How to Write a Resume for a Legal Job

In the competitive legal field, your resume is your first impression. It needs to showcase your skills, experience, and potential to employers. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to write a compelling resume that will help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream legal job.

Understanding the Legal Job Market

Before diving into the resume writing process, it's crucial to understand the current legal job market. Researching specific job openings, analyzing job descriptions, and identifying key skills and qualifications required for the desired positions will provide invaluable insights.

Tips for Researching Legal Job Openings:

• Use Online Job Boards: Explore websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, LegalJobs, and LawCrossing for relevant legal job postings. Pay close attention to the keywords used in the job descriptions.
• Network with Legal Professionals: Connect with lawyers, paralegals, and legal professionals through LinkedIn or professional organizations. Seek advice on the current job market and potential opportunities.
• Consult Legal Recruiters: Legal recruiters specialize in matching candidates with legal positions. They can provide valuable insights into industry trends and potential openings.

Key Components of a Winning Legal Resume

Your resume should be tailored to each specific job application. Here are the essential components you need to include:

1. Contact Information:

Start with your name, phone number, email address, and professional social media links (e.g., LinkedIn). Keep it concise and professional. Avoid including personal information like your home address.

2. Summary or Objective Statement:

Choose either a summary statement (a brief overview of your skills and experience) or an objective statement (a declaration of your career goals). Tailor this section to the specific job you are applying for.

Example Summary Statement: “Highly motivated and detail-oriented paralegal with 5+ years of experience supporting litigation teams in complex commercial disputes. Proven ability to manage case files, conduct legal research, and prepare court documents. Seeking a challenging position in a reputable law firm.”

Example Objective Statement: “Seeking a challenging position as a legal assistant in a fast-paced law firm, leveraging my strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail to contribute to the success of the team.”

3. Skills Section:

List your hard and soft skills relevant to legal jobs. Be specific and quantify your skills whenever possible.

Hard Skills:

• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Case Management
• Document Drafting
• E-Discovery
• Trial Preparation
• Pleading and Motions
• Negotiation
• Contract Review
• Litigation Support
• Compliance
• Legal Software (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis, Clio)
• Database Management

Soft Skills:

• Communication (written and verbal)
• Problem-Solving
• Analytical Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Organization
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal Skills
• Client Service
• Discretion
• Adaptability
• Leadership

4. Work Experience:

List your previous legal experience in reverse chronological order. Use action verbs to highlight your achievements and quantify results whenever possible.

Example Work Experience Section:

Paralegal, Smith & Jones Law Firm, New York, NY (2018-Present)

• Managed and organized case files for complex commercial litigation matters, ensuring efficient document retrieval and management.
• Conducted thorough legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis, summarizing findings and preparing concise legal memoranda for attorneys.
• Prepared and filed court documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests, meeting all deadlines and ensuring accuracy.
• Assisted with trial preparation, including witness preparation and exhibit organization.

Legal Assistant, Brown & Brown Law Firm, Chicago, IL (2016-2018)

• Provided administrative support to attorneys, including scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and managing calendars.
• Drafted legal documents and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and adherence to firm standards.
• Assisted with client communication, ensuring prompt and professional responses to inquiries.

5. Education:

Include your degree(s), major(s), and the name and location of the institutions you attended. If you have relevant certifications or licenses, list them here.

Example Education Section:

Juris Doctor (JD) - University of California, Berkeley (2017)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science - University of Southern California (2014)

Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)

6. Additional Information (Optional):

You may choose to include an additional section for relevant information, such as volunteer experience, publications, awards, or professional memberships. Only include items that add value to your resume. Remember to keep it concise and relevant.

Resume Writing Tips for Legal Jobs:

Here are some additional tips to make your resume stand out:

1. Tailor Your Resume:

Each job application should be tailored to the specific position you are applying for. Use the job description as a guide, identifying key skills and requirements, and incorporating them into your resume. Highlight your relevant experiences and accomplishments.

2. Quantify Your Achievements:

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate the impact of your work. Use numbers, percentages, or specific examples to showcase your accomplishments and make your resume more impactful.

3. Use Action Verbs:

Start each bullet point in your work experience section with strong action verbs to highlight your accomplishments and make your resume more dynamic. Use verbs that showcase your skills and abilities, such as “managed,” “analyzed,” “developed,” “created,” “presented,” and “implemented.”

4. Proofread Carefully:

Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation can damage your credibility. Thoroughly proofread your resume before submitting it. Have a friend or colleague review it for additional feedback.

5. Use a Professional Resume Format:

Choose a clean and professional resume format that is easy to read and visually appealing. Use a standard font size (10-12 points) and consistent margins. Avoid using too many different fonts or colors.

6. Consider Using a Resume Template:

Numerous online resume templates are available, which can help you create a professional-looking resume quickly and easily. Choose a template that is appropriate for your field and experience level.

7. Don't Forget the Cover Letter:

A cover letter is your opportunity to expand on your resume and showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the position. Tailor your cover letter to the specific job description and highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Legal Resume Keywords:

Incorporating relevant keywords into your resume is crucial to increasing your chances of getting noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters. Refer to the job description for common keywords and include them strategically throughout your resume, particularly in your skills and work experience sections. Here are some examples of common legal keywords:

• Litigation
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Case Management
• Document Drafting
• E-Discovery
• Trial Preparation
• Pleading and Motions
• Contract Review
• Compliance
• Negotiation
• Due Diligence
• Westlaw
• LexisNexis
• Clio
• Law Firm
• Paralegal
• Legal Assistant
• Attorney
• Lawyer
• Legal Secretary

Conclusion:

Crafting a winning resume for a legal job requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can create a professional and impactful resume that will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream legal career. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and use keywords to improve your visibility to ATS and recruiters. Good luck with your job search!