In House Counsel Resume: Sample & Guide (Entry Level & Senior Jobs)

Are you a legal professional searching for a new role as an in-house counsel? Look no further! Our in-house counsel resume example is tailored to showcase the skills and experience required to excel in this dynamic role. This sample resume will provide you with valuable insights on how to best highlight your legal expertise, negotiation skills, and ability to provide strategic counsel to your organization.

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.
Why you should use a resume template

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

What does an In House Counsel do?

Advise the company on legal matters and risks
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts
Ensure the company complies with all laws and regulations
Represent the company in legal proceedings or negotiations
Provide legal support for business operations and strategic initiatives

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

What are some responsibilities of an In House Counsel?

Providing legal advice and guidance to the company and its management
Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts and other legal documents
Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Handling litigation and legal disputes
Conducting legal research and staying informed about changes in the law
Participating in strategic business decisions and risk management
Collaborating with external legal counsel and other professionals
Developing and implementing company policies and procedures

Sample In House Counsel Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details:

Name: John Smith
Address: 123 Main St, Anytown, USA
Email: johnsmith@email.com
Phone: 123-456-7890

Summary:

John Smith is an experienced in-house counsel with a proven track record of providing comprehensive legal support in a corporate environment. He is skilled in contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance. John is a strategic thinker who excels at providing sound legal advice and mitigating potential legal issues.

Work Experience:

In-House Counsel, ABC Corporation, Anytown, USA
Legal Counsel, XYZ Company, Somewhere, USA

Education:

Juris Doctor (JD) from Law School University, Anytown, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from College University, Anytown, USA

Skills:

Contract negotiation
Risk management
Compliance
Legal research
Strategic thinking

Certifications:

Bar admission in Anytown, USA
Certified In-House Counsel (CIHC)

Languages:

English (fluent)
Spanish (proficient)

Resume tips for In House Counsel

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 In House Counsel resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned In House Counsel - 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.

Include specific achievements and examples of successful projects or cases you have worked on.
Highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, and providing legal advice to key stakeholders within the company.
Emphasize your ability to manage legal risks and compliance issues within the organization.
Showcase your skills in handling litigation, intellectual property matters, and corporate governance.
Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and contribute to strategic decision-making.

In House Counsel Resume Summary Examples

Using a resume summary or objective for an in-house counsel position is essential as it allows you to quickly showcase your qualifications and career goals to potential employers. It provides a brief overview of your experience, skills, and accomplishments, making it easier for hiring managers to understand your value as a candidate. Additionally, a well-crafted summary or objective can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of securing an interview.

For Example:

Seasoned In House Counsel with 10 years of experience in corporate law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance
Skilled in providing legal guidance to executive management and overseeing litigation and dispute resolution
Successful track record in drafting and reviewing legal documents, conducting due diligence, and managing intellectual property matters
Proven ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts and provide practical solutions to business challenges
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with a deep understanding of business operations and risk management

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your In House Counsel Resume

Building a strong experience section for an in house counsel resume is crucial as it demonstrates a solid track record of legal expertise, industry knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. This section provides evidence of your capability to handle complex legal matters, negotiate contracts, and provide sound legal advice to support business objectives. A well-crafted experience section can set you apart from other candidates and showcase your value to potential employers.

For Example:

Provided legal advice and support to the company on a wide range of issues including contract negotiations, risk management, and compliance with laws and regulations.
Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a variety of commercial and technology contracts.
Managed the company's intellectual property portfolio and enforced trademarks and copyrights.
Advised on employment law matters, including employee relations, hiring, terminations, and discrimination claims.
Handled litigation and dispute resolution, including managing outside counsel and representing the company in court.
Assisted in mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, including due diligence and contract analysis.
Developed and implemented compliance training programs for employees.
Reviewed marketing and advertising materials for compliance with consumer protection laws.
Assisted with corporate governance matters, including board meetings and corporate record-keeping.
Collaborated with other departments to ensure legal and regulatory compliance in all aspects of the company's operations.

In House Counsel resume education example

In house counsel typically require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Additionally, they need to be licensed to practice law in the state in which they work. Some positions may also require previous experience as an attorney, particularly in corporate or business law. Continuing education and staying current on changes in law and business practices is also important for in house counsel.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a In House Counsel resume:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Admitted to practice law in the state where the company is located
Continuing education in relevant areas of law, such as labor and employment law, contract law, and intellectual property law
Participation in relevant legal conferences and seminars
Specialized certifications in corporate law or compliance

In House Counsel Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills for an In-House Counsel resume to highlight the candidate's ability to provide legal counsel and expertise to their organization. Including relevant skills such as legal research, contract negotiation, litigation management, and regulatory compliance can demonstrate the candidate's proficiency and value in effectively addressing legal issues within the company. This can make the candidate more attractive to potential employers and showcase their ability to effectively contribute to the organization.

Soft Skills:

Communication
Problem-solving
Negotiation
Teamwork
Emotional intelligence
Time management
Critical thinking
Adaptability
Professionalism
Integrity

Hard Skills:

Legal research
Contract drafting
Compliance management
Risk assessment
Corporate governance
Litigation management
Intellectual property
Employment law
Regulatory analysis
Mediation and arbitration

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an In House Counsel 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 In House Counsel resume

Experience in providing legal advice and guidance to internal teams and management.
Strong knowledge of corporate law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proven track record of effectively managing legal risks and ensuring legal compliance.
Familiarity with intellectual property, employment law, and litigation management.
Collaborative and team-oriented approach to working with colleagues and external partners.
Experience in drafting and reviewing various legal documents and agreements.
Understanding of business operations and the ability to align legal strategies with organizational goals.

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.