In the legal field, specific case experience can set you apart. Highlight key cases you have worked on that show your legal skills. Mention any cases that had significant outcomes or that relate closely to the position you seek now.

Also, list any specialized legal areas you have experience in, like environmental law or intellectual property. This gives employers a clear view of where your strengths lie as a legal professional.

Membership in legal associations or groups shows your commitment to the field. List any bar admissions or professional bodies you belong to at the end of your resume. This shows you are active and respected within the legal community.

Also, note any publications or speaking engagements in the legal realm. This demonstrates your depth of knowledge and your ability to share and discuss complex legal matters, which is valuable in this industry.

You should shape your resume to show you are a good fit for a lawyer role. Focus on examples from your past work that match what a legal job asks for. Talk about the law areas you know, the cases you have worked on, and how you work with others.

• List key cases you've worked on, use terms like civil litigation or criminal defense as it fits your experience.
• Show off your leadership by listing any legal teams or projects you've led with phrases such as managed a team of paralegals or oversaw a high-profile corporate merger.
• If you are moving into a legal role from a different job, match your skills to what lawyering needs. If you've made deals or handled tough talks, say something like negotiated contracts or resolved client disputes.

As an attorney, your resume should show a strong command over certain skills. These are the tools and techniques that will help you stand out to hiring managers. Below is a list of key skills to consider, but remember, the skills you include should reflect your specialization and the job you're aiming for.

• Legal research
• Legal writing
• Litigation
• Contract negotiation
• Case management
• Regulatory compliance
• Intellectual property law
• Corporate law
• Family law
• Criminal law

You do not need to include all these skills, just the ones that match your experience and the job you want. Make sure to place these skills in a dedicated section so they are easy to find. This is important because many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for the right skills. If you have worked on significant cases or projects, consider listing these skills under your achievements to show how you've applied them in your work.

Always tailor your resume to the job description you are applying for. This means if the job focuses on environmental law, highlight your experience with environmental regulations and sustainability compliance. By focusing on the skills that are most relevant to the job, you can show hiring managers that you are the right fit for the role.

When you apply for legal positions, showing your career progression is key. You want to make it clear you have taken on more responsibility over time. This can be especially important in a field where leadership and decision-making are valued.

Think about your work history. Have you led a team or a project? Maybe you were chosen to represent your firm at a conference or to lead a high-profile case. These are clear signs of trust and leadership. Even if you have not had a formal promotion, these examples show growth.

• Managed a team of junior attorneys for a complex merger, resulting in a successful acquisition.
• Appointed by senior partners to lead the legal strategy for a major client’s patent litigation.

Include any titles or roles that show you have moved up in rank or responsibility. This could be a shift from an associate to a senior associate, or from a senior associate to a partner. If you have received any awards or recognitions for your work, these also reflect leadership and should be included.

When you show your impact with numbers on your resume, it helps hiring managers see the value you can bring to their team. Numbers can make your achievements stand out and be more memorable. As an attorney, you can use metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness and efficiency. Here are some ways you can do this:

• Include the number of cases you have handled to show your experience.
• List the percentage of cases won to display your success rate.
• Mention the amount of money saved or earned for clients through settlements or favorable verdicts.
• State the number of pro bono hours you have contributed to showcase your commitment to service.

Think about the tasks you do daily and how you can quantify them. If you are unsure of exact numbers, estimate them. For example:

• Calculate the average time you take to prepare legal documents and how this reduces turnaround time for clients.
• Assess how your negotiation skills have increased settlement amounts or reduced litigation costs.

Use these numbers to show how you make a real difference. This can help you stand out and prove that you are a good fit for the job.

When applying to small law firms or startups, emphasize your ability to handle a variety of tasks. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to take on different roles. Mention experiences where you managed multiple responsibilities. For example, you might say, 'Handled case preparation, client meetings, and legal research at a boutique law firm.'

For large companies like Baker McKenzie or DLA Piper, focus on your specialized skills. Show your expertise in a specific area of law, like corporate law or intellectual property. Mention any large-scale projects you worked on. For example, say, 'Specialized in corporate mergers and acquisitions, working on high-profile deals.'