In the highly competitive field of law, your senior attorney resume serves as your first introduction to potential employers, showcasing not only your legal expertise but also your ability to handle complex cases.

Whether you're a specialist looking to advance to an executive position or an accomplished office worker aiming for a new challenge, crafting a well-thought-out document is essential to make a strong impression.

This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to build a resume online, including real resume format examples that highlight the key elements needed to stand out.

Senior attorney resume examples

Corporate senior attorney resume

Corporate senior attorney resume template

Senior Corporate Attorney Resume
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Corporate senior attorney resume sample | Plain text

David Lee

Los Angeles, CA
Email: david.lee@gmail.com
Phone: (310) 555-1234

Resume Summary

Senior Corporate Attorney with over 12 years of experience advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance. Adept at negotiating high-value contracts, managing cross-functional teams, and navigating complex legal frameworks to protect clients' interests and ensure regulatory compliance.

Experience

Senior Corporate Attorney

Greenberg Traurig LLP, Los Angeles, CA, January 2019 – Present

  • Lead a team of attorneys in providing legal counsel to major clients in the tech, healthcare, and energy sectors.
  • Advise on corporate governance issues, risk management strategies, and compliance with federal and state laws.
  • Conduct due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, reviewing financial statements, contracts, and potential liabilities.
  • Represent clients in negotiations with stakeholders, investors, and regulators to finalize corporate deals.

Corporate Associate Attorney

Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, CA, September 2013 – December 2018

  • Represented clients in complex negotiations, ensuring terms aligned with client objectives and protecting their best interests.
  • Assisted in the formation of legal entities, joint ventures, and partnerships for clients across various industries.
  • Collaborated with senior partners and clients to prepare for corporate board meetings, ensuring compliance with governance policies.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

University of California, Berkeley School of Law, CA

Graduated: May 2013

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: May 2010

Certifications

  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law Certification, December 2019
  • California State Bar Admission, June 2013

Skills

  • Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
  • Corporate governance and compliance
  • Contract negotiation and drafting
  • Due diligence and risk management
  • Legal research and analysis
  • Client relationship management

Why this resume for senior position is effective?

  • The document showcases career progression, from associate to senior, demonstrating growth.
  • Clear headings and bullet points highlight key responsibilities and achievements, making it easy for hiring managers to scan the application.
  • The inclusion of recent certifications, demonstrates the commitment to continuing education and expertise.
How to format a resume for senior attorney?
  • Pick fonts that are common in professional sphere. The best options are: Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia.
  • Avoid decorative or overly stylized fonts. Keep the body text size between 10-12 pt.
  • Standard margins are 1-inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
  • Include 1-1.5 line spacing between each section.
  • For a senior attorney resume, aim for 1-2 pages. If you have over 10 years of experience, 2 pages is acceptable.
  • Start each entry with a strong action verb to demonstrate leadership and initiative.
  • At the top of the paper, write your full name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile.
  • Stick with simple round or square bullets to keep the document clean.
  • An executive application must be completely free of spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.
  • Customize your draft for the specific role you are applying for with keywords.

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Criminal defense senior attorney resume

Criminal defense senior attorney resume example

Jessica Thompson

New York, NY
Email: jessica.thompson@gmail.com
Phone: (212) 555-5678

Resume Summary

Experienced Senior Criminal Defense Attorney with over 17 years of practice in defending clients in high-profile criminal cases. A skilled litigator with a track record of securing favorable outcomes through meticulous preparation, strategic defense, and client advocacy. Expertise includes handling complex criminal cases such as white-collar crimes, drug offenses, and violent crimes.

Key Achievements

  • Successfully secured acquittals in over 30 high-profile criminal trials.
  • Negotiated over 50 plea deals with charges significantly reduced, saving clients from lengthy sentences.
  • Recognized by peers for outstanding client advocacy and strategic trial tactics.

Professional Experience

Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

Thompson & Associates, New York, NY

May 2017 – Present

  • Conduct thorough case investigations, gather and analyze evidence, and interview key witnesses to develop compelling defenses.
  • Manage a team of junior attorneys and legal assistants, ensuring efficient case progression and adherence to deadlines.
  • Represent clients in complex negotiations with prosecutors, resulting in favorable plea agreements or case dismissals.
  • Provide comprehensive legal advice on pre-trial motions, sentencing strategies, and post-conviction matters.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Baker McKenzie, New York, NY

August 2008 – April 2017

  • Represented clients in a variety of criminal matters, including domestic violence, drug offenses, and theft-related charges.
  • Managed end-to-end case preparation, including reviewing discovery materials, interviewing clients and witnesses, and preparing trial strategies.
  • Provided clients with in-depth advice on their legal options and potential case outcomes, ensuring informed decision-making throughout the process.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

New York University School of Law, NY

Graduated: May 2008

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY

Graduated: May 2005

Certifications

  • Advanced Criminal Defense Training, July 2016
  • Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer, May 2015
  • New York State Bar Admission, December 2008

Skills

  • Trial preparation and litigation strategy
  • Strong negotiation and settlement skills
  • Expert client communication and advocacy
  • Advanced legal research and evidence analysis
  • Jury selection and voir dire management
  • Case management and team leadership

Continuing Education

  • Advanced Trial Techniques | American Bar Association, 2019
  • Ethics in Criminal Defense | National Criminal Defense College, 2018

Publications

  • Defending White-Collar Crimes: Best Practices for Attorneys | Criminal Defense Journal, March 2022
  • The Art of Negotiating Plea Deals in Criminal Cases | Lawyer Monthly, January 2021

Why this attorney resume example works?

  • Key achievements section adds measurable successes, which make Jessica's accomplishments more concrete.
  • By mentioning both her JD and criminal justice background, the document reflects a strong foundation for her current career.
  • Publications demonstrate her thought leadership in the field, which helps to distinguish her as an authority.
How to choose between attorney resume summary and objective?

A summary is best for candidates with significant background or those who have a well-established career trajectory. It outlines your key qualifications in a few concise sentences.

Example of a senior attorney resume summary:

Senior Tax Attorney with over 18 years of experience providing tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution services to high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. Expertise includes federal, state, and international tax law, as well as handling IRS audits, tax fraud investigations, and tax litigation.

An objective is typically used by applicants with limited experience, such as recent graduates, sphere changers, or those reentering the workforce. It focuses on your goals and the position you're seeking.

Example of a senior attorney resume objective:

Professional with a history of defending employees' rights and advising organizations on labor compliance. Seeking a senior position to continue advocating for fair workplace practices.

How to list education on a resume for senior position?

For each credential you add, include the following:

  • Type of the degree (e.g., Juris Doctor (JD), Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice).
  • Full name of the university or college.
  • City and state (or country if outside the U.S.).
  • The month and year you graduated, or the expected date if you’re still in school.

Family law senior attorney resume

Family law senior attorney resume template

Senior Family Law Attorney Resume
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Family law senior attorney resume sample | Plain text

Michael Harris

Chicago, IL
Email: michael.harris@gmail.com
Phone: (312) 555-2345

Resume Summary

Senior Family Law Attorney with over 14 years of experience specializing in divorce, custody, and child support cases. Expert in mediation, negotiation, and litigation, with a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients in high-conflict family law disputes.

Professional Experience

Senior Family Law Attorney

Harris & Partners LLP, Chicago, IL

March 2015 – Present

  • Manage complex divorce, custody, and child support cases, providing clients with personalized legal strategies.
  • Represent clients in mediation, negotiating settlements that prioritize the best interests of children and families.
  • Lead family law litigation efforts, including trial preparation, case management, and court appearances.
  • Advise clients on property division, alimony, and post-divorce modifications.

Family Law Associate Attorney

Law Offices of Susan Wright, Chicago, IL

January 2011 – February 2015

  • Assisted senior attorneys in handling divorce and custody cases, including legal research, document preparation, and court filings.
  • Drafted and reviewed settlement agreements, prenuptial agreements, and parenting plans.
  • Conducted client consultations, providing legal advice on divorce proceedings, custody arrangements, and child support.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Loyola University Chicago School of Law, IL

Graduated: May 2010

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL

Graduated: May 2007

Certifications

  • Certified Family Law Specialist, March 2016
  • Illinois State Bar Admission, Certified: November 2010

Languages

  • French – Native proficiency
  • German – Fluent (both written and spoken)

Skills

  • Family law mediation and negotiation
  • Divorce and child custody litigation
  • Child support and spousal support calculations
  • Emotional intelligence and client management
  • Legal research and document preparation
  • Case management and trial advocacy

Volunteering

Volunteer Attorney

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, IL

March 2020 – Present

  • Provide pro bono legal assistance to low-income families seeking divorce, custody, and child support services.
  • Offer legal advice in family law matters through workshops and community outreach programs.
  • Collaborate with local community organizations to educate individuals on their family law rights.

Why this resume for senior attorney is compelling?

How to organize experience on a senior attorney resume?
  • Arrange your work history in reverse chronological order.
  • Ensure you include the full job title, company's name, location, and employment dates (month and year) for each position.
  • Describe your primary duties in a way that highlights your expertise and leadership.
  • Whenever possible, quantify your achievements on your senior attorney resume or provide examples of your success.
What skills to put on a senior attorney resume?
  • Hard skills refer to teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are often technical in nature. They are typically gained through education, training, or hands-on experience, and they are measurable.
  • Soft skills, are more subjective traits that involve how you interact with others and approach work situations. They are not as easily quantifiable but are equally important, especially in roles that involve leadership, communication, and team collaboration.

Hard skills for a senior attorney resume:

  • Legal research
  • Trial preparation and litigation
  • Contract drafting and review
  • Case management
  • Legal writing and documentation
  • Jury selection and voir dire
  • Legal analysis and strategy
  • Discovery and evidence handling
  • Client advocacy and negotiation
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws
  • Legal compliance and regulatory knowledge
  • Mediation and arbitration
  • Settlement negotiation
  • Drafting pleadings and motions
  • Appellate practice
  • Expert witness management
  • Document review and legal discovery
  • Proficiency with legal software (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw, case management tools)
  • Licensing and bar admissions

Soft skills for a senior attorney resume:

  • Leadership and team management
  • Communication (oral and written)
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Client relationship management
  • Negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Decision-making and judgment
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Attention to detail
  • Active listening
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Ethical reasoning and integrity
  • Persuasion and influencing
  • Stress management
  • Conflict management
  • Networking and relationship-building
  • Mentoring and coaching junior attorneys

Conclusion

Creating a compelling senior attorney resume is essential to showcase your skills, leadership, and specialized knowledge.

By tailoring your document to highlight key accomplishments, certifications, and growth, you can make a strong case to prospective employers looking for experienced legal professionals.

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