Lawyer Resume Examples to Build an Impressive Resume

A strong lawyer resume is the first step to landing a great legal job. Whether you’re applying to a large law firm, a boutique practice, or an in-house counsel position, your resume needs to make a strong impression. Law firms receive hundreds of applications, so yours must stand out by clearly presenting your skills, experience, and accomplishments.

The legal industry values precision and clarity, and your resume should reflect those qualities. A well-structured, thoughtfully written lawyer resume shows potential employers that you are detail-oriented and capable of communicating effectively. This guide will walk you through the essential elements of a compelling resume, from structuring your work experience to highlighting key achievements. By following these tips, you can create a resume that captures attention and improves your chances of securing interviews.

Understanding what law firms and employers look for

Before you start writing your lawyer resume, it’s important to understand what legal employers expect. Law firms and hiring managers look for candidates who not only meet the qualifications for the role but also demonstrate professionalism, strong writing skills, and attention to detail.

When reviewing resumes, employers typically scan for:

• Relevant legal experience that aligns with the job requirements
• A clear and professional structure that makes information easy to find
• Specific achievements that showcase problem-solving skills and case success
• Strong writing that reflects the ability to draft clear legal documents

Many job seekers make the mistake of using a generic resume or including unnecessary details. A resume that is too vague or filled with legal jargon can work against you. Instead, focus on presenting your experience in a way that highlights your strengths and shows how you can add value to the firm.

Example lawyer resume (Word version)

This lawyer resume example is designed for an attorney with two years of experience in civil litigation and contract law. It follows a clean and professional format, ensuring that all key details are easy to find. View more resume examples by industry.

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Lawyer resume example (copy-paste)

Your Name
Title
Phone Number | Email Address | City, State | LinkedIn

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented and results-driven attorney with two years of experience in civil litigation and contract law. Skilled in legal research, case analysis, and drafting persuasive legal documents. Adept at representing clients in court proceedings and negotiations. Strong ability to manage multiple cases efficiently while ensuring compliance with legal standards. Licensed to practice in New York.

Professional Experience

Associate Attorney, Harrison & Cole LLP,
20XX – Present, City, State

• Represent clients in civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and landlord-tenant cases.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, pleadings, and settlement agreements.
• Assist senior attorneys in trial preparation, including deposition summaries and exhibit organization.
• Negotiate favorable settlements for clients, reducing litigation costs and time spent in court.
• Manage a caseload of 15+ active cases, ensuring deadlines and procedural requirements are met.

Legal Intern, Brown & Keller Law Firm
Summer 20XX, City State

• Researched case law and drafted memoranda on corporate liability and real estate disputes.
• Assisted attorneys in preparing legal documents for hearings and client consultations.
• Observed court proceedings and participated in client meetings.
• Compiled and reviewed discovery materials to support litigation strategies.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)
New York University School of Law, New York, NY | 20XX

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Columbia University, New York, NY | 20XX

Bar Admissions

• New York State Bar, 20XX

Key Skills

• Civil litigation and dispute resolution
• Legal research and case analysis
• Contract drafting and review
• Client counseling and representation
• Courtroom advocacy and trial preparation
• Negotiation and settlement strategy

Professional Memberships

• New York State Bar Association
• American Bar Association

Additional Information

• Pro bono volunteer for tenant rights legal aid organization
• Published legal article on emerging trends in contract law in the New York Law Journal

Here are free resume layouts and simple Google Docs resume templates that are great for lawyers:

Writing a strong professional summary

Your professional summary is the first section of your lawyer resume that a hiring manager will read, so it needs to make an immediate impact. This short paragraph, usually three to five sentences long, should provide a snapshot of your experience, key skills, and what sets you apart as a candidate.

A strong summary answers the following questions:

• What type of law do you practice?
• How many years of experience do you have?
• What are your strongest skills or areas of expertise?
• What value do you bring to a firm or organization?

For example, a compelling professional summary might read:

“Detail-oriented corporate attorney with eight years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Adept at managing high-value transactions and advising clients on complex legal matters. Strong background in risk assessment and litigation strategy, with a track record of securing favorable outcomes for Fortune 500 companies. Licensed in New York and California.”

By keeping your summary concise and tailored to the role you’re applying for, you can immediately show potential employers why you’re a strong candidate.

Highlighting your legal experience the right way

Your work experience section is the heart of your lawyer resume. Law firms want to see a clear, results-driven account of your professional history. Instead of simply listing job duties, focus on how you contributed to your firm, handled cases, and achieved successful outcomes.

When describing your legal experience, use action-oriented language to demonstrate impact. Instead of writing “Handled corporate contracts,” say, “Negotiated and drafted complex corporate contracts, reducing legal risks for clients.” This not only sounds more impressive but also shows the specific value you provided.

A strong work experience section should include:

• Job title, employer, and dates of employment
• A brief description of the firm or company if it adds context
• Bullet points highlighting key responsibilities and achievements

For example:

Senior Associate, Smith & Gray LLP
New York, NY | 20XX – Present

• Lead counsel on multi-million-dollar corporate mergers, managing due diligence and risk assessment
• Successfully defended clients in complex litigation cases, securing favorable settlements in 90% of cases
• Drafted and negotiated commercial contracts, reducing liability exposure by 30%

By structuring your experience in a clear and results-driven way, you make it easier for employers to see your qualifications and impact.

Showcasing your education and certifications

Your education is a fundamental part of your lawyer resume, but how you present it depends on your level of experience. If you are a recent law school graduate, your education section should appear near the top of your resume. If you have several years of experience, it should follow your work history.

At a minimum, include:

• The name of your law school and graduation year
• Your degree (e.g., Juris Doctor)
• Any honors, such as magna cum laude or law review participation

If relevant, you can also list additional certifications or advanced degrees that strengthen your qualifications. For example, if you have a specialization in tax law, a CPA certification can add significant value. Similarly, certifications in compliance, mediation, or intellectual property law can help differentiate you from other candidates.

While some applicants include their GPA, it’s generally only necessary if you graduated with high honors or are applying for your first job out of law school. Otherwise, focus on highlighting practical experience and skills.

By presenting your education and certifications strategically, you reinforce your qualifications and help employers quickly verify your credentials.

Key skills to include on a lawyer resume

A well-crafted lawyer resume doesn’t just highlight experience—it also showcases the skills that make you a strong candidate. Law firms look for a mix of technical legal expertise and soft skills that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and in the courtroom.

When listing skills, it’s important to tailor them to the job you’re applying for. Instead of creating a generic skills section, focus on those that align with the specific role and emphasize your strengths.

Some key skills to include are:

• Legal research and writing – The ability to draft contracts, briefs, and legal opinions with clarity and accuracy.
• Litigation and trial advocacy – Experience presenting cases in court, negotiating settlements, and arguing motions.
• Contract negotiation and drafting – Essential for corporate lawyers who handle business agreements and regulatory compliance.
• Analytical reasoning – The ability to interpret complex legal texts, assess risks, and develop sound legal strategies.
• Client communication and counseling – The skill to explain legal concepts clearly and provide guidance to clients.

Soft skills, such as problem-solving, time management, and adaptability, can also add value to your lawyer resume. Law firms want attorneys who can manage a heavy caseload, work under pressure, and collaborate with teams. By presenting a well-balanced mix of skills, you show employers that you have both the legal expertise and the interpersonal abilities needed for success.

Adding professional achievements and awards

Your lawyer resume should highlight more than just responsibilities—it should also showcase your achievements. Employers want to see proof of your impact, whether it’s through case victories, successful negotiations, or industry recognition.

Instead of listing general job duties, focus on specific accomplishments. Think about cases you’ve won, deals you’ve closed, or awards you’ve received. If possible, include measurable results to make your achievements stand out. For example:

• Successfully defended a client in a high-profile intellectual property case, resulting in a $2M settlement.
• Led a legal team in a corporate merger worth $500M, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• Recognized by the State Bar Association for excellence in pro bono work.

Awards and honors can also set you apart. If you’ve been recognized for your work—whether by a professional organization, a legal publication, or your employer—be sure to include these distinctions. Even smaller recognitions, such as being selected for a leadership role in a legal association, can strengthen your credibility.

By emphasizing achievements, you turn your lawyer resume into a document that tells a compelling story about your contributions and successes.

Including bar admissions and professional memberships

Bar admissions are a critical part of any lawyer resume, as they establish your ability to practice law in specific jurisdictions. This section should be straightforward, listing the states or countries where you are licensed. If you are admitted to multiple bars, list them in order of relevance to the job you are applying for. For example:

Bar Admissions

• New York, 20XX
• California, 20XX
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Professional memberships can also add credibility to your resume. Being an active member of legal organizations, such as the American Bar Association or a state-specific law society, shows a commitment to professional development. If you have held leadership roles, participated in speaking engagements, or contributed to publications, highlight those details as well.

If applicable, you can also mention pro bono work, law journal contributions, or board memberships. These additional details can help differentiate you from other candidates and show a well-rounded professional profile.

Conclusion

A well-structured lawyer resume can make all the difference in securing your next job opportunity. By focusing on clear formatting, highlighting key skills, and showcasing measurable achievements, you create a resume that stands out to hiring managers. Whether you’re applying for a position at a law firm, in-house counsel role, or government job, tailoring your resume to the specific position will improve your chances of getting noticed.

Before submitting your resume, take the time to proofread it carefully. Spelling errors or formatting issues can create a negative impression, especially in a field where attention to detail is crucial. Getting feedback from a colleague or mentor can also help refine your resume and make sure it effectively represents your qualifications.

A lawyer resume is more than just a list of jobs—it’s a tool to market yourself and demonstrate the value you bring to a legal team. By following the strategies in this guide, you can create a resume that strengthens your application and increases your chances of landing interviews.