Introduction
If you’re looking for a job in the legal field, a well-crafted resume is essential. Whether you’re applying for an in-house position or a job in private practice, your resume needs to showcase your skills and experience in a way that sets you apart from the competition. In this guide, I’ll share some tips on how to create the perfect legal resume.
Start with a strong summary or objective statement
Your summary or objective statement should be the first thing on your resume and should grab the reader’s attention. Use this section to highlight your most relevant skills and experience, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a litigation attorney, your summary might read something like this:
“Results-oriented litigation attorney with 5 years of experience in complex commercial litigation. Proven track record of winning cases and achieving favorable settlements for clients. Skilled at managing large volumes of documents and working effectively with expert witnesses.”
Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending out a generic resume to every job opening they see. Instead, take the time to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Look at the job description and requirements and make sure your resume highlights your relevant skills and experience. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.
Highlight your achievements
Employers want to know what you can do for them, so make sure you highlight your achievements on your resume. Instead of just listing your responsibilities, focus on what you accomplished in each role. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements wherever possible. For example:
- Increased client base by 20% through targeted marketing efforts.
- Drafted successful motions to dismiss in 80% of cases.
- Negotiated favorable settlements for clients, resulting in savings of over $1 million.
- Use a clear and professional format
Your resume should be easy to read and should have a professional look and feel. Use a clear font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and make sure your headings stand out. Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and make your resume easier to scan. Your resume should be no more than two pages long.
Focus on relevant experience
Your resume should focus on your relevant experience in the legal field. If you’re just starting out in your legal career, highlight any internships, clinics, or pro bono work you’ve done. If you have more experience, focus on your most recent and relevant jobs. Make sure you explain how your experience is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Include your education and qualifications
Your education and qualifications are important in the legal field, so make sure you highlight them on your resume. Include your law degree (if you have one), any relevant certifications, and any other qualifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Highlight your soft skills
In addition to your technical skills, employers are also interested in your soft skills – such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Make sure you highlight these skills on your resume, either in your summary or in a separate section.
Proofread, proofread, proofread
Typos and grammatical errors can quickly disqualify you from a job, so make sure you proofread your resume carefully. Use spell check, but also read your resume out loud to catch any errors that might slip through.
Use action verbs
Finally, use action verbs throughout your resume to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities. Action verbs are more powerful than passive verbs and help to make your resume more engaging. Some examples of action verbs include:
- Negotiated
- Drafted
- Managed
- Researched
- Analyzed
Include a professional summary
A professional summary can be a great way to showcase your skills and experience in a clear and concise way. This section should be no more than a few sentences and should highlight your most relevant accomplishments and skills. Keep in mind that the summary should be tailored to the job you’re applying for.
Use relevant keywords
Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so it’s important to use relevant keywords throughout your resume. Look at the job description and requirements and make sure you include relevant keywords in your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.
Provide details of your legal experience
Employers want to see that you have experience working in the legal field, so make sure you provide details of your legal experience on your resume. This can include the type of law you’ve worked in, the clients you’ve worked with, and the cases you’ve handled. Be specific and provide details of your accomplishments.
Highlight your soft skills
In addition to your technical skills, employers are also interested in your soft skills – such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Make sure you highlight these skills on your resume, either in your summary or in a separate section.
Include your education and qualifications
Your education and qualifications are important in the legal field, so make sure you highlight them on your resume. Include your law degree (if you have one), any relevant certifications, and any other qualifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Include references
While it’s not always necessary to include references on your resume, it can be helpful to have them available if the employer requests them. Make sure you have a few professional references ready to go, and provide their names and contact information on a separate page.
Use a professional email address
Make sure your email address is professional and appropriate for a job search. If your email address is something like “partygirl123@email.com,” consider creating a new, more professional email address for your job search.
Proofread, proofread, proofread
Typos and grammatical errors can quickly disqualify you from a job, so make sure you proofread your resume carefully. Use spell check, but also read your resume out loud to catch any errors that might slip through.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect legal resume. Remember to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, highlight your relevant experience and achievements, and make sure your resume is easy to read and error-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating the perfect legal resume is crucial for landing your dream job in the legal field. By following these tips, you can make sure your resume stands out from the competition and showcases your relevant skills and experience. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, highlight your achievements, and use a clear and professional format. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully and include relevant keywords throughout. By taking the time to create a strong legal resume, you can increase your chances of landing your ideal job.
