Lawyer Resumes

While the legal system and the lawyers and judges that make it up are not as glamorous as they are on television and in the movies, becoming a lawyer can be an interesting and financially beneficial career choice. Whether you are a small town lawyer working solely out of a one-man office or a member of a successful, big-city firm, there is potential for growth and profitability. In fact, each scenario has its pros and cons.

Lawyers perform a variety of tasks for people. Most people can identify lawyers as men and women who go into court to fight and defend cases, lawsuits, and various other legalities. But these people also oversee the writing and interpretation of legal documentation. They also are in charge of enforcing many aspects of the law—or at least changing the interpretation around so they can enforce it in the favor of their client. These jobs are just a few of the long list of duties that a lawyer must face.

Accordingly, the resume of a lawyer must be concise and efficiently written. You need to show an ability to communicate with different people in various walks of life, specifically in developing a trustful relationship with your client(s). Additionally, you need to note any experience you may have. If you are fresh out of college, then examples of academic and extracurricular experience are key. A guide for this type of resume is found below.

Resume Template

1. Contact Information
2. Full Name
3. Campus and Permanent Addresses
4. Telephone Number(s)
5. E-Mail Address

Education
The listing of education for a lawyer’s resume differs from that in most other resumes. Given that there is more schooling, and that the schooling often fits certain needs, specific information is required. An example of what you will need is provided below.

Information should be displayed in backwards order chronologically.

Degrees you have received and the majors in which the degrees were earned.
The dates (the months and years) of graduations.
Any and all universities attended (including transfers; give a reason for transferring when applicable).
The location of the universities (by city and state).
The applicable certifications and licenses that might be related to your degree(s).

Objective:
Generally, if you are applying for a position as a lawyer, it is safe to assume that you are not going into private practice but are instead joining some sort of law firm. If this is the case, it would serve you well to establish some of your personal goals. It would be wise to find a place of work that suits you well and if the prospective employer in question fits that description, and then your goals should go hand in hand with theirs. Should this be the case, you are more likely than not in the driver’s seat for your desired position.

Any other relevant information involving academics or experience should be included, but do not allow your resume to become overly wordy. Say what you need to say and then end it. You do not want your prospective employer’s first impression of you to be a sloppy group of text.