Resume Writing Tips for Private Attorney

Introduction

For private attorneys, a strong resume is more than just a list of jobs and education—it’s a strategic marketing document. In a field where credentials and outcomes matter, your resume must showcase your legal knowledge, litigation skills, client successes, and leadership abilities in a clear, compelling way. Given how applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used in law firm recruitment, optimizing your resume for both technology and human readers is essential.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary should be a concise, powerful snapshot of your career, highlighting your specialty areas, years of experience, and unique strengths as a private attorney. Aim to grab attention from recruiters, judges, or managing partners by emphasizing what sets you apart.

Example: "Experienced Private Attorney with 8+ years specializing in civil litigation and corporate law. Proven track record of winning high-stakes cases, managing complex client portfolios, and negotiating favorable settlements. Skilled in legal research, compliance, and client counseling with a strong commitment to ethical practice."

2. Key Skills

Incorporating a comprehensive skills section helps both ATS and recruiters identify your core competencies. For private attorneys, highlight both hard and soft skills relevant to your practice.

• Legal Research & Analysis
• Litigation & Trial Preparation
• Contract Drafting & Negotiation
• Client Counseling
• Regulatory Compliance
• Case Management
• Discovery & Evidence Gathering
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Legal Writing & Documentation
• Ethical & Professional Standards

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Instead of simply listing your day-to-day responsibilities, focus on measurable achievements. Highlight outcomes you directly influenced, such as winning cases, client growth, or efficiency improvements, to demonstrate your impact.

Example: Rather than saying "Handled client cases," write "Secured favorable settlements in 85% of civil litigation cases, resulting in $2M+ recovered for clients over 3 years."

4. Tailor to Job Description

Each legal position has unique requirements. Carefully read the job description and tailor your resume by incorporating relevant keywords, skills, and experiences that align with the employer’s needs. This increases your chances of passing ATS filters and appealing to hiring managers.

5. Tools and Technologies

• Westlaw
• LexisNexis
• Clio
• PracticePanther
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Case Management Software
• eDiscovery Tools
• Legal Research Databases
• Time-Tracking Software

6. Metrics to Highlight

• Case win rate (e.g., won 90% of cases litigated)
• Settlement amounts secured (e.g., negotiated $3M+ in settlements)
• Client retention percentage (e.g., maintained 95% client retention)
• Years of experience in specialty areas
• Number of cases managed simultaneously

7. Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree – Include law school and graduation year
• State Bar Admission(s) – List all jurisdictions where you are licensed to practice

8. Crisp Formatting

• Use clean, professional fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri) between 10–12 pt size
• Utilize bullet points for readability and limit the resume to two pages

9. Concise Content

Keep sentences short and focused. Avoid legal jargon that may confuse non-lawyer recruiters. Prioritize clarity and relevance, ensuring every word earns its place.

10. Bonus Tips

• Include a professional LinkedIn profile link and online portfolio if applicable
• Proofread meticulously to avoid typos or grammatical errors

Examples of Metrics-Driven Bullet Points

• Successfully defended 15+ corporate clients in civil litigation, achieving a 95vorable outcomes rate over 5 years.
• Negotiated settlements totaling over $5 million, reducing potential trial expenses by at least 40%.

Conclusion

A compelling resume for a private attorney goes beyond listing experience—it highlights your impact, leadership, and analytical skills with clarity and precision. By emphasizing successful outcomes, strategic expertise, and client-focused results, your resume becomes a powerful tool to advance your legal career. Tailored content, metrics-driven achievements, and ATS optimization ensure your qualifications are noticed by law firms and clients alike, opening doors to the next opportunity in your legal journey.