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Table of contents

Attorney resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your attorney resume
How to write an attorney resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your attorney resume
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Attorneys play a crucial role in the legal system, advocating for clients and interpreting complex legal frameworks.

However, crafting a resume can be challenging, even for experienced attorneys accustomed to layers of detail.

The good news? The process is more straightforward than it might seem, even if this is your first foray into professional self-marketing.

Explore this guide to learn how to draft a resume that captures the attention of even the pickiest hiring managers.

This guide will offer:

Attorney resume examples for various stages of your legal career.
Key elements of a compelling resume.
Proven strategies to differentiate yourself from other legal professionals.
Tips for choosing the right resume format and template.
Insights on crafting an impactful cover letter.

Want to make your resume now? Visit our AI Resume Builder, where you can find customizable templates and download your resume in various file formats.

Attorney resume examples

Entry-level attorney resume example

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What makes this a great resume example?

Striking design
The resume features a refined and eye-catching design that immediately grabs attention and invites readers to engage with the content.
Emphasis on skills
Most of the resume focuses on skills, which is ideal for an entry-level candidate with limited experience. The qualities selected show a well-rounded skill set.
Language proficiency
The inclusion of a language section is a significant advantage. In certain types of practices where you work with international clients, being multilingual is highly beneficial.

Experienced attorney resume example

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What makes this a great resume example?

Clear professional summary
The resume begins with a professional summary outlining their family and employment-based policies expertise. This clear statement immediately informs potential employers of the candidate’s legal domain.
Demonstrated career progression
The work history section effectively shows a steady and clear career trajectory, progressing from a paralegal to an attorney. This shows growth and dedication over time.
Acknowledgment of soft skills
Despite the technical nature of the role, the resume gives due importance to soft skills such as intercultural communication and advocacy, crucial skills for understanding diverse client needs.

Looking for a specific resume example? Some of the following legal resumes might interest you:

Browse other popular samples

Related Guides & Tips

CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference Between the Two

Choose the right resume format for your attorney resume

Choosing the right resume format is an important decision for any job seeker, and attorneys are no exception. Each type offers specific benefits tailored to different professional backgrounds and expertise.

Here’s a brief overview of the three main types:

Chronological resume format: Ideal for attorneys with a solid and continuous work history. It highlights your professional journey, showing your progression and experience in the legal field prominently.
Functional resume format: This format is beneficial for those new to the legal profession or returning after a break. It emphasizes relevant skills rather than a detailed work history, allowing you to showcase transferable skills even with limited direct legal experience.
Combination resume format: If you have a blend of significant legal experience and specific educational or professional qualifications, this format merges both, offering a comprehensive view of your strengths and capabilities.

When finalizing your format, also consider formatting tips: Use a resume font that’s easy to read with adequate spacing and standard margins. For instance, steer clear of small fonts that might compromise readability.

For attorneys, writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) might be more appropriate than a resume. A CV is an extensive document that details your entire academic and professional history, including publications, presentations, education and more.

If you’re considering this approach, our guide on how to write a CV is an invaluable resource. We provide CV examples to illustrate their appearance and offer CV templates to help style your document.

With the structure decided, it’s time to focus on styling your resume or CV to ensure it stands out.

Choose an attorney resume template

Create your resume

You want to put your qualifications, legal victories and education in the best possible light. That’s where your resume template comes in.

As an attorney, you’ll want your design to be as professional as possible. A simple template is often the best choice for legal professionals. It focuses attention on your key skills and achievements and embodies the clear, concise communication style expected in the legal field.

However, if you’re looking to present a more contemporary image or if you specialize in a creative area of law, like entertainment law, a modern or creative template could be suitable. These templates can add a touch of personal style while still being professional.

Above all, the priority is to present your information clearly and succinctly. Your significant accomplishments and skills should be immediately noticeable.

Next, we’ll guide you on optimizing each section of your resume to ensure it effectively showcases your legal expertise.

How to write an attorney resume in 5 simple steps

Now, it’s time to sit down and write your resume. We’ll guide you through a simple and direct process, broken down into just five steps.

Step 1

Interpret the job listing

Creating your attorney resume is simpler than interpreting complex legal documentation. It’s about identifying the right keywords.

Wondering which keywords are appropriate? Think of it like sifting through a brief for pertinent points. Law firms and legal departments often use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter resumes. Without the correct keywords, your resume might not reach the intended audience.

The job listing is your guide. Each legal role has its unique requirements, clearly indicated in the job description. Phrases like “litigation experience,” “contract negotiation” and “compliance expertise” are your clues for an ATS-friendly resume. Incorporate these terms in your summary, skills and experience sections.

While this may seem like an extra task, dedicating time to this step is crucial for ensuring your resume gets the attention it deserves.

OK, now you’re ready to draft a resume that will have an impact. Let’s get started.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

You’ll want to introduce yourself with a resume profile. There are two main approaches: a professional summary and a resume objective.

For seasoned attorneys with a wealth of achievements and skills, a professional summary is ideal. This acts as a showcase of your career milestones and most significant accomplishments.

If you’re newer to the legal field or transitioning from a different area of practice, a resume objective is more suitable. This should highlight your aspirations and how your skills and potential align with the firm’s objectives.

Here’s how each might look for an attorney:

Attorney professional summary example:

Experienced attorney with over 10 years in the legal sector, specializing in civil litigation and corporate law. Renowned for crafting compelling arguments, negotiating high-stakes settlements and a consistent track record of favorable verdicts. Expert in managing complex cases, maintaining client relationships and upholding the highest standards of legal practice.

Attorney resume objective example:

Dedicated legal professional transitioning into a more specialized role in environmental law. Strong foundation in research, client advocacy and trial preparation. Eager to apply these skills to support the environmental initiatives of GreenLaw Firm and contribute to impactful legal advocacy in this vital sector.

Step 3

Showcase key legal skills

Now, let’s focus on identifying the essential skills for your attorney resume.

Recruiters look for a specific set of skills in attorneys, which include both hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills in law refer to concrete, teachable abilities that are easy to quantify. These might include expertise in specific areas of law, proficiency in legal research platforms or experience in drafting legal documents. For example, you might be skilled in intellectual property law or adept at using legal databases.

Conversely, soft skills are the personal attributes that affect how you work and interact with others. These can include negotiation, client communication or analytical thinking, all critical for a successful legal career.

It’s not about choosing between hard vs soft skills. A balanced combination of both is vital for an effective attorney.

Here’s a breakdown of common hard and soft skills for an attorney resume:

Hard Skills

Specialized knowledge in a legal area
Legal research and analysis
Document drafting and review
Litigation and case management
Regulatory compliance

Soft Skills

Strong negotiation skills
Effective client communication
Analytical and critical thinking
Ethical judgment and professionalism
Time management and organization

Example of an attorney skills section:

Expertise in family law, providing effective counsel and representation in sensitive cases.
Proficient in legal research platforms, ensuring thorough case preparation and analysis.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable settlements in complex disputes.
Analytical thinker capable of addressing and resolving intricate legal issues.
Committed to maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism.

Pro tip

Don’t forget about your computer skills. In a field increasingly reliant on digital tools, being adept with the latest legal technologies or case management software can distinguish you from other candidates.

Step 4

Write a compelling work history section

Adding work history to your resume is the cornerstone of your document, especially if you have significant experience.

With hiring managers often having limited time to review each resume, it’s important to present your legal experience clearly and effectively. Using bullet points is an effective approach to make your achievements stand out.

Here’s an example of how you can succinctly represent your legal career:

Attorney, Justice Legal Firm
New York, NY
January 2015 – Present

Successfully litigated over 30 cases in the areas of corporate and intellectual property law, achieving favorable outcomes in 90% of cases.
Built and maintained strong client relationships, resulting in a 40% increase in repeat client business.
Developed and led a team of junior attorneys and paralegals, enhancing team efficiency and client service quality.
Implemented innovative case management strategies, reducing case preparation time by 25%.
Conducted comprehensive legal research and analysis, informing more effective case strategies and client advisories.

Pro tip

Enhance your work history by using action verbs such as “litigated,” “developed” and “implemented.” These words add vitality to your resume, portraying you as a proactive and results-driven attorney.

Step 5

Detail education and credentials

Your educational background is pivotal, showcasing the depth of your legal knowledge and qualifications.

The education section of your resume should comprehensively reflect your academic and legal credentials. As an attorney, this often includes an undergraduate degree, a Juris Doctor (J.D.), and any additional degrees or certifications pertinent to your legal expertise.

Attorneys may also pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or even a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a specialized legal field. Your bar admission and any relevant legal certifications should also be prominently featured.

Here’s an example of how you can structure this section:

Education:

Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA
Graduated: May 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2015

Advanced Degree (if applicable):

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Law
Yale Law School, New Haven, CT
Graduated: May 2019

Bar Admission:

Admitted to New York State Bar, 2019

Certifications and Additional Training:

Certified Legal Specialist in Environmental Law
Advanced Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate

Optional sections for your resume

Legal specializations

Your area of legal expertise is a crucial part of your professional identity. Highlighting your specialization can showcase your depth of knowledge and experience in a particular legal field.

How to present your legal specializations:

Family Law, with extensive experience in handling complex divorce cases and child custody disputes.
Intellectual Property Law, representing clients in copyright and trademark litigation.

Publications

Your contributions to legal literature demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the legal profession.

How to list your publications:

Authored an article on “Modern Challenges in Intellectual Property Law” in the Harvard Law Review.
Co-authored a research paper on “Emerging Trends in International Arbitration” published in the Journal of Legal Studies.

Professional memberships

Being part of legal associations underscores your dedication to staying connected and updated in the legal field.

How to detail your professional memberships:

Active member of the American Bar Association, Section of International Law.
Committee member of the State Bar’s Environmental Law Section.

Pro bono work

Your involvement in pro bono work highlights your commitment to societal welfare and the application of your legal expertise for the public good.

How to mention your pro bono experience:

Provided pro bono legal services for immigration cases through the Community Legal Aid Society.
Volunteered in the Innocence Project, working on wrongful conviction cases.

Awards

Awards and honors you’ve received are testament to your professional achievements and recognition by peers.

How to present your awards:

“Distinguished Advocate Award” from the National Lawyers Association for excellence in litigation.
“Community Service Award” by the State Bar for outstanding pro bono contributions.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

For attorneys, a cover letter is an essential complement to your resume.

This is your space to tell a story about your legal career. It’s where you can elaborate on experiences that your resume might only hint at. Share about significant cases, client interactions and professional challenges you’ve navigated. Highlight how you’ve made a real difference in your legal practice.

For example, describe a complex case you turned around or how you contributed to law reform initiatives. If there’s a gap in your career, the cover letter is the place to contextually explain it, showing how it added to your legal acumen.

If you need help getting started, using a cover letter generator is practical. It gives you a foundational structure that you can then tailor to your personal narrative. Consider using cover letter examples for inspiration.

Together, your cover letter and resume create a comprehensive picture of your legal expertise and dedication.

Key takeaways for your attorney resume

Incorporate legal industry keywords
Your resume should reflect the specific language of the legal profession. Use industry-specific terms and phrases that resonate with your area of expertise.
Choose between a CV and resume
Decide whether a CV or resume best suits your needs. A CV is more comprehensive, detailing your entire academic and legal career — ideal for positions in academia or high-level legal research.
Select an organized resume format
Your resume should be structured like a well-argued case, clear and logical. For seasoned attorneys, a chronological format can effectively showcase your career progression.
Pick a professional design
Opt for a professional, easy-to-read layout that stands out for its clarity and organization, much like a legal document.
Highlight a range of competencies
List both your technical and soft skills. This can include expertise in specific areas of law, legal research abilities, as well as skills like client communication and critical thinking.
Emphasize professional development
Distinguish yourself by including any additional legal training, certifications or bar admissions you have attained, demonstrating your commitment to your legal career.
Spotlight your achievements
Focus on your successes and contributions in the legal field, whether it’s winning a high-profile case, innovative legal research or impactful pro bono work.
Personalize with a cover letter
Your cover letter is your personal pitch, an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the legal field and articulate why you’re the right fit for the role.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches dedicated to helping job seekers excel in their careers.