Resume Examples for Attorneys

Resumes and CVs for attorneys vary widely depending on whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. Discover our tailored templates for each career stage and make use of our Resume Builder to craft your ideal document.

Entry-Level Attorney Resume

Ideal for recent law graduates and professionals transitioning into the legal field, this template is designed for those crafting a resume with no experience, highlighting essential skills and academic achievements.

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Why this resume works:

The attorney’s educational background is impressive, holding a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University. Such education credentials help solidify qualifications when professional experience is limited.

Mid-Career Attorney Resume

A smart choice for attorneys with several years of experience, this template emphasizes recent achievements and positions them for specialized roles or leadership opportunities in the legal field.

attorney-mid-level-resume
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Why this resume works:

With seven years of experience, this attorney demonstrates a strong record of achieving favorable outcomes and advancing in their legal career. The combination format highlights both their extensive skill set in litigation management and contract negotiation, as well as a detailed work history, positioning them well for senior legal roles.

Experienced Attorney Resume

An ideal choice for attorneys with over 10 years of experience, this template supports professionals pursuing senior-level roles in legal practice or leadership positions within law firms.

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Why this resume works:

This resume illustrates significant career advancement, showcasing skills in legal counsel and case management that yield strong results. Leadership roles in managing large caseloads and certifications (e.g., Certified Legal Specialist) demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications for senior positions within the legal field.

Attorney Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of an attorney resume to copy, paste, and tailor it directly in your document.

Min Nguyen

Seattle, WA 98103

Professional Summary

Experienced attorney adept in litigation and compliance. Proven track record in securing settlements and managing high-impact legal cases. Expertise in legal research, client communication, and negotiation.

Work Experience

January 2023

Justice & Co. Legal Advisors – Seattle, WA

Attorney

  • Handled 100+ cases annually in civil litigation
  • Increased client satisfaction by 30% through service
  • Led a team to secure $5 million in settlements

January 2018 – December 2022

Global Enterprises Ltd. – Seattle, WA

Corporate Counsel

  • Advised on contracts exceeding $50 million
  • Reduced legal risks by 25% via compliance programs
  • Drafted 200+ legal documents for Fortune 500 clients

January 2016 – December 2017

Pinnacle Law Firm – Silverlake, WA

Legal Associate

  • Assisted in 150+ court filings annually
  • Managed document review improving efficiency by 20%
  • Conducted legal research supporting 15 attorneys

Education

May 2015
Harvard Law School Silverlake, WA
Juris Doctor Law

May 2012
University of Texas Silverlake, WA
Bachelor of Science Political Science

Certifications

  • Certified Civil Litigation Specialist – National Board of Legal Specialty
  • Advanced Legal Research – American Law Institute

Skills

  • Legal Research
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Litigation Strategy
  • Client Communication
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Case Management
  • Document Drafting
  • Courtroom Representation

How to Write an Attorney Resume

As an attorney, understanding how to write a resume means mixing your legal expertise and relevant experiences into a clear format that highlights your qualifications. Use the guidance below to focus on your unique strengths and tailor your resume to fit the specific roles you’re pursuing.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Be sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or relevant portfolio (if applicable)
TipPRO TIP

Skip including personal details such as your age, religion, or social media handles on your resume unless the employer specifically requests them.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introductory section, typically 2 to 4 sentences long, that highlights your key qualifications and skills. It serves as an engaging pitch to hiring managers, designed to grab their attention and motivate them to explore your resume further.

This profile is usually positioned at the top of your resume and can be formatted as either a summary or an objective statement, each serving distinct purposes. Understanding these differences is essential for crafting a compelling introduction:

  • A resume summary highlights essential experience, legal expertise, and significant achievements relevant to the legal field. This format is particularly helpful for job seekers with a robust work history or transferable skills who aim to showcase their influence as effective attorneys.
  • A resume objective highlights your career aspirations and what you aim to accomplish in your next position. It’s particularly beneficial for recent law school graduates, those transitioning into legal roles, or individuals with limited experience in the field, as it provides a clear direction for potential employers.

Let’s examine the differences between a resume summary and a resume objective to understand their distinct purposes:

Attorney resume summary example:

Dedicated attorney with over 6 years of experience in civil litigation and family law, adept at navigating complex legal issues. Proficient in case analysis, negotiation, and client representation. Acknowledged for achieving favorable outcomes for clients through careful preparation and strategic advocacy.

Attorney resume objective example:

Recent law school graduate and licensed attorney eager to begin a career in corporate law within a dynamic legal environment. Committed to upholding ethical standards while contributing strong analytical skills and attention to detail to a prestigious law firm or corporate legal department.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is a fundamental part of your application. Employers assess not only job titles and responsibilities but also the tangible impact you’ve made in previous roles.

This portion of your resume illustrates how your legal background equips you with the skills necessary to excel as an attorney in their firm.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing case management and legal achievements

To attract attention on your resume, tailor your content to the legal field, using relevant terminology. Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like “Negotiated,” “Drafted,” or “Advised” to emphasize your contributions.

Incorporate quantifiable metrics to showcase your accomplishments. Specific figures and results not only highlight your achievements but also set you apart from other applicants, demonstrating the value you bring to potential employers.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Represented clients in over 50 litigation cases, achieving a 90% success rate in favor of the client through careful case preparation and strategic negotiation tactics.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Secured $2 million in settlements for clients by employing innovative legal strategies and thorough research on case law.

Explore further down the page for more work experience examples tailored for attorneys.

4. Skills

The skills section of an ATS-friendly resume offers a concise overview of your legal expertise as an attorney. It ensures compatibility with applicant tracking systems, allowing hiring managers to quickly evaluate your qualifications and fit for the role.

These skills can be organized into three key areas:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well attorneys interact with clients and colleagues. Important soft skills for attorneys include communication, negotiation, empathy, and critical thinking.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities that you gain through education, training, or practical experience. For an attorney, examples include drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and negotiating settlements.
  • Technical skills encompass the practical abilities required to use specialized tools and technologies. For attorneys, this includes familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and e-discovery platforms.

In general, include a diverse range of relevant skills that match the job requirements to showcase your qualifications. For more examples tailored to the legal profession, explore additional resources.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer attorney, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume, right after your summary. If you have more experience, position this section lower and weave your skills throughout your work history to demonstrate their application in real scenarios.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for showcasing your qualifications. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, clearly stating the degree type and institution name.

If you’re a recent graduate, consider including additional details such as your graduation year, GPA (if it’s above 3.5), any honors received, or relevant coursework that aligns with the position you’re applying for.

Attorney resume education section example:

Juris Doctor (JD)
Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA
Graduated: 2023 | Cum Laude

TipPRO TIP

When listing degrees on your resume, always start with the most advanced, such as Juris Doctor (JD) followed by Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ensuring they are in reverse-chronological order for clarity and impact.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume, such as Certified Legal Consultant and Conflict Resolution Certification, can improve your profile while showcasing qualities like strong analytical skills and effective communication that employers highly value.

While not always included in a traditional resume, this section can be important for attorneys, especially in specialized areas like family law or intellectual property.

Highlight relevant certifications that bolster your application. Always keep them updated and format them clearly to improve your professional profile.

Attorney certification examples:

  • Licensed Attorney, New York | New York State Bar Association | Expires: 12/2028
  • Federal Court Admission | U.S. District Court | Expires: 11/2027
  • Mediation Certification | American Arbitration Association | Expires: 02/2028
  • Advanced Trial Advocacy Certificate | National Institute for Trial Advocacy | Expires: 04/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is not just a list of positions held. It’s an opportunity to highlight your contributions and the measurable outcomes you’ve achieved in your legal career, showcasing specific cases or accomplishments that set you apart. This strategy will also help you create an ATS-friendly resume that can be easily scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

To make your work history stand out, tailor it to the job you want by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. Begin by carefully examining the posting to identify essential skills or qualifications that are frequently mentioned. Make sure to weave these elements into your descriptions of past experiences for greater impact.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder — based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Drafted legal documents and contracts for over 50 clients, ensuring compliance with state regulations and reducing review time by 30%.
  • Negotiated settlements in 20+ cases, achieving favorable outcomes for clients and increasing client satisfaction ratings by 15%.
  • Mentored junior associates, improving team efficiency and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Used Westlaw legal research tools to prepare case briefs, improving research speed by 25%.
  • Participated in weekly strategy meetings with senior partners to align on case direction and optimize resource allocation.

Example of Skills for Attorneys

Including the skills for your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the necessary abilities to thrive as an attorney. Resumes are often scanned quickly, so it’s essential to keep this section focused, relevant, and aligned with the job description.

The skills listed below highlight what is currently valued in the legal field. These capabilities frequently appear in successful attorney resumes and resonate well with hiring managers looking for qualified applicants.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective communication
  • Negotiation skills
  • Legal research skill
  • Time management expertise
  • Conflict resolution strategies

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Legal research and writing
  • Litigation strategy development
  • Contract negotiation and drafting
  • Client counseling and advocacy
  • Case management software (Clio, MyCase)

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Use specific legal terminology and highlight relevant skills to catch the eye of both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Incorporate quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your contributions. Mention metrics like case success rates or hours billed (e.g., secured a 90% win rate, managed 100+ cases).
  • Select an appropriate format based on your experience level. New attorneys might consider a functional layout, while seasoned lawyers often prefer a chronological format.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my attorney resume?

There are three primary resume formats to choose from when applying for an attorney position. Your selection should align with your level of experience and the aspects of your background you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume is the most widely used format, focusing on your work history along with notable responsibilities and achievements. This approach works well for job seekers whose relevant job experiences strengthen their qualifications, improving the credibility of their application to potential employers.
  • Functional: The functional resume, often called a skills-based resume, emphasizes your qualifications and skills rather than focusing on work history. This format works well for job seekers who lack direct legal experience or have employment gaps, as it allows them to highlight their relevant abilities.
  • Combination: The combination resume format merges the best features of chronological and functional resumes, showcasing both skills and work history. This approach benefits professionals by allowing them to highlight their competencies alongside their career journey, making it ideal for those transitioning or advancing in their fields.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your application for an attorney position. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to articulate your motivation for applying and detail experiences that may not be fully captured in your resume. It personalizes your submission and shows potential employers that you’ve dedicated time to understand the role and organization, setting you apart from applicants who only submit a resume.

If you’re hesitant about writing a cover letter, there are many resources available. You can find guides on how to write a cover letter along with various examples tailored specifically for legal positions. Additionally, exploring different formats will help you choose one that best presents your qualifications and aligns with the expectations of the legal field.

To make the process easier, consider using a cover letter generator that provides templates and suggestions tailored to attorney applications.

How long should a attorney resume be?

For attorneys with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically sufficient to outline relevant skills, education, and internships. Highlight key legal experiences, bar admissions, and any certifications that showcase your expertise in specific areas of law.

In contrast, those with seniority or specialization may extend their resumes to two pages if the content remains focused and relevant. Ensure that every detail reinforces your qualifications, emphasizing significant achievements and case experiences while maintaining clarity and conciseness throughout the document.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To improve your resume’s chances of passing ATS, focus on incorporating keywords and phrases directly from the job posting. Use terms specific to the legal field such as “litigation,” “contract negotiation,” or “legal research.” This will demonstrate your direct relevance to the position and make it easier for ATS to identify you as a strong applicant.

Additionally, include any relevant certifications like Bar Admission, Certified Information Privacy Professional, or specialized training in areas like family law or corporate law. Mentioning tools you’re familiar with, such as Clio or Westlaw, can further showcase your qualifications and readiness for the role.

Is it worthwhile to include volunteer legal work on my resume?

Absolutely, especially for those with limited formal experience. Including volunteer legal work highlights your commitment to the field and showcases practical skills that can set you apart in a competitive job market.

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Megan Dawkins Career Industry Editor

Megan Dawkins is a career industry editor who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers navigate the flexible job market.

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