A general counsel resume is your first opportunity to showcase your legal expertise and leadership abilities to potential employers.

Whether you’re a seasoned corporate lawyer or seeking your first role as general counsel, writing a well-structured resume is essential.

This guide will walk you through the key components of an effective document, highlighting the skills, experience, and qualifications that will make you stand out.

General counsel resume examples

Corporate general counsel resume sample

Corporate general counsel resume template

Corporate General Counsel Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for corporate general counsel | Plain text

Jane D. Walker

Corporate General Counsel | Experienced Legal Executive
San Francisco, CA | janewalker@email.com | (555) 555-5555

Summary

Accomplished corporate general counsel with over 15 years of experience in managing legal teams and overseeing corporate governance for global businesses. Expertise in mergers and acquisitions, compliance, risk management, and strategic legal planning. Proven track record of mitigating legal risks and supporting business objectives.

Experience

Corporate General Counsel

TechNet Innovations Inc., San Francisco, CA

January 2017 – Present

  • Lead the company’s legal team in managing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and contractual matters.
  • Negotiate and facilitate the acquisition of two smaller tech firms, expanding market share by 20%.
  • Develop and implement corporate policies to ensure legal compliance across global operations.
  • Advise senior leadership on key business strategies, providing legal insight to support long-term growth plans.

Vice President, Legal Affairs

CloudWorks Solutions, San Francisco, CA

March 2012 – December 2016

  • Oversaw all aspects of corporate legal matters, including contract negotiation, intellectual property rights, and mergers.
  • Played a key role in raising $50M in venture capital, working closely with investors and legal teams to navigate complex negotiations.
  • Managed risk assessments and legal audits to identify potential liabilities across international operations.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)
Stanford Law School, Stanford, CA
Graduated: 2010

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: 2007

Skills

  • Corporate Governance
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Risk Management
  • Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Strategic Legal Planning

Certifications

  • Certified Corporate Governance Professional (CCGP) - 2015
  • Leadership in Legal Management (LLM) Certification, Harvard Law School - 2024

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, American Bar Association (ABA)
  • Member, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)

Strong sides of this general counsel resume sample:

  • Clear, concise summary at the beginning, highlighting the candidate's expertise and achievements.
  • Well-organized experience section, with quantifiable accomplishments such as market share growth and venture capital raising.
  • Comprehensive skill set that aligns directly with the demands of the role, showcasing key competencies in corporate governance, M&A, and legal strategy.
How to properly format a resume for a general counsel?
  • Choose classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Set the size of 10 to 12 points for body text, and make section headings slightly larger for emphasis.
  • Keep your margins between 0.5 and 1 inch on all sides of the page. This balance ensures that your application appears organized.
  • Maintain 1.15 or 1.5 line spacing to keep the document clean. This also helps the recruiters easily follow the structure.
  • One or two pages are ideal, particularly for those with several years of experience. A concise resume helps key points be highlighted without overwhelming the reader.
  • Add bullet points to list your skills, duties, and achievements. This format is easier for employers to scan quickly, making it more likely they’ll take in your qualifications.
  • Highlight important headings, job titles, and key accomplishments by using bold text. This guides the HR's eye to the most critical information.
  • Stick to muted colors like black, dark gray, or navy blue. Avoid bright hues or flashy colors that could detract from the content.
  • Apply bold, italics, and underlining consistently throughout the document. This projects professionalism.

If you want to avoid formatting mistakes and starting over, make a resume online for free.

Resume Trick offers free printable resume templates that help you organize content while keeping the layout flawless. They save time and ensure a polished design.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Regulatory general counsel resume example

Sample regulatory general counsel resume

Michael P. Roberts

Regulatory General Counsel | Expert in Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
Washington, D.C. | michaelroberts@email.com | (202) 555-1234

Summary

Regulatory general counsel with over 14 years of experience in compliance, regulatory frameworks, and legal advisory services. Skilled in managing regulatory affairs for large corporations in highly regulated industries, with a deep understanding of federal and state laws, including FDA and SEC regulations.

Experience

General Counsel – Regulatory Affairs

BioGenix Pharmaceuticals, Washington, D.C.

June 2015 – Present

  • Provide expert legal advice on compliance with FDA regulations and product safety laws.
  • Lead the legal department’s role in regulatory investigations and audits, minimizing financial penalties by over 30%.
  • Coordinate with government agencies and external counsel to resolve regulatory issues efficiently.
  • Supervise a team of 10 lawyers, providing guidance on complex legal and compliance issues.

Senior Counsel – Regulatory Compliance

ClearSky Energy, Washington, D.C.

February 2011 – May 2015

  • Managed all regulatory compliance matters related to energy sector laws, including environmental and safety regulations.
  • Drafted and reviewed legal documentation related to compliance audits and environmental risk mitigation.
  • Worked closely with regulatory agencies to ensure adherence to both local and international energy laws.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)
Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.
Graduated: 2010

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Graduated: 2006

Skills

  • FDA and SEC Regulations
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Compliance & Risk Management
  • Legal Strategy & Advisory
  • Government Relations
  • Environmental Law
  • Investigations & Audits

Publications

  • "Navigating FDA Regulations: A Corporate Counsel’s Guide" – Journal of Pharmaceutical Law, 2019
  • "Regulatory Compliance in the Energy Sector: Key Strategies for General Counsels" – Energy Legal Review, 2018

Languages

  • English (Fluent)
  • Spanish (Intermediate)

Here are a few reasons why this example of a general counsel resume will impress recruiters:

  • Strong emphasis on relevant certifications and publications, establishing expertise in regulatory affairs.
  • Detailed experience section with clear examples of how the applicant has successfully reduced financial penalties and led regulatory investigations.
  • Language skills and professional affiliations are clearly highlighted, enhancing the candidate’s profile for international roles.
Should I choose a general counsel resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

  • This option is best for those with significant experience in the legal field.
  • It provides a quick overview of your skills, accomplishments, and expertise.

General counsel resume summary sample:

Experienced general counsel with 15+ years of expertise in corporate law, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and managing legal teams.

Resume objective

  • This statement works well for those just starting out or transitioning to a general counsel role.
  • It explains your goals and what you aim to achieve in the position.

General counsel resume objective example:

Aspiring general counsel with a focus on corporate litigation, seeking to leverage legal knowledge and leadership abilities to drive company growth and innovation.

How to showcase your general counsel resume skills?

The skills section helps recruiters assess your suitability quickly.

  • Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities gained through education or experience. They are often measurable and essential for performing technical tasks.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal traits that contribute to how well you work with others and manage complex challenges. They are developed over time and are key to leadership roles.

General counsel hard skills examples:

  • Corporate governance
  • Contract negotiation
  • Risk management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Litigation oversight
  • Intellectual property management
  • Mergers & acquisitions
  • Employment law
  • Financial analysis
  • Legal research

Soft skills for general counsels examples:

  • Leadership
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Strategic thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Decision-making
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability

Litigation general counsel resume template

Litigation general counsel resume sample

Litigation General Counsel | Experienced Trial Attorney Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for litigation general counsel | Text version

Thomas T. Evans

Litigation General Counsel | Experienced Trial Attorney
Chicago, IL | thomas.evans@email.com | (312) 555-7890

Summary

Seasoned litigation general counsel with 18 years of experience managing high-stakes litigation and leading teams through complex legal battles. Expertise in civil litigation, dispute resolution, and trial strategy for large corporations. Strong history of successful case outcomes, particularly in commercial and employment law.

Experience

General Counsel – Litigation

GlobalCorp Enterprises, Chicago, IL

August 2015 – Present

  • Lead the company’s legal team in defending against major commercial disputes and employment litigation cases.
  • Manage over 50 civil litigation cases, securing favorable outcomes in 90% of trials.
  • Develop litigation strategies, overseeing all stages of cases from pre-trial motions to appeals.
  • Collaborate with outside counsel and senior management to reduce litigation costs by 25%.

Senior Litigation Counsel

Harvard & Associates LLP, Chicago, IL

March 2009 – July 2015

  • Represented clients in high-profile commercial litigation cases, including breach of contract and intellectual property disputes.
  • Played a pivotal role in securing a $40M settlement in a patent infringement case.
  • Managed a team of 5 associate attorneys, providing mentoring and guidance throughout the litigation process.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)
University of Chicago Law School, IL
Graduated: 2008

Bachelor of Arts in History
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Graduated: 2005

Skills

  • Civil Litigation
  • Trial Strategy
  • Commercial Disputes
  • Settlement Negotiation
  • Legal Risk Management
  • Employment Law
  • Team Leadership & Mentoring

Professional Recognition

  • Recognized as a Top Litigator by Chicago Legal Journal in 2024
  • Winner of the National Trial Lawyers Award for Excellence in Commercial Litigation, 2022

Volunteer Work

  • Pro Bono Counsel for Chicago Legal Aid, providing legal services to underserved communities in commercial disputes.
  • Board Member, Chicago Law Foundation, supporting legal education initiatives for youth.

This sample general counsel resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Emphasizes a proven track record of successful outcomes, including securing favorable settlements and trial victories.
  • Detailed education and professional recognition, highlighting prestigious schools and industry awards.
  • A well-rounded skill set with both hard and soft abilities listed, demonstrating versatility in litigation and legal management.
What academic credentials should I add to my chief legal officer resume?

Your education section demonstrates your background and training in law, which is crucial for this role. Here are some tips for presenting this information:

  • Start with your law degree. Include the name of the institution, diploma, and graduation year.
  • If you attended a prestigious school, highlight it to demonstrate the quality of your legal education.
  • Add any certifications or other qualifications, like a specialized LLM (Master of Laws) in corporate law.
  • Mention your undergraduate degree if it is relevant to the profession. This could show a broader foundation.
  • If applicable, note honors or academic achievements such as awards or leadership roles in student societies.
How to organize the experience section in a senior attorney resume?
  • List positions starting with the most recent role. This allows employers to see your most up-to-date experience first.
  • Ensure your job titles accurately reflect your responsibilities.
  • Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, such as reducing costs or improving legal processes.
  • Use strong action words like "negotiated," "managed," "advised," and "developed" to start each bullet. This demonstrates active contributions.
  • Show how you’ve contributed to the company’s success. Emphasize your ability to drive change, manage legal risks, and provide strategic counsel.

Adjust your experience to align with the description of the job you’re applying for. Match keywords from the job posting to show you’re a perfect fit.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive legal job market, a strong general counsel resume can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.

By focusing on your leadership experience, expertise, and strategic thinking, you can create a document that not only highlights your skills but also aligns with the expectations of hiring organizations.

Keep your general counsel resume tailored, concise, and focused on your accomplishments to make the best impression.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume