ReadyCVVLegal resumes operate in a highly credential-driven market. Partners and HR at law firms scan for bar admissions, law school prestige, practice area depth, and specific transaction or litigation experience. Your resume must be impeccably formatted — typos or inconsistencies signal the same carelessness that would concern a client.
Tips for your Lawyer resume
- List all bar admissions prominently: state(s), year admitted, and any federal court admissions
- Specify your practice area and case types clearly: M&A, IP litigation, criminal defense, employment law, etc.
- Quantify deal or case value where possible: 'Advised on $200M acquisition' or 'Won 8 of 10 bench trials'
- Include notable publications, law review articles, or speaking engagements
- For BigLaw applications, list class rank or GPA from law school if it was strong (top 15%)
Frequently asked questions
Should a lawyer's resume be different from a standard CV?
Slightly. Legal resumes often include a bar admissions section, a publications section, and may list clerkships prominently. For BigLaw, law school rank and law review membership carry more weight than in other industries.
How long should a lawyer's resume be?
One to two pages for associates and mid-level attorneys. Partners and senior counsel may use two to three pages to document practice areas, notable matters, and thought leadership. Brevity is still valued.
What should a new law graduate include on their resume?
Bar exam status, law school GPA and class rank (if strong), law review or journal membership, moot court, clerkship experience, internships, and clinic work. Extracurriculars are relevant for your first 2 years.