Whether you're a newly licensed lawyer or a seasoned legal professional, your resume needs to argue your case before you ever set foot in an interview. The legal field is notoriously competitive—law firms, corporations, and public institutions all expect razor-sharp attention to detail and a track record of excellence. This means your resume isn't just a document; it’s your first legal brief.
In this guide, we’ll walk through attorney resume examples that actually win interviews, show you how to craft a compelling legal resume, and offer a complete, manually written sample that demonstrates what works in today’s legal job market.
Complete Attorney Resume Example
Jane Doe
1234 Liberty Avenue, Washington, DC 20001
janedoe@email.com | (555) 123-4567
Professional Summary
Diligent and results-driven attorney with 7+ years of experience in civil litigation, legal research, and contract negotiation. Adept at representing clients in court, drafting persuasive legal documents, and navigating complex regulatory issues. Proven track record of favorable settlements and courtroom success. Licensed to practice in New York and Washington, DC.
Core Competencies
Civil & Commercial Litigation
Contract Law & Negotiation
Legal Research & Brief Writing
Risk Mitigation & Compliance
Courtroom Representation
Mediation & Dispute Resolution
Legal Strategy Development
State & Federal Law Knowledge
Professional Experience
Associate Attorney
Mason & Braxton LLP, Washington, DC
May 2019 – Present
Represented clients in over 40 civil litigation cases, with a 90% success rate in securing favorable judgments or settlements.
Drafted and revised legal documents including motions, contracts, and discovery responses.
Collaborated with senior partners on high-profile cases involving corporate clients.
Conducted legal research that informed trial strategy and ensured compliance with evolving regulations.
Junior Associate
Sullivan Legal Group, New York, NY
August 2016 – April 2019
Supported litigation team in preparing cases for trial, including evidence gathering and legal argument development.
Led client intake sessions and managed communications throughout case progression.
Drafted legal memos and internal advisory documents on case law developments.
Education
J.D., Georgetown University Law Center — Washington, DC
Graduated: 2016
B.A. in Political Science, New York University — New York, NY
Graduated: 2012
Licensure & Bar Admission
Admitted to the New York State Bar and Washington, DC Bar
Technical Skills
Westlaw, LexisNexis, Microsoft Office Suite, Case Management Software
Resume Writing Tips for Attorneys
Be precise with your language. Avoid legalese but do highlight technical skills and practice areas.
Quantify your achievements. Legal employers want to see outcomes, like win rates, client retention, or value of negotiated settlements.
Include relevant bar admissions and licensure. This is often a key filtering factor in the hiring process.
Tailor each resume to the role. A corporate legal job differs from a trial attorney position—make sure your resume reflects the needs of each.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should an attorney include in a resume summary?
A concise snapshot of legal experience, practice areas, and key accomplishments. Emphasize years of experience, specialties, and notable case wins.
2. Should law school details be included on an experienced attorney’s resume?
Yes, especially if you attended a well-known law school. For attorneys with more experience, it should be brief and toward the end.
3. How can I tailor my attorney resume for in-house legal roles?
Focus on compliance, contract negotiation, corporate governance, and cross-department collaboration. Use less courtroom-focused language.
4. Are soft skills important for attorney resumes?
Absolutely. Skills like communication, negotiation, and teamwork are critical. Just be sure to tie them to measurable outcomes or legal tasks.
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