5 Amazing attorney Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

You may have your law degree as well as a good trial record, but your attorney resume must impress the hiring manager if you want to be considered for your perfect job. An effective resume includes relevant qualifications, such as oral, interpersonal, and written communication; analytics; research; problem-solving skills; and compelling work history descriptions. Most employers do not have the time to read over every resume, so they often depend on applicant tracking systems (ATS), which search resumes for industry-specific keywords. Make sure you read over the job description so that you understand what the hiring manager is seeking. Another way to ensure you include the right qualifications is to look over a resume sample. We provide a collection of examples, and our resume writers have composed job-specific keywords and phrases that you can use in your document. Make a good impression by incorporating relevant skills and formatting them in a way that is easy to read.

Build your resume in 15 minutes

Give yourself the best chance of standing out from the competition!

Create an awesome resume that meets the expectations of potential employers with our selection of professional, field-tested resume templates.

START YOUR RESUME NOW

attorney: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Lead Attorney, Nixon Peabody Rochester, New York

October 2021 – Present

Maintain client confidentiality
Represent clients in court
Advise clients on legal matters

Associate Attorney, Jones Day Washington, DC

October 2020 – September 2021

Develop legal strategies
Draft and review legal documents
Prepare legal arguments

Junior Attorney, Latham & Watkins Los Angeles, California

May 2019 – September 2020

Advise clients on legal matters
Research and analyze legal issues
Manage case files and records

Education

University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Law Office Management Certificate, March, 2019

Skills

Interpersonal

Documentation

Coaching

Planning

Client Interviewing

Litigation

Courtroom Experience

Case Analysis

Do you already have a resume? Use our PDF converter and edit your resume.

Build My Resume

Professional Summary

Highly experienced attorney with a proven track record of success in the legal field. Adept at providing comprehensive legal advice and representing clients confidently in court.

Employment history

Chief Attorney, Latham & Watkins Los Angeles, California

May 2010 – Present

Maintain client confidentiality
Monitor changes in relevant laws
Identify potential legal risks

Attorney, WilmerHale Boston, Massachusetts

November 2008 – April 2010

Prepare and file legal documents
Manage case files and records
Draft and review legal documents

Jr. Attorney, K&L Gates Seattle, Washington

November 2007 – October 2008

Prepare legal arguments
Maintain client confidentiality
Draft and review legal documents

Education

University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, October, 2007

Skills

Business Acumen

Negotiation

Mentoring

Communication

State and Federal Laws

Case Management

Statutory Law

Document Drafting

Build My Resume

Professional Summary

A highly experienced Attorney with an extensive background in legal research and writing. Possesses a strong understanding of the legal system and an ability to effectively represent clients in court.

Employment history

Senior Attorney, Hogan Lovells Atlanta, Georgia

October 2013 – Present

Advise clients on legal matters
Monitor changes in relevant laws
Manage case files and records

Attorney, WilmerHale Boston, Massachusetts

May 2012 – October 2013

Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other professionals
Manage case files and records
Identify potential legal risks

Entry Level Attorney, Latham & Watkins Los Angeles, California

November 2011 – April 2012

Prepare and file legal documents
Negotiate settlements
Manage client relationships

Education

Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut

Master of Arts in Legal Studies, September, 2011

Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut

Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies, September, 2007

Skills

Attention to Detail

Coaching

Stress Management

Flexibility

Professionalism.

Pleadings Preparation

Knowledge of Local

Legal Writing

Build My Resume

Professional Summary

A highly-skilled and experienced attorney with a strong background in legal research and analysis. A proven track record of providing sound and ethical legal advice to clients.

Employment history

Chief Attorney, Hogan Lovells Atlanta, Georgia

December 2010 – Present

Advise clients on legal matters
Develop legal strategies
Draft and review legal documents

Attorney, WilmerHale Boston, Massachusetts

July 2009 – November 2010

Prepare legal arguments
Represent clients in court
Negotiate settlements

Entry Level Attorney, Skadden-Arps-Slate Meagher & Flom New York City, New York

January 2008 – June 2009

Prepare and file legal documents
Advise clients on legal matters
Negotiate settlements

Education

University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas

Doctor of Science in Legal Studies, December, 2007

University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas

Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, December, 2003

Skills

Customer Service

Written Communication

Planning

Conflict Resolution

Client Relations

Client Interviewing

Knowledge of Local

Legal Research

Build My Resume

Employment history

Senior Attorney, Morrison & Foerster San Francisco, California

December 2022 – Present

Maintain client confidentiality
Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other professionals
Identify potential legal risks

Associate Attorney, WilmerHale Boston, Massachusetts

July 2021 – November 2022

Research and analyze legal issues
Prepare legal arguments
Prepare and file legal documents

Junior Attorney, Hogan Lovells Atlanta, Georgia

January 2020 – June 2021

Manage client relationships
Draft and review legal documents
Manage case files and records

Education

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Legal Writing Certificate, November, 2019

Skills

Collaboration

Presentation

Project Management

Listening

Memorandum Writing

Litigation

Contract Review

Statutory Law

Use This attorney Resume Template

Not in love with this template? Browse our full library of resume templates

attorney Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an attorney position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

attorney

Represent clients in all manner of litigation involving family law.
Accept appointments to serve as Guardian ad Litem for minors and incapacitated persons.
Represent Children’s Division in Termination of Parental Rights litigation.
Trial work included bench trials and administrative hearings.
Prepare small estate plans.

attorney

Draft, review, and revise various agreements
Assist in the outside general counsel representation of a major power plant owner
Provide timely, practical answers to client questions
Lead teams in providing mineral title opinions to energy producers
Act as an informal mentor to staff members and young lawyers
Serve on the firm’s wellness advisory committee
Helped Rio Tinto/Kennecott in the sale of Daybreak, the most significant real estate transaction in Utah history

attorney

Provided extensive title curative work in an important oil and gas transaction
Represented clients in the acquisition and divestiture of oil and gas interests
Routinely secured government approval for conveyances involving federal lands
Drafted oil and gas conveyances and other documents (e.g., stipulations of interest and quiet title lawsuits
Advised closely held businesses
Represented fiduciaries
Drafted complex estate planning documents

attorney

Clerked for firm for two years before passing the bar exam and practicing as an attorney.
Assisted partners on all aspects of trial preparation including depositions, motion practice, brief writing, and research.
Tried multiple cases to the bench in small claims and district court.
Assisted Edge Homes in the sale of over 25 residential communities

attorney

Head of Detention Monitoring Unit (1 November 2016 – June 2018)
Project manager for Mozambican Mineworker project (June 2016 – June 2017)
Strategic litigation in developing refugee law
Supervising interns and candidate attorneys at the law clinic
Facilitating and supporting dialogue with partner civil society, chapter 9 institutions and governmental bodies
Research and drafting submissions to government bodies on refugee and migrant related legislations or policies
Developing advocacy programmes for various target groups

1 2 3

attorney Job Skills

For an attorney position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Legal Research
Courtroom Experience
Contract Review
Litigation
Document Drafting
Case Management
Client Relations
Regulatory Compliance
Statutory Law
Case Analysis
Case Preparation
Legal Writing
Memorandum Writing
Negotiations
Legal Research Analysis
Legal Advice
Client Interviewing
Pleadings Preparation
Knowledge of Local
State and Federal Laws
Discovery
Professionalism.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your attorney Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Lead Attorney, K&L Gates Seattle, Washington

October 2019 – May 2022

Manage case files and records
Represent clients in court
Manage client relationships

Attorney, Latham & Watkins Los Angeles, California

April 2019 – September 2019

Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other professionals
Develop legal strategies
Negotiate settlements

Junior Attorney, Baker McKenzie Chicago, Illinois

October 2017 – March 2019

Monitor changes in relevant laws
Prepare and file legal documents
Manage client relationships

Education

University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, Virginia

Doctor of Science in Legal Studies, August, 2017

University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, Virginia

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, August, 2013

Skills

Adaptability

Conflict Resolution

Problem Solving

Emotional Intelligence

Legal Research Analysis

Professionalism.

Courtroom Experience

Statutory Law

Provide your Contact Information and Address Year Gaps

Always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage.

Key Insights

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your attorney Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Employment history

Lead Attorney, Skadden-Arps-Slate Meagher & Flom New York City, New York

January 2016 – Present

Moniter changs in relevent lawss.
Advise clients on legal mattterss.
Drfat annd review legal doccuments.

Associate Attorney, Baker McKenzie Chicago, Illinois

August 2014 – December 2015

Prepere legal arguementss
Manege cace fils and recrds.
Prepear and file legal documants.

Jr. Attorney, Morgan- Lewis & Bockius Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 2013 – July 2014

Education

University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Master of Arts in Legal Studies, December, 2012

University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Bachelor of Arts in Law Enforcement, December, 2008

Skills

Time Management

Database Management

Decision Making

Social Media

Legal Research Analysis

Contract Review

Pleadings Preparation

Professionalism.

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume.

Key Insights

Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

attorney Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an attorney position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Lead Attorney
Nixon Peabody
Rochester, New York

Greetings Nixon Peabody Recruitment Team

I am a results-driven Attorney with 4 years of experience in the Legal field. I am excited to submit my application for the Lead Attorney role at Nixon Peabody, where I believe I can make a valuable contribution to your team.

My life experiences have taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and collaboration. Whether it was on the work, or just personally, I have always been committed to pursuing my goals with passion and tenacity. I am confident that throughout all of these years I have gained the skills and expertise necessary to succeed in this role and be a great asset for Nixon Peabody. I am eager to join a team that shares my values and work towards a common goal.

I am elated about the opportunity to join a team that shares my passion for this field, and values collaboration and innovation. I am confident that together we can overcome whatever tests and challenges are put on our way.

Your time is appreciated,
Paul Nelson
817-554-9301
paul.nelson@outlook.com

Paul Nelson

CUSTOMIZE THIS COVER LETTER

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter.
Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

Related Resumes & Cover Letters