Lateral Attorney Resume Examples

Crafting a lateral attorney resume can be tricky, often feeling like trying to argue a case with one hand tied behind your back. You have the skills and experience, but translating that into a powerful resume is a different challenge. Whether you're aiming to switch firms, specialize in a new area of law, or climb the corporate ladder, you need a resume that highlights your unique value. Many lateral attorneys find themselves unsure how to present their experience in a way that stands out. A polished, tailored resume can make or break your job search in the competitive legal landscape. Let's close the case on resume ambiguity and open the door to new opportunities.

Choosing the right resume template is vital for lateral attorneys. It helps you display your expertise, achievements, and career trajectory clearly and impressively. The right format can make recruiters notice your application among hundreds of others, increasing your chances of landing that desired position.

Need help? We offer more than 700 resume examples tailored for lateral attorneys. Start crafting your perfect resume today!

What to focus on when writing your lateral attorney resume

A lateral attorney resume should convey your ability to adapt and excel in a new work environment. Highlight your legal expertise, successful case outcomes, and any specialized skills. Showcase your ability to work under pressure and your strong analytical capacities. Including elements like significant case wins, proficiency in multiple legal areas, affiliations with prestigious legal organizations, and advanced certifications can boost your resume’s impact.

• Detailed descriptions of landmark cases you've worked on.
• Any ongoing legal education or certifications.
• Partnerships or collaborations with other legal professionals.
• Awards or recognitions in the legal field.

Must have information on your lateral attorney resume

A lateral attorney resume needs specific sections to effectively showcase your legal expertise and experience to prospective employers. Essential resume sections include:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Legal Experience
• Education
• Bar Admissions
• Skills

Additional sections like Certifications, Professional Affiliations, and Publications can further strengthen your resume, providing a more comprehensive view of your qualifications. These sections help to highlight your involvement in the legal field and any specialized knowledge or accomplishments.

Which resume format to choose

For a lateral attorney resume, the best format is a reverse-chronological one. It allows employers to quickly see your recent experience, which is crucial in the legal industry. Using modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat can help you stand out compared to the traditional Arial and Times New Roman. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact for any recipient. Keep your margins at 1 inch to ensure readability and avoid clutter. Use clear section headings like "Experience" and "Education" because they help Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) identify key areas of your resume.

Your lateral attorney resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Summary or Objective
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications
• Publications
• Professional Affiliations

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How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing the experience section of your resume as a lateral attorney can be challenging. You need to ensure that it is well-organized and highlights your significant achievements. When organizing your resume, list your jobs in reverse chronological order to show your most recent experience first. Limit your experience to the past 10-15 years unless earlier roles are highly relevant. Mention specific job titles that match the roles you're applying for.

Tailor your resume to match the job you're applying for. Highlight experiences and skills that align with the job description. Use strong action words such as "led," "managed," "developed," and "negotiated" to describe your past work. Instead of listing responsibilities, emphasize your successes and the impact you had.

Consider the following examples:

This example is poorly written because it lacks specific details and measurable achievements. The descriptions are generic, and there are no quantifiable results. It doesn’t show the impact of your work or how it benefitted your previous employer.

Now, let's consider a more effective example:

This second example is excellent because it focuses on achievements rather than responsibilities. It includes specific numbers and results, showcasing your successes and the tangible benefits of your work. This makes you appear more capable and effective to a potential employer.

Lateral attorney resume experience examples

Welcome to a section that's "exemplary" in every sense of the word! Whether you're aiming to showcase your skills, achievements, or leadership qualities, we've got the templates to help you attain "law-some" results.

Achievement-focused

Highlighting your professional milestones shows potential employers what you're capable of achieving. Make sure each bullet point quantifies your accomplishments.

Skills-focused

Emphasizing your key skills makes it clear how you can contribute to the company culture and deliver results. Focus on relevant skills that align with the attorney role.

Responsibility-focused

Highlighting your responsibilities can demonstrate your dedication to your role and your capacity to handle important tasks. Employers value candidates who can take charge effectively.

Project-focused

Discussing specific projects you’ve worked on can make a strong impression. Provide details about your role and the project's success.

Result-focused

Focusing on results can show employers how you positively impacted your previous positions. Use statistics and outcomes where possible.

Industry-Specific Focus

Highlighting your experience in a specific industry can demonstrate your expertise and familiarity with unique legal challenges in that sector.

Problem-Solving focused

Demonstrating how you effectively solve problems can make you an attractive candidate. Be specific about the challenges faced and your solutions.

Innovation-focused

Showing innovation in your roles can set you apart as a forward-thinking attorney. Highlight any new approaches or methods you introduced.

Leadership-focused

Leadership experience can be invaluable. Emphasize your experience in leading teams, departments, or initiatives.

Customer-focused

Customer focus is crucial in the legal field. Highlight your experience in maintaining client relationships and ensuring their satisfaction.

Growth-focused

Show how you've contributed to growth, whether it's for your clients, your department, or the company. Growth can give a hiring manager confidence in your abilities.

Efficiency-focused

Efficiency is essential in the legal world. Showcase your ability to streamline processes and improve productivity.

Technology-focused

The legal field is increasingly relying on technology. Highlight your tech-savvy skills and any digital tools you've implemented or utilized.

Collaboration-focused

Inter-departmental collaboration is vital. Showcase your experience in working well with others to achieve common goals.

Training and Development focused

Emphasizing your training and development roles can show your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, both for yourself and others.

Write your lateral attorney resume summary section

The example above is bad. It is too vague and lacks specific details. It does not highlight key achievements or unique skills. Hiring managers may not find it compelling enough to continue reading. It fails to differentiate you from other candidates.

The second example stands out. It is specific about experience and skills. It includes quantifiable achievements and focuses on value to potential employers. This makes you more attractive to hiring managers.

Describing yourself in a resume summary is important. Focus on your experience, skills, and achievements. Use action verbs. Keep it concise and relevant to the job.

Summaries and objectives differ. A summary highlights experience and achievements. An objective states career goals. A resume profile is similar to a summary but more detailed. A summary of qualifications lists key skills and accomplishments.

Make sure your resume summary grabs attention. Give hiring managers a reason to read further. Your goal is to get an interview. Make every word count.

Listing your lateral attorney skills on your resume

When crafting the skills section of your lateral attorney resume, you have the option to create a standalone section or incorporate your skills into other sections such as your experience and summary. This gives you flexibility in how you showcase your abilities.

Strengths and soft skills focus on personal attributes like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities such as legal research, drafting contracts, and litigation.

Using skills and strengths as resume keywords allows your resume to be more easily found by employers searching for specific qualifications. This approach improves your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems and catching the eye of hiring managers.

Here’s an example of a standalone skills section:

This skills section is concise and clearly lists relevant skills. Each skill is specific to the legal field, making it easy for potential employers to see your qualifications at a glance. The selection of skills showcases a broad range of abilities, from legal research to negotiation.

Best hard skills to feature on your lateral attorney resume

Hard skills are practical, teachable abilities that are unique to your role as an attorney. They communicate your technical expertise and your suitability for specific legal tasks. Here are 15 hard skills that are in-demand for lateral attorneys:

Best soft skills to feature on your lateral attorney resume

Soft skills are personal traits that influence how you interact with others. These skills are crucial for team dynamics, client interactions, and navigating complex situations. Here are 15 soft skills that are highly valued for lateral attorneys:

How to include your education on your resume

Your education section is an important part of your lateral attorney resume. This section should highlight your legal education and be tailored to the job you are applying for. Any irrelevant education should not be included. Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order.

Including your GPA can be beneficial, especially if it is high. You should note your GPA if it was above 3.0. If you graduated with honors, like cum laude, this should also be included. Listing your degree should be straightforward; start with the degree, followed by the institution, location, and dates attended.

Example of a badly written education section:

This example is bad because a degree in History is irrelevant for a lateral attorney position. The dates attended are also outdated and unrelated to the law career.

Example of a well-written education section:

This example is good because it lists a relevant degree (Juris Doctor) from a prestigious institution, includes an impressive GPA (3.8 out of 4.0), and notes the honor of graduating cum laude. It focuses on the education that matters for the lateral attorney position.

How to include lateral attorney certificates on your resume

Creating a compelling certificates section on your lateral attorney resume is vital. List the name of each certificate clearly. Include the date when it was obtained. Add the issuing organization to establish credibility. Certificates can also be featured in the header for immediate visibility. For example:

This example is strong because it lists relevant certificates for a lateral attorney role. The issuing organizations are respected in the industry, which adds value. The detail in each certificate ensures they are easily verifiable.

Extra sections to include in your lateral attorney resume

Creating a resume as a lateral attorney requires highlighting your diverse skills, experiences, and interests. It’s essential to present a well-rounded profile that not only showcases your legal expertise but also portrays your unique personality and dedication to the community.

• Language section — Demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages to appeal to firms with international clients or diverse communities. Include specific languages and proficiency levels to show your firm grasp.
• Hobbies and interests section — Include this to show transferable skills and personal traits that make you relatable. This can humanize your resume and set you apart from other candidates.
• Volunteer work section — Highlight your community involvement to showcase your commitment to giving back and your ability to handle responsibilities outside of work. This section can reflect your social skills and dedication.
• Books section — Mention relevant legal books you've read to show your ongoing commitment to learning and staying updated in your field. This can reflect your intellectual curiosity and dedication to your profession.

If you add these sections thoughtfully, you will present a more comprehensive and appealing picture to potential employers. This balanced approach could be the key to standing out in a competitive legal job market.

Pair your lateral attorney resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume in a job application, providing additional context about your skills, experience, and why you are the ideal candidate for the position. It can help the applicant by showcasing their personality and explaining how their background directly matches the job requirements, making them stand out among other candidates.

For a lateral attorney, your cover letter should focus on your relevant legal experience, your understanding of the new firm's practice areas, and how your skills can benefit their team. Discuss significant cases you've handled, legal strategies you've developed, and highlight your ability to work under pressure. Personalize the letter for the firm you are applying to, showing that you have researched them thoroughly and are enthusiastic about what they do.

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