Top 12 Attorney Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive field of law, crafting an impactful resume is critical for standing out among other candidates. Highlighting the top attorney skills on your resume not only showcases your legal expertise and proficiency but also demonstrates your readiness to tackle the challenges of the legal world effectively.

Attorney Skills

1. Litigation
2. Negotiation
3. Research
4. Drafting
5. Analysis
6. Advocacy
7. Westlaw
8. LexisNexis
9. Mediation
10. Compliance
11. CaseMap
12. TimeMatters

1. Litigation

Litigation is the process of taking legal action, where an attorney represents a party in a lawsuit to resolve disputes or enforce rights through a court judgement.

Why It's Important

Litigation is crucial for attorneys as it provides a formal process to resolve disputes, enforce rights, and uphold justice, thereby protecting the interests of their clients and ensuring the rule of law.

How to Improve Litigation Skills

Improving litigation as an attorney involves several key strategies aimed at enhancing case preparation, client representation, and overall legal outcomes. Here are concise tips with relevant resources:

1. Continuing Legal Education: Stay updated with the latest legal trends, case law, and procedural changes. Online platforms like CLE Center offer courses across various legal topics.

2. Effective Communication: Develop clear and persuasive communication skills for both written briefs and oral arguments. Resources like Toastmasters International can improve public speaking and presentation abilities.

3. Technology Utilization: Leverage legal technology tools for case management, research, and evidence organization. Explore tools like Clio for case management and LexisNexis for legal research.

4. Time Management: Implement strong time management practices to handle case loads efficiently. Techniques and tools, such as the Pomodoro Technique and Trello, can aid in organizing tasks and deadlines.

5. Networking and Collaboration: Engage with other legal professionals through associations like the American Bar Association for knowledge sharing, referrals, and support.

6. Client Relationship Management: Foster strong relationships with clients through transparency, regular updates, and empathy. Platforms like Salesforce offer client relationship management solutions tailored for various industries, including legal services.

7. Ethical Practice: Adhere strictly to ethical guidelines and continue learning about ethical practices through resources provided by the National Association of Legal Assistants.

By focusing on these areas, attorneys can improve their litigation skills, offer better client service, and potentially achieve more favorable case outcomes.

How to Display Litigation Skills on Your Resume

2. Negotiation

Negotiation, in the context of an attorney, is a strategic discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or settlement between parties, where the attorney uses legal knowledge, communication skills, and strategies to advocate for their client's interests, resolve disputes, or finalize deals.

Why It's Important

Negotiation is crucial for an attorney as it enables the resolution of disputes, minimizes litigation costs, and achieves favorable outcomes for clients through agreement and compromise.

How to Improve Negotiation Skills

Improving negotiation skills, especially for an attorney, involves continuous learning and practice. Here are concise steps to enhance negotiation capabilities:

1. Prepare Thoroughly: Understand your case, client's needs, and opposition's potential arguments. Preparation is key to confidence and flexibility in negotiations.

2. Active Listening: Focus on understanding the other party's perspective and interests. This can reveal opportunities for mutual gain.

3. Effective Communication: Clearly articulate your position and interests. Use persuasive language but remain respectful and professional.

4. Emotional Intelligence: Be aware of emotions, both yours and the opposing party's. Manage your reactions to maintain a constructive atmosphere.

5. Strategic Concessions: Know what you can compromise on and use concessions strategically to advance the negotiation.

6. Practice and Reflect: Regularly engage in negotiation exercises and reflect on your performance to identify areas for improvement.

For more detailed guidance, consider the following resources:

• American Bar Association - Negotiation Tips
• Harvard Law School - Negotiation and Mediation Teaching Materials
• Forbes - Seven Techniques for Preparing Winning Negotiations with Your Key Suppliers

These steps and resources can significantly improve an attorney's negotiation skills, leading to better outcomes for their clients.

How to Display Negotiation Skills on Your Resume

3. Research

Research, in the context of an attorney, is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions, often used to inform legal strategy, understand laws, and support legal arguments.

Why It's Important

Research is crucial for an attorney as it helps in thoroughly understanding the law, precedents, and legal principles, ensuring accurate and effective representation, strategy formulation, and advocacy for clients. It also aids in staying updated with current legal developments and trends.

How to Improve Research Skills

Improving research skills, particularly for an attorney, involves honing the ability to find, understand, and apply legal precedents and current laws effectively. Here's a very short and concise guide to enhancing your research capabilities:

1. Utilize Legal Databases Efficiently: Familiarize yourself with legal databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Google Scholar to access a vast array of legal documents and resources.

2. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest legal updates and trends by subscribing to legal news websites and journals.

3. Master Legal Citation: Understand how to cite legal documents properly. Resources like the Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute can be very helpful.

4. Improve Analytical Skills: Enhance your ability to analyze complex legal information through practice and by engaging in discussions on legal forums such as FindLaw’s Legal Professionals Forum.

5. Seek Mentorship and Feedback: Engage with more experienced attorneys or use platforms like LinkedIn to find mentorship opportunities. Regular feedback can significantly improve your research skills.

6. Practice Effective Note-Taking: Develop a system for taking and organizing notes effectively. Tools like Evernote or Microsoft OneNote can be instrumental.

7. Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participate in legal research workshops and seminars offered by legal associations such as the American Bar Association.

Remember, improving research skills is a continuous process that requires dedication and practice.

How to Display Research Skills on Your Resume

4. Drafting

Drafting, in the context of an attorney's work, involves the careful creation and composition of legal documents, contracts, agreements, and other legal instruments, ensuring they accurately convey the intentions of the parties involved and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Why It's Important

Drafting is crucial for an attorney as it involves the precise formulation of legal documents, contracts, and agreements to ensure clarity, enforceability, and compliance with legal standards, thereby safeguarding clients' rights and interests.

How to Improve Drafting Skills

Improving drafting skills as an attorney involves honing clarity, precision, and persuasion in legal documents. Here are concise strategies:

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice improves familiarity and skill. Draft various types of legal documents to broaden your expertise.

2. Understand Your Audience: Tailor your language and structure according to whether you're writing for clients, colleagues, or the court. American Bar Association

3. Master Legal Writing Style: Use plain language and avoid unnecessary legal jargon. Precision and clarity are key. The Legal Writing Institute offers resources and workshops.

4. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek constructive feedback from peers and mentors to improve. Peer review can highlight areas for improvement you might overlook.

5. Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Participate in CLE courses focused on legal writing and drafting. Many state bar associations offer relevant courses. National Association of Legal Assistants

6. Utilize Legal Writing Resources: Books like "Legal Writing in Plain English" by Bryan Garner provide invaluable insights and exercises to enhance drafting skills. Amazon Link

7. Edit and Revise: Always allocate time for thorough editing and revision. Cutting superfluous words and ensuring coherence can significantly improve the quality of your drafts.

8. Stay Updated: Legal standards and language evolve. Stay informed on current trends and updates in law to ensure your drafting is both contemporary and relevant.

By integrating these strategies into your practice, your drafting skills will continually improve, enhancing your effectiveness as an attorney.

How to Display Drafting Skills on Your Resume

5. Analysis

Analysis, in the context of an attorney, entails the systematic examination and interpretation of legal issues, case law, statutes, and facts to develop arguments and strategies for legal advocacy, decision-making, or problem-solving.

Why It's Important

Analysis is crucial for an attorney as it enables the critical evaluation of facts, identification of legal issues, formulation of strategies, and development of persuasive arguments, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of legal representation and decision-making.

How to Improve Analysis Skills

To improve analysis as an attorney, focus on these concise strategies:

1. Enhance Legal Research Skills: Master legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis. Staying updated with the latest case laws and statutes sharpens your analytical edge.

2. Critical Thinking Development: Engage in activities that boost critical thinking. Harvard Law School’s Case Studies offer real-world scenarios to dissect and analyze.

3. Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE): CLE courses, available on platforms like The American Bar Association, keep you informed about the latest legal trends and analytical methods.

4. Practice Writing and Drafting: Clear writing reflects clear thinking. Utilize resources like Legal Writing Pro to refine your drafting skills, making your analysis more precise.

5. Peer Review and Feedback: Submit your analyses for review by colleagues or use platforms like LexBlog for broader community feedback, offering fresh perspectives on your analytical approach.

6. Embrace Technology: Tools like ROSS Intelligence use AI to streamline legal research and analysis, improving efficiency and depth.

Remember, consistent practice and staying abreast of legal innovations are key to sharpening your analytical skills as an attorney.

How to Display Analysis Skills on Your Resume

6. Advocacy

Advocacy, in the context of an attorney, is the act of pleading or arguing in support of a client's case or legal position before a court or legal body to achieve a favorable outcome.

Why It's Important

Advocacy is crucial for an attorney as it empowers them to effectively represent and defend their client's interests, ensuring that their rights are protected and their voice is heard within the legal system.

How to Improve Advocacy Skills

Improving advocacy for an attorney involves honing skills and strategies that effectively persuade and influence others, including judges, juries, and opposing counsel. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Communication Skills: Clear, persuasive communication is crucial. This includes both oral advocacy and writing skills. Practice public speaking and consider joining organizations like Toastmasters International to refine your oratory abilities.

2. Master Legal Writing: Strong legal writing supports effective advocacy. Resources like The Legal Writing Institute provide tools and workshops to improve legal documents.

3. Understand Your Audience: Tailor your arguments to the specific preferences and perspectives of your audience, whether a judge, jury, or arbitration panel. This requires research and psychological insight.

4. Develop a Compelling Narrative: Every case has a story. Use narrative techniques to make your case compelling. The American Society of Trial Consultants offers insights into creating persuasive narratives.

5. Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on legal precedents, new laws, and innovative advocacy techniques. Participate in continuing legal education (CLE) programs offered by organizations like the American Bar Association.

6. Practice Ethical Advocacy: Always adhere to the highest ethical standards. Familiarize yourself with the ethical guidelines provided by your state bar association and The National Association for Legal Professionals.

7. Seek Mentorship and Feedback: Learn from experienced attorneys. Seek constructive feedback on your advocacy skills and make necessary adjustments.

8. Utilize Technology: Leverage legal tech tools for research, case management, and presentations. Familiarize yourself with platforms like Casetext for legal research.

9. Participate in Mock Trials and Moot Courts: These simulate real court experiences, providing a safe environment to practice and refine advocacy skills.

10. Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy: Effective advocacy requires stamina and a clear mind. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices can enhance performance.

By focusing on these areas, attorneys can significantly improve their advocacy skills, resulting in more persuasive and effective legal representation.

How to Display Advocacy Skills on Your Resume

7. Westlaw

Westlaw is a comprehensive legal research platform that provides attorneys with access to a vast database of legal resources, including case law, statutes, regulations, legal journals, and more, facilitating informed legal decision-making and strategy development.

Why It's Important

Westlaw is important for attorneys because it provides comprehensive and up-to-date legal research tools, access to a vast database of legal documents, case law, statutes, and regulations, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of legal research and case preparation.

How to Improve Westlaw Skills

Improving your Westlaw experience as an attorney involves optimizing your search strategy, personalizing your experience, and staying updated with the latest tools and features. Here are concise tips:

1. Master Search Techniques: Learn and use Boolean search operators to refine your searches. Westlaw offers guides to improve your search efficiency. Westlaw Edge Quick Reference Guide.

2. Use KeyCite: Stay informed about the precedential status of cases with Westlaw's KeyCite feature. This helps ensure you're citing and relying on good law. Review the KeyCite information page for tips on effective usage.

3. Customize Your Experience: Tailor your Westlaw homepage to your needs by adding frequently used databases and tools for quicker access. The Westlaw preferences setup offers guidance on customization.

4. Stay Informed with Alerts: Set up Westlaw alerts to monitor new developments in your practice area. This proactive approach keeps you informed about relevant new cases, statutes, and secondary sources. Learn how to set alerts via the Creating and Managing Westlaw Alerts guide.

5. Utilize Practice-Specific Resources: Explore and use practice area resources available on Westlaw for targeted insights and analysis. This can enhance your legal research and strategy development. Refer to the Westlaw Practice Areas page for available resources.

6. Attend Westlaw Training: Regularly attend Westlaw webinars and training sessions to stay abreast of new features and efficient research methods. Training opportunities are detailed on the Westlaw Training & Support page.

7. Leverage Legal Analytics: Use Westlaw's legal analytics to gauge trends, judge profiles, and competitive intelligence, which can inform your case strategy. Check out Westlaw Edge Litigation Analytics for more details.

Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your Westlaw research efficiency, keeping you a step ahead in your legal practice.

How to Display Westlaw Skills on Your Resume

8. LexisNexis

LexisNexis is a digital platform providing legal research, case law, and legal analytics tools for attorneys and legal professionals to support their case preparation and legal practice.

Why It's Important

LexisNexis is crucial for attorneys as it provides a comprehensive legal research platform, offering access to a vast database of case law, statutes, legal journals, and more, enabling efficient legal analysis and informed decision-making.

How to Improve LexisNexis Skills

Improving your experience with LexisNexis as an attorney involves leveraging its vast resources more effectively and personalizing the service to your specific needs. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Search Skills: Master LexisNexis search functionalities. Use Boolean terms and connectors for more precise searches. Understanding how to construct complex queries can drastically reduce research time and increase accuracy. LexisNexis Search Guide

2. Utilize Practice Area Resources: Focus on resources tailored to your specialization. LexisNexis offers practice area-specific sources which can provide more relevant and in-depth information. Practice Areas

3. Stay Informed with Alerts: Set up alerts for new case laws, statutes, or publications in your area of interest. This ensures you stay updated without constantly having to search for new information. Setting Alerts

4. Mobile Access: Use the LexisNexis mobile app for research on-the-go. This can be particularly useful for urgent client questions or courtroom situations where quick information retrieval is necessary. Mobile Solutions

5. Training and Support: Take advantage of LexisNexis training and support services to improve your research skills and learn about new features. They offer webinars, tutorials, and customer support. Training & Support

6. Customize Your Experience: Personalize your LexisNexis interface to suit your preferences for a more efficient workflow. This can involve setting up favorite sources or creating specific folders for different cases or topics. User Guide

7. Integration with Legal Management Tools: Explore options for integrating LexisNexis with other legal management tools you use for a seamless workflow. This can save time and reduce the risk of errors when transferring information between systems.

By focusing on these areas, you can optimize your use of LexisNexis, making your legal research more efficient and effective.

How to Display LexisNexis Skills on Your Resume

9. Mediation

Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process where an impartial third party (the mediator) facilitates negotiation between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement, often used to avoid litigation or court proceedings.

Why It's Important

Mediation is important for an attorney because it provides a cost-effective, confidential, and flexible process for resolving disputes, allowing for creative solutions and preserving relationships, potentially saving clients time, money, and the stress of litigation.

How to Improve Mediation Skills

Improving mediation skills as an attorney involves enhancing your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities. Here are concise strategies:

1. Enhance Active Listening: Pay close attention to all parties' statements, understanding their positions and interests. American Bar Association highlights the importance of active listening in mediation.

2. Develop Emotional Intelligence: Recognize and manage your emotions and those of others to facilitate a constructive dialogue. The Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation offers insights on emotional intelligence in negotiation and mediation.

3. Study Negotiation Techniques: Familiarize yourself with various negotiation strategies to find common ground more effectively. The Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation provides excellent resources on negotiation techniques.

4. Understand the Law and Procedure: Deep knowledge of relevant laws and mediation procedures ensures the process stays on track and is productive. The American Arbitration Association outlines mediation procedures and practices.

5. Build Rapport: Establishing trust and rapport with all parties can facilitate smoother negotiations. The Mediate.com offers insights into building rapport during mediation.

6. Practice Patience and Persistence: Mediation can be a lengthy process; maintaining patience and being persistent in seeking a resolution are key. The American Bar Association discusses the value of patience in mediation.

7. Seek Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, seminars, and courses on mediation and related subjects to improve your skills continually. The National Academy of Arbitrators provides resources and learning opportunities for professionals.

By focusing on these areas, attorneys can significantly improve their mediation skills, leading to more effective and satisfactory outcomes for their clients.

How to Display Mediation Skills on Your Resume

10. Compliance

Compliance, in the context of an attorney, refers to ensuring that both they and their clients adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing their conduct and operations.

Why It's Important

Compliance is essential for an attorney to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards, mitigate risks of legal penalties, and maintain professional integrity and trustworthiness.

How to Improve Compliance Skills

Improving compliance, especially for an attorney, involves a multifaceted approach focusing on understanding legal obligations, implementing robust processes, and fostering a culture of compliance within the organization. Here are concise steps to enhance compliance:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update your knowledge on laws and regulations relevant to your practice area. Utilize resources such as American Bar Association (ABA) for the latest legal updates and compliance guidelines.

2. Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Participate in CLE programs focused on compliance and ethics. Providers such as CLECenter offer specialized courses.

3. Implement Policies and Procedures: Develop clear, accessible compliance policies and procedures. Resources like LexisNexis can help research best practices in policy development.

4. Use Technology: Leverage legal technology tools for compliance management. Platforms like Thomson Reuters Compliance offer solutions for staying compliant.

5. Internal Audits and Training: Conduct regular compliance audits and provide training to ensure everyone is informed about compliance requirements and the firm's policies. The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) offers resources for compliance training and audits.

6. Seek Expert Advice: When in doubt, consult with compliance experts or attorneys specializing in legal ethics and compliance. This ensures that your compliance strategies are sound and up-to-date.

7. Feedback Mechanism: Establish a system for feedback and reporting on compliance issues without fear of retaliation. Tools like NAVEX Global’s EthicsPoint can facilitate anonymous reporting.

8. Review and Improve: Regularly review and update your compliance processes to reflect changes in laws and the operational environment. Continuous improvement is key to maintaining effective compliance.

By focusing on these areas, attorneys and law firms can significantly improve their compliance posture, reducing the risk of legal infractions and enhancing the trust of clients and the public.

How to Display Compliance Skills on Your Resume

11. CaseMap

CaseMap is a legal software tool designed for attorneys to organize, analyze, and collaborate on all case facts, documents, and issues, enhancing case preparation and strategy development.

Why It's Important

CaseMap is important for attorneys because it streamlines case organization, evidence management, and collaboration, enabling more efficient preparation and stronger case presentation.

How to Improve CaseMap Skills

Improving your proficiency with CaseMap, a case analysis tool widely used by attorneys, involves a few key strategies. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn the Basics: Start with understanding the core functionalities such as document importing, fact management, and creating links between facts, issues, and evidence. LexisNexis offers a CaseMap Quick Start Guide.

2. Utilize Training Resources: Explore LexisNexis University for CaseMap-specific training courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

3. Customize Your CaseMap: Tailor CaseMap to your needs by customizing fields and creating templates that reflect your unique case analysis approach. This CaseMap Customization Guide can be a good starting point.

4. Integrate with Other Tools: Enhance efficiency by integrating CaseMap with other software tools such as TimeMap for timelines and TextMap for transcript management. Information on integration can be found on the LexisNexis support page.

5. Practice Regularly: Like any software, proficiency comes with practice. Regular use and experimentation with different features will enhance your skill level.

6. Join User Communities: Engage with other CaseMap users through forums or LinkedIn groups. Sharing experiences and tips can provide new insights and solutions to common challenges.

7. Stay Updated: Keep your software up to date and review LexisNexis’s what’s new section regularly to learn about the latest features and improvements.

By focusing on these strategies, attorneys can significantly improve their efficiency and effectiveness in using CaseMap for case analysis.

How to Display CaseMap Skills on Your Resume

12. TimeMatters

TimeMatters is a legal practice management software designed to help attorneys organize case information, manage documents, track billable hours, and streamline workflow processes, enhancing efficiency and productivity in legal practice.

Why It's Important

TimeMatters is crucial for attorneys as it streamlines case management, enhances organization, and improves efficiency by consolidating client information, case details, and deadlines in one accessible platform, leading to better client service and increased productivity.

How to Improve TimeMatters Skills

To improve Time Matters for an attorney, consider the following concise steps:

1. Update Software Regularly: Ensure you are using the latest version of Time Matters for optimal performance and new features. LexisNexis often releases updates that enhance functionality and security.

2. Customize to Fit Needs: Tailor Time Matters to your practice by customizing fields, matter types, and workflows to better align with your specific needs. The Time Matters Support page offers guidance.

3. Integrate with Other Tools: Connect Time Matters with email, calendar, and financial software to streamline your workflow. Explore integration options on the Time Matters Integrations page.

4. Training and Support: Improve your proficiency by utilizing the training resources available through LexisNexis University, including webinars and tutorials specifically designed for attorneys. Visit LexisNexis University for more information.

5. Implement Data Backup and Security Measures: Regularly back up your Time Matters data and ensure that you have robust security measures in place to protect sensitive information. Guidance on data backup and security best practices can be found in the Time Matters Documentation.

6. Seek Professional Help: For complex customizations or troubleshooting, consider hiring a certified Time Matters consultant. You can find a directory of consultants on the LexisNexis Certified Independent Consultant page.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you can significantly improve the functionality and efficiency of Time Matters in your legal practice.

How to Display TimeMatters Skills on Your Resume