Contract Attorney Resume Examples

Writing a standout resume as a contract attorney can be as challenging as navigating a complex legal clause. The job market is competitive, and the right resume can make all the difference. You might find it hard to clearly showcase your unique skills and extensive experience in a format that catches a potential employer's eye. Maybe you’re unsure how to blend freelance gigs with more traditional roles, or perhaps you're struggling to highlight your specialized legal expertise. This guide is here to help you craft a resume that not only stands out but also lands you that coveted position.

Your resume is your first introduction to a potential employer, and choosing the right template can significantly impact how your experience and skills are perceived. An effective resume template can help organize your information in a way that is easy to read, professional, and compelling.

Don't forget, we have more than 700 resume examples to guide you in writing your perfect resume!

What to focus on when writing your contract attorney resume

A contract attorney resume should clearly show your legal expertise, relevant experience, and specialized skills. Focus on showcasing your ability to handle various contract law aspects, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating terms. Highlight your strong attention to detail and track record of delivering successful legal outcomes. To boost the resume's impact, consider including:

• Specific examples of complex contracts you’ve handled.
• Any relevant certifications or specializations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects.
• Success stories illustrating your problem-solving skills.

Must have information on your contract attorney resume

When crafting your contract attorney resume, it's crucial to include sections that highlight your expertise and experience. Here are the must-have resume sections tailored for a contract attorney:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Legal Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications and Licenses

Additional sections, such as Publications and Professional Affiliations, can further bolster your resume by showcasing your thought leadership and industry engagement.

Which resume format to choose

For a contract attorney resume, a reverse-chronological format is the best option as it highlights your most recent experience first, which is crucial in the legal industry. Opt for modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat because they present a clean, contemporary look compared to the more traditional Arial and Times New Roman. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure it maintains its formatting across different devices. Set your margins between 0.5 to 1 inch to ensure your resume is easy to read. Use clear section headings such as "Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to improve ATS recognition.

Your contract attorney resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• Skills
• Professional Affiliations
• References

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all this seamlessly, so you can focus on showcasing your legal expertise.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing the experience section of your contract attorney resume can be daunting, but it’s essential to make sure it stands out. You want potential employers to see your most relevant work right away, so list your recent positions at the top. Go back 10-15 years to cover substantial roles but avoid overwhelming the reader with outdated information.

Only include job titles that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Tailor each section to highlight achievements and responsibilities that are aligned with the job description. Use a variety of action words like "drafted," "negotiated," "achieved," or "implemented" to make each role sound dynamic and interesting. This will not only keep the reader engaged but also make your experience seem impactful.

Avoid simply listing tasks; instead, focus on accomplishments and results. Use numbers where possible to bring your achievements to life.

The first resume experience example is too vague and lacks impact. It lists tasks like "Handled contracts" and "Reviewed legal documents," but doesn't provide context or results. There are no numbers or specific achievements which make the experience bland. The reader does not get any sense of your contributions or success.

This second example is outstanding. Each bullet point includes concrete numbers and measurable achievements, making your contributions clear and impressive. Sentences describe specific successes, improve processes, and showcase collaborative efforts. It shows the reader exactly what you can bring to their team.

Contract attorney resume experience examples

Welcome to your journey as a contract attorney, where you will "negoti-great" your way to success! Let's dive into highlighting your best experiences to make your resume sparkle.

Achievement-focused

Showcase your proudest accomplishments. Pick the biggest wins that demonstrate how your hard work led to significant impacts.

Skills-focused

Focus on the skills that set you apart. Highlight your expertise in key areas relevant to contract law.

Responsibility-focused

Emphasize the responsibilities you undertook. Show how you managed different aspects of your role.

Project-focused

Detail specific projects you were involved in. Highlight your role and the project outcomes.

Result-focused

Highlight the impact of your work. Focus on tangible outcomes.

Industry-Specific Focus

Detail your experience within a particular industry, showcasing relevant knowledge and skills.

Problem-Solving focused

Showcase your ability to solve problems. Highlight situations where you identified and resolved issues.

Innovation-focused

Emphasize your innovative contributions. Highlight new ideas or methods you brought to the table.

Leadership-focused

Showcase your leadership skills. Highlight your ability to lead teams and projects.

Customer-focused

Showcase your dedication to client satisfaction. Highlight how you ensured positive client experiences.

Growth-focused

Highlight your contributions to your own growth and that of your team or organization.

Efficiency-focused

Highlight your ability to improve processes and work more efficiently.

Technology-focused

Showcase your tech-savvy skills. Highlight how you use technology in your role.

Collaboration-focused

Highlight your teamwork skills. Show how you work with others to achieve common goals.

Training and Development focused

Showcase your contributions to training others. Highlight your role in developing skills within your team.

Write your contract attorney resume summary section

A well-crafted resume summary for a contract attorney is vital for capturing the hiring manager's interest. This brief section should highlight your key skills, experiences, and what you can bring to the role. Avoid jargon and focus on what sets you apart. Be concise and ensure every word adds value to your profile.

When describing yourself, it's important to be both assertive and honest. Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Ensure your description aligns with the job you are applying for, showcasing your experience in contract law.

A resume summary is a concise statement highlighting your most relevant qualifications and career achievements. In contrast, a resume objective focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in a new role. A resume profile is similar to a summary but can be a bit longer, providing a broader overview of your skills and experience. A summary of qualifications lists specific skills and achievements, usually in bullet points, giving a quick snapshot of your expertise.

The first example is bad because it is vague and lacks specificity. Phrases like "experienced attorney" and "motivated" are too generic. It doesn't give a clear picture of what you have accomplished or why you stand out. Additionally, it doesn't quantify your experience or notable achievements, which are crucial in grabbing a recruiter's attention.

The second example is good because it provides specific details and quantifiable achievements. Mentioning "8 years of experience" and "managing contracts valued at over $50 million" shows a high level of expertise and responsibility. Words like "specializing," "successfully," and "proven track record" convey confidence and competence. This summary is tailored, highlighting what makes you an exceptional candidate for the role.

Listing your contract attorney skills on your resume

The skills section in your resume can be a standalone section where you list all your key capabilities. Alternatively, you can also incorporate your skills into other sections like experience and summary. When listing your strengths and soft skills, focus on traits like communication, attention to detail, and leadership. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities like contract drafting, legal research, and negotiation.

These skills and strengths can serve as resume keywords, which help your resume get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and employers. Including appropriate keywords ensures that your resume is aligned with the job description, elevating your chances of getting shortlisted.

A standalone skills section is effective because it highlights your abilities clearly and concisely. Including skills relevant to a contract attorney showcases your expertise and assures the recruiter of your capabilities. Skills like Contract Drafting, Legal Research, and Negotiation are key for contract attorneys. Moreover, listing skills in a structured format makes it easy for ATS to scan and match your profile with the job requirements.

Best hard skills to feature on your contract attorney resume

A contract attorney should have specific hard skills that demonstrate your expertise in the field. These skills should communicate your ability to handle contracts efficiently, ensuring legal compliance and mitigating risks.

Best soft skills to feature on your contract attorney resume

A contract attorney should also possess unique soft skills that emphasize your personal attributes and how well you can work with others. These skills should communicate your ability to handle complex tasks, work under pressure, and collaborate effectively.

How to include your education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your resume as a contract attorney. It showcases your qualifications and academic history, proving your readiness for the role. Tailoring this section to the job you're applying for is essential. Only include relevant education; unrelated degrees can clutter your resume.

When listing your degree, be clear and precise. Include your institution's name, location, and the dates you attended. If your GPA is above 3.0, it's a good idea to list it. If you graduated cum laude, mention it as it highlights your achievement.

The above example is poorly written for a contract attorney position. It includes an irrelevant degree, fails to highlight significant achievements, and omits key details like relevant coursework or honors.

This example is well-tailored for a contract attorney. It emphasizes a relevant degree, includes academic honors, and shows a strong GPA. These details make the candidate stand out and demonstrate their qualifications for the role.

How to include contract attorney certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your contract attorney resume is crucial as it showcases your specialized skills and qualifications. Certificates can also be highlighted in the header of your resume for immediate visibility.

Here's how you can do it:

Write the name of the certificate clearly. List the date of issuance next to the certificate's name. Add the issuing organization to give it credibility. This way, the recruiter can instantly recognize your qualifications and expertise.

If you prefer to incorporate certificates in the header, format it like this:

JANE DOE, JD Certified Contract Law Specialist – State Bar of California

For a standalone section, an effective example would look like:

This example is effective because it lists relevant certificates that directly relate to a contract attorney’s role. Each certificate is clear, with issuance details that validate your credentials. Highlighting these qualifications makes your resume stand out to potential employers, reflecting your dedication and expertise in contract law.

Extra sections to include in your contract attorney resume

Creating a strong resume as a contract attorney involves more than just listing your job experience. You’ll want to demonstrate your full range of skills and commitments, showing potential employers your well-rounded personality.

• Language section — Indicate your proficiency in multiple languages to showcase your ability to work with diverse clients and legal documents. • Hobbies and interests section — Reveal your well-rounded personality by listing relevant hobbies, such as reading legal journals or playing chess. • Volunteer work section — Demonstrate your commitment to the community by noting any pro bono legal work or other types of volunteerism. • Books section — Highlight your continuous learning mindset by mentioning books you’ve read on law, ethics, or negotiation skills.

Pair your contract attorney resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It allows you to introduce yourself, highlight your key achievements, and explain why you are the perfect fit for the position. This letter provides context to your resume, allowing you to express your enthusiasm and personality, which can help you stand out from other applicants.

For a contract attorney, a cover letter should focus on your experience in contract law, including any notable cases you have worked on, and your ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously. Emphasize your understanding of contract negotiation, risk assessment, and your track record of ensuring compliance with legal standards. It’s also crucial to highlight relevant skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and excellent communication abilities.

Ready to create your standout cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder. It’s user-friendly and lets you export your letter as a PDF, protecting your content and formatting.