General Counsel Resume Example & Writing Guide

Introduction

A General Counsel is a top-level lawyer who is responsible for overseeing all legal matters in an organization or corporation. The position of General Counsel demands a wealth of experience and knowledge in corporate law, as well as excellent communication and leadership skills. If you are looking to apply for the role of a General Counsel, one of the essential aspects you need to take care of is a well-drafted resume. A General Counsel resume should highlight your legal expertise, professional history, education, and achievements.

How to Write a General Counsel Resume

Follow these tips to draft a compelling General Counsel resume that can create a good first impression and help you land the job:

• Start with a crisp and engaging summary statement: Begin your resume with an impactful summary statement that briefly highlights your legal experience, accomplishments, and professional objectives. Keep it concise and tailor it to the job requirements.
• Highlight your professional history: Your work experience section should showcase your career progress, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Start with your most recent job and list the previous ones in reverse chronological order. Customize your bullet points to align with the job description and use action verbs to demonstrate your achievements clearly.
• Emphasize your legal expertise: As a General Counsel, you must have extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and compliance matters. Include your legal qualifications, credentials, and certifications, along with your years of experience in dealing with legal issues.
• Showcase your achievements: Use quantifiable metrics and numbers to demonstrate your successes in managing your legal teams, improving the organization's legal department's efficiency, or reducing legal risks. Make sure to mention relevant cases and projects you have worked on.
• Detail your educational background: Mention your Juris Doctor degree and any other relevant qualifications, including special courses or training you may have undertaken. Also, list any honors or awards you have received.
• Include your leadership and communication skills: A General Counsel needs to have excellent communication skills to manage a team of legal professionals effectively. Highlight your leadership qualities and communication skills, including those you acquired outside of your legal career.
• Check for typos and grammar errors: A well-crafted resume reflects your attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to quality. Ensure that your document is free of typographical and grammatical errors.

Conclusion

A General Counsel resume is your opportunity to showcase your legal experience and qualifications. To increase your chances of succeeding in your application, keep your resume crisp, engaging, and tailored to the job description. Highlight your legal expertise, work history, accomplishments, and leadership skills. Carefully review your document for any errors before submission. With a well-drafted resume, you can give yourself the best chance of landing the job of a General Counsel.