Corporate Counsel Resume Example & Writing Guide

Introduction

A Corporate Counsel is a legal professional who offers legal advice and guidance on legal matters concerning businesses. The role involves the ability to assess and identify potential legal risks, draft legal documents and represent the company on legal matters. A Corporate Counsel resume should highlight both legal expertise and business acumen.

Resume Format

The format of the Corporate Counsel resume should be clear, organized and easy to read. The following sections should be included:

• Contact Information
• Objective Statement
• Summary of Qualifications
• Education
• Work Experience
• Bar Admissions and Certifications
• Skills

Contact Information

Begin with your full name, followed by your address, phone number and email address. Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date and professional. Be sure to include a link to your LinkedIn and/or other professional profiles if relevant.

Objective Statement

Your objective statement should be brief, clear and specific. It should highlight your expertise and goals as a Corporate Counsel. This statement should attract the attention of potential employers. For example:

• To obtain a challenging position as Corporate Counsel where I can offer my legal experience and business acumen to ensure the company's interests are protected.

Summary of Qualifications

Your summary of qualifications should be a brief list of your most impressive accomplishments and experiences. It should be tailored to the position you are applying for.

• Award-winning Corporate Counsel with 10 years of experience
• Certified Business Counselor with extensive experience in contract negotiation
• Strong experience in litigation, dispute resolution and risk management

Education

Document your educational background, including law school, any relevant coursework, and any honors or awards received. Include your degree, the name of the institution, and dates of attendance.

• Juris Doctor in Law, Harvard Law School, 2005-2008
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, 2001-2005

Work Experience

Outline your previous work experience in chronological order, with the most recent experience listed first. Provide a brief description of the company, your position, and your key responsibilities. Emphasize your legal experience in business, including contracts, negotiations, and litigation.

• Corporate Counsel, Amazon, Seattle, WA, 2015-Present
• Responsible for advising the company on intellectual property law, contract negotiations, employment law, and litigation
• Drafted, negotiated and reviewed licensing, distribution and procurement agreements
• Managed and resolved disputes and pre-litigation issues with external vendors
• Associate, Corporate Law, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York, NY, 2008-2013
• Advised clients on complex mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and corporate governance
• Responsible for drafting and negotiating transaction documents and closing deals
• Provided professional development to junior lawyers

Bar Admissions and Certifications

List any bar admissions you have, along with any certifications you have earned that are relevant to the position.

• Admitted to the Bar, New York State Bar Association, 2008
• Certified Business Counselor, National Association of Business Counselors, 2011

Skills

List any relevant skills you possess, including technical skills and soft skills. Be sure to include any foreign languages you speak that may be relevant to the position.

• Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

With these sections in place, your Corporate Counsel resume will be well-organized, tailored, and effective in showcasing your expertise and achievements.