Creating a legal resume demands precision. This article guides through crafting resumes that appeal to law firms and legal departments. You'll see strong resume samples and get tips to showcase your experience and skills effectively. From paralegals to attorneys, learn to highlight your legal expertise and get the job you aim for.
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Here's what we see in top legal resumes.
Quantifying Impact With Numbers: Good legal resumes show clear results with numbers. This could be
Matching Skills To The Job Description: Include skills on your resume that you have and are in the job description. Include things like
Highlighting Relevant Experience: Show your relevant legal work. Use phrases like
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In your legal career, where you place your education on your resume is important. If you've graduated recently, or you are a student, make sure to feature your education first. This will let employers quickly see your academic qualifications. This is especially true for positions in the legal field, where your academic background is often a primary focus for entry-level roles.
If you have been working in the legal area for a while, list your experience first. Your practical experience needs to be the first thing a hiring manager sees, as it's a critical factor in the decision-making process.
When looking to enter the legal sector, make sure your resume highlights critical thinking and attention to detail. These are skills highly valued in legal roles and showing experience or studies that have honed these abilities can set you apart.
Additionally, abilities in research and clear communication are fundamental in legal work, so include any relevant experience that demonstrates strong writing and investigative skills.
For anyone applying to legal positions, keeping your resume to one page is good if you have less than 10 years of experience. This helps you stay precise and to the point, ensuring the hiring manager can quickly review your main achievements and qualifications.
If you're a senior-level professional with ample experience, however, a two-page resume can better showcase your long-term career development, provided every detail is relevant and contributes to your application.
In the legal field, any experience with case preparation, document drafting, or courtroom observation can be particularly persuasive. If you have such experiences, make sure they are front and center on your resume.
Mention any internships or volunteer work you've undertaken at law firms or court systems, as these can be compelling examples of hands-on experience in the legal environment.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can be tough to get past, but you can do it. These systems scan your resume for keywords and phrases that match the job. As a legal professional, make sure you include terms like 'case management' and 'legal research' which are often looked for.
Your resume should also have a clean format. Use standard fonts and avoid images or graphics. These can confuse the ATS and cause your resume to be overlooked. Stick to text and make sure your headings are clear.
Remember these two things:
When you tailor your resume, you show us you are right for legal work. You make your application specific to the job. Think about the skills and experiences we want. Use words from the job ad. This helps your resume stand out.
When crafting your legal resume, it's important to highlight the specific skills that show you're well-equipped for the role. Below is a list of skills that are relevant to legal positions. Choose those that match your experience and the job you're applying for.
Include these skills in a dedicated section on your resume to help you pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which many firms use to filter candidates. Make sure the skills you list are backed up by your work experience or education. For example, if you list
Remember, you don't need to have all these skills. Pick those that best apply to the legal job you desire, whether it's a tax lawyer, a corporate counsel, or a paralegal. This focused approach helps you tailor your resume to the position you're targeting and demonstrates your suitability for the role.
As someone who has reviewed countless resumes, I can tell you that numbers speak louder than words. You should highlight your impact by using
Here are ways to add numbers to your resume:
Even if you're unsure of exact figures, you can estimate. For example, if you worked on a team that improved the
When applying for jobs in the legal field, it's crucial to highlight any leadership roles or promotions you've had. This shows employers that you have a track record of taking on responsibility and excelling in your career.
Think about times when you took the lead in your work. Did you mentor new team members? Did you oversee a major case or lead negotiations? These are good examples of leadership. Even if you're unsure, consider any task where you had to guide or manage others.
When you're applying for roles in the legal field, it's crucial to highlight leadership and any upward movement in your career. This shows potential employers that you're capable of taking on responsibility and advancing within an organization.
Think about the times you took the lead on initiatives or when your suggestions led to positive changes. Even if you're unsure, consider moments where you stepped in to guide others or when your expertise was recognized with more responsibility. Examples might include:
When crafting your resume, highlighting your leadership roles and career progress is vital. Employers value evidence of your ability to lead and take on more responsibility over time. Here are ways to show your growth in the legal field.
Think about projects or initiatives you have led. You can also mention any mentoring of new staff or interns. For example:
For large law firms like Baker McKenzie or Allen & Overy, emphasize your experience with high-profile cases and complex legal issues. Big firms value candidates who can handle a heavy workload and have strong attention to detail.
For smaller firms or startups, such as boutique law firms or new tech companies, highlight your ability to wear multiple hats. Show your flexibility and willingness to take on diverse tasks. Mention any experience with smaller, dynamic teams.