legal area that he or she is applying for. For example, a candidate applying for a litigation role should make sure they have deposition skills and/or trial experience. Additionally, a candidate should be familiar with Microsoft, Adobe, and legal research databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.

3. What else besides a resume should a law and legal candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers? -

In addition to a resume, a candidate applying for a legal position should submit a cover letter outlining his or her interest in the role and why they are a good fit. Writing samples and letters of recommendation and/or references from a recent job experience should also be submitted. And, if a candidate has an incredibly high LSAT score, a copy of the LSAT score can be submitted as well.

4. What advice would you give a law and legal candidate about their job search? -

I would advise prospective law and legal candidates to utilize job posting sites such as LinkedIn and it can’t hurt to message a legal recruiter explaining his or her background, relevant skills, and interest. Also, it is very common for a local law firm to advertise a job posting in the local law school job posting site so make sure to take advantage of the law school’s job posting site. Additionally, a candidate should make sure to attend local networking events.

Frequently Asked Questions: Law and Legal Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for law and legal resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you keep the hiring manager’s attention and show how you’ve applied your legal skills. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your law resume:

How do you align your law and legal resume with a job posting? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for legal professionals will grow faster than the average for all U.S. jobs between 2022 and 2032, with nearly 92,000 positions available each year.

You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume for each application. Look closely at the job post and highlight words that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these highlighted phrases to the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then seek ways to align your resume language with the job post while not copying phrases or misstating your background.

For example, if the hiring manager seeks someone collaborative, you may want to call out that aspect of your experience in your profile and key skills sections. Or say the firm has many non-English speaking clients. You could highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each job opportunity.

What is the best law and legal resume format? -

Most legal professionals should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format.)

By fusing these two features, a combination resume offers the best of both worlds. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most law firms. At the same time, the profile section lets you display your career highlights at the top, regardless if they’re from that work history or another part of your background. As a result, you can present yourself clearly and strategically. With this format, you give hiring managers the best view of your experience and strengths, so they can make an informed decision to call you for an interview.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

Attorney Resume Examples and Templates

Law Clerk Resume Examples and Templates

Paralegal Resume Examples and Templates

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Legal resume examples & templates

A great legal resume settles the case for your employment quickly and efficiently. It shows off the best of your skills and leaves hiring managers with a simple verdict: Interview this candidate! 

In your line of work, the letter of the law backed up by strong evidence and detail-orientation are your guides. Let Resume.io fill the same role when it comes to writing your resume. Our resume examples for 300+ professions, backed up by an easy-to-use resume builder are designed to help you fast-track your application.

This writing guide, along with the corresponding legal resume example will cover the following topics:

What does a legal professional do?

• How to write a legal resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a legal resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

Let’s take a look at your profession and all the sections of your legal resume.

Legal professionals advise clients on matters of the law. They may work for corporations, individuals, non-profits or governmental agencies.

The job of legal professionals is to protect the interest of their clients and to ensure that they follow all laws and legal requirements. They may be lawyers, paralegal, legal assistants or court reporters.

There are dozens of areas of specialization for attorneys as well as other legal professionals. Attorneys may work for law firms, open practices on their owner act as inside counsel for corporations and organizations. 

What’s the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?

Paralegals help attorneys by drafting documents, briefs and memos. They may perform initial interviews and correspond with clients, conduct research and investigations, keep the calendar and summarize documents and transcripts, the NALA, the Paralegal Association , describes.

Legal assistants perform more office administration tasks such as scheduling appointments and answering phones.

In some states, a paralegal must have experience as a legal assistant and/or earn a certification. Paralegals are more directly involved in the tasks that lawyers perform, according to the Lawyer Portal .

The legal job market and outlook

While the pandemic temporarily depressed the number of jobs for attorneys, the future looks brighter. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9% growth in demand by 2030. 

Here are the top 10 in-demand legal specialties of 2021* (median salaries are in parentheses):

• Intellectual property ( $242,400 )
• Real estate ( $152,863 )
• Labor and employment ( $128,364 )
• Commercial litigation ( $111,739 , for a general commercial attorney)
• Mergers and acquisitions ($204,526 )
• Insurance ( $95,000 )
• Securities litigation ( $228,907 )
• Corporate litigation ( $142,660 , for a corporate attorney)
• Trust and estates ( $76,534 )
• Environmental ( $121, 523 )

*Source: LinkedIn

Paralegal and legal assistant demand also will be high, jumping 10% from 2019-29, the BLS predicts. The median salary for these professions was $52,920 in 2020.

How to write a resume for a legal professional

A resume is a formatted document composed of specific sections. Before you get started, you should know what they are. Your resume should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Each of these sections should be tailored to the specific job you seek. That means researching the firm or organization in which you want to work, finding out about its client base, the attorneys who work there and its philosophy. With this information, you will be better equipped to use the correct tone and insure your message hits home. 

If you can, learn the name of the hiring manager and the person who will be your boss. Then, do a little research on them. Perhaps you went to the same school or worked at the same organization. Any personal connection can give you an edge and will give your interviewer something to discuss further when you talk.

A powerful resume will get you on the hiring docket. Follow these guidelines:

• Choose your words carefully to address each employer’s needs.
• Make a great first visual impression with a resume template and design that shows off your professionalism.
• If you are applying online, target each job with keywords and phrases from the listing to help you pass through the ATS screening software.

Avoid the ATS filter

Applicant Tracking Systems use algorithms to rank your resume against other candidates, so no matter how great your prose is, if you don’t get past this software, you won’t be seen by a hiring manager. There’s no definitive guide to beating them, but if you take these steps, you will greatly improve your chances of being seen by a recruiter.

• Analyze the job listing and compare it to your resume.
• Make sure you use the exact wording that you find in the listing
• Add any skills you have that are mentioned
• Use standard section headings.

Choosing the best resume format for legal professionals

In most cases, a reverse chronological order resume format is your best bet. Employers want to see your most recent experience first when they peruse your employment history section. There are cases, however, where you may want to use a different style.

If you have worked on complicated technical cases or have very detailed knowledge in a niche field, a hybrid resume may work better to showcase your skills. This style offers an expanded skills section where you can explain your deep proficiency or highlight your cases, followed by a shorter employment history section.

Bottom line is, unless you have a compelling reason not to, stick with the reverse chronological format which is preferred by hiring managers and the ATS alike.

Resume summary example: plead your case

Many legal professionals are also wordsmiths and your summary section is your chance to show off this talent. It’s no coincidence that this part of your legal resume is also called a profile. Within these 3-4 lines, you have the opportunity to make the case for your employment by extolling your biggest achievements and letting your prospective employer know why you want to work for them.

Looking for more resume samples to get your creative juices flowing? For attorney specialties, try our immigration lawyer resume example or for more general practices, we have a lawyer resume sample and an attorney resume sample . If you are in another legal field, take a look at our paralegal resume example or the legal assistant resume sample .

You can find a resume example for your summary section below.

Highly motivated and dedicated Legal Administrative Assistant seeking to utilize my skills for the advancement of the next legal team I have the pleasure of joining. Adept in effectively managing a wide array of administrative responsibilities to support the success of a law office. 

Employment history sample: power of experience

The work experience section of your legal resume tells the story of your career progress. Each bullet item should begin with a strong action word that illustrates what you did. But more than simply listing your responsibilities, employers want to see what you accomplished, so follow that strong word with a phrase that tells what you achieved and how you did it. 

As a legal professional, you know that evidence and precedent make your case, so use data and details to show that you are already doing the job your prospective employer wants to fill.

Below you will find an adaptable employment history resume sample.

Resume skills example: career in brief

Give recruiters a quick way to assess whether you have what they want in the skills section of your legal profession resume. Choose wisely and base your choices on the job listing. (This will also help you avoid the ATS filter).

Legal professionals need a combination of deep knowledge of their area of the law and an understanding of human nature. Develop a list in this resume section that takes into account both hard and soft skills.

Below you will find a skills section resume example.

• Effective Time Management
• Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Administrative Skills
• Advanced Knowledge of Legal Terminology
• Project Management

Legal profession education resume example

Education is important in the legal profession, so although this section is just a listing of your degrees, you may want to consider moving it up past your employment history section if you are just starting out and have a great academic record.

Do include your GPA if it is 3.5 or above. Add in any accolades you earned. If you were on the law review or an active member of other organizations, you may want to create a separate section called Awards and Affiliations, especially if you are fresh out of school.

Below you will find an education section resume example as a formatting guide.

• Paralegal Studies, Boston University
• Jun, 2012 - Dec, 2012
• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Hunter College
• Sep, 2008 - May, 2012

Resume layout and design: visual evidence

Once you get past the ATS, your next hurdle is making a great first impression with your layout and design.

What image do you want to project? Legal professionals need to be detail-oriented and professional at all times. You need to convey that in your resume design. That means that you need neat lines and avoid any errors in formatting, grammar or spelling.

While you want to be remembered, err or the side of conservatism here. Keep it reader-friendly by sticking to legible fonts, leaving one-inch margins and creating contact information that stands out.

A professionally-designed resume template can take the guesswork out of formatting. With an attractive header already made for you, all that’s left to do is customize with your own information.

Key takeaways for a legal resume

• Use your powers of persuasion to make your case for employment throughout your legal professions resume.
• The job market for legal professionals is looking up after taking a pandemic hit.
• Each law firm, organization or governmental body is different, so make sure you tailor your resume to send a direct message.
• Check out our legal resume sample for more formatting and design ideas.

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9 Attorney Resume Examples That Got the Job in 2024

Entry-Level Attorney

Best for professionals eager to make a mark.

Looking for one of the best resume templates? Your accomplishments are sure to stand out with these bold lines and distinct resume sections.

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Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Attorney Resume

• Attorney Resumes by Experience
• Attorney Resumes by Role

Attorney Resume FAQs

As a successful attorney in 2024, you are a stellar researcher, writer, investigator, and client confidante.

But when it comes time to  write your resume , how are you supposed to fit everything you do into one page? You also have to consider formatting, metrics, and whether to add any optional sections.

We’re here to help you handle your resume and  attorney cover letter  so you can do what you do best: practice law.

Our nine attorney resumes have helped lawyers of different specialties land jobs at top-tier law firms , so they’re perfect for beginning your resume-writing journey. We also have tips and tricks for each resume type to help you rise above the competition and get the attorney job you’ve always dreamed about in 2024.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• To make your resume aesthetically pleasing (and easy to read) for hiring managers, use a  resume template  with two font types, separate each section with big headers, and include a splash of color.
• Hiring managers need to see your qualifications quickly, so if you have extra certifications or licenses, include them in a separate section to make them more pronounced.

Entry-Level Attorney Resume

• You can list projects, internships, and any other work experience you have, even if it’s not related to law.
• Feel free to add relevant courses from your law school to highlight your skills even further!
• As a rule of thumb, you must customize your objective for each job to which you apply.
• If you’re going to use the same objective for each application, leave it off entirely and focus on work experience or projects.

Associate Attorney Resume

• This allows you to include at least four bullet points per entry, which is just enough to learn about your accomplishments without overwhelming the reader.
• Always  check your resume  for typos, grammar errors, and other mistakes before you submit it.

Senior Attorney Resume

• Good skills to include on your senior attorney resume are “contract review,” “ethics,” and any specific areas of law you have experience researching.
• Whatever you choose, double-check the job description to ensure you’re providing the correct information. 

Trademark Attorney Resume

• If you’ve never worked as a trademark attorney before, highlight your transferable skills. For example, have you advised clients on how to navigate prospective new legislation? Trademark law is always changing, so  knowing how to research recent litigation is a highly useful skill .
• Use similar keywords and responsibilities to reassure your future employer that you’re fit for the job.

Litigation Attorney Resume

• Don’t downplay your paralegal experience on your litigation attorney resume. It adds a degree of proficiency to your practice.

Real Estate Attorney Resume

• Devote valuable resume space to both your Bar admissions and certifications to demonstrate excellence in your field.

Contract Attorney Resume

• Tailor your  resume skills  section and work experience by including keywords mentioned in the job ad. Include just enough to show your expertise without copying everything word-for-word. Most of all, be honest about the skills you possess.
• Make sure that you list the specific types of contracts you have negotiated and managed, too!
• No matter what content you include, always  check your resume  for errors, including typos, grammatical faux pas, punctuation mistakes, and inconsistencies. Don’t let a few minor issues cost you the job!

Civil Litigation Attorney Resume

• All jokes aside, you can also include metrics related to things other than money. How many cases did you handle? How many clients did you meet? How many contracts or drafts did you review?  Odds are, most of your responsibilities involve numbers !
• Use bullet points and action verbs to cut filler, and avoid using adjectives or adverbs that take up space. 
• Symbols can also help: a $ instead of “dollars” and + instead of “more than” is both simple and effective!

Related resume guides

• Legal Assistant
• Investigator
• Cyber Security
• Security Officer

As an attorney, employers expect you’ll have passed the bar, and depending on the specific type of legal work you’re interested in, you may need more specialized certifications, such as the Certified International Trade Law Specialist or Board Certification in Criminal Law. While hiring personnel will likely request photocopies of your licenses and certifications, you should still list these on your attorney resume since it’s a quick assurance that you’re qualified for the specific role.  

List your highest education first. Start with law school and work your way down to your undergraduate degree (exclude high school). In the education section of your resume, you should list the name of the school along with the location, degree, and when you completed the degree. If you’re recently out of school, consider adding short bullet points that point to academic accomplishments, especially as it relates to legal work. 

No doubt, you’re used to pages of legalese and it’s no sweat for you to make sense of it; however, for your attorney resume, keep it to one page. This is your opportunity to quickly advertise your best law qualifications and accomplishments. Going into detail is best reserved for writing a great cover letter .  

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Legal Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

As a legal professional, your resume is one of the most important tools you have to sell your skills and experience to potential employers. Whether you’re an attorney or a law clerk, your legal  resume is the first impression you’ll make on a hiring manager or legal recruiter.

To help you navigate the legal hiring process, we’ve rounded up some handy tips , real-life examples , and compelling templates on how to write a legal resume that will help you get noticed. (But for all the right reasons.)

Read on and learn all about:

• Exploring useful legal resume examples
• Selecting the right format for your legal resume
• Crafting an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• Highlighting top legal skills in your resume
• Building a compelling work experience section
• Including powerful action words in your legal resume
• Listing your educational credentials properly
• Choosing relevant extra sections for your legal resume
• Avoiding common mistakes in a legal resume
• Pairing your resume with a relevant legal cover letter
• Learning about the average salary and job outlook for legal occupations
• Finding top resources for job-seeking legal professionals

Legal assistant resume example

Why does this resume example work?

• Strong educational background: The resume emphasizes a robust educational background, including a degree in Legal Studies from York University with a high GPA of 3.96 and a distinction in the IB Diploma Program. This demonstrates the candidate’s academic excellence and commitment to their field, making a strong impression on potential employers.
• Relevant work experience: The work experience section is detailed and relevant, showcasing specific responsibilities such as legal research, trial preparation, and document management. The mention of being recognized as "Employee of the Month" highlights the candidate’s exceptional performance and dedication.

What could be improved?

• Repetitive language: The tasks listed under the work experience section are somewhat repetitive. Statements like “offered valuable support and assistance to senior lawyers” and “reviewed and managed legal documents” could be diversified to keep the reader engaged. Introducing varied action verbs and providing more specific examples would enhance this section.
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: The resume lacks quantifiable achievements. Including metrics such as "assisted in the successful resolution of 20+ cases" or "improved document filing efficiency by 30%" would provide a clearer picture of the candidate's impact and contributions.

Public defender resume example

• Comprehensive skill set: The resume lists a wide range of skills that are relevant to the role of a Public Defender. This includes critical thinking, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the law. Additionally, the inclusion of languages and computer skills shows versatility and the ability to adapt to various work environments and client needs.
• Quantifiable achievements: The work experience section includes specific, quantifiable achievements that provide a clear picture of the candidate's capabilities. For instance, actively participating in over 100 misdemeanor/felony cases and being recognized as the "#1 Public Defender" for exceptional results showcases the candidate's effectiveness and recognition in their role.
• Repetitive language: The resume could benefit from varied language to describe tasks and achievements. Verbs such as "participated" and "conducted" are repeated. Using a broader range of action words could make the resume more engaging and dynamic.
• Overemphasis on education: While the candidate’s educational background is impressive, it occupies too much space relative to the work experience. For someone with over four years of professional work, the focus should be more on practical achievements and less on past academic accomplishments. Balancing the sections can provide a more up-to-date and relevant view of the candidate's abilities.
• Lack of focus on specific legal skills: While the resume lists general skills like "communication skills" and "multitasking," it would be more impactful to highlight specific legal skills such as "case law research," "trial preparation," or "client advocacy." This could provide a more targeted insight into the candidate’s legal expertise.

Paralegal intern resume example

• Multilingual abilities:  The candidate's proficiency in Japanese, English, and Spanish sets them apart in a globalized legal environment. This skill can be particularly valuable in law firms dealing with international clients or cases, and it demonstrates the candidate's versatility and ability to handle diverse linguistic needs.
• Internship recognition: Being recognized as "Intern of the Month" during their tenure at ACLU, LLC, means high performance and dedication. This accolade highlights the candidate's ability to exceed expectations and deliver top-notch work, making them a strong contender for future roles.
• Profile specificity: The profile section could be more tailored to the specific role being applied for. Phrases like "driven and ambitious" are somewhat generic. Instead, the candidate could specify particular areas of legal interest or accomplishments, such as "Passionate about civil rights law with a proven ability to conduct thorough legal research and assist in case preparation.
• Extracurricular relevance: While the candidate’s involvement in clubs and societies demonstrates a well-rounded background, some extracurricular activities listed, like the Volleyball Team or Golf Club, may not be directly relevant to the paralegal role. Emphasizing more pertinent activities, such as participation in the Debate Club or FinTech Society, would be more advantageous.

1. Format your legal resume properly

Not every legal resume is equal. The expectations and roles vary, and so do your own experiences and skill set. It’s important that you’ve chosen a resume format that highlights your strengths . 

In fact, the layout and format of your resume is just as important as the actual content. If the reviewer is unable to easily parse out the most critical information, it’s unlikely that they’ll review it in depth.

The format you choose can significantly impact how easily a hiring manager can navigate through your information and grasp your qualifications. Here are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination:

• Chronological resume format: The chronological format lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward. This format is ideal for candidates with a strong and consistent work history in the legal field. It highlights a clear career progression and recent experience.
• Functional resume format:  The functional format focuses on skills and competencies rather than a detailed work history. It emphasizes what you can do rather than where you have worked. This format is suitable for those with gaps in their work history, career changers, or recent graduates who may not have extensive legal experience.
• Combination (hybrid) resume format: The combination format merges elements of both chronological and functional formats. It highlights your skills and competencies while also providing a timeline of your work history. This format is ideal for experienced professionals who have a varied skill set and want to showcase both their skills and their work history. It’s also beneficial for those making a slight career shift within the legal field.

And so, if you’re a new graduate looking for their first role in the legal world, you may want to highlight your relevant education and academic accolades. If you’re a legal professional with over 10 years of experience, you will likely want to highlight the times and roles where you’ve made the biggest impact.

Writing a new resume can feel overwhelming but it’s easier than you might think. To help you land your next job in the legal industry, we’ve put together some legal resume templates and samples that you can easily adapt to your own skills and goals.

Use artificial intelligence to create your resume — FAST!

2. craft an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective.

Crafting a compelling resume summary or objective is crucial for making a positive first impression in the competitive field of law. Both elements aim to highlight your qualifications, but they serve slightly different purposes and are used in different contexts.

1. Resume objective: Typically used by recent graduates or those making a career change, a resume objective outlines your career goals and explains why you are a good fit for the position. It’s a statement of intent, focusing on what you aim to achieve in your next role. It includes:

• Specific career goals
• Relevant skills and qualifications
• How you can contribute to the firm

Bad resume objective example

I want to work in a legal firm where I can grow my career and gain more experience.

Why does this objective fall flat? It's too vague and generic. It doesn't specify how the candidate's skills align with the job or what they can contribute to the firm.

Good resume objective example

Recent law graduate with a focus on corporate law and extensive internship experience seeks to join XYZ Legal Firm to leverage strong research and analytical skills in providing top-notch legal assistance and support.

Why does it work?  This objective is specific and clearly outlines the candidate's education, focus area, and what they aim to achieve while contributing to the firm's success.

2. Resume summary: Generally used by experienced professionals, a resume summary provides a brief overview of your key qualifications and career accomplishments. It highlights what you bring to the table and why you are an ideal candidate for the job. It includes:

• Years of experience
• Areas of expertise
• Key accomplishments

Bad resume summary example

Experienced lawyer with many years in the field, skilled in various legal practices and looking for a new challenge.

Why is it so bad? This summary is too broad and lacks specific details about the candidate's areas of expertise, accomplishments, and the value they can bring to the potential employer.

Good resume summary example

Accomplished legal professional with 8+ years of experience in corporate and commercial law. Proven track record in negotiating complex contracts, conducting due diligence, and providing strategic legal counsel. Adept at managing litigation and regulatory compliance, resulting in favorable outcomes for high-profile clients.

Why is this a strong example? This summary provides a concise overview of the candidate's specific experience and expertise. It highlights key accomplishments and areas of proficiency, making a compelling case for their suitability for the role.

A strong legal resume summary or objective can make a significant difference in capturing the attention of hiring managers. Whether you are a recent graduate crafting an objective or an experienced professional writing a summary, avoid vague statements and ensure that your resume effectively communicates your qualifications and career aspirations in the legal field.

3. Select the best skills for your legal resume

Selecting the right skills for your legal resume is crucial for demonstrating your qualifications and alignment with the job you’re applying for. Understanding the difference between hard and soft skills, and effectively highlighting the most relevant ones, can make your resume stand out to recruiters and hiring managers in the legal field.

• Hard skills: These are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are often acquired through formal education or training. In the legal field, hard skills might include knowledge of specific areas of law , proficiency in legal research , or expertise in using legal software .
• Soft skills: These are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. While they're not job-specific, they're crucial for performing well in any working environment. In the legal field, soft skills can include communication , problem-solving , and negotiation abilities.

Now, it's important to prioritize the skills listed in the job ad first. This practice, known as "keyword matching," can help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers who are looking for specific qualifications. By aligning your skills with the job description, you show that you've done your homework and tailored your application accordingly.

Hard skills examples for your legal resume

• Legal research
• Contract drafting
• Litigation support
• Regulatory compliance
• Case management software
• Legal writing

Soft skills examples to include in your legal resume

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Negotiation
• Time management
• Ethical judgment

The legal industry is an incredibly specific area of employment that requires special education. However, you may be surprised to find that there are many additional skills (outside of the legal sphere) that can make your application stronger.

Take the time to tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for. If you have any unique or specialized skills that would be relevant to the position, highlighting these will help a hiring manager take notice of your application:

• Proficiency in foreign languages
• Experience in specific practice areas
• Client services experience
• Critical hinking
• Business acumen

Remember, choosing the right skills to include in your legal resume is essential for showcasing your qualifications and matching the job requirements. 

4. Make your work experience section stand out

A legal resume should be more than just a laundry list of all your past job duties and responsibilities. While it might feel more impressive to list out all the things you’ve done, a few specific legal examples will make a better impact .

Unspecific examples of resume points include phrases like, “Wrote emails and coordinated appointments” and “Filed and organized documents.” These are tasks or skills that could be related to any industry or role. And so, make sure to avoid them.

Instead, use specific examples of the legal work you've done and the results you've achieved. If possible, include the metrics, impact, and the relevant practice area. The more details you can include, the better.

Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Bad example of a work experience entry from a legal resume

Associate Attorney |  XYZ Law Firm | Anytown, USA 2017 - Present

• Wrote emails and coordinated appointments.
• Filed and organized documents.

Why is this entry weak? These points are too vague and generic. They don't illustrate candidate's specific contributions or accomplishments within the legal field.

Good example of a work experience entry from a legal resume

• Drafted and reviewed over 50 complex contracts annually, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and reducing legal risks for a $10M firm.
• Led a project to develop and implement a new case management system, reducing document retrieval time by 30% and increasing team productivity.
• Assisted in all stages of litigation, including case preparation, witness interviews, and trial support.
• Participated in client meetings and effectively communicated legal advice, ensuring clients' understanding of their rights and legal options.

Why does this example hit the mark? These points are specific and detailed, showcasing your direct impact on the firm's success. The use of metrics ("over 50 complex contracts annually," "reducing document retrieval time by 30%") makes the achievements quantifiable and impressive.

Pro tip for fresh graduates: If you lack extensive work experience, highlight relevant internships, volunteer work, and academic projects that demonstrate your legal skills and dedication.

Making your work experience section stand out is crucial for a successful legal resume. By avoiding generic statements and focusing on specific, detailed examples of your legal work and accomplishments, you can effectively showcase your expertise and impact.

5. Include powerful action words in your legal resume

When describing your legal experience and accomplishments on your resume, use action words . Action words, also known as action verbs, clearly communicate your successes and skills on your resume.

They're effective at helping your resume tell a story. They also convey a level of confidence in your skills to the reviewer. This is particularly important in the legal field where being able to deliver successful results is incredibly valuable.

And remember, using a variety of action verbs can also enhance the readability of your resume and keep it engaging. Avoid using repetitive verbs , as they can make your resume monotonous. Diversify your action words to better illustrate the range and depth of your responsibilities and achievements.

Consider some of the following action verbs when drafting your legal resume

• Represented
• Spearheaded

Additional tips:

• Customized action words: Tailor your action words to the specific job description to better align your resume with the employer's needs. This can also help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, pair action verbs with quantifiable achievements to provide a clear picture of your impact. For example, “Negotiated settlements totaling over $1 million.”
• Showcase soft skills: Integrate verbs that demonstrate your soft skills, such as "Mentored associates" or "Facilitated team meetings." These verbs show your ability to contribute to a collaborative and productive work environment.

All in all, including a wide range of powerful action words into your legal resume can significantly enhance its impact. By clearly communicating your skills and accomplishments, and avoiding repetitive verbs, you can create a dynamic and compelling resume that effectively showcases your qualifications.

6. List your educational credentials properly

Accurately listing your education on a legal resume is essential for showcasing your qualifications and the foundation of your expertise. In the legal profession, educational background plays a crucial role in demonstrating your knowledge of the law, your analytical abilities, and your commitment to an intellectually demanding field.

Including your educational background can highlight relevant courses , honors , and achievements , reflecting your preparedness for a legal career.

For those whose education is directly related to the legal field , this section solidifies their foundation in law. For those coming from different academic backgrounds , emphasizing relevant courses, projects, and skills can demonstrate how their education has equipped them for a legal role.

Picture two different scenarios: one for a candidate whose education is directly related to law, and another for someone coming from an unrelated academic background:

Related education entry example

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA Juris Doctor (J.D.)

• Graduated: 2022, Cum Laude
• Achievements: Moot Court Finalist, Law Review Editor

This example clearly illustrates the candidate's specialized legal education and highlights achievements that are directly applicable to a legal career.

On the other hand, a candidate with a degree in Political Science might present their education like this:

Unrelated education entry example

University of California, Berkeley, CA Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

• Graduated: 2020, Magna Cum Laude
• Relevant Courses: Constitutional Law, Public Policy Analysis, International Relations
• Projects: Senior Thesis on "The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions on Federal Policies"
• Achievements: Dean's List, Model United Nations Delegate

In this scenario, even though the degree is not in law, the candidate emphasizes relevant courses, a notable academic project, and significant achievements that demonstrate their analytical and research skills, which are applicable in a legal context.

What's more, it’s essential for any attorney, law clerk, or legal assistant to keep up with the latest legal trends . You can easily demonstrate this commitment by listing relevant courses or seminars you've taken to upskill yourself. Be sure to include these in your education section to showcase your ongoing professional development.

Listing courses and seminars on your legal resume

Courses and seminars

• Intellectual Property Law Seminar, Anytown Law School (2021)
• Contract Negotiation and Drafting, Legal Institute (2020)
• Legal Writing and Research Workshop, Bar Association (2019)
• Trial Advocacy Skills Training, Trial Lawyers Association (2018)
• Corporate Law Essentials, Continuing Legal Education (2017)

Whether your degree is in a related field or not, tailored educational information can provide a strong foundation for your legal resume. Highlighting the most relevant aspects of your education ensures that your resume effectively communicates your readiness and capability to excel in your dream legal role. 

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7. Choose relevant extra sections for your legal resume

Often, it's the additional sections on your resume that make you stand out as a top pick. Here are a few suggestions for your legal resume to shine:

• Bar admission:  In the field of law, your bar admission status is vital. Specify the state(s) where you're admitted to practice law.
• Certifications:  If you've earned any certifications beyond your Juris Doctor degree, such as Intellectual Property Law , Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), or others, be sure to include these.
• Volunteering experience:  Have you offered pro bono legal services or volunteered in a community legal clinic? This reinforces your commitment to the law outside of a business context.
• Publications:  If you've written legal briefs, articles, or have been published in a law journal, this can highlight your expertise and communication skills.
• Languages:  Legal work can often necessitate interaction with diverse clients. If you're multilingual, include the languages you speak and your proficiency level.

Here's an example of how to list your extra sections

Bar Admission

• Admitted to the New York State Bar (2022)

Certifications

• Intellectual Property Law Certification (Yale University, 2019)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP, 2021)

Volunteering Experience

• Pro Bono Legal Consultant, Community Legal Clinic, Chicago, IL (2016 - Present)

Publications

• Co_author, "The Changing Landscape of Intellectual Property Law", Harvard Law Review, 2021
• Contributor, "Privacy Law and Internet Regulations", Stanford Technology Law Review, 2020
• Spanish: Conversational
• French: Fluent

Remember, these sections can underscore your strengths and demonstrate your diverse skills apart from essential legal competencies. Therefore, hand-pick those that best showcase your qualifications and fit the role you're applying for.

8. Avoid common mistakes in a legal resume

Creating a polished and professional legal resume requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of what potential employers are looking for. Even the most qualified candidates can make mistakes that may hinder their chances of landing their desired roles. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using generic statements: One frequent mistake is using vague or generic statements that fail to effectively communicate your skills and achievements. Instead of making broad claims like "Handled various legal tasks," be specific about your responsibilities and accomplishments. For example, "Managed 15 client cases simultaneously, drafting motions and conducting depositions that led to a 95% success rate" provides a clearer picture of your capabilities and impact.
• Ignoring keyword optimization: Another common error is ignoring keyword optimization. Many firms use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter through resumes, and failing to incorporate relevant keywords can result in your application being overlooked. Carefully review the job posting and integrate specific keywords throughout your resume. This not only helps your resume pass through the ATS but also shows that you have tailored your application to the specific role.
• Lack of focus on quantifiable achievements: A lack of focus on quantifiable achievements is also a major pitfall. Legal employers want to see evidence of your impact in previous roles. Rather than listing duties, emphasize your accomplishments with numbers and statistics. For instance, "Successfully negotiated settlements totaling over $2 million" is far more impactful than simply stating "Negotiated settlements."
• Overloading with legal jargon: While it's important to demonstrate your expertise, overloading your resume with too much legal jargon can make it difficult to read and understand. Balance technical language with clear, straightforward terms. This ensures that your resume is accessible not only to legal professionals but also to HR personnel who may not have a legal background.
• Poor formatting and spelling errors:  Poor formatting and spelling errors can severely detract from the professionalism of your resume. Use a clean, straightforward layout with consistent fonts and headings, and carefully proofread your resume to eliminate any typos or grammatical mistakes. Even minor errors can leave a negative impression and suggest a lack of attention to detail.
• Failure to highlight relevant skills: Neglecting to highlight relevant skills is another frequent mistake. Ensure that your resume includes both hard and soft skills that are pertinent to the job. For example, "Strong legal research abilities" and "Excellent negotiation skills" are valuable additions that can make your resume stand out.
• Listing unrelated experience: Including too much unrelated experience can dilute the focus of your resume. While it’s okay to list diverse roles, make sure to frame them in a way that highlights transferable skills. Focus on how your past experiences can bring value to the legal role you are applying for.

All in all, crafting an effective legal resume requires precision, relevance, and attention to detail. By steering clear of these common pitfalls and focusing on your unique achievements, you'll greatly increase your chances of catching a potential employer's eye.

9. Pair your resume with a relevant legal cover letter

A well-crafted cover letter is an essential companion to your resume and can greatly enhance your job application. While both documents are crucial, they serve different purposes.

A resume provides a structured overview of your work history, skills, and education, focusing on your achievements and qualifications in a concise format. In contrast, a cover letter offers a narrative that allows you to express your enthusiasm for the role, explain why you're a perfect fit for the position, and provide context to your resume.

Including a cover letter with your resume is almost always a good idea unless the job posting explicitly states otherwise . A cover letter allows you to tailor your application to the specific job, demonstrating that you have taken the time to understand the role and the company. It’s your opportunity to shine beyond the bullet points of your resume, showcasing your personality and passion.

Moreover, it's vital to ensure that your cover letter and resume share a consistent design . This means using the same:

• color schemes

A unified design not only looks more professional but also helps the hiring manager easily identify both documents as part of the same application. Consistency in design creates a cohesive and polished look, making a strong first impression.

By pairing a well-crafted cover letter with your resume, you create a compelling narrative that not only showcases your qualifications but also demonstrates your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role. This thoughtful approach can set you apart from other candidates and leave a memorable impression on potential employers.

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10. average salary and job outlook for legal occupations.

The legal field offers promising career opportunities, both in terms of salary and job growth. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for legal occupations was $99,220 as of May 2022. This figure reflects the high earning potential within various legal roles, including attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants.

Looking ahead, the outlook for legal occupations is positive. Overall employment in this field is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. The BLS projects about 91,700 openings each year, on average, in legal occupations. This demand is driven by employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave these roles permanently.

The robust job growth and competitive salaries make legal occupations an attractive career choice for those with the requisite skills and qualifications. Whether you are just entering the field or are an experienced professional considering a new opportunity, the legal profession offers a promising future with both financial and professional rewards.

11. Essential resources for navigating the legal job market

Entering the legal job market or advancing your career can be a challenging endeavor. Fortunately, the right resources can make a significant difference. Whether you’re a law student exploring career options or an experienced attorney seeking new opportunities, these tools can provide invaluable support.

• Legal job boards: Platforms like Lawjobs  and Indeed  aggregate numerous job listings tailored to the legal profession, making it easy to find roles that match your qualifications and aspirations.
• Networking: Building connections is crucial. Use LinkedIn and other social media platforms to network with legal professionals. Additionally, joining legal associations and attending industry conferences can introduce you to mentors and peers who can offer guidance and opportunities.
• Continued education: Staying ahead in the legal field often requires ongoing education. Websites like Coursera and Lawline offer courses and seminars that can help you acquire new certifications and skills, keeping you competitive in the job market.
• Legal blogs and news: Keeping up-to-date with industry trends is essential. Resources like Law.com and the ABA Journal provide the latest news, articles, and insights, helping you stay informed about the legal landscape.
• Mentorship: Seeking advice from seasoned lawyers can provide valuable insights into the profession. Mentors can share their experiences and offer guidance that can help you navigate your career path effectively.
• Career counseling: Many educational institutions offer career counseling services for students and alumni. These services can assist with resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies, providing tailored support to enhance your job applications.
• Social media engagement: Leveraging social media can be incredibly beneficial. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) can help you engage with legal influencers, participate in industry discussions, and stay updated with the latest trends. Following hashtags like #LawJobs or #LegalCareer can also expose you to valuable information and job leads.

Navigating the legal job market requires a combination of the right resources and strategic effort. By using these tools, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and connections needed to thrive in the legal profession.

Legal Resume FAQ

What should i include in my legal resume.

In addition to basic such as contact information and education, include details about legal internships or clerkships, relevant coursework or achievements, skills pertinent to the role (such as proficiency in legal research or knowledge of legal software), and references if available.

Should I include a summary on my legal resume?

A resume summary can be beneficial on a legal resume, particularly for seasoned legal professionals. It provides a snapshot of your legal career, highlighting significant achievements and skills. 

I am a new law graduate. How should I structure my legal resume?

As a fresh law graduate or someone new to the field, focus on your education, internships, and any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. You may also highlight skills, such as legal research or negotiation, gained from your education or internships. 

How long should a legal resume be?

The resume length can depend on your level of experience. Generally, a one-page resume suffices for new graduates or those with less experience. However, seasoned legal professionals embarking on senior-level roles may need two pages to adequately detail their experiences and accomplishments.

Should I customize my legal resume for each job application?

Always, yes. Despite the legal sector's seeming uniformity, different firms or legal departments may look for different skills or experience. Tailor your resume to match each job description closely.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

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• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Legal Secretary

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Legal Resumes: Template, Tips, and Examples

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Contents: Guide To Legal Document Templates Collection

1. Legal Resumes: Template, Tips, and Examples

2. a guide to legal case management templates, 3. attorney timesheets: templates and how to write, 4. a guide to legal disclaimer templates, 5. legal memos: templates, tips, and structures, 6. guide to legal brief templates, 7. every lawyer needs these 4 law firm email templates, 8. legal client intake form: template and how to use, 9. legal client letter template: structuring and writing, 10. legal billing: free billing template included.

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In 2023, law grads have endless opportunities to land a legal position. However, while the American Bar Association (ABA) has identified a modest increase in the number of jobs for law school grads nationwide over the past two years, it’s important to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward to ensure you land the legal job of your dreams. 

The best way to stand out is to build a legal resume that shows employers you have the necessary skills, experience, and academic background to fulfill their requirements and expectations. But it’s hard to build an outstanding legal resume when you don’t know where to start or what to include.

Legal resume templates are an important tool for lawyers just starting out in their careers or veteran attorneys looking to make a change. Using a template as your starting point helps ensure you include the right information to help your legal resume stand out to recruiters and firms.

What should be included in a legal resume?

When you’re looking for a legal resume template, it should include sections for:

Contact information

• A professional summary

Credentials

• Professional and academic experience
• Any publications or speaking credits under your name
• Potential pro bono or volunteer experience
• Relevant key skills.

Include your full name, email, and phone number in the contact information section. Adding social media profiles such as LinkedIn or Twitter is also acceptable but not required. If you choose to add those profiles to your resume, ensure that they look professional and do not contain any inappropriate posts, photos, or comments. 

Apply this level of professionalism to your email address as well. Use a personal email address that looks professional (if your email address looks like “ [email protected] ,” you might want to consider changing it to something more formal). If you’ve graduated from law school, your student email will likely be deactivated, so a personal email is more reliable.

Professional summary

A professional summary is a short, skimmable section of your resume. This section should be longer than two sentences but shorter than a paragraph. List your credentials, what practice area you’re interested in, and why you’re qualified for the position you are applying for. 

Outlining your credentials may seem obvious, but this is an often-overlooked section of a legal resume. This section should include your bar admission. The ABA has a few recommendations for formatting this section:

• Put Esq. after your name in the contact information section.
• “[Jurisdiction]: Bar Admission, Good Standing”: If you passed the bar exam.
• “Eligible for [month]/[year], [jurisdiction] bar exam”: If you haven’t yet applied to take the bar exam, but are eligible for it.
• “Candidate for [month]/[year], [jurisdiction] bar exam”: If you’ve submitted your application to sit for the exam but have not yet taken it.
• “Candidate for [month]/[year], [jurisdiction] bar exam (results pending)”: If you’ve sat for the exam but haven’t yet received the results.
• “[Jurisdiction], (bar admission pending)”: If you’ve passed the exam but not yet been sworn in.
• If you’ve been admitted, but are inactive for any reason, use your jurisdiction’s official language for your status.

Professional experience 

This section of your legal resume is where you detail your past professional experience and show that you are qualified for the position you are applying for. Detail your previous positions in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one. Include the firm name, your position title, how long you worked there, and what your accomplishments were.

If you don’t yet have any relevant experience or achievements as a lawyer (you may be a new graduate, transitioning from another legal position like a paralegal, only had temp work, etc.), still include those positions in this section. 

Even if this section turns out to be shorter than you like, showcase your accomplishments and be proud of the work that you’ve done.

Academic experience

Academic experience extends beyond the law school you went to. This section can also include any accomplishments that you had while in school, such as GPA, awards, organizations or notable research projects that you were a part of.

One thing to note is that you should only include your GPA if you graduated within three years of law school and it is above a 3.5 . Otherwise, this information may reflect negatively on your application.

Publications and speaking credits

This section is to showcase any notable accomplishments you’ve had outside of your academic or professional experience. Perhaps you’ve been published in a legal journal or had a speaking credit at a legal conference. Both will help you stand out as a candidate for the position you’re applying for.

Pro bono and volunteer experience

While the ABA does not mandate pro bono service , they highly recommend under their ethical rules that lawyers contribute at least 50 hours of pro bono service per year.

Including this section in your resume can showcase your passion and expertise for a specific area of law or specialization, which will help you stand out as a candidate. This information will also help a potential employer see your commitment to helping a person(s) of limited means .

Many firms have transitioned to a modern practice, thanks to the ABA’s duty of technology competence guidelines . Because of this, technical skills like working with a computer or understanding cloud-based legal practice management software have become more desirable.

Soft skills, such as being detail-oriented, easy to work with , and adaptable to changing situations are also important for being a successful lawyer.

If you’re struggling to fill out this section, many legal job postings will list the skills they require, such as strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. If these apply to you, then it’s wise to include these in your resume.

Are legal resume templates free?

Yes, there are many free legal resume templates online that you can use. Better yet, if you are a recent law school graduate, your school’s career services center will likely have legal resume templates that you can use, in addition, to resume writing guidance.

Legal resume sample

First name, last name, Esq.

Phone number: XXX-XXX-XXXX

Email address: [email protected]

Professional summary:

A lawyer specializing in [practice area] with [number of years] years of experience [detailing experience]. [Highlight 1 or 2 career accomplishments]. [Highlight professional credentials]. Looking to leverage my experience and expertise as a [position applying for] at [firm applying for]

Credentials:

[Jurisdiction]: Bar Admission, Good Standing

Professional experience:

[Position name], [firm name] 

[Time worked]

• Achievement #1
• Achievement #2
• Achievement #3

Academic experience:

Juris Doctor, [law school], [dates attended]

• Accomplishment #1
• Accomplishment #2

Bachelor of [degree], [school name], [dates attended]

Pro-bono and volunteer experience

• Key skill #1
• Key skill #2
• Key skill #3
• Key skill #4

Final thoughts on legal resume templates

A legal resume template is a great tool to help you get started. But ultimately, a legal resume template is not the only way to create your resume. There may be sections that don’t apply or you may be applying for a position in a practice area that has different, more rigid requirements. 

A legal resume template is a tool that you should use as a guiding point to move forward instead of a rigid structure you need to follow. Your legal resume is also a living document. So, as you progress in your career, you might decide to add or remove sections. All the sections listed above are customizable and include best practices to help you stand out from the competition.

Need more guidance? For more resources on legal templates, be sure to check out our legal document templates hub .

Written by: Lisa Dimyadi Last updated: April 28, 2023

Resume Advice & Samples

Resume advice and samples.

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• Review your resume with a CDO counselor prior to applying to jobs. 
• Your resume is a sales tool, not an autobiography. When making decisions about what to include, consider recency and relevancy to the job for which you are applying.  
• Be prepared to discuss everything on your resume in an interview. 
• Be scrupulously honest. Exaggerations or misrepresentation will damage your reputation and professional relationships. 
• Make your resume visually clean and clear. What will an employer see in 30 seconds? 5 seconds? 
• Keep your resume to one page.
• Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Garamond.
• Select a font size of 11 point or 12 point.
• Create margins no smaller than .5 inches on all sides.
• Use bold, underlining, and italics consistently to enhance readability.
• Make deliberate style choices, then stick to them throughout.
• Ensure your resume is error free.
• Follow our advice, “ Resume Formatting: How to Use Tabs & Styles ” to give your resume a professional look.

Resume Construction

• Include your name, mailing address, cell number, and Yale email address.
• If you do not have a mailing address in New Haven, that is fine, as mailing addresses are becoming optional.
• Add your permanent mailing address to emphasize ties to that area when applying to positions nearby.
• List your gender pronouns if you wish.

Education Section

• List degrees in reverse chronological order.
• Include all courses of study: past, present, and future.
• List each educational institution, location, degree, and degree date (expected date if currently enrolled).
• Do not include high school or LSAT score.
• Think strategically about how much space you devote to each degree. What message are you sending to employers?
• Include at your option with a strategic mindset.
• YLS awards few Honors.
• Moot court/mock trial awards and paper prizes are Honors.
• List Yale Law Journal as an Honor, due to the competitive admission process. List other journals as Activities or create a separate Journal sub-section under Yale Law School.
• List those that are not based solely on financial need and are awarded through a competitive process.
• If space permits, provide a very brief description of the selection criteria.
• Examples: Tilman Scholarship; the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans; and the NAACP LDF Earl Warren Civil Rights Scholarship.
• List scholarship or fellowship awards that are associated with summer or post-graduate employment with the position in the Experience section.
• Do not list need-based scholarships and fellowships, including SPIF funding, summer Mary McCarthy funding, and Kirby Simon travel grants.
• List the following positions as Activities or in the Experience section: Coker Fellow, Research Assistant, Deans’ Advisor, Student Representative, Peer Advocate, Tsai Leadership Program Fellow, and CDO Student Advisor.
• Use this section to emphasize relevant skills and interests including research and writing skills, oral advocacy, teamwork, and leadership.
• Narrow the list, if necessary, by selecting only one of several activities that are of the same genre.
• If applying for public service positions, include as many of your service-related activities as space permits to demonstrate your commitment to service.
• Move particularly relevant, intensive, or skills-enhancing activities to the Experience section. Example: clinics.
• Be clear about the timing of future commitments, however, describing the exact timing of past activities is not strictly necessary.

Optional Sections

• Create a Select Courses sub-section to highlight courses that reflect your interest in a practice area.
• Tailor this section depending on target your employer(s).
• List courses you have already taken and courses you intend to take in the future (with a parenthetical indicating that the course is expected).  
• Create a Study Abroad sub-section in your undergraduate education listing.  
• Create a Thesis sub-section in your undergraduate education listing.
• Include especially if the topic relates to the law.

Experience Section

• List experiences in reverse chronological order.
• Include experiences to which you have committed, but not yet begun; describe using future-tense verbs.
• Dates can be general (e.g., Summer 20XX).
• Omit job titles if unimpressive or do not clarify your responsibilities, however, be consistent about including/excluding titles throughout.
• List experiences that demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas relevant to legal employers, especially research, writing, and analysis.
• Emphasize professional skills including organizational ability, leadership, initiative, creativity, communication skills, common sense, and intellectual ability.
• List both paid and unpaid experiences.
• Include work associated with a scholastic experience, including legal clinic experience, research for a professor, and extensive work for a student organization.
• Rewrite past descriptions written for different industries and audiences. Eliminate jargon and terminology unfamiliar to a general audience.
• Summarize smaller or less relevant positions to fill gaps. E.g., “Held various positions as salesclerk, server, and receptionist while in college.”
• Be prepared to discuss significant gaps at interviews.
• Think strategically about the amount of physical space devoted to each experience. More space = greater emphasis.
• Use action verbs and rich detail in descriptions. E.g., “researched and wrote memoranda on issues of jurisdiction and venue,” rather than “involved in assisting attorneys in the researching and writing of…”
• Languages: List if relevant and/or skill level is high. May be useful to delineate written vs. spoken proficiency. Be scrupulously honest regarding skill level.
• Think strategically about employers’ impressions. Publications show writing skills, but a long list of publications may signal interest in an academic career which may not be well received by non-academic employers.
• Consider selective list or summary if publication list is long.
• Use Bluebook citation format.
• Be clear about co-authored pieces.
• Interests: Include a few special interests that may be compelling and serve as icebreaker topics during an interview.
• Other skills: list only relevant skills, eliminating those which are universal (e.g., MS Word) or unrelated to legal employers’ needs (e.g., C++ programming).

Do Not Include

• Objective or introductory statements.
• Personal information (e.g., marital status, parental status).
• Salary requirements.
• “References available on request.”

Think Ahead to Your Next Resume

Develop your skills and knowledge through career-related experiences

• Summer employment
• Student organizations
• Research Assistant positions
• Leadership positions

Sample Resumes PDF   Sample Resumes Word

Jump to: First Year Student Examples | Second Year Student Examples | Third Year Student Examples

• • Effectively managed between 30-50 calls per day, swiftly capturing vital data and messages resulting in seamless communication within the firm.
• • Implemented an organized email system that improved communication by 35%
• • Prepared over 500 legal bills, ensuring strict compliance with corporate guidelines and reducing billing discrepancies by 80%
• • Successfully coordinated meeting schedules for 7 directors, ensuring seamless operations and maximizing productivity.
• • Increased efficiency in record keeping through digitization of over 2000+ legal documents.
• • Initiated a legal contract catalog, covering all agreements in shipping and commercial law, which improved contract accessibility by 60%.
• • Handled a diverse array of responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, meeting a 100% deadline compliance rate over two years.
• • Managed communication channels, responding to 100+ emails daily and ensuring prompt replies
• • Prepared 30+ commercial law cases weekly, contributing to a 90% successful case handling rate.
• • Received 'Paralegal of the Month' award thrice for exhibiting exceptional performance.

5 Legal Secretary Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your legal secretary resume must emphasize your proficiency in legal terminology and document management. It is essential to showcase your ability to maintain confidentiality and organize complex legal files effectively. Demonstrate your adeptness in communication by highlighting experience with client interactions and correspondence. Include your proficiency in calendaring court dates and deadlines to illustrate your meticulous attention to detail and reliability.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Tips for refining your legal secretary resume format, detailing your relevant experience on your legal secretary resume, highlighting essential hard and soft skills for your legal secretary resume, choosing the right certifications and education for your legal secretary resume, summary or objective: maximizing the impact of the top third of your resume, additional sections to elevate your legal secretary resume, key takeaways.

Legal Secretaries often struggle with effectively showcasing their extensive range of responsibilities and diverse skill sets on a resume due to space limitations. Our guide offers strategies for prioritizing and condensing information, demonstrating how to present these capabilities concisely and powerfully to potential employers.

Here's what you'll read within our professional resume guide:

• Legal secretary resumes that are tailored to the role are more likely to catch recruiters' attention.
• Most sought-out legal secretary skills that should make your resume.
• Styling the layout of your professional resume: take a page from legal secretary resume examples.
• How to write about your legal secretary achievements in various resume sections (e.g. summary, experience, and education).

Recommended reads:

• Administrative Secretary resume
• Executive Personal Assistant resume
• School Secretary resume
• Medical Office Assistant resume
• Front Office Assistant resume

The resume format sets the stage for your professional narrative. Ensure it:

• Adopts the reverse-chronological format , placing your most recent experiences at the forefront. This format is ideal for those with relevant and up-to-date experience.
• Features a clear headline, making it straightforward for recruiters to access your contact details, portfolio, or current role.
• Stays concise, ideally spanning no more than two pages, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
• Maintains its layout by being saved as a PDF, ensuring compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Upload your resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Make sure your resume is ATS compliant and catches the recruiters' attention by tailoring your experience to the specific job requirements. Quantify and highlight why you're the best candidate for the role on the first page of your resume.

Essential school secretary resume sections for a comprehensive overview:

• Header: Enables recruiters to swiftly access your contact details and peruse your latest work portfolio.
• Summary or Objective: Offers a snapshot of your career milestones and aspirations.
• Experience: Demonstrates alignment with job prerequisites and highlights your tangible contributions.
• Skills: Captures the full spectrum of your expertise, making you a compelling school secretary candidate.
• Education & Certifications: Bridges potential experience gaps and underscores your dedication to the field.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Proficiency in legal terminology and understanding of the law: This includes knowledge of court procedures, legal documents, and various types of law such as corporate, criminal, etc.
• Experience with legal software and technologies: Recruiters often look for experience with software like legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw), case management systems, e-filing systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: A Legal Secretary needs to be able to draft and proofread legal documents and correspondences, interact with clients, attorneys, and other staff members professionally.
• Organizational skills and detail orientation: The ability to manage files, schedules, meeting arrangements, and keep track of important details is essential.
• Confidentiality and discretion: Handling sensitive legal information requires a high level of trust, so demonstrating a history of confidentiality is important.
• Types of Resumes

Showcase your credibility in the resume experience section. For an effective legal secretary resume:

• Highlight measurable achievements.
• Scan the job advert for keywords and integrate them throughout your experience section.
• Emphasize your technical proficiencies and how you've applied them in various roles.
• Keep it simple: mention your responsibility, relevant skills, and the outcomes.
• Use this section to convey your unique value, soft skills, feedback received, and the type of company culture you thrive in.

Top professionals ensure their experience section offers a captivating look at their expertise. Check out our sample legal secretary resumes for guidance.

• Provided comprehensive administrative support to a team of 5 attorneys, managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and organizing travel arrangements.
• Drafted and proofread legal documents, including contracts, briefs, and pleadings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established formatting guidelines.
• Maintained electronic and physical filing systems, improving accessibility and facilitating efficient retrieval of documents, resulting in time savings for the legal team.
• Managed client intake process, conducting initial screenings, gathering necessary information, and preparing relevant documentation for attorney review.
• Assisted with trial preparation by organizing exhibits, coordinating witness schedules, and compiling necessary case materials.
• Managed the reception area, greeting clients, answering calls, and directing inquiries to appropriate legal staff members, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
• Prepared and filed legal documents with courts and other governmental agencies, following specified procedures and meeting deadlines.
• Conducted legal research using online databases, gathering relevant case law, statutes, and regulations to support attorneys' arguments and strategies.
• Coordinated and scheduled depositions, mediations, and court appearances, liaising with opposing counsels, court personnel, and witnesses.
• Assisted in the preparation of trial exhibits and trial binders, ensuring all necessary materials were organized and readily available during proceedings.
• Managed multiple complex calendars for partners, scheduling appointments, meetings, and court appearances, while proactively adjusting for conflicting priorities.
• Collaborated with attorneys to draft and edit legal correspondence, memoranda, and contracts, adhering to established firm templates and guidelines.
• Researched and compiled relevant case law, statutes, and regulations, preparing comprehensive summaries and analysis for use in legal briefs and motions.
• Maintained confidential client files, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation, resulting in streamlined retrieval and improved data integrity.
• Assisted in the preparation of real estate transactions, including reviewing title documents, coordinating with title companies, and facilitating closings.
• Provide administrative support to a team of 8 attorneys, managing their schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, and organizing internal and external meetings.
• Prepare and proofread various legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and affidavits, ensuring accuracy and adherence to formatting guidelines.
• Maintain electronic databases and physical filing systems, implementing efficient organization methods and improving accessibility to critical case materials.
• Assist in legal research by analyzing complex legal issues, identifying relevant precedents, and summarizing findings for attorney review and decision-making.
• Coordinate discovery processes, including document collection, review, and production, resulting in timely and accurate responses to opposing counsel's requests.
• Managed the billing process, generating accurate and timely invoices for clients, tracking payments, and reconciling any discrepancies.
• Coordinated with external vendors, such as court reporters and translators, to schedule services needed for legal proceedings, ensuring seamless operations.
• Assisted in trial preparation by organizing and maintaining case exhibits, witness lists, and deposition transcripts, facilitating efficient retrieval during hearings.
• Reviewed and revised legal documents, including contracts and agreements, to ensure compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and client requirements.
• Supported attorneys in drafting and filing various motions and pleadings, utilizing electronic filing systems and adhering to court-specific rules and procedures.
• Managed the firm's document management system, implementing effective organization strategies and training staff members on proper usage.
• Prepared and filed legal documents with state and federal courts, ensuring compliance with specific jurisdictional requirements and meeting designated deadlines.
• Collaborated with attorneys to conduct thorough legal research, analyzing complex issues and providing concise summaries and recommendations for cases.
• Assisted in the development and maintenance of the firm's knowledge management resources, including precedent databases and legal research tools.
• Coordinated attorney calendars and schedules, arranging client meetings, court appearances, and other professional commitments, optimizing time management.
• Provide high-level administrative support to the managing partner, including managing their calendar, organizing meetings, and coordinating travel arrangements.
• Draft and proofread legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established standards.
• Manage the firm's client database, updating contact information, tracking case status changes, and generating reports for analysis and decision-making.
• Support attorneys in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, summarizing depositions, and assisting with the development of trial strategies.
• Respond to client inquiries, providing timely and accurate information, and liaise with external parties, such as opposing counsel and court personnel.
• Managed the front desk, handling incoming calls, greeting visitors, and directing inquiries to appropriate legal staff, ensuring efficient communication flow.
• Assisted attorneys in the preparation of legal documents, conducting thorough proofreading, and verifying accuracy of citations, references, and formatting.
• Maintained records of court appearances, deadlines, and filing requirements, ensuring compliance with procedural rules and avoiding missed submissions.
• Supported attorneys during trial proceedings, organizing exhibits, preparing witness binders, and coordinating with court personnel for logistics.
• Drafted routine correspondence and handled administrative tasks, such as filing, copying, and document scanning, contributing to office efficiency.
• Provided administrative support to a team of 10 attorneys, managing their calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating internal and external meetings.
• Reviewed and edited legal documents for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to established standards, ensuring polished deliverables for clients and courts.
• Researched and compiled relevant case law, statutes, and regulations, assisting attorneys in preparing persuasive arguments and drafting legal briefs.
• Collaborated with paralegals to gather necessary documentation and evidence for discovery requests, facilitating efficient case progress and compliance.
• Assisted in trial preparation by organizing trial exhibits, coordinating witness schedules, and preparing deposition summaries for attorney use.
• Manage the firm's document management system, implementing efficient workflows and ensuring the proper organization and retrieval of critical case materials.
• Prepare and file various legal documents, such as motions, petitions, and agreements, utilizing electronic filing systems and adhering to court-specific requirements.
• Conduct legal research on a wide range of issues, analyzing statutes, regulations, and case precedents to provide comprehensive support to attorneys.
• Coordinate and schedule depositions, hearings, and client meetings, liaising with opposing counsel, court personnel, and expert witnesses as required.
• Assist in the drafting and editing of appellate briefs and other substantive legal documents, maintaining consistency and adherence to applicable rules.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the number of legal cases you have handled or assisted on, to show your experience and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• List the specific number of attorneys you've worked for, indicating your adaptability to different working styles and demands.
• Present the accurate count of legal documents like contracts, pleadings, or briefs you've drafted or reviewed, reflecting your proficiency in legal paperwork.
• Specify the percentage efficiency increased due to your implemented strategies or systems, displaying your capability in process improvement.
• Mention the volume of correspondence you managed on a daily basis or in a set time frame, demonstrating your organizational skills.
• Detail how many clients you've interacted with or supported, providing a metric for your interpersonal and communication skills.
• Quantify any reductions in expenses or time taken achieved through your efforts, showcasing your efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• State the number of software programs or tools you are proficient in, indicating your technological adeptness in a digitized work environment.

Writing your legal secretary experience section without any real-world experience

Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your legal secretary career:

• Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the legal secretary role
• Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
• Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
• Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the legal secretary job
• Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company
• Resume Buzzwords
• Resume Action Verbs

Highlight what sets your experience apart. Incorporate metrics, feedback, and the tangible value you've added to organizations. This specificity ensures your resume remains pertinent and memorable.

Your skill set is a cornerstone of your legal secretary resume.

Recruiters keenly evaluate:

• Your hard skills , gauging your proficiency with specific tools and technologies.
• Your soft skills , assessing your interpersonal abilities and adaptability.

A well-rounded candidate showcases a harmonious blend of both hard and soft skills, especially in a dedicated skills section.

When crafting your legal secretary skills section:

• List up to six skills that resonate with the job requirements and highlight your expertise.
• Feature a soft skill that encapsulates your professional persona, drawing from past feedback or personal reflections.
• Consider organizing your skills into distinct categories, such as "Technical Skills" or "Soft Skills."
• If you possess pivotal industry certifications, spotlight them within this section.

Crafting a comprehensive skills section can be daunting. To assist, we've curated lists of both hard and soft skills to streamline your resume-building process.

Top skills for your legal secretary resume

Legal terminology knowledge

Document management

Legal research

Case management software proficiency

Transcription skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Scheduling and calendar management

Preparation of legal documents

Filing and record keeping

Knowledge of court procedures

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Discretion and confidentiality

Organization skills

Time management

Problem-solving skills

Adaptability

Customer service

Stress management

Consider dedicating a separate skills section on your legal secretary resume to showcase your technical proficiencies, especially if you want to highlight specific software expertise.

Your education section can highlight skills and experiences perfect for the job.

• List college or university degrees with the school name and dates.
• If you're still studying, mention your expected graduation date.
• Think twice before adding unrelated degrees. Space on your resume is precious.
• Discuss educational achievements if they boost your job relevance.

There are many certifications out there. Which ones should you include?

• List your main degree in a separate section with the school name and dates.
• Only add certifications that highlight your skills and experience.
• Place unique or recent certifications near the top.
• Add a brief description to certifications if it helps show your skills.

Remember, it's not about quantity but relevance.

Best certifications to list on your resume

• American Institute for Paralegal Studies : AIPS Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS)
• Law School Admission Council : Legal Research Certification
• Center for Legal Studies : Advanced Paralegal Certificate

The reputation of the institution or organization granting your certification or degree can bolster your credibility. Prioritize recognized and respected credentials.

• Major Minor on Resume
• Incomplete Degree on Resume

The top third of your legal secretary resume is crucial. It's often the first thing recruiters see and can set the tone for the rest of your application.

Whether you choose a resume summary or a resume objective , make it count. The former is great for showcasing career highlights, while the latter balances your achievements with your future aspirations.

Both should be tailored to the role, as there's no universal approach to crafting the perfect legal secretary summary or objective. Use the examples below as a starting point.

Resume summary and objective examples for a legal secretary resume

• Detail-oriented legal secretary with 7 years of experience in fast-paced law firms. Specializing in litigation support with proficiency in legal research and document drafting. Known for ensuring seamless operations in high-stakes legal environments. Recognized for superior client service, managing complex calendars, and maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Dedicated legal professional with a decade of experience in corporate law settings. Expertise in handling administrative and paralegal duties, including document preparation and court filings. Reduced paperwork backlog by 40% through developing an effective filing system. Excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.
• Accomplished project manager, ready to leverage 5 years of experience towards a career as a legal secretary. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, conflict resolution, and team leadership. Adept at juggling multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines. Proven track record of improving efficiency in fast-paced environments.
• Seasoned teacher transitioning to the legal field as a secretary. Brings transferable skills such as exceptional organization, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent written and oral communication. Familiarity with office software and ability to learn new technologies quickly. Passionate about facilitating efficient operations in a challenging legal environment.
• Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies seeking an entry-level position as a legal secretary. Eager to apply academic knowledge in practical settings, while advancing skills in legal documentation and procedures. Ambition to contribute positively to a dynamic legal team.
• Motivated individual aiming to step into the legal world as a secretary. Armed with strong computer skills, excellent organizational abilities, and unparalleled commitment. Keen to utilize educational background in criminal justice to provide comprehensive administrative support in a law firm setting.

To further differentiate your legal secretary application, consider adding sections like:

• Publications
• Hobbies (only if they align with the job or showcase relevant skills).

These sections can further demonstrate your technical acumen and interpersonal skills.

• Pay special attention to the tiny details that make up your legal secretary resume formatting: the more tailored your application to the role is, the better your chances at success would be;
• Select the sections you include (summary or objective, etc.) and formatting (reverse-chronological, hybrid, etc.) based on your experience level;
• Select experience items and, consequently, achievements that showcase you in the best light and are relevant to the job;
• Your profile will be assessed both based on your technical capabilities and personality skills - curate those through your resume;
• Certifications and education showcase your dedication to the particular industry.

Looking to build your own Legal Secretary resume?

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• 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on June 03, 2024

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start and that's where your resume summary comes in. Your summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your skills , experiences , and achievements , making it a key part of your job application.

In this article, you'll learn how to write the ultimate resume summary that will grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. You'll discover what makes a good summary and what to avoid, as well as how to sell yourself effectively to potential employers.

You may be wondering: what exactly is a resume summary and how do I write one? We'll answer these questions and provide examples of professional summaries for various industries.

By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create a standout resume summary that will help you to land your dream job.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where your resume summary comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline , so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

After your headline, you should include a brief opening statement that summarizes who you are. This statement should be concise and compelling, and it should clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure you get your summary spot on, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you to identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year on year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manages social media accounts."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume summary is tailored to the job you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description and identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk 

Business Analyst

Operations Manager 

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.     Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and calls out a measurable success.

2.     Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.     Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.     Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.     Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess, while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can take a software development project from design to implementation.

6.     Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.     Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.     Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.     Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.  Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.  Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.  Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.  Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate, while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.  Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.  High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience, while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.  Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.  Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.  IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.  Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.  Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.  SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.  Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast / video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write, but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures, while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues, but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.  Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives, based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples
• Legal Resumes

19 Attorney Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Attorneys are always in demand, so what better time than now to brush up your skills and update your resume in this guide, you’ll find resume templates for you to use as examples, as well as industry-specific tips and a walkthrough on how to narrow down the perfect skills and keywords..

Attorneys are in demand in just about every sector — from public to private, from real estate to maritime law. While the image most people have of lawyers is probably closer to prime time drama than reality, the job of an attorney is surprisingly diverse. Some lawyers work in the courtroom, prosecuting crimes or defending clients, while others diligently prepare legal briefs, draft contracts, advise clients, and assist in mediation. Most attorneys choose to specialize in a particular area — think criminal law, family law, or corporate law — meaning the exact skills you’ll need will depend heavily on the exact job you’re applying for. No matter what, recruiters will be looking for transferable skills in research, communication, and critical thinking. In most states, you’ll need a law degree to practice as an attorney, as well as passing the prestigious bar exam. Once you do, you’ll be rewarded with hard work and long hours, but also with multiple career options and attractive compensation, with a median salary of over $120,000. In 2023, look for increased emphasis on fields like cybersecurity, diversity and inclusion, and emerging technologies, as well as brand new fields arising from the pandemic and its effects on the labor market.

Attorney Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Associate Attorney
• Experienced Attorney
• Litigation Attorney
• Real Estate Attorney
• Corporate Attorney
• Compliance Attorney
• Transactional Attorney
• Family Law Attorney
• Patent Attorney
• Entry-Level Attorney
• Immigration Attorney
• Contract Attorney

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Attorney Resumes

Attorney Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Legal Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 19: Attorney Resume Example

As an attorney, you have the crucial role of representing clients in legal matters and providing them with sound advice based on your knowledge and expertise. In recent years, the legal industry has become increasingly competitive, with law firms and companies looking for attorneys who can deliver results and adapt to the ever-changing legal landscape. A well-crafted resume is essential for showcasing your skills and standing out from the crowd, as employers are keen on finding candidates who demonstrate strong work ethic, attention to detail, and expertise in their respective fields. A strong attorney resume not only highlights your accomplishments, but it should also showcase your ability to analyze complex legal issues, communicate effectively, and work well under pressure. This is why it is vital to carefully tailor your resume and make sure you put your best foot forward.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Attorney resume in 2024

   highlight relevant legal experience.

In your work experience section, be sure to emphasize your accomplishments and results in previous legal roles. Highlight specific cases you've worked on, including the outcomes, and showcase your expertise in your chosen practice area. This will help demonstrate your abilities and command of the legal field.

   Showcase your attention to detail

Law firms and employers pay close attention to the accuracy and cohesiveness of your resume. Make sure your resume is error-free, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job posting. Include keywords from the job description and focus on your skills and experiences that best align with the requirements and responsibilities of the position.

Skills you can include on your Attorney resume

Template 2 of 19: attorney resume example.

While every field of law is different, some duties and expectations remain the same for attorneys across the board. Lawyers represent clients and provide legal advice, interpret case law, oversee mediations, prepare legal documents, and occasionally appear in court. Whatever your field, you’ll need skills in research, communication, and building relationships, as well as appropriate legal qualifications.

   Tailored to the legal industry/job

It’s crucial to tailor your resume to each specific job you apply for. This doesn’t mean you need to completely rewrite your resume every time — adding a resume title and editing your skills list are two easy ways to make sure your resume is targeted at the position you actually want.

   Use numbers and metrics to highlight legal achievements

Including hard numbers and metrics in your bullet points is the best way to demonstrate the skills an employer is looking for and ensure you’re focusing on your accomplishments, not just your duties. “Handled mediations” is a job description; “handled over 110 mediations with a 95% settlement rate” is an achievement.

Template 3 of 19: Associate Attorney Resume Example

As an Associate Attorney, you'll be responsible for supporting senior attorneys in various legal matters and conducting research to ensure a strong case foundation. With the legal industry becoming increasingly competitive, firms are prioritizing candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the ability to adapt to evolving trends. Your resume plays a crucial role in showcasing your competencies, legal knowledge, and experience in handling diverse legal matters, making it essential to create a resume that sets you apart in this dynamic industry. To impress potential employers, it's crucial that your resume highlights your legal expertise and showcases your ability to contribute to the firm's success. As hiring managers sift through numerous resumes, yours should be tailored to the Associate Attorney role and emphasize your achievements and proficiency in legal research, analysis, and writing.

Tips to help you write your Associate Attorney resume in 2024

   demonstrate exceptional legal research skills.

As a core competency for Associate Attorneys, emphasize your research capabilities by citing specific examples of research projects you've completed, and detail how your findings contributed to successful case resolutions or informed legal strategy.

   Showcase communication and case management proficiency

In your resume, focus on your ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to clients and colleagues, while also highlighting your organizational skills in managing multiple cases simultaneously. Mention any successful cases you've helped manage and notable instances where you simplified legal jargon for clients.

Skills you can include on your Associate Attorney resume

Template 4 of 19: associate attorney resume example.

Associate attorneys work on a contract basis rather than a partnership. They’re often less experienced and may be supervised by a senior or more experienced employee. As an associate attorney, you’ll be called upon to prepare brief and case reports, build relationships with clients, and provide legal support. Your resume should emphasize transferable skills as well as any technical skills specific to your field.

   Use a resume title to customize your resume

Adding a title at the top of your resume is the easiest way to customize your resume. If you don’t have a lot of relevant experience — like if you’re at the beginning of your career or are a career changer — this will also ensure that your resume has the necessary keywords to make it past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

   Use a skills section to highlight your attorney and legal skills

If you have a long list of skills, or want to include a mixture of technical skills, techniques, and certifications, it’s a good idea to break it up into different sections. Listing skills this way allows you to include everything you want without sacrificing a hiring manager’s ability to quickly skim your resume.

Template 5 of 19: Experienced Attorney Resume Example

As an experienced attorney, you've spent years honing your legal acumen and negotiation skills. Now, your professional journey has brought you to a junction where your skills, strengths, and experiences become your greatest assets. The legal landscape is constantly evolving with new statutes, regulations, and technological advancements playing prominent roles. These changes need to be reflected in your resume. You'll want to demonstrate an understanding of these trends, alongside a proven track record in legal practice. The legal world, unlike many other sectors, prioritizes a traditional, no-frills approach when it comes to resumes. While creativity is appreciated in your litigation strategies, when it comes to your resume, simplicity is king. It must reflect your ability to distill complex information into clear, concise expressions - a skill invaluable to an experienced attorney.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Attorney resume in 2024

   highlight specialized areas of law.

Over your career, you've likely specialized in certain areas of law. Whether it's corporate, family, criminal, or intellectual property law, you should highlight your specialty and illustrate your achievements in that area. This will show potential employers your depth of knowledge and your capacity to handle specific legal cases.

   Showcase your litigation experience

As an experienced attorney, you've presumably led and won several cases. Detail these on your resume, focusing on victories that had a significant impact. Include specifics about the case, your role, and the positive outcome. This paints a picture of your litigation prowess and indicates the value you can bring to a new firm.

Skills you can include on your Experienced Attorney resume

Template 6 of 19: experienced attorney resume example.

As a senior or experienced attorney, you should be able to demonstrate a strong track record of success, including securing positive outcomes for clients and experience overseeing more junior employees. As an experienced lawyer, you’ll take on more of a management role — making leadership skills essential — as well as more responsibility providing expert legal advice, collaborating with other teams, and drafting important legal documents.

   Demonstrate career growth through promotions in the legal/attorney industry

If you’re applying for a senior-level position, employers are going to be looking for a history of career growth. Highlight promotions by listing the job titles separately under the same company heading, including separate bullet points if the positions were significantly different. Even without a formal promotion, you can demonstrate growth by emphasizing a progression of responsibilities in your accomplishments.

   Emphasize transferable senior and management skills

As you take on more experienced positions, you’ll also be expected to broaden your skill set. As an experienced attorney, you’ll need a wider range of transferable skills, which you can demonstrate through your accomplishments. Developing new programs, managing a team, or supervising junior staff are all great ways of showing leadership and initiative.

Template 7 of 19: Litigation Attorney Resume Example

As a Litigation Attorney, your role will primarily involve representing clients in lawsuits, advocating on their behalf in court, and negotiating settlements. In recent years, the legal industry has seen a rise in the demand for specialized attorneys, with companies placing an emphasis on finding candidates with specific case experience. The importance of a well-crafted resume for this role cannot be overstated, as employers are keen to identify applicants with the right blend of expertise and skillset. A strong Litigation Attorney resume not only highlights your legal experience and successes but also showcases how you approach cases and your ability to adapt to different types of litigation. This helps potential employers understand your value as an attorney and how you can contribute to their organization.

Tips to help you write your Litigation Attorney resume in 2024

In your resume, make sure to highlight your specific litigation experience, including the types of cases you have handled, industries involved, clients represented, and any notable outcomes. This provides employers with a clear understanding of your expertise and demonstrates your success in the courtroom.

   Emphasize your legal research skills

Strong legal research and analytical skills are crucial for a Litigation Attorney. Briefly describing some of the research methods you've employed and showcasing examples of cases where your research led to a favorable outcome can be an effective way to demonstrate your proficiency in this area.

Skills you can include on your Litigation Attorney resume

Template 8 of 19: litigation attorney resume example.

Litigation attorneys work primarily in a courtroom setting, though litigators also cover alternative dispute resolution like arbitration and mediation. As a trial lawyer, you’ll be investigating cases, providing initial assessments, researching relevant case law, gathering witness statements, and representing your clients through the trial process. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must, so make sure you choose accomplishments that help those soft skills stand out.

   Bullet points feature strong action verbs relevant to the legal industry

Starting every bullet point with a strong action verb keeps the focus on what you accomplished, not just what you were assigned to do. Use verbs like “coordinated,” “supervised,” and “represented” to highlight your achievements and clarify exactly what your role was.

   Use a concise and targeted skills list

When you’re applying for a specialized position like litigation attorney, including a broad range of skills can hurt you more than it helps. Narrow down a handful of the most important skills or keywords employers are looking for — like Lenstar, LPS, and MS Access — and let those stand out.

Template 9 of 19: Real Estate Attorney Resume Example

As a real estate attorney, your resume should showcase your expertise in property law, transactions, and dispute resolution. The real estate industry has seen significant growth in recent years, so companies are keen to find attorneys with the skills to navigate complex legal issues in this field. Your resume is crucial in demonstrating how you can help businesses protect their investments and achieve success in this competitive market. In this role, your responsibilities often include drafting and reviewing contracts, negotiating deals, conducting due diligence, and advising clients on legal matters relating to property acquisition and disposition. To stand out in this field, your resume should emphasize your strengths and achievements in these areas.

Tips to help you write your Real Estate Attorney resume in 2024

   highlight relevant experience.

As an experienced real estate attorney, you should emphasize your past experience in real estate transactions, litigation, and other property-related legal matters. Include specific examples of cases or deals you managed, and note the outcomes achieved.

   Detail knowledge of laws and regulations

Real estate law requires a firm grasp of local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Demonstrate your knowledge on your resume by mentioning relevant legal statutes, rules, and regulations you've worked with. This shows potential employers that you can provide comprehensive guidance in specific jurisdictions.

Skills you can include on your Real Estate Attorney resume

Template 10 of 19: real estate attorney resume example.

Real estate attorneys deal with the purchase and sale or property, from private home ownership to major corporate buyouts. In addition to preparing and reviewing sale documents, you may be tasked with researching appropriate state and local laws, including those that cover zoning, titles, deeds, and taxes, and with representing your client during negotiations and at closing. To succeed, you’ll need to demonstrate a good knowledge of real estate and contract law.

   Focus on real estate law

If you’re an attorney in a specific field like real estate law, it’s best to keep the focus of your resume on that field as much as possible. That also means it’s better to leave older or less relevant information off your resume to make room for more recent accomplishments, unless you have a specific older achievement that’s particularly impressive.

   Bullet points provide context for accomplishments

Generally, the more information you can fit — concisely — into your bullet points, the better. That means being specific about how the number of cases you’ve handled or clients you’ve represented, the sizes of the firms or teams you’ve worked with, and the timeline of any accelerated promotions.

Template 11 of 19: Corporate Attorney Resume Example

Corporate attorneys concentrate on corporate law. In this position, you will be representing corporations rather than employees or other individual stakeholders. Some of your responsibilities will include drafting and reviewing contracts, working on mergers, and otherwise ensuring that a corporation follows all laws that govern it. You must be an expert in corporate law and will need to show recruiters that you have years of experience legally representing corporations.

Tips to help you write your Corporate Attorney resume in 2024

   focus your skill section on corporate law skills..

Corporate lawyers are usually skilled in many areas of general law. But for your corporate attorney resume, concentrate on listing the skills that are directly related to corporate law. This applicant has done this effectively.

   Give details about your successes.

It is beneficial to give recruiters a clear picture of some of your successes so include key details of cases you won or settlements you negotiated. It’ll help give them a better idea of your experience. If you have represented impressive companies like the 7 Fortune 500 companies that this applicant has represented, make sure to state that clearly.

Skills you can include on your Corporate Attorney resume

Template 12 of 19: compliance attorney resume example.

As the name suggests, your job will be to make sure a company complies with all regulations and laws relevant to them. You will complete legal risk assessments, create legal risk-minimizing strategies, and work with companies to move them into compliance. You will be expected to at least have a bachelor’s degree in law, finance, or a related field. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Compliance Attorney resume in 2024

   include your certifications if required..

Some companies require you to be certified as a compliance attorney so ensure you list your certifications and qualifications clearly.

   Quantify your output.

Show recruiters how much you can do by including figures in your experience section. E.g. it is more impressive to say you ‘audited 18k documents’ than that you audited documents.

Skills you can include on your Compliance Attorney resume

Template 13 of 19: compliance attorney resume example.

Compliance attorneys are lawyers specialized in the rules and requirements of operation within companies, institutes, and organizations. To work in this field, you must attend law school and complete a compliance specialty. Usually, lawyers in this field gain experience through law firms with specific cases related to business compliance. Companies hire these specialists because of their advanced knowledge of legal issues, government regulations, and requirements.

   Emphasize your experience as a lawyer in regulatory compliance

The entire curriculum must focus on compliance since lawyers have a very extensive competitive field covering hundreds of areas. If you want to impress your potential employers, focus your CV on compliance and legal regulations within the business. You can include the related experience to offer a more realistic concept of your talent.

   Add your certifications, courses, and diplomas about your specialization

Finally, attach the evidence to validate your knowledge in the field of compliance. Law schools offer training in this area, which can help you improve your chances of finding a higher-paying job.

Template 14 of 19: Transactional Attorney Resume Example

In this role, you will help your client with any transaction or deal they wish to process. Your client may be an individual or may be a company, whether public or private. Tasks you may be assigned include drafting contracts, drafting other legal documents, giving your clients advice on transactions, etc. You need to have a strong background in the relevant areas of law and a history in transactional law.

Tips to help you write your Transactional Attorney resume in 2024

   include transactional-law-related certifications..

Show recruiters that you have specialized knowledge and skills in transactional law by including relevant certifications like this applicant has done. It will also show recruiters that you are passionate about transactional law.

   Include key achievements in your introduction section.

Grab recruiters’ attention from the very beginning of your resume. Because they may not have time to scrutinize the hundreds of resumes they get, it’s advantageous to include impressive achievements and metrics in the introduction section as this applicant has done.

Skills you can include on your Transactional Attorney resume

Template 15 of 19: family law attorney resume example.

Family law attorneys handle most legal processes that involve family matters. You may be involved with processes like divorce, child custody cases, and adoptions. You may also be tasked with drawing up legal documents like wills and prenuptial agreements. You will deal with very emotional processes and people so you must have excellent interpersonal skills, a lot of empathy, and a strong legal background. Here is a strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Family Law Attorney resume in 2024

   focus your skill section on family law skills..

Family lawyers are skilled in many areas of general law. But for your family attorney resume, concentrate on listing the skills that are directly related to family law like alimony, child support, or divorce.

   Include varied family law achievements.

Show recruiters that you have experience dealing with a range of situations that a family lawyer may encounter. So show experience with child support cases as well as divorces or marital abuse cases.

Skills you can include on your Family Law Attorney resume

Template 16 of 19: patent attorney resume example.

Patent attorneys help clients apply for patents and handle any legal issues that may come up due to a patent. You need to be an expert in patent law and intellectual property law. You will need to show this expertise in your experience or your qualifications. Your resume should also show that you have a successful track record of defending clients and winning patent claims and cases. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Patent Attorney resume in 2024

   include patent-law-specific industry knowledge..

List the areas of law that you are an expert in that relate to patent law. This applicant has included trademark law and international law among their areas of expertise.

Grab recruiters’ attention from the very beginning of your resume. Because they may not have time to scrutinize the hundreds of resumes they get, it’s advantageous to include impressive achievements, like an impressive case win, in the introduction section as this applicant has done.

Skills you can include on your Patent Attorney resume

Template 17 of 19: entry-level attorney resume example.

You need to be well-qualified to win an entry-level attorney position. All firms will need you to have gotten a law degree and some will require you to have already passed the bar to qualify. Make sure you do your research to make sure you qualify for the firms you want to apply to. In terms of what you can expect in the position, you will mostly be assisting more senior attorneys by doing a lot of research and administrative tasks. You can expect to work very long hours and have a heavy workload as you learn and prove yourself to your bosses. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Entry-Level Attorney resume in 2024

   quantify your workload capabilities..

Firms are looking for new attorneys who can handle the heavy workload of the position. Prove your capabilities by including metrics or how many legal documents, interviews, and contracts you produced in a limited time.

   Include any legal certifications.

Legal certifications are particularly useful if you have not passed the bar yet. They can put you above your otherwise equally qualified competitors. It also shows initiative and passion for the profession on your part.

Skills you can include on your Entry-Level Attorney resume

Template 18 of 19: immigration attorney resume example.

Immigration attorneys handle cases that involve immigration. The kinds of cases you may encounter include immigration cases, refugee cases, or even citizenship cases. These cases may not necessarily involve you going to court but may involve you assisting in filing legal documents and giving legal advice. You need to be an expert on immigration law in the country you wish to practice in, and you need to be properly certified as a lawyer and have passed the bar exam. Here is a successful immigration attorney resume.

Tips to help you write your Immigration Attorney resume in 2024

   use your technical skills section to show your areas of expertise..

Immigration law is a broad subject and involves many different kinds of cases. Use your technical skills section to list the areas of immigration law that you are especially skilled and knowledgeable in. This applicant is skilled in dealing with deportation cases, citizenship cases, and asylum cases, among others.

   Show immigration law-specific certifications.

It is beneficial to your application for potential clients and employers to see that you have immigration-specific education and certification. It builds confidence in your expertise and abilities in this area of law.

Skills you can include on your Immigration Attorney resume

Template 19 of 19: contract attorney resume example.

As the name suggests, contract attorneys specialize in all legal issues to do with contracts. You may be tasked with drafting contracts, scrutinizing contracts, dealing with contract disputes, and representing your client in court on any contract-related cases. You need to be an expert on contract law and recruiters will expect to see a long history in that area of law. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Contract Attorney resume in 2024

   indicate which area of contract law you specialize in..

Contract law is broad, and many attorneys specialize in certain areas of contract law. If you do, make it clear in your resume. This applicant clearly specializes in patent law as almost all their experience listed is patent law-related.

   Show career progression in the legal field.

Show recruiters that you are a hardworking and successful attorney by showing a steady upward career trajectory. It shows recruiters your dedication to your profession and your impressive success. This applicant began in a law intern position and has grown to a contract attorney position.

Skills you can include on your Contract Attorney resume

As a hiring manager who has recruited attorneys at top law firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, and Cravath, I've seen countless resumes. The most effective ones showcase the candidate's legal expertise, highlight their achievements, and demonstrate their ability to think critically. In this article, we'll share some key tips to help you create a compelling attorney resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

   Highlight your legal specialization and expertise

Employers look for attorneys with specific legal expertise relevant to their practice areas. Highlight your specialization and the depth of your knowledge in your resume:

• Specialize in intellectual property law with a focus on patent litigation and trademark enforcement
• Expertise in corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and corporate governance
• Experienced in real estate law, handling complex transactions, leasing agreements, and land use matters

Avoid being too general or vague about your legal expertise:

• Knowledgeable in various areas of law
• Experienced attorney with diverse legal background

   Showcase your key litigation and transactional experience

Employers want to see concrete examples of your litigation and transactional experience. Highlight your most significant cases and deals, and quantify your achievements whenever possible:

• Represented a pharmaceutical company in a patent infringement case, resulting in a $50 million settlement in favor of the client
• Led the due diligence and negotiation of a $200 million acquisition of a technology startup by a Fortune 500 company
• Obtained a favorable jury verdict for a client in a complex commercial dispute with $10 million at stake

Avoid simply listing your responsibilities without providing specific examples of your accomplishments:

• Handled various litigation matters for clients
• Assisted with transactional work and contract review

   Demonstrate your legal research and writing skills

Strong legal research and writing skills are essential for any attorney. Showcase your abilities by highlighting your research projects, publications, and writing experience:

• Authored an article on recent developments in data privacy laws, published in the XYZ Law Review
• Conducted extensive legal research on complex antitrust issues for a high-profile merger case
• Drafted appellate briefs, motions, and memoranda for various litigation matters

Avoid simply stating that you have legal research and writing skills without providing examples:

• Skilled in legal research and writing
• Experienced in drafting legal documents

   Include your pro bono and community involvement

Many employers value attorneys who are committed to giving back to their community. Include your pro bono work and community involvement to demonstrate your dedication and well-roundedness:

• Provided pro bono legal services to low-income families through the XYZ Legal Aid Clinic
• Served on the board of directors for a local nonprofit organization focused on affordable housing
• Volunteered as a mentor for high school students interested in pursuing a career in law

Avoid simply listing your memberships in professional organizations without highlighting your active involvement:

• Member of the State Bar Association
• Joined the Local Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division

   Tailor your resume to the specific employer and position

Customize your resume for each job application to showcase your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Research the employer and the specific position to identify the key skills and expertise they are seeking:

• Highlight your experience in intellectual property law when applying to a boutique IP firm
• Emphasize your background in healthcare regulations when applying for an in-house position at a pharmaceutical company
• Showcase your experience with mergers and acquisitions when applying to a corporate law firm with a strong M&A practice

Avoid using the same generic resume for all job applications:

• Submitting a resume that focuses on litigation experience when applying for a transactional position
• Failing to highlight your relevant industry experience when applying to an in-house legal department

   Use a clear and professional format

Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. Use a clear, professional format that highlights your qualifications and achievements:

• Use a simple, legible font like Arial or Times New Roman
• Organize your resume into clear sections, such as Education, Experience, and Skills
• Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and make your resume more readable

Avoid using overly creative or unconventional formats that may distract from your qualifications:

• Using multiple colors or graphics that make your resume look unprofessional
• Choosing a font that is difficult to read or too small
• Writing long paragraphs instead of using bullet points to break up the text

Writing Your Attorney Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. use your full name and professional title.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, ideally in a larger font size than the rest of your resume. Use your full name as it appears on your bar admission and other legal documents.

If you have a common name, consider including your middle initial to differentiate yourself. Below your name, include your professional title, such as 'Attorney at Law' or 'Associate Attorney'.

John D. Smith, Esq. Attorney at Law

Avoid nicknames or unprofessional email addresses in your header:

• Johnny Smith
• [email protected]

2. Include your bar admission and contact details

As an attorney, your bar admission is a key credential that employers will look for. Include the state(s) where you are admitted to practice law.

Provide your professional contact information, including your phone number and email address. Your city and state can also be included, but a full mailing address is not necessary.

• New York State Bar
• California Bar Association
• [email protected] | 123-456-7890 | New York, NY

Avoid listing multiple phone numbers or personal details like your home address:

• 123 Main St, Apt 4B, New York, NY 10001
• Mobile: 123-456-7890, Work: 098-765-4321, Home: 111-222-3333

3. Highlight a key specialization if relevant

If you specialize in a particular area of law that is highly relevant to the position you are applying for, consider highlighting this in your resume header.

For example:

Jane L. Doe Patent Attorney USPTO Registration No. 12345 California Bar | [email protected] | 123-456-7890 | Los Angeles, CA

However, avoid listing multiple specializations or irrelevant credentials that may clutter your header:

• Real Estate Attorney | Family Law Specialist | Certified Mediator
• Fluent in Spanish and French

Keep your header focused on the most pertinent information for the role you are seeking.

  Summary

A resume summary for attorneys is optional but can be a strategic way to provide additional context about your legal experience and career goals. It's particularly useful if you're a career changer or have a diverse legal background that may not be immediately apparent from your work history alone. In contrast, an objective statement is outdated and should be avoided.

When crafting your attorney resume summary, focus on highlighting your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and areas of expertise. Avoid repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume. Instead, use this space to provide a high-level overview of your qualifications and the value you can bring to a law firm or organization.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Attorney resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Attorney Resume Summary Examples , or Attorney Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your legal specialties and key accomplishments

When writing your attorney resume summary, showcase your specific areas of legal expertise and the most impressive accomplishments from your career. This helps employers quickly understand your background and the value you can bring to their organization.

Here's an example of a strong attorney resume summary:

Accomplished real estate attorney with 8+ years of experience handling complex commercial transactions and litigation. Proven track record of successfully negotiating multi-million dollar deals and resolving high-stakes disputes. Skilled in contract drafting, due diligence, and client advisory. Licensed to practice in New York and California.

In contrast, here's an example of a weak summary:

Attorney with experience in various legal matters. Hardworking and detail-oriented with excellent communication skills. Seeking a challenging position at a reputable law firm.

The weak summary is too vague, lacks specific accomplishments, and includes generic soft skills that don't set the candidate apart.

2. Tailor your summary to your target position

While it's important to highlight your overall legal experience, you should also tailor your resume summary to the specific type of attorney position you're seeking. This shows employers that you understand their needs and have the relevant skills they're looking for.

For example, if you're applying for a litigation attorney position, your summary might look like this:

Skilled litigation attorney with 5+ years of experience representing clients in complex commercial disputes. Proven ability to develop effective case strategies, conduct thorough discovery, and achieve favorable outcomes through negotiation and trial. Extensive knowledge of contract law, intellectual property, and employment law.

On the other hand, if you're seeking a transactional attorney role, your summary should focus on your experience with contracts, due diligence, and deal negotiations:

Detail-oriented transactional attorney with a strong background in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital transactions. Adept at drafting and negotiating complex agreements, conducting due diligence, and advising clients on legal risks and opportunities. Experienced in managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with business stakeholders.

3. Emphasize your professional achievements and impact

While it's crucial to mention your key responsibilities as an attorney, your resume summary should also highlight the impact you've made in your previous roles. This can include successful case outcomes, significant deals closed, or improvements you've made to legal processes.

Here are a few examples of how to showcase your achievements in your summary:

• Secured favorable verdicts in 90% of cases tried, resulting in over $50 million in damages awarded to clients.
• Led the legal due diligence for a $500 million acquisition, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Developed and implemented a new contract management system, reducing contract review time by 30% and minimizing legal risks.

Avoid using vague or generic statements that don't provide any real insight into your abilities, such as:

• Experienced in handling various legal matters.
• Proven track record of success.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

  Experience

Your work experience section is the heart of your attorney resume. It's where you'll showcase your relevant legal experience, key accomplishments, and the skills that make you the best candidate for the job. Here are some tips to help you write a strong work experience section that will impress hiring managers and land you an interview.

1. Focus on your most relevant experience

When writing your work experience section, focus on the positions that are most relevant to the attorney job you're applying for. This might include law firm experience, clerkships, internships, or other legal roles. If you have a lot of experience, you may need to be selective about what you include.

For example, if you're applying for a litigation attorney position, highlight your experience with:

• Representing clients in court proceedings
• Conducting legal research and drafting briefs
• Preparing and responding to discovery requests
• Negotiating settlements and plea bargains

On the other hand, if you're applying for a transactional attorney role, focus on experience with:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts
• Conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisitions
• Advising clients on corporate governance matters
• Preparing SEC filings and other regulatory documents

2. Use strong action verbs

When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs to convey your accomplishments and responsibilities. This helps create a more powerful and engaging narrative. Compare these two examples:

• Worked on legal research for various cases
• Assisted with drafting legal documents
• Conducted comprehensive legal research to support litigation strategy in complex commercial disputes
• Drafted persuasive legal memoranda, motions, and briefs for state and federal court cases

The second example uses strong verbs like "conducted" and "drafted" to create a more compelling description of the candidate's work.

3. Quantify your accomplishments

Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify your accomplishments and provide concrete evidence of your skills and experience. This helps hiring managers understand the scope and impact of your work. For example:

• Managed a caseload of 50+ active litigation matters, successfully resolving 90% through settlement or favorable court rulings
• Drafted and negotiated 100+ commercial contracts, including NDAs, service agreements, and vendor contracts
• Secured over $10 million in settlements and judgments for plaintiffs in personal injury and product liability cases

If you don't have exact metrics, you can still provide context for your accomplishments:

• Argued dispositive motions in state and federal court, securing dismissal or summary judgment in majority of cases
• Advised startup clients on wide range of legal issues, from entity formation to intellectual property protection to employment matters

4. Highlight your career progression

If you've been promoted or taken on increasing responsibility within a role or organization, make sure to highlight that in your work experience section. This shows hiring managers that you've excelled in your previous positions and have the potential to take on more advanced roles.

Associate Attorney, Smith & Jones LLP, New York, NY (2018-Present) - Promoted to Senior Associate in 2021 based on strong performance and client feedback - Manage team of 3 junior associates and 2 paralegals on complex commercial litigation matters - Serve as lead attorney on high-stakes contract disputes, successfully resolving 5 cases through mediation or arbitration

Even if your job title didn't change, you can still highlight your progression by showcasing the new skills and responsibilities you took on over time.

  Education

When applying for attorney positions, your education section is a critical component of your resume. It demonstrates your academic qualifications and helps employers determine if you meet the necessary educational requirements for the role. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when crafting your education section:

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent degree and work backwards. For each degree, include the following information:

• Name of the institution
• Location of the institution (city and state)
• Degree earned (e.g., Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Arts)
• Major or concentration (if applicable)
• Graduation date or expected graduation date

Here's an example of how to format your education:

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA Juris Doctor, May 2020 Concentration: Corporate Law

2. Highlight relevant coursework and academic achievements

If you're a recent law school graduate or have limited work experience, you can bolster your education section by including relevant coursework and academic achievements. This can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in specific areas of law. For example:

• Relevant coursework: Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property Law, Mergers and Acquisitions
• Academic achievements: Moot Court Competition Winner, Law Review Editor, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

However, avoid listing generic or irrelevant coursework, as it can detract from your resume's impact. Focus on courses and achievements that directly relate to the attorney position you're seeking.

3. Keep it concise for senior-level positions

If you're an experienced attorney applying for a senior-level position, your education section should be brief and to the point. Employers will be more interested in your professional accomplishments and work history. In this case, simply list your degrees, institutions, and graduation dates.

Here's an example of what to avoid for a senior attorney:

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA Juris Doctor, May 1995 Relevant coursework: Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Academic achievements: Moot Court Competition Winner, Law Review Editor, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

Instead, keep it concise:

Harvard Law School, Juris Doctor University of California, Berkeley, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Action Verbs For Attorney Resumes

Attorneys need to be proactive, which means your resume bullet points shouldn’t read like a list of job duties. Frame your accomplishments in a positive light by starting with strong action verbs . These let a hiring manager know what you’ve actually done and provide an insight into your strengths as an attorney. For example, using words like “researched” or “drafted” emphasizes your written communication and critical thinking skills, while “prosecuted” and “negotiated” indicate the ability to put together a strong verbal argument. In your bullet points, always lead with the action verb, followed up by your specific role or accomplishment and the impact it had. Try to choose verbs that fit the job you’re applying for, not just the ones you’ve left — even if you’ve never held a leadership role, if you’re applying for a senior position, you should try to start at least one or two bullet points with “led,” “trained,” or “supervised.”

• Represented
• Streamlined
• Collaborated

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Attorney Resumes

Skills for attorney resumes.

Many skills required by attorneys — including communication, building interpersonal relationships, and the ability to work under pressure — are ones that don’t belong on the skills list at the bottom of your resume. These should go in your bullet points instead, with accomplishments and hard metrics to back them up. Instead of saying you have excellent written communication, highlight the number of briefs you’ve prepared or an article you’ve written in a law review. To find the skills and keywords you’ll need to get past Applicant Tracking systems (ATS) and impress recruiters, check out our comprehensive list of skills and keywords compiled from an analysis of over a million job descriptions, or use our free Targeted Resume tool to get personalized feedback on how you can instantly improve your resume.

• Legal Advice
• Corporate Law
• Legal Writing
• Legal Research
• Commercial Litigation
• Civil Litigation
• Criminal Law
• Labor and Employment Law
• Legal Opinions
• Contract Law
• Legal Consulting
• Intellectual Property
• Legal Contract Review
• International Law
• Dispute Resolution
• Legal Document Preparation
• Arbitration
• Administrative Law

How To Write Your Skills Section On an Attorney Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Attorney Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Attorney job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Other legal resumes.

Attorney Resume Guide

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• Attorney Resume Example
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• Experienced Attorney Resume Example
• Litigation Attorney Resume Example
• Real Estate Attorney Resume Example
• Corporate Attorney Resume Example
• Compliance Attorney Resume Example
• Transactional Attorney Resume Example
• Family Law Attorney Resume Example
• Patent Attorney Resume Example
• Entry-Level Attorney Resume Example
• Immigration Attorney Resume Example
• Contract Attorney Resume Example
• Tips for Attorney Resumes
• Skills and Keywords to Add
• All Resume Examples
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• Attorney Cover Letter
• Attorney Interview Guide
• Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

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