Law Resume Examples
Looking for simple, professional law resume examples that will give you step-by-step guidance and help you land the job? Check out LiveCareer’s helpful Resume Builder and thorough writing tools.
Our Recommended Examples
Legal Secretary
POPULAR EXAMPLES IN THE LAW SPACE
Court Clerk
Legal Assistant
Paralegal
Associate Attorney
Table of Contents
Law Resume
Get Expert Writing Recommendations for Your Law Resume
A career in law demands skills such as legal writing, oral argumentation talents, and the ability to conduct legal research, as well as deep knowledge of the law. Job seekers who want a job in the legal industry should focus on perfecting their resumes. LiveCareer’s Resume Builder gives applicants comprehensive and easy-to-follow help in crafting an effective resume. Here are some examples of content generated from LiveCareer’s professional resume writers through our Resume Builder:
- Negotiated with opposing groups or individuals to reach resolutions, avoid litigation and accomplish goals of clients
- Developed polished legal documents, including motions and briefs, to support litigation processes and court proceedings
- Coordinated trial exhibits by organizing materials, writing documentation, and preparing digital materials and displays
6 Do’s and Don’ts for Writing a Law Resume
- Do give specific information about your legal experience. Job seekers should focus their resumes primarily on experiences in the legal industry. While other professional jobs may also be relevant, law firms want to see applicants with experience working on legal cases.
- Do include more details about your academics. For recent graduates, academic performance matters. Applicants should give a detailed history of their college backgrounds, including undergraduate and law degrees. Legal support staff should also highlight academic degrees and training certifications.
- Do highlight legal writing skills. The ability to comprehend legal documents and write contracts, case descriptions, and pleadings is in demand at law firms. In the work experience section of the resume, give specific examples of legal writing abilities.
- Don’t leave out relevant pro-bono experience. Volunteer and pro-bono experiences are also useful to include on a resume. Volunteer work may show a firm an applicant’s commitment to social advocacy while also giving more background about their specific legal experience.
- Don’t hesitate to showcase your persuasive abilities. Take an opportunity to show off persuasive skills with a strong professional summary. Legal professionals use these skills in their regular job duties, so they should show competence with a strong opening that persuades a firm to see their value.
- Don’t neglect to incorporate legal technology skills. Technology is also more important in today’s digital world for legal job seekers. Potential lawyers or other legal professionals should include skills in eDiscovery software, electronic pleadings, and other digital proficiencies.
Beat the ATS With These Law Resume Skills
Many top law firms today rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to pick candidates out of large pools of graduates and experienced professionals. Legal employers equip the ATS to scan resumes for keywords and phrases. Applicants may need to conquer the ATS before getting an interview with a law firm.
LiveCareer’s Resume Builder can be a helpful tool to beat an ATS. Job seekers need to know the right phrases to complete their resumes, pass ATS checks, and get an interview. Our resume writers employ ATS-friendly verbiage to help applicants make a good impression. Here are some examples:
- Active bar association license in state
- Extensive litigation experience
- Experience conducting depositions
- Knowledge of drafting wills and contracts
- Understanding of court procedures
- Proficiency with e-filing systems
- Knowledge of estate planning and probate
Law Resumes for Every Professional Level
Applicants who want a position as an entry-level employee in the legal industry have to be creative with their resumes. This applicant uses a functional format and an eye-catching layout for a legal intern job. The individual stresses essential legal skills learned from volunteer positions, such as leadership, research, and problem-solving.
The layout of this resume uses all of the space effectively, with organized details showing off additional strengths of the applicant. The left side of the resume includes specific legal skills, such as court transcription, contract review, and case management.
Build My ResumeProfessionals with some experience in the legal field also need to use creative layouts to attract potential employers. This resume masters the combination format, blending a strong history of experience as an attorney and a legal associate with bankable industry skills.
The applicant’s resume showcases skills that firms value, such as civil law, oral debate, commercial litigation, and legal writing. His resume also puts prized qualifications front and center, such as communication, research, and legal interpretation.
Build My ResumeApplicants for a leadership position, such as partner, must do their best to impress. Employers want legal experts with a history of success, and this applicant caters to that audience by highlighting his strong employment background with a chronological resume format.
This individual points out his experience as a leader, with details about running a business and managing staff members in his professional summary at the top. Additionally, he shows off a large list of skills in the legal profession, such as relationship development, citation, and corporate partnerships.
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Statistics and Facts About Law Jobs
Common Legal Occupations and Median Pay
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Largest Employers of Lawyers
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Largest Number of Legal Professionals by Job Title
Source: Data USA, U.S. Census Bureau
States With the Highest Number of Lawyers
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Requirements for Legal Professionals
Lawyers
Doctoral or professional degree
Paralegals and legal assistants
Associate degree
Judges and hearing officers
Doctoral or professional degree
Court reporters
Postsecondary non-degree award
Arbitrators and mediators
Bachelor’s degree
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Outlook for Legal Professionals (2018-2028)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Gender Composition of Lawyers, Judges
and Magistrates
Male
61.9%
Female
38.1%