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11 Lawyer Resume Examples & Guide...

11 Lawyer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Lawyers handle legal matters, represent clients in court, and provide advice on various legal issues. On your resume, highlight your experience with case management, legal research, and client consultations. Include skills such as negotiation, critical thinking, and strong written communication. Additionally, mentioning successful case outcomes and your ability to build strong client relationships can effectively demonstrate your worth.

All resume examples in this guide

As a lawyer, you ensure that all legal matters align with your firm's goals. Dealing with cases and meeting client needs can be challenging, often feeling like a never-ending list of tasks. For new lawyers, understanding the details of the field and finding a balance between work and personal life can be tough, especially with the worry of unfinished work lingering.

With these challenges in mind, this guide is here to help you create a resume that demonstrates your strategic thinking, resilience, and career accomplishments. Underline your ability to manage stress and stay productive, even when it feels like there's no break from work. This will help potential employers see your dedication and make your application catch their attention.

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Key takeaways
  • Use a reverse-chronological format to outline the progression of your legal career clearly.
  • Opt for a clean, readable design and font to make your legal resume stand out.
  • Underscore your experience with measurable achievements and concrete results to attract the attention of hiring managers.
  • Incorporate metrics to emphasize the impact of your legal work.
  • Include a dedicated section for your technical legal skills and weave your soft skills throughout the resume.
  • Ensure your educational background is relevant and well-presented, as it remains crucial in the legal field.

Let's begin with the essential guidelines for effective resume formatting.

Lawyer resume sample

Here’s a sample lawyer resume to help you.

Madison Taylor

Finance lawyer

help@enhancv.com | @linkedin.com | San Francisco, California


Summary

Highly skilled Banking & Finance lawyer with over 5 years of experience in providing legal support and advice on complex financial matters. Proficient in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating finance agreements and related documentation. Strong understanding of finance laws and regulations, with proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments. Committed to advising on risk management and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.


Experience

Banking & Finance lawyer

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, NY

January 2022 – Present

  • Provide legal advice on leveraged finance, structured finance, and CLO transactions, supporting deals totaling over $500 million.
  • Draft, reviewed, and negotiated complex finance agreements and documentation, achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate.
  • Manage transactions between lenders and borrowers, ensuring 100% compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external counsel to support financing activities, facilitating the successful completion of over 50 transactions.
  • Advise on risk management and mitigation strategies, reducing potential legal risks by 30% for financial transactions.

Legal Associate

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, NY

July 2018 – December 2022

  • Assisted in drafting and reviewing financial agreements and transaction documentation, contributing to deals worth over $300 million.
  • Conducted legal research and provided analysis on finance-related legal issues, resulting in a 20% improvement in case resolution times.
  • Supported senior lawyers in managing client relationships and handling negotiations, helping secure favorable terms in 90% of negotiations.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)
New York University School of Law, New York, NY
Graduated: 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Columbia University, New York, NY
Graduated: 2015

Certifications

  • Admitted to practice law in New York, 2018
  • Certified Specialist in Structured Finance Law, American Bar Association, 2020
  • Certified in Negotiation Mastery, Harvard Business School Online, 2019

Skills

  • Legal research and analysis
  • Drafting and negotiation of finance agreements
  • Transaction management
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Compliance with finance laws and regulations

Languages

  • English (Fluent)
  • Spanish (Intermediate)

How to format a lawyer resume

The ideal resume format for lawyers is the reverse-chronological one, as it features your most recent and relevant legal roles first. This layout allows employers to easily track your career progression and see the impact you've had at each stage.

Here are the resume sections ordered according to how recruiters expect them:

  • Contact information
  • Summary
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Certifications
  • Skills
  • Languages (optional)

We’ll discuss each section separately. For now, let’s focus on some useful formatting tips to ensure your resume gets noticed.

Resume designs

Contact information

File format

  • Name your resume simply, such as "MadisonTaylorlawyerResume.pdf," to ensure recruiters can easily identify it.
  • Save your resume as a PDF unless the job posting requests a different format.
  • Avoid using uncommon symbols, special characters, or graphic elements, as these can disrupt Applicant Tracking Systems and potentially affect your application process.

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An organized resume layout can grab a recruiter's eye, but it's your legal experience that will leave a lasting impression. Learn how to underscore yours in the next section.

How to write your lawyer resume experience

When you're creating your lawyer resume, it's important to focus on what hiring managers want to see. Use keywords from the job description and underline your big wins with measurable results like successful case outcomes, happy clients, and improved efficiencies. Keep your resume experience section clear and easy to read by using bullet points.

Giving them exactly what they’re looking for will help you stand out. Let’s dive into how you can do this effectively in the next section.

The right way to build a targeted resume for lawyers

Tailoring your resume to the job offer is essential for bringing your most relevant qualifications to the forefront as a lawyer. This approach makes you more noticeable and greatly improves your chances of capturing the hiring manager's interest. By outlining the specific skills and experiences they want, you show why you're an excellent match for the job.

Here's a lawyer job offer we'll use to tailor our work experience section. In this example we’ll show you how to do it right.

resume Summary Formula icon
Energy Real Estate lawyer

Responsibilities:

  • Provide legal counsel and support to clients on real estate transactions and projects related to the energy sector, including the acquisition, disposition, leasing, and development of energy facilities, such as oil and gas assets, renewable energy projects, and transmission infrastructure.
  • Conduct due diligence reviews and title examinations for energy-related real estate transactions, including assessing property rights, easements, encumbrances, and regulatory restrictions.
  • Draft and negotiate a variety of real estate agreements and documents, including purchase and sale agreements, lease agreements, easement agreements, and development agreements, with a focus on addressing energy-specific issues and requirements.

Qualifications:

  • Active bar license in the state in which you reside.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience practicing law, with a focus on energy real estate transactions, preferably in a law firm or corporate legal department setting.
  • Strong knowledge of real estate laws and regulations including property law, contract law, and land use regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience advising clients on a wide range of energy-related real estate matters, including oil and gas leases, wind farm developments, solar energy projects, and transmission line easements.
  • Familiarity with environmental and regulatory considerations impacting energy-related real estate transactions, including permitting requirements, zoning restrictions, and environmental assessments.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to effectively advise clients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Check out how we've adjusted this section to suit the position.

Professional Experience
Energy Real Estate Lawyer
Baker Botts LLP
Houston, TX
  • Provided legal counsel on energy-related real estate transactions, including oil, gas, and renewable projects, totaling over $300 million.
  • Conducted due diligence and title examinations on 50+ properties, assessing property rights and regulatory issues.
  • Drafted and negotiated over 100 real estate agreements, focusing on energy-specific requirements.
  • Streamlined contract review processes, reducing review times by 20%.
  • Advised on over 30 wind farm and solar energy projects, contributing to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address environmental and regulatory considerations, improving project approval rates by 15%.
RIGHT
  • Focuses on specific duties mentioned in the job description, like providing legal advice on energy transactions and conducting due diligence.
  • Features concrete metrics and numbers, like overseeing transactions valued at over $300 million and drafting more than 100 contracts— imperative details in the legal and energy industries.
  • Important skills, like effective teamwork and improving processes, were underscored to match the job’s needs. Relevant experiences in renewable energy projects and managing regulatory compliance were included to highlight expertise.

Each bullet point starts with an action verb and focuses on measurable results. We’ll dive into why this style is important for your resume in the next section.

How to quantify your experience on a resume

Using quantitative results on your resume is crucial because they provide concrete evidence of your achievements, making your impact clear to employers. Presenting specific metrics like percentages, monetary savings, or time saved, particularly in legal contexts, quantifies your contributions and enhances your resume's persuasiveness..

For example:

  • Quantify the total value of legal cases won or settlements negotiated, underlining specific figures like $5 million in settlements or $10 million in damages awarded.
  • Detail the percentage increase in client retention or satisfaction rates resulting from your legal strategies, such as a 15% increase in client retention through effective dispute resolution.
  • Showcase the number of contracts reviewed and the total dollar value, such as reviewing 200 contracts totaling over $100 million.
  • Highlight cost savings achieved for clients through successful negotiations or legal strategies, specifying amounts like reducing litigation costs by $500,000.
  • Include the percentage reduction in case handling time or administrative costs due to process improvements you implemented, such as reducing case preparation time by 25%.

How do I write a lawyer resume with no experience

If you're a new graduate or about to graduate, check your law school’s career services office. It's a great first step in your career journey. Most students enter law school with little to no real legal experience, and that's perfectly normal.

However, your resume shouldn't be a blank page—before reaching out to potential law firms or employers, consider the following tips:

  • Choose a functional resume format to spotlight your skills and educational accomplishments.
  • Select a simple template to ensure a polished look.
  • Include pertinent coursework and academic projects, like studies in contract law or criminal law.
  • Show your knowledge of legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.
  • Feature transferable skills gained from valuable internships or part-time jobs, like conducting legal research or interacting with clients.
  • Emphasize hands-on experience in drafting legal documents such as briefs or motions.
  • Incorporate volunteer work or extracurricular activities, like involvement in student legal organizations or mock trial competitions.

Resume objective for entry-level lawyer

On an entry-level resume for lawyers, an objective statement is crucial as it showcases your career aspirations and enthusiasm for entering the legal field, even with limited work experience.

For a strong objective statement, ensure you:

  • State your career goals or the specific position you're pursuing.
  • Tailor it to the role and employer, using keywords from the job listing to demonstrate alignment with their needs.
  • Underline key skills or qualifications that reassure hiring managers of your suitability.
  • Show how your abilities can benefit the firm and contribute to its success.

Below is an example of an effective objective statement.

Objective
Aiming for a position as a Lawyer to utilize experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing client support. Committed to delivering exceptional legal services, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining thorough and accurate legal records. Eager to join a team that values integrity, precision, and continuous professional development.
RIGHT

Now that your experience is outlined, let's focus on the skills section of your lawyer resume.

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume

Including both soft and hard skills on your lawyer's resume is really important. It proves that you have the legal expertise required for the job and the people skills needed for working with clients and colleagues.

Here’s a detailed overview:

  • Hard skills: These are the specific legal abilities you’ve developed through your education and experience.
  • Soft skills: These are about how you interact with others.

Here are some key skills you might want to list on your resume:

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Best hard skills for your lawyer resume

  • Legal research
  • Legal writing
  • Settlement negotiation
  • Contract drafting
  • Case analysis
  • Compliance law
  • Corporate law
  • Civil litigation
  • Intellectual property law
  • Legal software like Clio
  • E-discovery software
  • Document management software
  • Litigation support software
  • Westlaw proficiency
  • LexisNexis skills
  • Microsoft Office suite
  • PowerPoint for presentations
  • Spreadsheet skills for budgeting
  • Timekeeping software skills
  • Online mediation tools

Your soft skills are vital. Instead of listing them in a separate section, integrate them into other parts of your resume where they can be quantified and described. For example, you could point out your negotiation skills in the experience section by stating: “Negotiated settlement agreements, saving clients 15% in legal fees.”

Consider these common soft skills for lawyers:

Moving forward, let's look at ways to strengthen your lawyer resume with strategic details about your education and certifications.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

To become a lawyer, begin by earning a bachelor's degree. Courses in political science or history can be particularly beneficial. Next, you need to take the LSAT, an essential exam required for law school admission. Once admitted, you’ll complete a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program, studying a variety of legal subjects.

It's also important to gain practical experience through internships or clerkships during this time. Upon graduation, you must pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice. Finally, secure admission to the state bar association and continue your professional development to maintain your license.

pro tip icon
PRO TIP

Point out academic achievements like making the Dean's List, graduated Cum Laude, or received a scholarship to prove your dedication and excellence.

Check the example below:

Educational Background
Juris Doctor (JD)
University of Kentucky College of Law
Lexington, KY
GPA
3.5
/
4.0
  • Relevant Coursework: Contract Law, Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Legal Writing, and Criminal Law
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
GPA
3.6
/
4.0
  • Relevant Coursework: American Government, International Relations, Public Policy, and Political Theory
RIGHT

This resume is a strong example of shining a light on a lawyer's educational background, with several key strengths:

  • The resume includes both the JD and the bachelor's degree, providing a thorough view of the candidate's academic background.
  • Listing key courses like "Contract Law" and "American Government" concisely illustrates the candidate's specialized knowledge in important areas relevant to a legal career.
  • Each entry contains essential details like the degree, institution, location, GPA, and date range, giving a complete and clear presentation of the educational background.
  • Including a GPA provides a metric of the candidate's academic performance.
  • The resume is well-organized and easy to read, featuring key information without overwhelming the reader.

Your resume can be significantly enhanced by adding certifications, which underscore your specialized skills and your dedication to the legal profession. Let's review the certifications that can best support your career advancement as a lawyer.

With your education covered, let's spotlight your key legal skills in a summary.

How to write your lawyer resume summary

The summary section of your resume is essential for making a strong first impression, offering a concise overview of your legal experience and skills.

Here are the key elements to feature in a powerful lawyer summary:

  • Start with your title (e.g., "Experienced Energy Real Estate lawyer") and years of experience in the legal field.
  • Present specific legal skills, such as contract negotiation, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
  • Include measurable achievements that demonstrate your impact, like winning significant cases or achieving favorable settlements.
  • Mention your familiarity with relevant legal fields or industries, such as intellectual property or corporate law.
  • Write 3-5 clear sentences, using strong descriptors to showcase your achievements and avoid the first-person perspective.

The following example is tailored to the job offer detailed earlier in this guide.

Summary
Experienced Energy Real Estate Lawyer with over 5 years in handling real estate transactions, title examinations, and regulatory compliance in the energy sector. Specialized in energy-related projects, including oil and gas assets, renewable energy developments, and transmission infrastructure, managing transactions totaling over $200 million. Conducted due diligence, drafted and negotiated agreements, and advised clients on property rights and legal risks. Proficient in navigating environmental regulations and zoning restrictions, ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation. Seeking new opportunities at ExxonMobil to leverage my expertise in providing comprehensive legal support for complex energy projects.
RIGHT

The lawyer summary is effective because it incorporates key terms from the job posting, such as "real estate transactions," "title examinations," and "regulatory compliance," aligning perfectly with employer expectations. It also highlights specific achievements, like managing transactions totaling over $200 million, demonstrating the candidate's tangible impact in the field.

To further enhance your resume, consider using tools like the Enhancv resume builder, which can help you add sections showcasing your resourcefulness and leadership skills, making your qualifications even more compelling to potential employers.

Additional sections for a lawyer resume

Adding optional sections in your lawyer resume can offer a more well-rounded view of your qualifications and character, making you more appealing to potential employers. These sections can display your broader skills and experiences.

Here are some examples:

  • Pro bono work and community involvement: Emphasize your commitment to giving back to the community and your willingness to provide legal services to those in need, demonstrating strong ethical values.
  • Publications and presentations: Shows your expertise and thought leadership, such as writing for law journals or speaking at legal seminars and conferences.
  • Professional memberships: Reflects your active engagement in the legal profession and ongoing professional growth, including memberships in organizations like the American Bar Association or state bar associations.
  • Language proficiency: Listing additional languages can underscore your ability to work with diverse clients or in international settings, which is beneficial for firms with global reach.

In conclusion

This guide gives you the key tips for building an impressive lawyer resume that can catch the eye of hiring managers. By showcasing your skills, experiences, and unique strengths, you'll set yourself up for a successful move in your legal career.

Lawyer resume examples

Explore additional lawyer resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Role

Corporate Lawyer

This role often requires a strong understanding of business and finance. Highlight your knowledge in areas such as corporate tax, insurance, compliance, and contracts. Rather than listing, show how you've implemented this knowledge, e.g. “devised a new compliance strategy that…” Proven decision-making skills are also beneficial, so reflect this in your applications. For instance, discuss successful strategic decisions you've made within the corporate environment.
View Corporate Lawyer Resume

Criminal Lawyer

Your knowledge of criminal laws and courtroom proceedings is key. Highlight any significant cases you've worked on, mentioning specifics, like your role in the case or how your strategy contributed to the outcome, e.g., “facilitated a successful defense by…” Experience with negotiations and a knack for persuasion are also important. Don't just list them; demonstrate them.
View Criminal Lawyer Resume

Employment Lawyer

Make sure to highlight experience in employment law matters such as wage disputes, wrongful termination and discrimination claims. Discuss how you've resolved these scenarios, e.g., “resolved complex wage dispute by…” Knowledge of federal and state employment laws is key, so be sure to discuss examples that show your expertise.
View Employment Lawyer Resume

Immigration Lawyer

Indicate experience with immigration laws and policies, handling applications, appeals, and deportation cases. You could say things like “assisted client successfully gaining legal status by…”. Clients often come from diverse backgrounds, so showcasing language skills and cross-cultural communication could be beneficial.
View Immigration Lawyer Resume

Litigation Lawyer

Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills are essential. Detail how you've used these skills to handle various cases, e.g., “negotiated a favorable settlement in…” Your understanding of civil litigation procedures should be clear, with examples that demonstrate your proficiency.
View Litigation Lawyer Resume

M&A Lawyer

Merge and Acquisition cases often require a solid background in business law and finance. Instead of just listing this knowledge, provide examples of how you've applied it, like “Managed successful acquisition of…” Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail and strategic thinking are advantageous.
View M&A Lawyer Resume

Patent Lawyer

If you've worked on patent applications, discuss the types you've handled, e.g., “contributed to granting of tech patent by…” Highlight your technical knowledge, without forgetting to demonstrate how you finished complex intellectual property hurdles.
View Patent Lawyer Resume

Personal Injury Lawyer

Demonstrate your knowledge in personal injury law and experience handling cases like slip and fall, car accidents or product liability. You could say “successfully represented victim of car accident, resulting in…”. Showcase your negotiation skill and compassion for clients.
View Personal Injury Lawyer Resume

Real Estate Lawyer

For real estate roles, illustrate your property law knowledge, focusing on transactions you've managed or assisted. For example, “facilitated successful property sale by…” Mastery in negotiation over property disputes or closings should be demonstrated.
View Real Estate Lawyer Resume

Trial Lawyer

Experience with high-stress courtroom situations is crucial. Share experiences that show your comfort in these scenarios e.g., “won a high-profile court case by…”. Clear communication, strong argumentation skills and proficiency in evidence collection should be highlighted.
View Trial Lawyer Resume
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Lidia Yordanova
Lidia Yordanova is an SEO Writer & Editor at Enhancv. She has a strong background in marketing, which helps her give useful tips on underlining candidates' best qualities and making their resumes eye-catching. Lidia has written over 50 resume guides for many different jobs. Her drive to help people find the right job inspires her writing. She aims to do more than help with resumes by inspiring people to pursue bigger goals and personal growth.