Legal

Lawyer resume example

Attorney resumes need to show practice-area depth, matter outcomes, and the bar admissions / specializations you carry.

Top ATS keywords

Common terms ATS systems and recruiters search for in Lawyer candidates.

jdbar admissionlitigationcorporatetransactionalm&aemploymentcontractsdiscoverydeposition

Sample resume bullet points

Use these as starting points — adapt the metrics to your own outcomes.

  • Lead counsel on $14M commercial litigation matter; favorable settlement at mediation.
  • Drafted and negotiated 60+ commercial contracts for SaaS company in 12 months.
  • Owned employee handbook + workplace policy program across 3 jurisdictions.
  • Mentored 2 junior associates through partner-track development.

Common pitfalls

  • Practice-area list without matters
  • No outcomes or quantification
  • Skipping bar admissions

Related roles

Frequently asked questions

What's the best resume template for a Lawyer?
Pro Corporate works well for most Lawyer candidates because conservative serif headings, navy accent. You can switch templates anytime in our free builder.
Which keywords should appear on a Lawyer resume?
Top ATS keywords for Lawyer include: jd, bar admission, litigation, corporate, transactional, m&a, employment, contracts.
How long should a Lawyer resume be?
Aim for one page if you have under ten years of experience and two pages once you cross that mark. Cut anything that doesn't move the hiring decision.
Should I include a summary section?
Yes — a 2–3 sentence summary up top primes recruiters and ATS systems with the right context. Use it to state your level, specialty, and the kind of impact you've had.
Can I download this as a PDF for free?
Yes — every download from our builder is a free, ATS-friendly PDF with selectable text. No watermark, no signup.