Whether you're a newly licensed attorney or a seasoned paralegal, a strong legal resume can be your biggest asset in landing interviews at top law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. Legal professionals are expected to be sharp, detail-oriented, and persuasive—qualities your resume must immediately convey.
In this guide, you'll find tailored legal resume examples and strategic advice on how to make your legal background stand out in a highly competitive field.
SAMPLE LEGAL RESUME FOR A MID-LEVEL ATTORNEY
Name: Jordan M. Clarke
Phone: (555) 123-9876
Email: jordan.clarke@email.com
Location: New York, NY
Professional Summary:
Resourceful and results-driven attorney with 6+ years of litigation and contract law experience. Proven success in managing high-stakes cases, drafting complex legal documents, and advising corporate clients. Adept at balancing client needs with legal compliance. Licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey.
Core Competencies:
Civil Litigation
Corporate Law
Contract Drafting & Negotiation
Regulatory Compliance
Legal Research & Analysis
Case Strategy & Management
Client Counseling
Trial Preparation
Work Experience:
Associate Attorney
Silverman & Gold LLP, New York, NY
July 2019 – Present
Managed 25+ active litigation cases involving contract disputes, employment law, and real estate.
Drafted and negotiated commercial agreements with values exceeding $5M.
Represented clients in court and arbitration hearings, securing favorable outcomes in 80%+ of cases.
Mentored two junior associates and supervised legal interns on research and case prep.
Ensured all legal procedures met state and federal compliance standards.
Legal Associate
Harper & Fink Legal Group, Jersey City, NJ
May 2017 – June 2019
Assisted senior partners in trial prep, deposition summaries, and client discovery.
Researched case law and regulatory updates to support litigation and advisory services.
Reviewed and revised contracts, NDAs, and MOUs across various industries.
Drafted pleadings, motions, and legal memos under tight deadlines.
Education:
J.D., Brooklyn Law School – Brooklyn, NY — 2016
B.A., Political Science, Rutgers University — 2012
Bar Admissions:
New York State Bar – Admitted 2016
New Jersey State Bar – Admitted 2016
Certifications & Training:
Westlaw & LexisNexis Certified
Advanced Legal Writing, NYCLA
Professional Affiliations:
American Bar Association
New York State Trial Lawyers Association
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG LEGAL RESUME
Be concise, but not vague – Legal recruiters want direct evidence of impact. Use bullet points that quantify achievements (e.g., “Managed 30+ litigation cases”).
Tailor to the job posting – Adjust your resume to reflect the job description. Highlight specialties such as intellectual property, criminal defense, or corporate governance.
Avoid legalese – Use plain, professional language instead of overly complex legal terms unless they are job-relevant.
Emphasize writing and research – These are core skills across most legal roles, and strong performance here can set you apart.
List bar admissions and certifications clearly – These are non-negotiables for many legal roles, so ensure they’re easily visible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LEGAL RESUMES
1. What is the best format for a legal resume?
Use a reverse chronological format. Law firms and hiring managers prefer to see your most recent experience first, especially if it’s relevant to the job opening.
2. How long should a legal resume be?
For most professionals, one page is ideal. However, senior attorneys or those with significant litigation experience can extend to two pages if justified.
3. Should I include a cover letter with my legal resume?
Yes. A tailored cover letter can reinforce your qualifications and showcase your writing skills—something highly valued in the legal profession.
4. Can I include non-legal work experience?
If the role demonstrates transferable skills (e.g., leadership, communication, client service), it’s absolutely worth including—especially for entry-level applicants or career changers.
A standout legal resume is more than a summary of experience—it’s your professional case for why you're the best fit. Use these legal resume examples and tips to build your strongest argument yet.
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