Legal Resume Examples

Writing a great legal resume is important because it is one of the first things a potential employer will see when they are considering you for a position. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Create your resume
Select from 7 professional resume templates

If you're looking for inspiration when it comes to drafting your own legal resume, look no further than the samples below. These resumes will help you highlight your experience and qualifications in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance of landing the legal job you're after.

Use this template

or download as PDF

Essential Components of a Legal Resume

A legal resume serves as a comprehensive showcase of a candidate's qualifications, work history, and educational background in the field of law. It is a critical document that shapes an employer's initial impression of a job seeker. The essential elements of a legal resume include personal information, educational background, professional experience, relevant skills, and references. This article will delve into each component, discussing their importance and how to optimize them to stand out in the competitive legal job market.

Contact Information

Contact Information is the gateway for potential employers to reach out to you. It should be prominently placed at the top of your resume for easy access.

Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Ensure your email address is professional, ideally comprising your name without additional characters or numbers.

Consider adding the URL to your personal website or online portfolio to showcase your legal expertise. Exclude personal social media accounts unless they are professionally relevant.

While including your home address is optional, it may be necessary if requested in the job application. However, most communications now occur via email or phone.

Ensure your contact information is accurate and up-to-date, as this is how employers will initiate further communication, such as interviews or discussions.

Full Name
Phone Number
Professional Email Address
LinkedIn Profile (optional)
Personal Website/Online Portfolio (optional)

Note: Personal social media accounts should only be included if they are professionally relevant.

Home addresses can be included if specifically requested in the job application. Remember that most communications happen electronically.

Verify that all contact information provided is current and correct, as this is crucial for potential employers to contact you.

Objective or Summary Statement

The Objective or Summary Statement is a brief and impactful section that introduces your qualifications, skills, and career aspirations to the hiring manager.

An objective statement should clearly articulate your career goals in relation to the specific job you are applying for. Tailor this statement to each application to avoid appearing unfocused. For example: "Aspiring law graduate seeking an associate attorney position at XYZ Law Firm to leverage my robust research and analytical skills."

A summary statement, on the other hand, should encapsulate your experience and key accomplishments that qualify you for the position. This is particularly beneficial for seasoned legal professionals. For instance: "Seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in corporate law, known for successful contract negotiations and litigation prowess."

Choose between an objective or summary based on your experience level. New graduates or career changers may opt for an objective statement, while experienced professionals might prefer a summary to showcase their expertise.

New Graduates: An objective statement can align career goals with employer needs.
Experienced Professionals: A summary statement can highlight expertise and notable achievements.

This section is your opportunity to make a strong first impression; ensure it is concise, clear, and tailored to the potential employer's needs.

Education Details

Education is a cornerstone of your legal resume, providing insight into your academic foundation in law. List your degrees, the institutions where you earned them, graduation dates, and any relevant honors or coursework.

Start with your most recent educational achievement and work backward. Include the institution's name, location, attendance dates, and degrees earned. For example: "Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA - Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2015".

Include degrees from other fields as they demonstrate a broad academic foundation. Highlight any law-related coursework, projects, or honors that underscore your commitment to excellence in the legal field.

For seasoned lawyers, consider placing the education section after professional experience to emphasize practical expertise.

Detailing your educational background helps employers gauge your qualifications and readiness for the challenges of a legal career.

Legal Work Experience

Legal Work Experience is a testament to your practical knowledge and skills in the legal field. Detail your roles, responsibilities, and achievements, starting with your most recent position.

Include the employer's name, your title, dates of employment, and a description of your duties and accomplishments. Use quantifiable metrics to illustrate your impact when possible.

Volunteer work or internships can also be included to demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession.

Ensure this section aligns with the job requirements and showcases your suitability for the role. Tailoring your work experience to each job application can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview.

Skills Relevant to the Legal Profession

Key Skills for Legal Careers allow employers to quickly assess your capabilities and fit for the role. Customize this section for each job application, highlighting the skills most relevant to the position.

Research Abilities: Essential for analyzing legal precedents and documentation.
Critical Thinking: Necessary for interpreting laws and constructing legal arguments.
Communication Skills: Crucial for drafting legal documents and advocating in court.
Attention to Detail: Important for contract review and evidence examination.
Legal Software Proficiency: Beneficial for managing documents and conducting research.
Time Management: Vital for handling multiple cases and meeting deadlines.
Professional Ethics: Fundamental for maintaining confidentiality and trust.
Client Relations: Key for building rapport and providing exceptional service.
Negotiation Skills: Important for resolving disputes and finalizing agreements.

Provide concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in practice throughout your resume.

Certifications and Licenses

Certifications and Licenses validate your specialized knowledge and skills in the legal field. List all relevant credentials, including the issuing organization and the date obtained.

For lawyers, include bar admission details. Highlight any specialized certifications or completed training courses that enhance your qualifications.

Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date. Misrepresentation can lead to disqualification or legal consequences.

Place this section in a prominent location on your resume to quickly convey your professional qualifications to potential employers.

Certifications and licenses can significantly bolster your credibility and improve your chances of being called for an interview.

References or Availability of References Upon Request

References provide employers with third-party validation of your skills and work history. In the legal field, where trust and reliability are paramount, references can be particularly influential.

It is now common to indicate "References available upon request" to save space for more pertinent information on your resume. This approach also signals to employers that you have a network of professionals ready to endorse your qualifications.

If you opt to list specific references, choose individuals who can speak to your legal expertise, such as law school professors, colleagues, or judges. Always obtain permission before listing someone as a reference and provide their current contact information.

Whether you list references directly or indicate their availability upon request, this section is integral to establishing credibility on your legal resume.