Hard skills are specialized legal abilities such as litigation strategy, legal research, and courtroom procedures that a litigation attorney must master to effectively represent clients.
Litigation Attorney Resume Examples & Templates
Looking to make your mark as a litigation attorney? Our litigation attorney resume examples will help you showcase your legal research, negotiation skills, and courtroom experience to capture employers' attention.
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Popular Litigation Attorney Resume Examples
Discover our top litigation attorney resume examples that emphasize key skills such as legal research, negotiation, and trial preparation. These examples will help you showcase your expertise and achievements effectively.
Ready to build your exceptional resume? Our Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates specifically designed for legal professionals, making it simple to stand out in the competitive job market.
Entry-level litigation attorney resume
What this resume does well:
This entry-level resume for a litigation attorney shows the applicant's substantial achievements, such as successful case resolutions and effective cost-reduction strategies. New professionals in this field need to showcase their legal skills, academic accomplishments, and relevant certifications to reassure employers of their capabilities despite limited practical experience.
Mid-career litigation attorney resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively showcases the applicant's qualifications by highlighting significant achievements and responsibilities in litigation. The strategic presentation of skills and experiences illustrates readiness for advanced legal challenges, signaling a strong career trajectory and leadership potential.
Experienced litigation attorney resume
What this resume does well:
This work experience section illustrates the applicant’s extensive litigation experience, emphasizing their management of over 50 cases annually and a remarkable 95% success rate in trials. The clear bullet-point format improves readability, making it ideal for busy hiring managers seeking quick insights into accomplishments.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Victoria Gray
Spokane, WA 99203
(555)555-5555
Victoria.Gray@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced litigation attorney with 8 years in case management, negotiation, and courtroom strategy. Proven track record of enhancing client outcomes and leading complex legal cases with notable results.
Work History
Litigation Attorney
Keystone Legal Associates - Spokane, WA
January 2024 - October 2025
- Led 15% more cases annually.
- Negotiated settlements improving client outcomes.
- Drafted legislation impacting 1M claims.
Legal Advocate
Law Horizons Group - Tacoma, WA
July 2020 - January 2024
- Managed 50+ client cases.
- Developed strategies for courtroom.
- Increased client retention by 20%.
Legal Consultant
Juris Insights LLP - Seattle, WA
January 2017 - June 2020
- Advised companies on compliance.
- Conducted research on legal trends.
- Reduced project costs by 10K.
Skills
- Legal Research
- Case Management
- Negotiation
- Trial Preparation
- Client Counseling
- Contract Drafting
- Risk Analysis
- Litigation Strategy
Education
Juris Doctor Law
Columbia University School of Law New York, NY
May 2016
Bachelor of Arts Political Science
University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
May 2013
Certifications
- Certified Litigation Specialist - National Bar Association
- Advanced Mediation Techniques - American Arbitration Association
- Professional Ethics in Law - Legal Education Society
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Beginner (A1)
- Mandarin - Beginner (A1)
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How to Write a Litigation Attorney Resume Summary
Your resume summary is the first thing employers notice, so it’s important to make a strong impression that highlights your expertise as a litigation attorney. In this section, you should emphasize your skills in legal research, negotiation, and trial preparation to showcase your qualifications effectively.
As a litigation attorney, it's important to focus on your experience with case management and courtroom advocacy. Highlighting successful outcomes and relevant cases can set you apart from other job seekers.
To guide you in crafting an strong resume summary, we’ll provide examples that illustrate what works well and what doesn’t:
Weak resume summary
I am a dedicated litigation attorney with years of experience in various legal matters. I seek a position where I can use my skills to achieve great outcomes for clients and the firm. A supportive environment that fosters professional development is essential for me. I believe I can significantly contribute to your team if given the chance.
Why this summary misses the mark:
- Lacks specific examples of legal expertise or notable cases, making it vague
- Emphasizes personal desires rather than highlighting what unique value the applicant brings to the employer
- Uses generic language that fails to convey confidence or distinct qualifications in litigation
Strong resume summary
Results-driven litigation attorney with 8 years of experience in civil litigation, adept at managing complex cases and achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Successfully secured a 90% win rate in jury trials by using strategic legal research and persuasive argumentation skills. Proficient in case management software, dispute resolution, and trial preparation techniques.
Why this summary works:
- Begins with specific years of experience and area of expertise, establishing credibility
- Highlights quantifiable achievement that showcases effectiveness and success in the field
- Mentions relevant technical skills that are critical for a litigation attorney's role
PRO TIP
If formal work experience is not on your resume, consider using a career objective to highlight your ambitions. There are numerous resume objective examples available that can help you stand out in the competitive field of litigation.
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is the cornerstone of your resume as a litigation attorney. This part typically contains the bulk of your content, and effective resume templates always prioritize this section.
Organized in reverse-chronological order, this section lists your previous positions with bullet points detailing your key achievements and contributions. Highlighting specific outcomes will make your experience more compelling to potential employers.
Now, let's look at a couple of examples that illustrate what makes a powerful work history for litigation attorneys. These examples will clarify what stands out and what should be avoided:
Weak work experience
Litigation Attorney
Smith & Associates Law Firm – New York, NY
- Represented clients in court.
- Drafted legal documents and researched cases.
- Communicated with clients and opposing counsel.
- Attended meetings and hearings as required.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
- Lacks specific employment dates to show tenure
- Bullet points do not highlight significant achievements or contributions
- Focuses on general responsibilities rather than outcomes or successes
Strong work experience
Litigation Attorney
Smith & Associates Law Firm – New York, NY
March 2020 - Present
- Represent clients in over 50 civil litigation cases, achieving a 90% success rate in court.
- Conduct thorough legal research and draft persuasive motions, contributing to successful outcomes that saved clients an average of $200,000 per case.
- Mentor junior attorneys on trial strategies and courtroom procedures, improving team performance and client satisfaction.
Why this work experience section works:
- Uses strong action verbs at the start of each bullet point, clearly outlining the attorney’s accomplishments
- Incorporates specific metrics such as success rates and financial savings to quantify the attorney’s impact
- Highlights relevant skills like legal research and mentoring, showcasing the job seeker's comprehensive expertise
While your resume summary and work experience are pivotal, don’t overlook the importance of other sections that improve your profile. Each part plays an important role in presenting your qualifications effectively. For detailed guidance, check out how to write a resume for comprehensive tips.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A skills section is important for a litigation attorney's resume as it quickly showcases your qualifications to potential employers. This area allows you to highlight both your hard and soft skills, making it easier for hiring managers to see how you can contribute to their firm.
For a more effective application, make sure your resume highlights both hard and soft skills.
Soft skills include strong communication, negotiation, and analytical thinking, which are essential for building client relationships and achieving successful case outcomes.
When selecting skills for your resume, it's important to align with what employers expect from potential applicants. Many organizations implement automated screening systems that filter out applicants lacking essential resume skills.
To ensure your application stands out, carefully examine job postings for specific keywords and required skills. Prioritizing these elements will help you capture the attention of both recruiters and ATS, increasing your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
PRO TIP
Ensure your resume stands out in the digital hiring landscape by using our ATS Resume Checker to uncover over 30 common errors and optimize your chances of getting noticed by applicant tracking systems.
10 skills that appear on successful litigation attorney resumes
Improve your resume's appeal to employers by highlighting essential skills sought after in litigation attorneys. These abilities are illustrated in our resume examples, empowering you to pursue opportunities with renewed confidence.
Here are 10 skills you should consider including in your resume if they align with your experience and job criteria:
Analytical reasoning
Strong negotiation
Effective communication
Attention to detail
Research skill
Trial preparation expertise
Client relationship management
Persuasiveness
Time management
Legal writing skill
Based on analysis of 5,000+ law professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Choosing the right resume format for a litigation attorney is important because it clearly highlights your legal expertise, relevant case experience, and professional growth in a compelling manner.
Entry-Level 0 - 2 years
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs
Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with limited legal experience
Mid-Career 3 - 7 years
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally
Best for:
Mid-career professionals focused on demonstrating their skills and seeking growth opportunities
Experienced 8+ years
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order
Best for:
Seasoned litigators with expertise in complex cases and team leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my litigation attorney resume?
Certainly, including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. It allows you to communicate directly with employers and highlight key experiences that may not be evident in your resume. For assistance, consider checking our guide on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator for quick help.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
When applying for jobs abroad, use a CV instead of a resume if the employer specifically requests it or if the job market favors CVs. To assist with this, explore our resources on CV examples and how to write a CV to ensure your application stands out internationally.
What soft skills are important for litigation attorneys?
Soft skills like negotiation, active listening, and empathy are essential for litigation attorneys. These interpersonal skills foster trust with clients and facilitate effective collaboration with colleagues, ultimately leading to stronger case strategies and successful outcomes in the courtroom.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
Highlight your transferable skills such as communication, analytical thinking, and negotiation from previous roles. These abilities showcase your potential to excel in litigation, even if your experience in law is limited. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've successfully managed disputes or built relationships, linking these experiences directly to the responsibilities of a litigation attorney.
How do I write a resume with no experience?
Job seekers with limited experience in litigation can still make a strong impression. Highlight academic achievements, internships, relevant coursework, and skills like research and analytical thinking. Resume with no experience should showcase your passion for law and dedication to justice. Employers value potential and enthusiasm, so focus on what you bring to the table rather than your lack of formal experience.
How do I add my resume to LinkedIn?
To increase your resume's visibility on LinkedIn, add your resume to LinkedIn directly or highlight key skills and achievements in the "About" and "Experience" sections. This approach ensures that recruiters and hiring managers can easily find qualified litigation attorneys like you, improving your chances of being noticed for relevant opportunities.
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