Created by CakeIn this article, we will explore:How to write a
lawyer resumeWhat to put on a resume for a
lawyerTips for writing the best
lawyer resumeHow to write a
lawyer cover letter
Lawyer resume sampleIn the US and many other places in the world, the terms legal advocate,
lawyer and attorney are used interchangeably in a broad sense. Their responsibility is to represent another person or entity in the legal system or the court of law to advocate for their rights or needs.
However, a
lawyer is more like an umbrella term while an advocate and an attorney requires a more specialized training. Both advocates and attorneys represent their clients in the court of law but advocates do not have direct contact with their clients.
Whether you are writing a
lawyer resume or an advocate resume, the importance of a well-written resume cannot be overstated. A dazzling
lawyer resume boosts your overall competitiveness among other candidates.How to write a
lawyer resumeBefore drafting your
lawyer resume, here are some crucial steps to follow to understand the basics.
Step 1: Understand the differences between a
CV and a resume.A
lawyer resume briefly summarizes your experience, skills, and accomplishments. A
lawyer CV is, on the other hand, a detailed summary of your affiliations, research, and accomplishments and is typically used for academic purposes.
Step 2: Choose the right resume format for
lawyer jobs.There are three common
lawyer resume formats at your disposal.Chronological resume format: The chronological format lists your previous positions and education background in reverse chronological order, starting from the most recent ones on the top followed by your less recent ones.Functional resume format: This format stresses your competence rather than your experience.Combination resume format: The combination resume format is the combination of the chronological resume format and the functional resume format.
Step 3: Refer to
lawyer resume examples templates.
It’s also good to start with consulting other advocate resume examples and
lawyer resume examples online. Be sure to make additional changes to customize your own ones when using a
lawyer resume template.
Step 4: Tailor your
lawyer resume for the role.
Tailoring your
lawyer resume means perfecting it so that it matches the requirements in the job description.
Step 5: Craft a
lawyer cover letter.For
lawyers and advocates, a cover letter is a must because it acts as a supplement to your
lawyer resume. Later in the article, we will be showing you a more in-depth guide on how to craft a cover letter for
lawyers.
Step 6: Proofread.
Finally, have your
lawyer resume proofread and checked by professionals and you’re all set!
What to put on a resume for a
lawyer1. Resume HeaderA resume header contains your personal information such as your name, address and your socials.Example of a
lawyer resume header:Jan Kowalski
Address: Chicago, ILE-mail:
[email protected]Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jankowl2050
2. Resume TitleA resume headline or a resume title is the key to grabbing HR’s attention. It should be a giveaway of who you are and what you have accomplished.Example of
lawyer resume headlines:Insightful
lawyer with 10 years+ of experienceWell-educated
lawyer with 5 years of experience
3.
Lawyer Resume SummaryA resume summary is extremely important. It encapsulates your accomplishments and your experience in 3 sentences.Example of a
lawyer resume summary:Impact-oriented
lawyer with more than a decade of experience in providing legal advice to avoid litigation, assisting corporations, and writing contracts. Pays attention to details and minimize all possible risks. Able to speak 3 languages fluently.
4.
Lawyer Resume ObjectiveA resume objective briefly describes prospects for your career. A well-written career objective for your
lawyer resume strengthens your resume.Example of a
lawyer resume objective:Ambitious
lawyer with 3 years of expertise in ensuring the legality and the legitimacy of transactions between corporations. Seeking a more dynamic environment to apply knowledge and expertise in business law.
5. SkillsThere are two types of skills you want to include on your
lawyer resume, which are hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are measurable skills while soft skills are practical skills.Example of hard skills for a
lawyer resume:Legal writingForeign languagesProfessional responsibilitiesWills and trusts
Example of soft skills for a
lawyer resume:ResilienceAttention to detailProblem-solvingCommunicationNegotiation
6. Work ExperienceFor the work experience section on your
lawyer resume, please use the reverse chronological order.
List the name of the organizations that you previously worked at, their locations, the span of your employment and your duties and achievements.Example of work experience on a
lawyer resume:XYZ Law Firm, New York, US.Legal Counsel, 2014 - 2018Negotiated and closed more than 30 collaboration contracts.Provided legal advice to senior management and managed legal risks.Developed intellectual property strategies for more than 50 corporations and individuals.
7. EducationIn the education section, you should mention the name of your study, school and the duration in reverse chronological order.
If you have an outstanding GPA (3.7/4.0 or above) or accomplishments that are worth mentioning, make sure to add them too.Example of education on a
lawyer resume:BSc International Relations University of Alberta (Alberta, Canada) 2005 to 2009
8. Additional Information
This section is where you mention any certificates, personal projects, awards, hobbies, and other references that support the above-mentioned information.
Tips for writing the best
lawyer resume👍 1. Customize the resume for
lawyer jobs.
With so many resumes to process, hiring managers are more likely to value the ones with higher relevance. You want to put the most relevant prominent experience and skills on top of your
lawyer resume where recruiters can see at first glance.
👍 2. Quantify results on resumes.
Numbers speak louder on a resume. Sentences like “assisted more than 40 corporations in the court of law” weigh more than a sentence with no numbers, such as “experienced corporation
lawyer” on the resume
👍 3. Craft an ATS-friendly resume.
ATS stands for Applicants Tracking Systems. It scans applicants’ resumes in search of relevant keywords. Make sure you adopt keywords that are highlighted in the job requirements.
👍 4. Adopt resume action words.
Action verbs are words that accentuate your skills and experience. Verbs such as “assisted”, “organized”, and “processed” are all powerful action verbs.
👍 5. Include both hard skills and soft skills on your
lawyer resume.
Be sure to mix hard skills and soft skills in the experience section and in your
lawyer resume summary. It leaves a better impression on the readers.How to write a
lawyer cover letterLike other cover letters, a
lawyer cover letter is a brief introduction of you, your background, your motivation, skills, and last but not least your prospects. It can further show your enthusiasm for the job and add value to you as a promising
lawyer that the resume cannot do.
1. Contact Details
Include your full name, phone number, and address. You can also provide information such as your social media if applicable.
2. Introduction
Greet the hiring manager, and then state your ambition for the position.
3. Motivation
This is where you state the reasons for your application. Show your genuine interests in the job and career objectives that you want to achieve as a
lawyer.
4. Qualification
Be very specific about your relevant skills and qualifications. It is optimal to state your previous experience to back up the statement.
To stand out among the candidates, state one unique trait of yours that is different from others.
5. Closing
Thank the hiring manager for taking his/her time to read your
lawyer cover letter. Remember to mention if there is any attachment, such as a portfolio or a resume.
Lawyer resume sample
Jan Kowalski
Address: Chicago, ILE-mail:
[email protected]Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jankowl2050
Professional Summary
Impact-oriented
lawyer with 5 years of experience in providing legal advice to avoid litigation, assisting corporations with intellectual properties, and writing contracts for different parties. Pays attention to details and minimizes all possible risks. Able to speak 3 languages fluently.
Skills
Legal writingContractsWills and trustsResilienceAttention to detailProblem-solvingCommunicationNegotiationFluent in German, French, and Spanish
Work Experience
XYZ Law Firm | New York, US.Legal Counsel2018 - 2020
Negotiated and closed more than 30 collaboration contracts .Provided legal advice to senior management and managed legal risks.Developed intellectual property strategies for more than 50 corporations and individuals.
XYZ Corporation | New York, USGeneral Council 2015 - 2018
Devised plans and strategies for 15+ business transactions to avoid litigation.Negotiated with 20+ corporations on contracts..Wrote contracts and policies for intellectual properties.
Education
LL.M. Master of LawsHarvard Law School, US2012 to 2014
MSc Political StudiesUniversity of Alberta, Canada2010 to 2012GPA: 3.7
BSc International RelationsUniversity of Alberta, Canada2005 to 2009GPA 3.9
With Cake, you can easily create a
lawyer resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates. Land your dream job and create your
lawyer resume online (free download) now!Create Resume--- Originally written byYu-Jen Shih---