Tailoring Your Resume for Your Next Lateral Attorney Move
Switching firms as an experienced attorney is both exciting and challenging. Creating a tailored legal resume is one of the most effective ways to land a highly sought-after lateral move, whether it's with an AmLaw 200 firm, boutique law firm, or for an in-house role. Unlike entry-level resumes, lateral resumes for attorneys emphasize specialized expertise, client relationships, and career accomplishments.
This guide will break down how to create a legal resume that captures a company or firm's attention—even when they’re scanning through dozens of them.
Why Tailoring Your Resume Matters
For attorneys pursuing lateral moves, a generic, one-size-fits-all resume won’t cut it. Law firms look for candidates who align closely with their practice areas, firm culture, and client expectations. Tailoring your resume highlights not just your qualifications, but the specific ways you can fill the firm's needs. A well-targeted resume can make the difference between getting an interview or being overlooked.
Focus on Quality and Relevance Over Quantity
Highlight Practice Area Expertise
Firms looking for lateral hires want someone who adds immediate value to their specific practice area. Whether you're in corporate law, environmental litigation, or intellectual property, your resume should emphasize relevant experience.
For example, if you're applying for a corporate law opening, dedicate space to deals and transactions you’ve closed, due diligence you've conducted, or M&A deals you've negotiated. Minimize or eliminate mentions of unrelated practice areas. Tailored resumes make it clear that you specialize in exactly what the hiring firm needs.
Minimize Irrelevant Experience
Don’t be tempted to include every position or accomplishment. Employers value focus. For example, if you've handled environmental law but are applying for a commercial litigation role, avoid overly emphasizing environmental cases. Instead, prioritize your most relevant cases or accomplishments, even if they're a smaller portion of your total career.
Example
Instead of listing all types of cases handled generically, reframe your experience to fit their needs:
Generic
Worked on various litigation cases involving real estate, personal injury, and contract disputes.
Tailored for a commercial litigation role
Led litigation teams in high-stakes contract dispute cases, achieving favorable outcomes for clients across various industries.
Showcase Achievements Using Metrics
When it comes to lateral moves, results speak louder than responsibilities. Don’t just list what you did at previous firms; explain the measurable results your work generated.
Examples of measurable achievements:
"Negotiated M&A deals worth $200 million, achieving client goals while mitigating legal risks."
"Recovered $5 million in damages for a Fortune 500 client in a breach-of-contract lawsuit."
"Reduced startup liability by 30% through expertly drafted agreements."
Metrics grab attention and provide a tangible sense of your value as an attorney.
Use Action-Oriented Language
Words like "assisted" or "helped" fail to convey leadership and ownership over your work. Strong action verbs like “led,” “negotiated,” or “spearheaded” not only sound more powerful but also demonstrate your ability to take initiative and deliver results.
Example
Rather than saying, "Helped prepare contract drafts for clients," write,
"Drafted and negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts, minimizing risks for corporate clients."
Create a Professional Summary That Hooks
For candidates seeking lateral roles, a professional summary at the top of your resume can act as your elevator pitch. This section allows you to highlight your niche expertise, career trajectory, and professional value in just a few lines.
Example
"Corporate attorney with over seven years of experience in M&A and contract law. Adept at structuring deals that reduce client risk and maximize efficiency. Proven ability to manage cross-border transactions and build long-term client relationships."
Keep it concise. Use this space to tailor your summary to the firm’s practice and hiring needs.
Formatting Tips for a Polished Presentation
Prioritize Clarity and Simplicity
Hiring managers spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a resume, so first impressions matter. A cluttered or disorganized resume can reflect poorly on your attention to detail, which is critical in legal professions.
Best Practices
Use a consistent, professional font like Times New Roman or Arial.
Include clear section headers (e.g., Education, Work Experience, Skills).
Keep your resume to one or two pages, depending on your experience.
Avoid colors, images, or graphics that may distract from content.
Utilize bullet points to allow easy scanning and edits. By using bullet points, you can quickly move items up or down based on the priorities of the specific role you are applying for.
Proofread (Then Proofread Again)
Even a small typo could affect your chances of landing a role. Attorneys are expected to have attention to detail, and your resume should reflect that. Use online editing tools or have a trusted colleague review your document for formatting or grammatical errors.
Addressing Employment Gaps or Career Transitions
If you've had time away from the legal field or transitioned into different practice areas, address these gaps strategically on your resume. Briefly explain them either in the resume itself or in your cover letter.
Highlight transferable skills that demonstrate continued professional growth during these periods.
Example
Career Break Tip
If you took time off to handle family responsibilities, you could write something like,
“Managed CLE coursework to maintain active certifications while completing personal obligations.”
Beyond the Resume
Your resume is just one piece of the puzzle. Combine it with a strong LinkedIn profile, an engaging cover letter, and, if applicable, a legal portfolio showcasing significant case briefs or previous publications.
Networking is equally vital. Attend industry events, webinars, or CLE courses to connect with decision-makers in your target firms. A well-placed recommendation or personal connection can open doors your resume might not.
Take the First Step Towards Your Career Move
A tailored legal resume is crucial for attorneys navigating lateral career moves. Focus on relevance, showcase measurable achievements, and keep your document polished and professional. By aligning your resume with the needs of the firm, you can make your application stand out in even the most competitive markets.
Looking for more personalized guidance to refine your resume or explore lateral opportunities? Contact one of our legal recruiters for expert advice on elevating your legal career and preparing for your next lateral move.
