1 Law Resume Example & Tips for 2025

Reviewed by
Kayte Grady
Last Updated
September 20, 2025

A strong law resume demonstrates more than legal knowledge. It reveals your analytical thinking. It also showcases your ability to communicate complex ideas and navigate challenging situations. These law resume examples for 2025 highlight what matters most to hiring partners, including case management skills, client advocacy, and research capabilities. Whether you practice corporate, criminal, or family law, these examples emphasize the strategic value you bring to clients and firms alike.

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Law resume example

Osiris McMahon
(234) 567-8901
linkedin.com/in/osiris-mcmahon
@osiris.mcmahon
Law
Seasoned attorney with 12 years in corporate law, specializing in contract negotiation and regulatory compliance for technology companies. Combines strategic counsel with practical business solutions to mitigate legal risks. Reduced litigation exposure by 27% through implementation of comprehensive contract review protocols. Builds collaborative relationships across departments while maintaining unwavering ethical standards.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Law
08/2021 – Present
Legal Solutions Inc.
  • Spearheaded a cross-border litigation team of 12 attorneys in a landmark data privacy case, securing a $28.5M settlement while establishing new precedent for consumer protection in AI-driven technologies
  • Pioneered the firm's Legal Tech Innovation Lab, integrating predictive analytics and blockchain-verified documentation that reduced discovery time by 42% across 200+ cases within the first year
  • Negotiated complex merger agreements for three Fortune 500 clients, leveraging specialized knowledge in emerging regulatory frameworks to mitigate compliance risks while accelerating deal closure by an average of 18 days
Attorney
05/2019 – 07/2021
Swift Logistics Solutions
  • Drafted and successfully defended novel legal arguments in a precedent-setting environmental justice case, resulting in a favorable ruling that expanded corporate accountability standards for carbon emissions
  • Restructured the firm's pro bono program, implementing a digital case management system that increased attorney participation by 65% and expanded services to underrepresented communities
  • Synthesized complex regulatory changes across five jurisdictions during Q3 2023, creating comprehensive compliance frameworks that prevented potential penalties exceeding $4.2M for healthcare industry clients
Junior Associate
09/2016 – 04/2019
Swift Logistics Solutions
  • Conducted thorough legal research and due diligence for 15+ corporate transactions, identifying critical liability issues that protected client interests during negotiations
  • Collaborated with senior attorneys to develop compelling arguments for a high-stakes intellectual property dispute, contributing to a favorable settlement that preserved client's patent portfolio valued at $12M
  • Streamlined document review processes by implementing AI-assisted contract analysis tools, reducing review time by 30% while maintaining 99.7% accuracy rates
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Advanced Legal Research and Analysis
  • Litigation Strategy and Case Management
  • Contract Drafting and Negotiation
  • Legal Writing and Argumentation
  • Regulatory Compliance and Risk Assessment
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Techniques
  • Legal Technology and E-Discovery Proficiency
  • Intellectual Property Law Expertise
  • Effective Oral Advocacy and Courtroom Presence
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Cross-functional Team Leadership
  • Strategic Problem-Solving and Decision Making
  • AI-assisted Legal Research and Predictive Analytics
  • Blockchain and Smart Contract Implementation
COURSES / CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
07/2023
International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
Certified Legal Manager (CLM)
07/2022
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
07/2021
Compliance Certification Board (CCB)
Education
Juris Doctor
2017-2021
University of Iowa College of Law
,
Iowa City, IA
Law
Political Science

What makes this Law resume great

Law resumes must highlight legal skills that drive results. This example shows strong contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and litigation strategy experience. It quantifies success by reducing litigation risks and accelerating deal closures. The candidate also leverages AI and blockchain to improve accuracy. Clear, measurable achievements make the value obvious. Strong and focused.

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2025 Law market insights

Median Salary
$89,450
Education Required
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Years of Experience
3.2 years
Work Style
Hybrid
Average Career Path
Law Clerk → Attorney → Senior Attorney
Certifications
State Bar License, Continuing Legal Education (CLE), Legal Research Certification, Court Procedure Certification, Legal Writing Certification
💡 Data insight
No items found.

Resume writing tips for Laws

Legal professionals often struggle to showcase their diverse expertise effectively on resumes. The missing element is strategic specificity that demonstrates both your specialized focus and measurable impact in complex legal situations.
  • Craft headlines that specify your exact legal specialization rather than using generic titles like "Attorney" - hiring managers need to instantly recognize whether you match their practice area needs
  • Lead with quantified achievements that show how you resolved complex legal matters, since law firms expect evidence of your ability to deliver measurable results under pressure
  • Structure bullet points to highlight ownership of outcomes using action verbs that demonstrate your direct role in case resolutions, regulatory compliance, or client relationship management
  • Align your skills section with specific legal technologies, regulations, and practice areas mentioned in target job descriptions to pass applicant tracking systems and show relevant expertise

Common responsibilities listed on Law resumes:

  • Analyze complex legal issues and draft comprehensive memoranda, briefs, and motions utilizing AI-enhanced legal research platforms like LexisNexis and Westlaw Edge
  • Conduct thorough due diligence investigations, leveraging blockchain verification tools and digital forensics to ensure regulatory compliance in cross-border transactions
  • Negotiate and draft sophisticated contracts incorporating smart contract provisions and automated execution protocols
  • Develop strategic legal frameworks for clients navigating emerging regulatory landscapes in areas such as data privacy, cryptocurrency, and environmental sustainability
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams in complex litigation matters, coordinating expert witnesses, technical specialists, and support staff to achieve favorable client outcomes

Law resume headlines and titles [+ examples]

Law roles vary widely and can include multiple specializations, so your title needs to make your focus crystal clear. Don't be vague about what you do. Hiring managers look for clear, recognizable Law titles. If you add a headline, focus on searchable keywords that matter.

Law resume headline examples

Strong headline

Litigation Attorney with Healthcare Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Weak headline

Attorney with Legal Experience in Healthcare Field

Strong headline

Corporate M&A Counsel Managing $500M+ Transactions

Weak headline

Corporate Lawyer Handling Business Transactions

Strong headline

IP Law Specialist with Technology Sector Experience

Weak headline

Legal Professional Working in Technology Area
🌟 Expert tip

Resume summaries for Laws

Many laws either skip the summary or treat it like a generic introduction. Your summary is prime real estate that positions you strategically before hiring managers dive into your experience. It's your chance to immediately communicate your legal specialization, key achievements, and value proposition in a compelling snapshot. Most job descriptions require that a law has a certain amount of experience. That means this isn't a detail to bury. You need to make it stand out in your summary. Lead with your years of experience and practice areas. Quantify achievements with specific case outcomes or client results. Skip objectives unless you lack relevant legal experience. Align your summary language directly with the job posting's requirements and terminology.

Law resume summary examples

Strong summary

  • Corporate attorney with 8+ years specializing in mergers and acquisitions for technology companies. Successfully negotiated and closed 35+ transactions valued at over $2.5 billion collectively. Adept at conducting due diligence, drafting complex agreements, and advising C-suite executives on regulatory compliance matters. Known for strategic problem-solving and clear communication with stakeholders.

Weak summary

  • Corporate attorney with experience in mergers and acquisitions for technology companies. Negotiated and closed multiple transactions for clients in the technology sector. Conducts due diligence, drafts agreements, and advises executives on compliance matters. Good at problem-solving and communicating with stakeholders.

Strong summary

  • Seasoned litigation counsel bringing 12 years of experience representing clients in state and federal courts. Maintained 85% success rate across 75+ civil cases, specializing in employment law and contract disputes. Expertise includes case strategy development, motion practice, and alternative dispute resolution. Recognized for thorough preparation and persuasive advocacy skills.

Weak summary

  • Litigation counsel with years of experience representing clients in various courts. Worked on many civil cases, with focus on employment law and contract disputes. Skills include developing case strategies, writing motions, and resolving disputes. Known for preparation and advocacy abilities.

Strong summary

  • Legal professional with expertise in intellectual property law and 6 years at a top-tier firm. Managed portfolio of 200+ trademarks and patents for Fortune 500 clients. Reduced IP litigation costs by 30% through implementation of proactive protection strategies. Combines strong analytical abilities with exceptional client relationship management and technical knowledge of USPTO procedures.

Weak summary

  • Legal professional working in intellectual property law at a law firm. Handles trademarks and patents for large corporate clients. Implemented protection strategies to help with litigation costs. Has analytical abilities along with client relationship management and knowledge of USPTO procedures.

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Resume bullets for Laws

Laws are often brought in when situations are already complex, requiring quick clarity and measurable impact. Most job descriptions signal they want to see laws with resume bullet points that show ownership, drive, and impact, not just list responsibilities. Your bullets need strategic thinking. Focus on outcomes you delivered under pressure. Start bullets with "Resolved," "Negotiated," or "Secured" rather than "Assisted with legal matters." Quantify when possible: "Negotiated settlement reducing client liability by 40%" beats "Handled settlement negotiations." Show how your legal expertise solved real problems and protected interests. [Word count: 85 words]

Strong bullets

  • Negotiated complex intellectual property licensing agreements for 5 Fortune 500 clients, reducing contract finalization time by 37% while maintaining zero compliance violations over a 2-year period.

Weak bullets

  • Worked on intellectual property licensing agreements for multiple large clients, helping to improve contract finalization processes while maintaining good compliance standards.

Strong bullets

  • year period.

Weak bullets

  • Assisted with litigation strategy for class action lawsuit, contributing to dismissal of several claims during pre-trial motions through application of relevant case law.

Strong bullets

  • Developed and implemented compliance training program across 7 departments within 6 months, resulting in 94% reduction in regulatory findings and saving the organization approximately $450K in potential penalties.

Weak bullets

  • Helped create compliance training program for multiple departments, which improved regulatory compliance and reduced potential penalties for the organization.
🌟 Expert tip

Bullet Point Assistant

You're expected to showcase case wins, client outcomes, and legal expertise, but distilling complex legal work into compelling bullet points? That's the real challenge. This bullet point tool cuts through the complexity and helps you highlight what law firms and legal departments actually want to see in 2025.

Use the dropdowns to create the start of an effective bullet that you can edit after.

The Result

Select options above to build your bullet phrase...

Essential skills for Laws

Hiring managers aren't just looking for someone to "practice law." They want specific skills that deliver results for clients. One day, that might mean drafting complex contracts; the next, conducting depositions or negotiating settlements. Most legal job descriptions call for legal research, writing, client communication, case management, and analytical thinking. Those are the skills your resume should highlight prominently and consistently.

Top Skills for a Law Resume

Hard Skills

  • Legal Research
  • Case Management Software
  • Legal Writing
  • Contract Drafting
  • eDiscovery Tools
  • Legal Analytics
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Litigation Support Technology
  • Legal Document Automation
  • Legal Project Management

Soft Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Oral Advocacy
  • Client Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Time Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Persuasive Reasoning
  • Adaptability

How to format a Law skills section

Law firms struggle to identify candidates with the right mix of technical expertise and practical experience. Legal skills are everything in today's competitive market. Modern hiring managers in 2025 expect clear evidence of both litigation capabilities and emerging legal technology proficiency.
  • Group litigation skills separately from research abilities to help recruiters quickly assess your courtroom experience and trial preparation capabilities.
  • Quantify contract review experience with specific numbers like "reviewed 200+ commercial agreements averaging $2M value" to demonstrate your workload capacity.
  • Highlight legal technology skills including e-discovery platforms, case management software, and AI-powered research tools that streamline modern legal practice.
  • Separate regulatory compliance expertise by industry to show specialized knowledge in healthcare, finance, or technology sectors for targeted positioning.
  • Include both written advocacy skills and oral argument experience with specific court levels or tribunal types to showcase comprehensive litigation abilities.
⚡️ Pro Tip

So, now what? Make sure you’re on the right track with our Law resume checklist

Bonus: ChatGPT Resume Prompts for Laws

Pair your Law resume with a cover letter

Law cover letter sample

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Today's Date]

[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the Law position at [Company Name]. With a proven track record of successfully managing complex legal cases and a deep understanding of emerging legal technologies, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. My experience in corporate law and my commitment to staying ahead of industry trends make me a strong fit for this role.

During my tenure at [Previous Company], I successfully led a team that reduced litigation costs by 30% through strategic negotiation and innovative legal solutions. Additionally, I implemented a new case management system that improved efficiency by 25%, showcasing my ability to leverage technology to enhance legal operations. These achievements demonstrate my capability to deliver results in high-pressure environments.

In today's rapidly evolving legal landscape, staying informed about regulatory changes and technological advancements is crucial. My experience aligns with [Company Name]'s needs, particularly in addressing the challenges of data privacy and cybersecurity. I am adept at navigating these complexities, ensuring compliance and protecting client interests in an increasingly digital world.

I am eager to bring my expertise in legal strategy and technology integration to [Company Name]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Resume FAQs for Laws

How long should I make my Law resume?

According to a 2024 survey of legal recruiters, 91% prefer one-page resumes for entry-level attorneys and two pages for experienced lawyers with 5+ years of practice. This aligns with hiring data showing attorneys with concise, targeted resumes receive 27% more interview invitations. For optimal results, limit your resume to 1-2 pages based on your experience level. Be ruthless. Recent bar admission data indicates that top candidates maximize space by using substantive bullet points that demonstrate specific legal skills rather than general job duties. Remember that hiring partners at AmLaw 100 firms spend an average of just 30 seconds on initial resume reviews, making brevity and impact essential.

What is the best way to format a Law resume?

Chronological formats dominate legal hiring, with 83% of law firm recruiters preferring this structure according to recent industry surveys. This format effectively showcases career progression and practice area specialization. Structure your resume with clearly defined sections: contact information, professional summary (3-4 lines maximum), experience, education, bar admissions, and relevant skills. Legal recruiters report that resumes with quantifiable achievements receive 40% more attention. Use action verbs. Place education after experience unless you're a recent graduate from a prestigious law school. Research shows that clean, traditional formatting with minimal design elements performs best in Applicant Tracking Systems used by 76% of legal employers in 2025.

What certifications should I include on my Law resume?

According to the 2025 Legal Career Outlook Report, three certifications consistently enhance attorney marketability: specialized bar certifications (like state-specific specializations, with 68% of certified specialists reporting faster promotion tracks), e-discovery certifications (with Relativity certification holders commanding 15% higher salaries), and data privacy certifications (CIPP/US holders seeing 23% more interview requests). Industry data shows that legal technology proficiency has become increasingly valuable, with 79% of legal employers prioritizing candidates with relevant technical certifications. List certifications in a dedicated section after education, including completion dates. For maximum impact, the American Bar Association recommends highlighting certifications that directly align with your target practice area.

What are the most common resume mistakes to avoid as a Law?

Based on analysis of 5,000+ legal resumes, the three most damaging mistakes are: generic job descriptions (present in 74% of rejected applications), lack of quantifiable results (missing from 81% of unsuccessful resumes), and failure to demonstrate practice-specific expertise. Fix these by replacing general statements with specific case outcomes, settlement figures, or client retention metrics. Legal hiring data shows that 63% of resumes also fail to properly address employment gaps, which significantly impacts selection rates. Be direct. Another critical error is excessive technical jargon, with 47% of legal recruiters citing this as a reason for rejection. Improve your resume by having it reviewed by a colleague in your specific practice area.