10 Lawyer Resume Examples for 2024

Navigating the path to a career in law starts with a solid resume. In this guide, we provide tried-and-true examples of lawyer resumes. We'll also give strategic advice on structure, content, and key sections to include. This resource aims to help job seekers create effective resumes tailored to the legal field.

  Compiled and approved by Liz Bowen
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for lawyers.

  • Show Impact By Using Numbers: Effective resumes use numbers to show results. Common metrics include case win rate, billable hours, client retention rate, and settlement amounts. Numbers show your success clearly.

  • Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are legal research, drafting agreements, litigation, compliance, and contract negotiation. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Focus On Your Expertise Area: Tailor your resume to your legal specialization. For example, use phrases like expert in family law or corporate litigation to show your focus area.

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Where to list your education

Put your education section first if you are a recent graduate or have just completed further education. This explains any gaps in your work history and emphasizes the new skills you have gained. If you have extensive experience, list your work history first, followed by education.

For lawyers, mentioning relevant courses like Criminal Law or Constitutional Law can also be helpful. Tailor your education section to showcase the knowledge most applicable to the desired job.

Highlight relevant skills

When applying for legal roles, include skills such as legal research, contract negotiation, and case management. These skills are critical and highly regarded in this field.

It is also important to mention any courtroom experience or involvement in significant cases. This can make your resume stand out to potential employers.

Ideal resume length for lawyers

For lawyers with less than 10 years of experience, keep your resume to one page. Focus on legal cases you have worked on or significant contributions in your previous roles. This shows you know what to highlight and that you can be concise and to the point. For seasoned lawyers with a rich history of cases and responsibilities, a two-page resume is fitting. Ensure the most relevant and recent achievements are on the first page as hiring managers tend to scan this first.

Avoid the temptation to shrink your font or margins to fit more information. Instead, edit out less relevant details. For example, shorten or omit your education or early career roles that are not related to your current field of expertise. Always remember, a shorter resume does not reflect lesser experience; it reflects your ability to prioritize information effectively.

Certifications and bar memberships

Mention all relevant legal certifications and bar memberships. These are essential for many legal positions and often required by employers.

If you have specialized certifications like a certificate in Corporate Law, highlight these as well. They can demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of law.

Optimize for ats

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. As a lawyer, your resume must be ATS-friendly to get noticed. Avoid using images, graphics, or special fonts, as these can confuse the system and may result in your resume being rejected.

Use standard section headings like 'Experience' and 'Education' to help the ATS easily identify key information. Also, include relevant keywords from the job description. For instance, if the job requires 'legal research' or 'contract review,' make sure these terms appear naturally in your resume.

Match your skills to the job

When you aim for a legal role, show how you fit. Think about what the job asks for and how you meet these needs. This helps the firm see you're right for the job.

  • Look at legal skills in the job ad. If you've made legal arguments or written briefs, say this on your resume.
  • For senior lawyer roles, write about times you led a team. Use numbers to show team size or case load.
  • If new to law, show related skills. Maybe you've analyzed data or managed projects. These can transfer to legal work.

Essential skills for legal professionals

When you're writing your resume, knowing what skills to include can make a big difference. Here are some key skills that you should consider adding to your resume if they fit your experience and the job you want:

  • Legal research
  • Legal writing
  • Litigation management
  • Contract negotiation
  • Intellectual property law
  • Corporate law
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Trial preparation
  • Client counseling
  • Case management software

You do not need to list every skill. Choose the ones that are strong for you and match the job. Place these skills in a clear section on your resume. This helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many firms use. They scan your resume for these skills to decide if you fit the job.

Think about the work you have done. What skills did you use most? If you worked a lot with case management software, show this. If you helped with intellectual property law cases, list it. This shows you are ready for the job. Remember, your skills section is a quick way to show you have what the job needs.

Quantify your legal impact

As a hiring manager, I recommend you display your achievements with clear numbers on your resume. This helps hiring managers quickly understand the value you've added in your roles. Think about how your work has benefited your employers or clients.

Here are specific ways to quantify your impact:

  • Showcase your efficiency by mentioning the number of cases handled within a specific time frame.
  • Highlight any percentage reduction in litigation costs you achieved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution.
  • Include the value of settlements or verdicts you secured for clients.
  • Mention the number of successful motions or briefs filed that led to favorable outcomes.
  • If you've implemented new processes, show the increase in case throughput or reduction in case resolution time.
  • For those in a corporate setting, you might include the number of contracts reviewed and how you improved risk management practices.
  • Indicate the growth in client base or retention rates due to your legal expertise and client management skills.
  • If you have a specialization, quantify your success in that area, like the number of patents filed or trademarks successfully registered.

Remember, even if you're unsure about exact figures, estimate the impact of your contributions where possible. Hiring managers appreciate seeing concrete examples of how you can add value to their team.

Tailoring your application

When you apply for legal roles, the size of the company matters. If you're targeting small firms or startups, show that you understand the need for a versatile skill set. For example, you might write 'Experienced in managing a diverse case load and providing comprehensive legal advice in a high-paced environment.' This shows you can handle various tasks which is often required at a smaller company.

For larger firms, like White & Case or Baker McKenzie, focus on your specialization. You could say 'Specialized in corporate law with a proven track record in high-profile merger and acquisition cases.' This demonstrates depth of experience in a specific area, which big companies often look for.

  • Highlight versatility for small firms/startups
  • Showcase specialization for larger companies
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