Attorney Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you an attorney looking for a job? This article will provide you with an example of a successful attorney resume that you can use to create your own. You will learn how to highlight your legal experience and skills, as well as what sections to include in your resume. With the help of this article, you will be able to create an effective and professional attorney resume that will help you stand out from the competition.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does an Attorney do?

A lawyer is a professional who is qualified to offer advice and represent clients in court. They provide legal advice on a variety of matters, including business and corporate law, criminal law, family law, real estate law, wills and estates, and more. They also assist in the preparation of documents, draft legal pleadings, and represent clients in court proceedings.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Attorney related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of an Attorney?

Provide legal advice and counsel to their clients
Draft legal documents such as contracts, wills, and trusts
Represent their clients in court proceedings
Conduct research and analyze legal issues
Negotiate settlements between parties
Advocate for their clients in negotiations
Keep up to date with changes in the law
Advise clients on the best course of action
Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations

Sample Attorney Resume for Inspiration

Attorney

John Doe
123 Street Street
Anytown, ST 12345
555-555-5555
john@example.com

Summary: Attorney John Doe is an experienced legal professional with expertise in corporate and commercial law, contract negotiation and dispute resolution. He has a comprehensive understanding of litigation, regulatory compliance and legal risk management, enabling him to provide valuable insights and advice to clients. He is a dedicated professional with a commitment to providing clients with the best possible legal representation.

Work Experience:

Lawyer, ABC Law Firm - Anytown, ST (2017-Present)

Provide legal advice and representation to clients on corporate and commercial law, contract negotiation and dispute resolution.
Analyze legal documents and evaluate cases to develop strategies and defenses.
Advise clients on litigation, regulatory compliance and legal risk management.

Associate Attorney, XYZ Law Firm - Anytown, ST (2012-2017)

Provided legal advice and representation to clients on a range of corporate and commercial matters.
Negotiated contracts, settlements and other legal agreements.
Researched and analyzed legal documents and cases to develop strategies and defenses.

Education:

J.D., Anytown Law School (2010)
B.A., Anytown University (2006)

Skills: Contract negotiation, dispute resolution, litigation, regulatory compliance, legal risk management, corporate and commercial law

Certifications: State Bar of Anytown

Languages: English, Spanish

Resume tips for Attorney

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Attorney resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Attorney - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your achievements.
Include the relevant practice areas.
Tailor your resume for each application.
Include your contact information.
Focus on current experience.

Attorney Resume Summary Examples

An attorney resume summary or resume objective should be used to highlight your qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the employer. Your summary or objective should be tailored to the specific legal job you are applying for and should pique the employer's interest in you as a candidate. It should also provide a brief snapshot of your career and demonstrate why you are the best person for the job. Ultimately, a well-crafted summary or objective can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting the job.

For Example:

Dedicated and experienced attorney with 5+ years of experience in legal advisement and client representation. Skilled in litigation, contract drafting, and dispute resolution.
Experienced attorney providing legal services to various clients, with a focus on corporate law and litigation. Adept at navigating complex legal issues and delivering sound counsel.
Highly accomplished attorney with over 8 years of experience in the legal field. Expertise in contract law, litigation, and dispute resolution.
Disciplined attorney with 10+ years of experience in court proceedings, client representation, and legal research. Proven track record of successful case resolutions.
Results-driven attorney with 7+ years of experience in litigation, dispute resolution, and contract drafting. Adept at providing sound legal advice and developing strategies.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Attorney Resume

Building a strong experience section for a attorney resume is essential for any attorney looking to stand out from the competition. A strong experience section will showcase an attorney’s professional accomplishments, demonstrating their ability to handle a variety of legal matters. Additionally, a well-crafted experience section can help to highlight an attorney’s particular areas of expertise, enabling them to stand out from other candidates and be seen as an authority in their field. Ultimately, a strong experience section is likely to be the first thing a recruiter looks at when reviewing an attorney’s resume, so it is important to make sure it is well-crafted, comprehensive, and tailored to the specific position.

For Example:

Provided legal counsel to a diverse client base in a wide range of practice areas, including civil litigation, family law, trusts and estates, and corporate law.
Analyzed legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, and depositions to determine legal sufficiency and accuracy.
Developed and maintained a network of contacts within the legal community.
Attended hearings, trials, mediations, and other legal proceedings to represent clients.
Drafted legal documents such as complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and briefs.
Researched and analyzed legal topics to identify potential legal issues and formulate strategies to resolve them.
Negotiated settlements on behalf of clients and advocated for their interests in court.
Maintained accurate records of all legal documents and communications.
Provided guidance to clients on the legal implications of their decisions.
Conducted client intake interviews and prepared initial documents.

Attorney resume education example

A lawyer must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. In the United States, most states require a lawyer to pass the bar exam to be eligible to practice law. Additionally, lawyers may need to complete continuing education courses to stay up to date on legal developments.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Attorney resume:

Juris Doctor, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, May 2020
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, May 2017
Advanced Certification in Business Law and Taxation, University of California, Berkeley, CA, June 2019

Attorney Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to an Attorney Resume is important because it helps to highlight your qualifications and experience to potential employers and clients. By including specific skills, you demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to do the job, and that you are qualified to practice law. It also shows that you are able to work with clients and colleagues effectively. Examples of skills to include on an Attorney Resume would be: legal research, trial advocacy, client interviewing, legal writing, negotiation, case management, and dispute resolution.

Soft Skills:

Leadership
Problem Solving
Communication
Research
Organization
Negotiation
Time Management
Analysis
Teamwork
Focus

Hard Skills:

Research Skills
Legal Writing
Litigation Experience
Contract Negotiation
Interpretation Skills
Client Relations
Legal Analysis
Problem Solving
Courtroom Presentation
Strategic Planning

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Attorney Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Attorney resume

Include a professional summary statement that outlines your experience and qualifications.
Include a list of key skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Highlight your experience in the legal field, including any licenses or certifications you have earned.
Ensure that you include any relevant professional memberships, volunteer work or community involvement.
Include any awards or honors you have received in the legal field.
Provide a list of references at the end of your resume.
Proofread your resume multiple times to ensure accuracy and correct grammar.

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.