In the competitive legal field, having a polished and targeted resume is not just a formality—it’s essential. Whether you're a new law school graduate or a seasoned attorney seeking a new opportunity, a compelling lawyer resume can be the difference between getting a callback or being overlooked.
The legal profession demands precision, clarity, and a proven ability to handle complex responsibilities. Your resume must reflect that. In this post, we’ll walk through an effective lawyer resume sample, crafted to meet the expectations of law firms, corporations, and government roles. You'll also get practical tips to enhance your own resume and stand out from the crowd.
REALISTIC LAWYER RESUME SAMPLE
Jane Doe
123 Justice Avenue, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: janedoe@email.com
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented and highly skilled attorney with over 8 years of experience in corporate law, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance. Adept at delivering strategic legal advice, drafting clear and enforceable contracts, and representing clients in complex litigation. Recognized for strong analytical skills, persuasive communication, and the ability to resolve legal issues efficiently while minimizing risk.
Key Skills
Legal research & writing
Corporate governance
Contract law & negotiations
Regulatory compliance
Civil litigation
Risk management
Legal strategy development
Client counseling
Work Experience
Senior Associate Attorney
Brookshire Legal Group, New York, NY
January 2020 – Present
Lead counsel on multimillion-dollar M&A transactions and partnership agreements.
Advised corporate clients on compliance with federal and state regulations.
Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a wide range of commercial contracts.
Managed litigation cases from discovery through trial, achieving favorable outcomes in 85% of cases.
Mentored junior associates and conducted legal training workshops.
Associate Attorney
Harrison & Finch LLP, Washington, DC
August 2015 – December 2019
Handled corporate contract matters and supported clients in regulatory filings.
Conducted legal research and prepared memoranda for high-profile civil litigation cases.
Represented clients in court, mediations, and arbitrations.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address corporate risk management.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC
Graduated: 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Graduated: 2011
Certifications & Licensure
Licensed to practice law in New York and Washington, DC
Certified in Corporate Compliance, National Association of Legal Professionals
Professional Affiliations
American Bar Association
Association of Corporate Counsel
RESUME WRITING TIPS FOR LAWYERS
Be specific with your legal experience. Tailor your resume to reflect the area of law you specialize in—corporate, litigation, IP, etc. Use exact terminology law firms recognize.
Quantify your accomplishments. Did you win 90% of your cases? Were you the lead on a $10M transaction? Numbers add credibility.
Include a strong summary. Your professional summary should immediately tell a recruiter who you are and what legal value you bring.
Keep it formal but engaging. The legal field values professionalism, so avoid overly creative formats or casual language.
List bar admissions clearly. Make it easy for recruiters to see where you're licensed to practice.
FAQ – LAWYER RESUME SAMPLE
Q1: What should a lawyer include in their resume summary?
A lawyer’s resume summary should highlight core legal skills, years of experience, key practice areas, and a few high-impact accomplishments. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
Q2: Should I include non-legal jobs on a lawyer resume?
Only if they are relevant or demonstrate transferable skills like communication, leadership, or compliance. Otherwise, focus on legal experience.
Q3: How long should a lawyer’s resume be?
Ideally, one page for junior lawyers or recent grads; two pages is acceptable for those with 5+ years of experience.
Q4: Do I need to list GPA or class rank?
Only include GPA if it's a strong point (e.g., above 3.5), especially if you’re a recent graduate. Otherwise, it’s optional.
This lawyer resume sample and guide are designed to help you create a resume that reflects your expertise and positions you as a strong candidate in any legal hiring process. Start with a strong structure, tailor your content, and your next legal role could be one click away.
Resume examples for teaching jobs to help educators craft job-winning resumes with tips, strategies, and a sample tailored to teaching positions.
Stay at home mom resume example to help you reenter the workforce with confidence. Get a realistic sample, expert tips, and advice tailored for moms returning to work.
sample accounting resume with a professional example, writing tips, and FAQs to help you land your next job in finance or accounting with confidence.
resume awards examples to highlight achievements, stand out from other candidates, and impress employers with well-placed, relevant recognitions and honors.
information technology resume sample designed to showcase key IT skills, certifications, and achievements to help you land interviews in today's tech industry.
manager retail resume examples to help you write a strong retail management resume that stands out and secures interviews in today’s competitive job market.
housekeeping resume examples samples to help you craft a strong, tailored resume. Discover real samples, expert tips, and industry-specific writing advice.
chief executive resume sample tailored to highlight strategic leadership, business growth, and executive management experience with a realistic, expert-written example.
cashier resume example with writing tips to help you craft a professional and effective resume for retail, grocery, or fast-food cashier roles.
Resume format for freshers with photo that highlights your skills, education, and personality. Learn how to create an impressive resume with expert tips and example.
Sample RN resume showcasing how to effectively highlight clinical skills, experience, and certifications to land nursing jobs with confidence and professionalism.
Resume opening statement examples that highlight your strengths, boost impact, and help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.
sample skills based resume for showcasing abilities, with examples and tips to highlight your strengths effectively in a results-driven, modern resume format.
how to format references on resume with clarity and professionalism. Learn whether to include them, how to list them, and view a real example for guidance.
Examples of federal resumes that showcase how to craft a strong application for federal jobs with clear formatting, keywords, and specialized experience.