Lawyer Resume Examples
In This Guide:
Lawyer Resume Example & Overview
If you’re aiming for a job as a lawyer, you need a resume that shows your skills, experience, and legal expertise. The field covers everything from civil rights to corporate law.
Lawyers work in many specialties, and there are over 1.35 million attorneys in the U.S. right now. There’s steady demand, but competition is strong.
I’ll break down what lawyers actually do, what the job market looks like, and how you can tailor your resume for your background and specialty.
What does a lawyer do?
Lawyers handle legal matters for individuals, businesses, or organizations. I research cases, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court or negotiations almost every day.
There are tons of specialties-like corporate, criminal, civil rights, and compliance law. Each area has its own focus, clients, and types of legal work.
You usually need to interpret laws, advise clients, and fight for their best interests. Strong communication and research skills are key if you want to succeed as a lawyer.
Lawyer job market and outlook
The legal field holds steady, but competition is real. In 2019, about 1.35 million attorneys worked in the U.S., up just 50,000 from 2015.
Tuition costs for law school keep rising, yet available jobs aren’t growing at the same pace. I see a lot of grads hustling for positions, especially in popular specialties.
You’ll find opportunities spread across many practice areas. Some roles even want extra credentials, like an MBA or technical degree. If you can specialize, it helps you stand out.
Lawyer resume examples by experience and specialty
If you’re just starting out, focus on internships, moot court, and research skills. Entry-level lawyer resumes usually show strong academic backgrounds and legal writing experience.
For more seasoned lawyers, highlight your wins-cases resolved, settlements negotiated, or compliance projects managed. Numbers matter. For example, “Managed 50+ bankruptcy filings annually.”
Different specialties call for different skills. A civil rights attorney should highlight advocacy and litigation, while a corporate lawyer needs to show experience with contracts and due diligence.
No matter your path, tailor your resume to the specific role and firm. This helps you stand out whether you’re into criminal defense, real estate, or environmental law.
How to Write a Lawyer Resume: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Lawyer Resume: Step-by-Step Guide
Writing a lawyer resume means more than listing jobs and degrees. You want your experience, skills, and personality to come through clearly and professionally.
I see a lot of resumes that miss the mark because they’re not targeted. You need to match the style, layout, and keywords to each firm or legal job.
I’ll walk you through formats, design basics, and tips for getting past applicant tracking systems. Let’s break down each part so your resume stands out.
Choosing the best resume format for lawyers
Picking the right resume format is key. For most lawyers, I always recommend the reverse-chronological format. It highlights your most recent legal experience right at the top.
If you’re changing practice areas or returning after a break, the hybrid format can work better. This lets you show off both your skills and your work history.
Functional formats aren’t popular in law. Recruiters usually want to see a clear timeline. Stick to what hiring managers expect-this helps your resume get noticed.
Attorney resume design and layout tips
A clean, professional layout matters. I always stick with one-inch margins, a single-page resume if possible, and plenty of white space for readability.
Pick a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial in 11 or 12-point size. This keeps your resume easy to scan-most recruiters spend under 7 seconds on the first pass.
List your full name, job title, phone, email, and LinkedIn at the top. If you’re licensed, add your bar status right in the header. This saves time for everyone reviewing it.
Organize each section with clear headings. Use bold or italics for emphasis, but don’t overdo it. Consistency in layout signals attention to detail-something every law firm values.
Getting past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Most law firms now use ATS software to filter resumes. Around 98% of Fortune 500 companies rely on these systems to sort out candidates before a human even looks.
I always make sure my resume uses standard section headings like “Experience” and “Education.” This helps the ATS scan and categorize my info correctly.
Only use simple formatting-no tables, text boxes, or graphics. These can confuse the system and cause your resume to get skipped, even if you’re a great fit.
I also keep my contact info right at the top and use a common font like Arial or Times New Roman. The ATS reads this stuff better, so you don’t miss out on interviews.
Getting past the ATS is just the first step. Next up, you need to write each section so it grabs attention once it lands in front of a real person.
Step-by-step: Writing each section of your lawyer resume
Start with a summary at the top. In 3-4 sentences, highlight your main legal strengths, years of experience, and what makes you stand out. Tailor this to each firm.
Next comes employment history. List jobs in reverse-chronological order. Focus on results: mention high-profile cases, win rates, or client types. Numbers speak louder than buzzwords here.
Include your education and credentials. List your J.D., undergrad school, bar admissions, and any extra certifications-like LL.M. or specialty licenses. Dates and locations matter to recruiters.
Wrap up with a skills section. Stick to core legal skills-like litigation, negotiation, or legal research. Use a bulleted list for clarity. Only include skills you actually use in practice.
Each section should fit the job description and show your impact. This helps you stand out when firms scan hundreds of resumes.
Keywords are the key
Keywords matter a lot. Law firms use ATS software, and over 70% of top firms rely on it to filter resumes before a human ever looks.
I always recommend scanning job descriptions for repeated terms-like "litigation," "compliance," or "case management." Sprinkle these exact words across your experience and skills sections.
This helps your resume rank higher in the ATS and actually gets it in front of a hiring manager. It’s a small step, but it makes a big impact.
Crafting Your Resume Summary or Objective
Your resume summary or objective is the first thing law firms read. It’s your chance to show them your experience, specialty, and impact-in just a few lines.
A summary works best if you have a few years in the field. If you’re new, an objective tells them about your goals and motivation.
This part sets the tone for your whole application. A clear, tailored intro can boost your chances of getting an interview.
How to write a compelling summary or objective
Your resume summary or objective sits right at the top, so it sets the vibe for everything that follows. This short section is where you grab attention fast.
Use 2-4 punchy lines to show your role, years of experience, and a couple of standout achievements. Numbers help-think deal values, case wins, or efficiency improvements.
If you’re newer to law, an objective makes sense. Focus on what you want to learn and how you’ll add value. For experienced lawyers, the summary highlights your track record.
Always tailor this section to the job description. Pick out keywords and show you understand the employer’s needs. This helps you get past automated resume screens, too.
Don’t just list skills-connect them to results. Show how your experience and motivation line up with the firm’s goals. This makes your resume feel personal, not generic.
Resume summaries for specific lawyer roles
You want your summary to fit the exact role. For example, a litigation lawyer might mention trial wins or an 80% case success rate. A corporate lawyer could focus on M&A deals.
If you’re in compliance, highlight regulatory expertise or risk reduction stats. For intellectual property, mention patents filed or infringement cases won. Numbers always add credibility.
Tailor every summary to the job description. I always echo a couple of keywords-like "commercial contracts" or "securities regulation"-so recruiters instantly see the match. This helps you stand out.
Showcasing Your Experience: Employment History Tips
Showcasing Your Experience: Employment History Tips
Recruiters judge lawyers mostly by their work history. You need to show what you did, who you did it for, and what results you got.
It’s not just about listing past jobs. It’s about highlighting achievements, quantifying your impact, and matching your experience to the job you want.
Whether you’re an experienced attorney or just starting out, I’ll walk you through how to make every line count. Let’s get into the details.
How to write your lawyer resume experience section
Start with your exact job title, employer, and dates. I always stick to a clear month/year format-makes things easy for background checks and shows career progression.
For each role, I list three to six bullet points. Focus on what you did, for whom, and what happened. This means case types, numbers, dollar values, and outcomes.
Use strong action verbs. Instead of just listing tasks, highlight your actual impact. Recruiters want specifics, not generic responsibilities. Keep it tight and outcome-focused.
Mention tools or legal tech you use, like Westlaw or Relativity. This shows I’m up-to-date and ready to hit the ground running. Including stakeholders is smart too-think partners, clients, or cross-functional teams.
Quantifying your impact and achievements
I always try to back up my experience with solid numbers. Handled 40+ cases per year or negotiated settlements totaling $2M-stats like these make a difference.
You can highlight efficiency too. Maybe you reduced contract review times by 30% or managed a caseload 20% above the team average. Numbers help recruiters benchmark your work.
There are different ways to show impact: size of teams, value of deals, win rates, or even pro bono hours. This helps your experience stand out and feels more credible.
How to tailor your experience for different legal roles
I always start by scanning the job description for practice areas and industry keywords. Echoing phrases like commercial litigation or regulatory compliance makes your experience section feel targeted.
You want to highlight tools and procedures the employer cares about-think Westlaw, Relativity, or Litera. If you use those, call them out. This shows you fit in from day one.
Match your experience to the scale of the job. Mention deal sizes, case volumes, or jurisdictions. If the posting wants someone with multi-state experience, and you have it, say so.
Don’t forget stakeholders. If you collaborate with partners, GCs, or cross-department teams, spell it out. This helps recruiters see you as a cultural and operational fit.
Tips for entry-level or no-experience lawyer resumes
If you’re just starting out, focus on your education, legal clinics, internships, and volunteer work. List your J.D., honors, and any relevant certifications up top for quick impact.
Use a hybrid resume layout. This means you highlight both your skills and any dated experience, even if it’s from clinics, externships, or part-time legal work. It’s direct and easy to follow.
Include mock trials, moot court, or research projects. I always mention how these build real skills-like legal writing or public speaking-which hiring managers actually care about.
Don’t skip over technical abilities. If you know Westlaw, Lexis, or e-discovery tools, list them. Firms look for these skills, especially when you’re new to the field.
Wrap up with a short, punchy summary or objective. Show your practice focus and what drives you as a lawyer. This helps your resume stand out, even with less experience.
Highlighting Skills: Hard and Soft Skills for Lawyers
Highlighting Skills: Hard and Soft Skills for Lawyers
Hiring managers often spend under 10 seconds scanning a resume. Your skills section needs to quickly show them you fit the role, both technically and personally.
You want to highlight a mix of hard skills, like legal research, and soft skills, like communication. Both types matter in law, and recruiters pay attention to both.
I always recommend tailoring your skills list to each job. This helps you pass applicant tracking systems and shows you’re serious about the specific position.
Best hard skills for your lawyer resume
When I update my lawyer resume, I focus on hard skills that show I’m ready for the job from day one. These skills help me stand out to recruiters and pass the ATS.
You want to highlight skills like legal research with tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, contract drafting, and litigation management. These are must-haves for most legal roles.
Tech skills matter too. I include experience with document management systems (think Clio or Relativity) and e-discovery tools. Firms want lawyers who handle digital processes confidently.
Don’t forget to mention any compliance research, policy rollout, or due diligence work. This shows you can manage complex regulations, which is key for today’s legal jobs.
Best soft skills for your lawyer resume
I see communication and negotiation as must-haves. Lawyers spend about 60% of their time talking to clients, colleagues, or judges, so these skills really matter.
Critical thinking and judgment make you stand out. You need to spot issues, manage risks, and make tough calls-sometimes with very little info.
Don’t forget confidentiality and ethics. Most legal recruiters say these are dealbreakers. Show you handle sensitive info and always act with integrity.
Time management and prioritization help you juggle heavy caseloads. If you meet deadlines and keep things organized, mention it. This helps firms trust you with more responsibility.
Where and how to list skills on your resume
I always start with a dedicated skills section-keep it short, scannable, and packed with relevant keywords from the job ad. Aim for 5-10 strong skills.
You want to show your skills, not just list them. Work them into your Work Experience bullets and Summary by tying each skill to real outcomes, numbers, or results.
Recruiters spend just 7 seconds on a first scan, so placing skills up top helps. Mix in technical and people skills throughout, but avoid repeating the same words everywhere.
That’s really it-prioritize relevance, back up your claims, and make your skills easy to spot. This gives your lawyer resume an instant edge.
Education, Certifications, and Bar Admissions
Education, Certifications, and Bar Admissions
Your education, certifications, and bar admissions show you meet the baseline for practicing law. Most jobs ask for a JD from an accredited law school and a valid bar license.
I always highlight my degrees, specialized coursework, and where I passed the bar. Recruiters scan for these details fast, so you want them front and center.
If you earned any extra certifications or awards, list them here too. These boost your credibility, especially if you’re in a competitive legal market.
How to list education and credentials
Listing education and credentials clearly is key on a lawyer resume. I always put my Juris Doctor or equivalent up top, followed by any advanced legal degrees.
Include the institution name, graduation year, and any honors or distinctions. If your GPA or class rank is stellar-think top 10%-add it. This draws recruiters' eyes.
You can also mention relevant coursework or theses if you’re early in your career. Keeping this section tidy and scannable helps decision makers move fast.
Best certifications for lawyers
Certifications can boost your legal resume, especially if you’re targeting a niche or shifting practice areas. I see lawyers stand out with credentials like CIPP/US, CAMS, or CCEP.
You don’t need dozens. Two or three relevant certifications look polished. For example, privacy lawyers love the CIPP/US, while litigators often add the NBTA or CEDS.
If you’re in corporate law, a CPA or CIArb credential helps you compete for top jobs. Choose certifications that match your target role and industry trends.
Bar admissions and licensure tips
I always put my bar admissions right up top, usually after my contact info. That way, recruiters instantly see I’m eligible to practice.
List each jurisdiction where you’re licensed. Show status, like Active or Good Standing, and the year you got admitted. If you’re still waiting, just say Admission Pending.
If you’re applying for jobs in different states, put the most relevant state first. Don’t forget to include any court admissions if you plan on litigating there.
This wraps up everything about education, certifications, and licensure. With these tips, your credentials are clear, verified, and easy for any reviewer to spot.
Additional Resume Sections and Tips
Your resume isn’t just about jobs and degrees. Extra sections show more about you-language skills, certifications, or things you do outside the office.
A clean, professional layout makes your details easy to scan. Most recruiters only spend 6-8 seconds on the first read, so every section counts.
What else to include on your lawyer resume
There’s a lot more you can add beyond the basics. Bar admissions and court jurisdictions are essential-keep them high on the page, with year and status for each one.
If you’ve published articles or presented at CLEs, list one to three significant ones. Awards and honors-like moot court wins or law school recognition-show you stand out.
Pro bono work, languages, and certifications add extra credibility. You can also mention professional memberships or relevant legal clinics if they support your expertise.
Resume layout and design best practices
I always keep my lawyer resume clean and easy to scan-nothing flashy, just clear section headings and consistent spacing. This helps recruiters find key info in under 30 seconds.
Stick to classic fonts like Arial or Calibri, size 10-12. Avoid bright colors or wild graphics. A simple black-and-white color scheme looks professional and trustworthy.
Use bullet points for achievements and responsibilities. This makes your experience stand out and helps applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse your resume accurately.
A one-page resume works for most lawyers, especially if you have under 10 years’ experience. If you’re more senior, a two-page resume is totally fine.
Lawyer Resume Templates & Resources
Finding the right resume template can make the job search easier and faster. You want something that looks professional and gets you noticed by recruiters.
I’ve rounded up lawyer resume templates and resources that are easy to use and proven to work. These tools help you highlight your experience, education, and skills in clear, organized sections.
You’ll also find related resume examples and cover letter tips. It’s all about giving you a solid starting point, whether you’re new to law or a seasoned attorney.
Choosing the best lawyer resume template
Picking the right lawyer resume template saves you time and keeps things organized. I look for templates that recruiters can scan in under 10 seconds.
You want a layout that’s clean, professional, and doesn’t cram too much text. Prioritize clear headings, plenty of white space, and consistent formatting throughout.
Templates with ATS-friendly designs work best. Around 90% of law firms use applicant tracking systems, so make sure your resume passes that first digital scan.
Related resume examples and resources
If you want to see more legal resume ideas, check out paralegal, legal assistant, and law clerk resumes. These show different ways to highlight legal skills and experience.
I always suggest peeking at law school application resume samples too. They focus on academics, leadership, and relevant coursework-helpful if you're early in your legal career.
There are also tons of general resume resources. I use guides on how to write a resume, format sections, and choose fonts. This helps your resume look sharp and stay readable.
Experienced attorney resume samples PDF & sample attorney resume
If you want to see real-world examples, check out these experienced attorney resume samples PDF. These show how seasoned lawyers highlight litigation wins, case volumes, and leadership in just one page.
A good sample attorney resume usually includes results, not just duties. You’ll notice metrics like “managed 50+ cases” or “recovered $2M in settlements.” This helps your achievements stand out instantly.
I recommend downloading a few different PDFs. Compare their formatting and content. Use what works best for your own experience. It’s the fastest way to learn what recruiters actually notice.
Attorney cover letter examples & lawyer cover letter examples
If you want your application to stand out, grab a few attorney cover letter examples for inspiration. These samples show how to highlight your experience and skills clearly.
You can also check out lawyer cover letter examples to see real wording that works. I find it helps to see how others showcase achievements and legal expertise.
There are hundreds of templates online-some tailored for new grads, others for seasoned pros. Pick one that fits your background, personalize it, and keep things concise.
That’s a wrap for these resume and cover letter resources. With the right tools, you’re ready to put your best foot forward in your legal career search.
Key Takeaways for Your Lawyer Resume
If you want your lawyer resume to stand out, focus on clear structure and targeted details. You need to show your value right away.
Tailor your resume for every job. Use specific numbers and keywords from the listing, so your skills and achievements jump out at recruiters.
Highlight your credentials, bar admissions, and major wins. Keep your layout neat and easy to scan-hiring managers spend an average of 7 seconds per resume.
Next, I’ll break down best practices that help your legal experience shine.
Summary of best practices
I always tailor my resume for each legal role. This means matching my skills and experience with the job requirements and using keywords straight from the job description.
You want a resume that’s clear, professional-looking, and easy to read. A simple layout helps recruiters find details fast, especially when they scan dozens of applications.
I focus on quantifiable achievements-like winning 15 cases or managing 40 contracts. This gives your resume credibility and shows how you deliver results in the legal world.
Lawyer resume examples by experience and specialty
Law is a huge field, and every specialty needs something different on your resume. I see hundreds of resumes from lawyers every year, and no two are the same.
If you’re an M&A lawyer, your resume should highlight complex deals. For immigration lawyers, it’s about client outcomes and policy knowledge. I’ll show you examples for each specialty.
Mergers and acquisitions lawyer resume examples
If you want mergers and acquisitions lawyer resume examples, you’re in the right place. This is a competitive field, and your resume needs to stand out.
I always highlight deal experience. Numbers matter-mention how many transactions you’ve handled or the size of deals. This grabs attention from recruiters fast.
Don’t forget to show your negotiation skills and regulatory knowledge. Employers look for lawyers who can close deals and navigate complex legal environments with confidence.
Immigration lawyer resume examples
Immigration law is all about attention to detail and up-to-date legal knowledge. Strong resumes highlight successful visa petitions, asylum cases, and client advocacy.
You want to show experience with forms like I-485 and I-140, plus any language skills. Listing your win rates or case volumes-like over 100 successful green card applications-makes your impact clear.
I recommend mentioning community outreach or pro bono work. This helps your immigration lawyer resume stand out and shows you care about supporting clients from diverse backgrounds.
That wraps up the main lawyer resume examples across specialties. You can use these insights to tailor your own resume for your next move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lawyer resumes
What is a Lawyer resume template?
A Lawyer resume template is a professionally designed format tailored for legal professionals to highlight credentials, bar admissions, and legal experience. ResumeJudge makes it easy to showcase your practice area and achievements.
Are Lawyer resume templates ATS-friendly?
Yes, ResumeJudge Lawyer resume templates are ATS-friendly, using clear headings and clean layouts that help your resume get noticed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and recruiters.
When should I use a Lawyer resume template?
Use a Lawyer resume template when applying to law firms, in-house counsel roles, or government legal positions. ResumeJudge templates are ideal for litigation, corporate law, and specialized fields like IP or tax law.
Can I customize a Lawyer resume template?
Absolutely! ResumeJudge lets you easily customize sections, fonts, and colors to match your experience, practice area, and the specific role you’re targeting.
What's the difference between Lawyer and other resume templates?
Lawyer templates focus on legal credentials, bar admissions, and case outcomes, while generic templates may not highlight these. ResumeJudge ensures your legal expertise stands out to employers.
How long should a Lawyer resume be?
For most lawyers, a one-page resume is ideal, especially with less than 10 years’ experience. ResumeJudge formats help you keep it concise and impactful, expanding to two pages only if your matters require detail.
Can I use ResumeJudge templates for different legal specialties?
Yes, ResumeJudge templates work for all legal specialties, from litigation and real estate to corporate law. Just tailor your summary and experience to the specific practice area.
How do I show career progression on a Lawyer resume?
Highlight title changes, bigger case values, and increased responsibilities. ResumeJudge templates make it easy to showcase growth, like moving from Associate to Senior Counsel or handling larger transactions.
How should I handle confidentiality on my resume?
Use general descriptions like “Fortune 500 client” or aggregate values (e.g., “$200M in deals closed”). ResumeJudge templates help you focus on achievements without sharing sensitive details.
How should I name and save my Lawyer resume file?
Save your resume as 'Firstname_Lastname_Lawyer_Resume.pdf' for clarity. ResumeJudge exports in recruiter-friendly PDF format, ensuring your document stays professional and ATS-readable.
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