Are you an attorney looking to land your dream job? Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it’s crucial to make it stand out. In this guide, we’ll provide you with actionable insights and practical advice on how to write an attorney resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers. With our expert tips and examples, you’ll be on your way to landing interviews and securing your next job in no time.
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How to Write Attorney Resume That Stands Out?
When it comes to writing an attorney resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you craft a resume that will stand out:
- Highlight your experience: Your experience is one of the most important things to highlight on your resume. Be sure to include your previous job titles, the dates you worked at each job, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Showcase your skills: In addition to your experience, it’s important to showcase your skills on your resume. This can include things like your legal research abilities, your writing skills, and your ability to work well under pressure.
- Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To ensure your resume makes it past the initial screening, be sure to use keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Quantify your accomplishments: Whenever possible, try to quantify your accomplishments on your resume. For example, instead of saying you “”increased revenue,”” say you “”increased revenue by 20%.””
- Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Be sure to only include information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a winning attorney resume. Remember to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, and to always proofread for errors before submitting it to potential employers. Good luck!
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What Recruiters Consider in Attorney Resume?
When recruiters receive an attorney resume, they look for specific qualifications and experiences that make the candidate stand out. One of the most important factors is the candidate’s education. Recruiters prefer candidates who have graduated from top law schools and have a strong academic record. Additionally, recruiters look for candidates who have passed the bar exam and are licensed to practice law in the state where they are applying for a job.
Another important factor that recruiters consider is the candidate’s work experience. Recruiters prefer candidates who have worked at reputable law firms or have experience in a specific area of law that is relevant to the job they are applying for. Recruiters also look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership skills, such as managing a team or leading a project.
Finally, recruiters consider the candidate’s soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Recruiters prefer candidates who have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work well in a team environment. Candidates who have demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically are also highly valued.
Key Elements to Include in Your Attorney Resume
When creating an attorney resume, it is important to include key elements that will make you stand out to recruiters. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Education: Include your law school and any honors or awards you received. Also, mention any relevant coursework or certifications.
- Work Experience: List your previous employers, job titles, and dates of employment. Highlight any relevant experience, such as working at a law firm or in a specific area of law.
- Skills: Mention any relevant skills, such as legal research, writing, or negotiation. Also, highlight any leadership or teamwork skills you have demonstrated.
- Achievements: Include any notable achievements, such as winning a case or receiving recognition for your work.
- Professional Memberships: List any professional organizations you belong to, such as the American Bar Association or state bar associations.
- References: Include references from previous employers or colleagues who can speak to your skills and experience.
By including these key elements in your attorney resume, you can increase your chances of standing out to recruiters and landing your dream job in the legal field.
Attorney Resume Examples
If you’re an attorney looking for a new job, having a strong resume is essential. In this article, we’ll share four attorney resume examples to help you create a compelling document that showcases your skills and experience.
Attorney Chronological Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890
Objective:
To obtain a position as a litigation attorney at a reputable law firm.
Education:
Juris Doctor, XYZ Law School, Anytown, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Experience:
Associate Attorney, Law Firm XYZ, Anytown, USA
- Managed a caseload of 50+ clients in various stages of litigation
- Conducted legal research and drafted pleadings, motions, and briefs
- Participated in settlement negotiations and mediations
Law Clerk, Judge ABC, Anytown, USA
- Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda
- Assisted in drafting opinions and orders
- Observed court proceedings and oral arguments
Skills:
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Westlaw
The chronological resume template is a popular choice for attorneys because it highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This format is easy to read and allows hiring managers to quickly see your career progression and the skills you’ve developed over time. In this example, John Doe’s experience as an associate attorney and law clerk are listed in detail, along with his education and skills.
Attorney Chronological Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(555) 555-5555
[email protected]Objective: To obtain a position as a litigation attorney in a reputable law firm.
Education:
Juris Doctor, XYZ Law School, Anytown, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ABC University, Anytown, USAExperience:
Litigation Attorney
XYZ Law Firm, Anytown, USA
January 2015 – Present
– Represent clients in various civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and employment law cases
– Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and other legal documents
– Attend court hearings and depositions
– Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedingsAssociate Attorney
ABC Law Firm, Anytown, USA
September 2012 – December 2014
– Assisted senior attorneys in all aspects of civil litigation, including drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, and attending court hearings
– Managed a caseload of small claims and landlord-tenant cases
– Conducted client intake interviews and prepared case summariesLegal Intern
XYZ Law Firm, Anytown, USA
May 2011 – August 2012
– Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on various legal issues
– Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials and depositions
– Observed court proceedings and client meetingsSkills:
– Strong written and oral communication skills
– Excellent research and analytical skills
– Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research databases
– Admitted to practice law in the state of Anytown, USAReferences: Available upon request
A chronological resume template is a traditional format that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This type of resume is ideal for job seekers who have a consistent work history and want to highlight their career progression. The Attorney Chronological Resume Example – 2 showcases the candidate’s education, experience, and skills in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement at the beginning of the resume sets the tone for the rest of the document and highlights the candidate’s career goals. The experience section provides detailed information about the candidate’s legal experience, including their responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. The skills section highlights the candidate’s strengths and qualifications, while the references section provides potential employers with a list of professional contacts who can vouch for the candidate’s abilities.
Attorney Functional Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a position as an attorney in a law firm where my skills and experience can be utilized to their fullest potential.
Education:
Juris Doctor, XYZ Law School, Anytown, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Professional Experience:
Attorney, Law Firm A, Anytown, USA
- Managed a caseload of over 50 clients, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, and negotiating settlements.
- Successfully argued motions in court and conducted trials in both state and federal court.
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients, opposing counsel, and judges.
Attorney, Law Firm B, Anytown, USA
- Represented clients in a variety of legal matters, including personal injury, family law, and criminal defense.
- Conducted legal research and drafted legal memoranda and briefs.
- Participated in mediations and settlement negotiations.
Skills:
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research databases
This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience, rather than focusing on a chronological work history. The objective statement at the top of the resume clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the education section highlights their academic achievements. The professional experience section is organized by relevant skills and accomplishments, rather than by job title or employer. The skills section at the end of the resume provides a quick summary of the candidate’s key strengths. This format is ideal for candidates who have gaps in their work history or who are changing careers.
Attorney Functional Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a position as an attorney in a law firm where my skills and experience can be utilized to their fullest potential.
Education:
Juris Doctor, XYZ Law School, Anytown, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Experience:
Attorney, Law Firm A, Anytown, USA
Handled a variety of cases, including personal injury, medical malpractice, and contract disputes. Conducted legal research, drafted pleadings and motions, and represented clients in court. Negotiated settlements and mediated disputes.
Attorney, Law Firm B, Anytown, USA
Specialized in employment law, including discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination cases. Advised clients on legal matters and drafted employment contracts and policies. Represented clients in administrative hearings and in court.
Skills:
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research databases
This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience, rather than focusing on a chronological work history. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the education section highlights their academic achievements. The experience section is organized by job title, with bullet points that emphasize the candidate’s accomplishments and skills. The skills section provides a quick overview of the candidate’s strengths and abilities. This format is ideal for candidates who have gaps in their work history or who are changing careers.
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Attorney Combination Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
Experienced attorney seeking a position in a reputable law firm where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to provide exceptional legal services to clients.
Education:
- Juris Doctor, XYZ Law School, Anytown, USA
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Experience:
- Associate Attorney, Law Firm A, Anytown, USA
- Handled a caseload of 50+ cases in various areas of law, including personal injury, family law, and criminal defense
- Conducted legal research, drafted pleadings, and negotiated settlements
- Represented clients in court hearings and trials
- Law Clerk, Law Firm B, Anytown, USA
- Assisted attorneys in drafting legal documents and conducting legal research
- Managed client files and communicated with clients
- Observed court proceedings and depositions
Skills:
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage a caseload and meet deadlines
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research databases
This attorney combination resume example showcases the candidate’s education, experience, and skills in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement highlights the candidate’s career goals, while the education section demonstrates their academic achievements. The experience section provides specific examples of the candidate’s legal skills and accomplishments, and the skills section summarizes their key strengths. This combination resume format is ideal for attorneys who have a mix of experience and education, and want to showcase both in their resume.
Attorney Combination Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a position as an attorney in a reputable law firm where I can utilize my legal skills and experience to provide excellent legal services to clients.
Education:
- Juris Doctor, XYZ Law School, Anytown, USA
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Professional Experience:
Attorney, Law Firm A
Anytown, USA | January 2015 – Present
- Represent clients in various legal matters, including civil litigation, family law, and criminal defense.
- Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Appear in court and argue on behalf of clients.
- Negotiate settlements and plea bargains.
Law Clerk, Law Firm B
Anytown, USA | May 2013 – December 2014
- Assisted attorneys in various legal matters, including civil litigation, family law, and criminal defense.
- Conducted legal research and drafted legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Assisted in trial preparation and attended court hearings.
Skills:
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Strong oral advocacy skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research databases
This attorney combination resume example showcases the candidate’s education, professional experience, and skills. The combination resume format is ideal for attorneys who have a solid work history and want to highlight their skills and achievements. The objective statement at the beginning of the resume sets the tone for the rest of the document and shows the candidate’s career goals. The education section highlights the candidate’s academic achievements, while the professional experience section showcases their legal skills and experience. The skills section lists the candidate’s key skills and abilities, which are essential for success in the legal profession.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Attorney Resume
As an attorney, your resume is your first impression on potential employers. It is essential to make sure that your resume is well-written and highlights your skills and experience. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your attorney resume.
Do’s:
- Showcase your experience: Highlight your experience in the legal field, including any internships or clerkships you may have had.
- Use action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in previous roles.
- Include relevant skills: Make sure to include skills that are relevant to the legal field, such as research, writing, and negotiation.
- Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements, such as the number of cases you have won or the amount of money you have saved clients.
- Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
Don’ts:
- Include irrelevant information: Avoid including information that is not relevant to the legal field, such as hobbies or personal interests.
- Use jargon: Avoid using legal jargon that may not be familiar to all readers.
- Make it too long: Keep your resume concise and to the point, focusing on the most important information.
- Forget to proofread: Make sure to proofread your resume carefully for spelling and grammar errors.
- Lie or exaggerate: Be honest about your skills and experience, and avoid exaggerating or lying on your resume.
Conclusion
Your attorney resume is an important tool in your job search. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that highlights your skills and experience and makes a strong impression on potential employers. Remember to customize your resume for each job you apply for and to proofread carefully before submitting it.