Lawyer Resume Example & Writing Guide

Introduction:

As a lawyer, writing a resume can be challenging but it is a necessary step in finding a job, applying for internships, or exploring new career opportunities. A well-crafted resume can showcase your skills, experience, and education to potential employers, making them more likely to hire you. In this guide, we will discuss the steps to write a lawyer resume that stands out from the crowd.

Step 1: Choose a Format

• The chronological format showcases your work experience in reverse order, starting with the most recent job.
• The functional format emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than your work history.
• The combination format combines the best of both worlds, featuring a skills section and a work history section.

Step 2: Include Contact Information

• Your full name, phone number, email address, and location should be easy to find at the top of your resume.
• You may also include your LinkedIn profile or website if they are relevant to your career.

Step 3: Highlight your Education and Certifications

• List your most relevant degrees and certifications in reverse chronological order.
• Include the name of the school, degree or certification received, date of graduation, and any relevant academic honors or achievements.

Step 4: Feature your Skills and Experience

• List your legal skills such as legal research, client advocacy, and negotiation.
• Include relevant internships, jobs, and other experiences in reverse chronological order.
• Describe your job responsibilities and accomplishments in bullet points that detail your legal achievements and cases.
• Use action words like "negotiated," "advocated," and "researched" to emphasize your accomplishments.

Step 5: Tailor your Resume

• Customize your resume for each job you apply to by looking at the specific requirements and qualifications listed in the job posting.
• Highlight the skills and experience that match the job description, tailoring your resume to the specific position.

Conclusion

Writing a lawyer resume takes time and effort, but it is necessary to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. By choosing the right format, including your contact information and education, highlighting your skills and experience, and tailoring your resume, you can create a compelling resume that stands out from the crowd and gets you noticed by potential employers.