How to write a lawyer resume: complete guide with examples

A lawyer resume should highlight not only your legal background but also your specialization, case results, and communication skills. Firms and recruiters look for professionalism, ethics, and expertise in a specific field.

A well-organized resume increases your chances of landing an interview.

Recommended structure (1–2 pages)

1. Contact info – name, phone, email, city.
2. Professional summary – 3–4 sentences (e.g. “Commercial lawyer with 6 years of experience in contract law”).
3. Work experience – law firms, representative clients, case types, measurable results.
4. Education – law degree, master’s, postgraduate courses.
5. Certifications – Bar admission, legal specializations.
6. Practice areas – civil, commercial, criminal, tax, real estate.
7. Skills – litigation, legal writing, negotiation.
8. Publications & conferences – articles, lectures, seminars.

Strong bullet examples

• “Successfully represented 30+ commercial law cases.”
• “Negotiated international contracts worth €10M+.”
• “Published 5 legal articles in law journals.”

Tip: emphasize measurable outcomes and specialization.

Common mistakes

• Listing duties without results.
• Not specifying practice area.
• Missing certifications.

FAQs

How long should a lawyer resume be?
1–2 pages.

How to highlight complex cases?
Provide examples with outcomes.

👉 Ready to build it?
Create your lawyer resume now