Estate Planning Attorney Resume Examples

Crafting a stellar estate planning attorney resume can feel overwhelming. Your legal expertise is top-notch, but how can you make your resume equally impressive? It’s true; many attorneys struggle with resume writing because selling your own skills is always tricky. Your resume needs to showcase your knowledge in estate planning while also setting you apart from the rest. Whether you're entering the field or seeking a new opportunity, the right resume can be the trustee of your career success. Poorly structured resumes can lead to missed opportunities, and in law, details matter. Don’t let a weak resume be your Achilles heel.

Choosing the right resume template is crucial. A well-designed template can highlight your accomplishments and expertise in estate planning, giving potential employers the confidence that you are meticulous and professional. Stick to professional designs that exude confidence and reliability, embodying the work you do every day.

We offer more than 700 resume examples to help you craft the perfect resume.

What to focus on when writing your estate planning attorney resume

An estate planning attorney resume should convey your expertise in preparing wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents, ensuring they reflect your client's wishes and comply with state laws. Highlight your skills in advising clients on tax implications, asset protection, and the probate process. Showcase your ability to navigate complex financial and legal issues with empathy and precision.

To boost your resume's impact, consider including:

• Certifications in estate planning or related fields.
• Notable cases or successful estate plans you've managed.
• Client testimonials or endorsements.
• Participation in professional organizations like the American Bar Association.

Must have information on your estate planning attorney resume

When crafting your resume as an estate planning attorney, certain sections are essential to effectively convey your expertise and suitability for the role:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Education
• Work Experience
• Licenses and Certifications

You may also want to consider additional sections, such as Skills, Professional Affiliations, or Publications, to further highlight your credentials and achievements in the field. These sections can help set you apart from other candidates and provide a comprehensive view of your professional background.

Which resume format to choose

The best resume format for an estate planning attorney is the reverse-chronological format, as it highlights your experience and career progression effectively. Opt for modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat instead of traditional Arial or Times New Roman to stand out while maintaining professionalism. Always use PDFs as your file type to ensure the formatting remains consistent across different devices and platforms. Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides to keep your resume clean and readable. Use clear section headings; this helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords and make your application more likely to be seen.

Your estate planning attorney resume should have the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Key Skills
• Professional Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• Professional Affiliations
• Publications or Presentations (if applicable)

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all of this for you, ensuring your resume is optimized and professional.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing an effective experience section for your estate planning attorney resume involves a balance of clarity and specific achievements. Consider using this framework to structure your resume:

First, put your most recent job at the top. This makes it easy for recruiters to see your latest work. Generally, it's best to go back 10-15 years in your career. Include roles that highlight your expertise in estate planning, even if the title was slightly different. Tailor each job entry to reflect responsibilities and achievements that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Use impactful action verbs like "advised," "led," "developed," and "implemented." Now, let's look at the examples.

This example is poor because it provides only a basic list of tasks without detailing your achievements or the scope of your responsibilities. It doesn't help employers understand how your work made an impact.

This example is excellent because it focuses on your achievements with specific numbers. It shows not just what you did, but how well you did it. This helps employers see the value you brought to your previous jobs. Your duties are detailed with results, making your experience more compelling.

Estate planning attorney resume experience examples

It's time to tackle the next step in your professional puzzle—highlighting your experience as an estate planning attorney. Let’s make those achievements shine so brightly, they'll leave everyone else in probate.

Achievement-focused

Highlight your major accomplishments to captivate potential employers. Show how your efforts led to significant advancements in your workplace.

Skills-focused

Emphasize your core competencies that make you an outstanding estate planning attorney.

Responsibility-focused

Outline the key responsibilities you managed to show your capability in handling diverse tasks.

Project-focused

Spotlight specific projects you led or contributed to, showcasing your initiative and teamwork.

Result-focused

Demonstrate the tangible results of your efforts and how your work benefited the organization.

Industry-Specific Focus

Describe your expertise within the estate planning sector, including niche specialization.

Problem-Solving focused

Showcase your ability to solve complex issues that others found challenging or insurmountable.

Innovation-focused

Illustrate how you've introduced new ideas or methodologies that led to significant improvements.

Leadership-focused

Emphasize your ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive organizational success.

Customer-focused

Show how your work directly benefited your clients, improving their experience and satisfaction.

Growth-focused

Describe how you contributed to the growth of your organization, either in client base or revenue.

Efficiency-focused

Showcase your ability to make processes more efficient, saving time and resources.

Technology-focused

Highlight your comfort with current technologies used in estate planning.

Collaboration-focused

Describe how you worked with others to achieve common goals.

Training and Development focused

Showcase your efforts to train others, ensuring continued growth and development within the firm.

Write your estate planning attorney resume summary section

Writing your resume summary section is crucial for an estate planning attorney. This section sets the tone for your entire resume. Aim for concise and compelling language that highlights your skills, experience, and what makes you unique. Focus on your main strengths and achievements to catch the employer's attention quickly.

When describing yourself, emphasize your expertise and your ability to deliver results. Use active, confident language. Highlight your years of experience, specific skills, and any notable accomplishments. Make sure to maintain a professional tone, while also reflecting your personal brand.

A resume summary is often confused with similar elements like a resume objective, resume profile, or a summary of qualifications. A resume summary provides a quick overview of your career and main skills, focusing on what you have accomplished. In contrast, a resume objective focuses on your employment goals. A profile is more detailed and akin to a mini bio. Lastly, a summary of qualifications lists your key skills and qualifications bullet-point style.

Here are two examples to clear up any confusion:

The first example is bad because it is vague and lacks specific achievements. It uses generic terms and does not provide any distinctive qualities. It fails to convey the value the attorney would bring to a prospective employer.

The second example is good because it is concise, yet detailed. It mentions specific skills and accomplishments, such as handling multi-million dollar estates. It also defines the attorney's experience and areas of expertise, giving a clear picture of their professional standing.

Listing your estate planning attorney skills on your resume

Writing a compelling skills section for your estate planning attorney resume involves mentioning both hard and soft skills effectively. Skills can be presented in a standalone section or woven into other sections like your experience and summary. Highlighting your strengths and soft skills, such as attention to detail and empathy, can set you apart. Hard skills are specific, teachable knowledge that is essential for job performance, like legal research or drafting wills.

Combining these elements creates resume keywords that catch the eye of hiring managers and software that filters applications. Including relevant skills and strengths ensures your resume aligns with what employers seek.

Here is an example of a standalone skills section:

This example is good because it lists eight essential skills for an estate planning attorney. Each skill is relevant and necessary for the role. The list is specific, concise, and shows a range of expertise from legal research to client relations.

Best hard skills to feature on your estate planning attorney resume

Hard skills are specific, technical abilities needed for the job. For an estate planning attorney, these skills demonstrate competency in essential tasks and legal knowledge.

Best soft skills to feature on your estate planning attorney resume

Soft skills show your ability to interact and work effectively with clients and colleagues. For an estate planning attorney, these skills communicate your interpersonal strengths and versatility.

How to include your education on your resume

Your education section is an important part of your resume, especially when applying for a position as an estate planning attorney. This section should be tailored to the job you're seeking, including only relevant education. Irrelevant education shouldn't be included. When listing your degree, mention the full name of the degree and focus on its relevance to estate planning law. Including your GPA can be beneficial if it's impressive, usually 3.5 or higher. Honors like cum laude should also be included as they highlight your academic excellence.

Below is an example of a poorly written education section:

This example is bad because it lacks details, such as the specific field of study and honors. It also includes information that isn’t relevant to an estate planning attorney position.

An outstanding education section would look like this:

This example is good because it includes relevant information for an estate planning attorney position. It lists the specific degree, impressive GPA, honors, and the duration of study, all of which make your qualifications clear and compelling.

How to include estate planning attorney certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your estate planning attorney resume is crucial as it showcases your expertise and continued professional development. List the name of each certificate clearly. Include the date when you earned each certification. Add the issuing organization for each credential to establish its credibility. You can also put certificates in the header for quick visibility.

For example:

A good example shows certifications directly relevant to estate planning, like "Certified Estate and Trust Specialist" from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. It also includes a "Certified Elder Law Attorney" certification from the National Elder Law Foundation. This example is effective because it highlights relevant certifications and adds credibility by showing the issuing organizations. This approach ensures your qualifications are immediately noticeable and relevant to the role.

Extra sections to include in your estate planning attorney resume

Creating a resume for an estate planning attorney involves highlighting skills, experiences, and attributes that showcase expertise and dedication to legal services. Including diverse sections can create a comprehensive picture of your qualifications and character.

• Language section — Highlight proficiency in multiple languages to demonstrate versatility in client communications and increase business opportunities. Include fluency levels and any certifications obtained for validity.
• Hobbies and interests section — Reveal personal activities to display a well-rounded personality and potentially connect on a personal level with clients. Mention hobbies that subtly enhance relevant skills like analytical thinking or attention to detail.
• Volunteer work section — Show community engagement and dedication to pro bono work to reflect a sense of responsibility and empathy. Include specific roles and achievements in legal volunteer projects to emphasize your commitment.
• Books section — List legal publications or influential books read to demonstrate ongoing education and passion for the field. Mention any contributions to legal literature to establish authority and thought leadership in estate planning law.

Pair your estate planning attorney resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to the potential employer, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. A strong cover letter can capture the employer's interest, set you apart from other candidates, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

For an estate planning attorney, your cover letter should focus on your specialized knowledge in wills, trusts, and estate law. Mention any significant cases or successes you've had in the past and how your expertise can benefit the firm you're applying to. Highlighting your ability to build client relationships and navigate complex legal situations will help you stand out.

Take the next step in crafting your professional future by using Resume Mentor’s cover letter builder. It's user-friendly, ensuring you can easily create a polished cover letter. Plus, exporting to PDF will protect your content and formatting, making a great impression on potential employers.