A significant challenge that contract attorneys often face on their resumes is demonstrating the breadth of their expertise across multiple areas of law due to varied and short-term engagements. Our comprehensive guide can assist in this by offering targeted strategies to effectively highlight diverse legal skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that emphasizes adaptability and proficiency in a range of legal situations.
Stay tuned for more ideas on how to write your contract attorney resume:
- Find different contract attorney resume examples to serve as inspiration to your professional presentation.
- How to use the summary or objective to highlight your career achievements.
- How to create the experience section to tell your story.
- Must have certificates and what to include in the education section of your resume.
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Structuring your contract attorney resume to engage recruiters
The presentation of your contract attorney resume is crucial.
Is it easy to read and well-organized? Does it have a logical flow?
Avoid overwhelming recruiters with a cluttered document. Instead, follow these best practices to ensure a consistent resume format:
- Include a header in the top third of your contract attorney resume for easy contact and quick access to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
- In the experience section, start with your most recent role and detail your career in a reverse-chronological order.
- Unless specified, submit your resume as a PDF to maintain its layout. Some companies might request other formats.
- If you're applying for a senior position and have over a decade of relevant experience, a two-page contract attorney resume is acceptable. Otherwise, aim for a single page.
Keep in mind market-specific formats – for example, a Canadian resume might follow a different structure.
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Pro tip
At the end of the day, recruiters care most about how easily they can scan and read your resume layout. Unless you're aiming for a role in a creative field, it might be best to stick with a straightforward layout and format. Instead, put your energy into showcasing your experience.
The five (plus) definite sections your resume for a contract attorney job should include are:
- Header with your headline, contact details, and/or a preview of your work
- Summary (or objective) to pinpoint how your success aligns with the role
- Experience with bullets of your most relevant achievements in the field
- Skills to integrate vital job requirements (both technical and personal)
- Your further dedication to the field, showcased via relevant higher education and/or certifications
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Legal Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of the relevant area or areas of law and knowledge of legal principles, procedures, and terminology.
- Experience with Contracts: Specific experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of contracts. Understanding of contract law is essential.
- Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough legal research and analysis and present findings in a clear and concise manner.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.
- Professionalism and Ethics: Adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards, along with a clean disciplinary record.
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guide to your most impressive contract attorney resume experience section
When it comes to your resume experience, stick to these simple, yet effective five steps:
- Show how your experience is relevant by including your responsibility, skill used, and outcome/-s;
- Use individual bullets to answer how your experience aligns with the job requirements;
- Think of a way to demonstrate the tangible results of your success with stats, numbers, and/or percentages ;
- Always tailor the experience section to the contract attorney role you're applying for - this may sometimes include taking out irrelevant experience items;
- Highlight your best (and most relevant) achievements towards the top of each experience bullet.
You're not alone if you're struggling with curating your experience section. That's why we've prepared some professional, real-life contract attorney resume samples to show how to best write your experience section (and more).
- Drafted and reviewed contracts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and minimizing risks for ABC Corporation.
- Negotiated favorable terms and conditions resulting in cost savings of over $500,000 for the company.
- Managed a caseload of 50+ contract matters simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet tight deadlines.
- Conducted legal research on various issues related to contract law and provided recommendations to senior attorneys.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Advised XYZ Company on contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
- Assisted in the resolution of contract disputes, resulting in a 20% decrease in litigation costs for the company.
- Reviewed and revised template agreements to streamline the contracting process and improve efficiency.
- Prepared legal opinions and memoranda analyzing complex contractual issues for internal stakeholders.
- Collaborated with outside counsel on high-profile merger and acquisition deals, providing valuable legal insights.
- Represented clients in contract negotiations, securing favorable terms resulting in increased profitability.
- Drafted and reviewed a wide range of agreements, including vendor contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and licensing agreements.
- Conducted due diligence on potential business partners, identifying potential legal risks and recommending risk mitigation strategies.
- Managed contract disputes and negotiated settlements on behalf of clients, resulting in substantial cost savings.
- Provided legal counsel to senior management on contractual matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for contract-related inquiries from internal stakeholders at DEF Corporation.
- Develop and implement standardized contract templates, reducing review time by 30% and enhancing consistency.
- Conduct periodic audits of existing contracts to identify areas for improvement and update clauses accordingly.
- Advise business units on contract interpretation and negotiate favorable terms, resulting in improved profitability.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate the efficient execution and management of contracts.
- Managed a team of contract attorneys, assigning tasks and providing guidance on complex legal issues.
- Drafted and negotiated multi-million-dollar technology licensing agreements for GHI Company.
- Conducted intellectual property due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring protection of valuable assets.
- Analyzed and interpreted federal and state laws and regulations impacting contract drafting and negotiation.
- Implemented contract management software, streamlining the contract lifecycle process and increasing efficiency.
- Advised clients on international contract law matters, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and minimizing risks.
- Negotiated complex cross-border agreements resulting in successful expansion into new markets for clients.
- Drafted and reviewed joint venture agreements, technology transfer agreements, and distribution agreements.
- Conducted legal research on emerging issues in international contract law to provide up-to-date guidance to clients.
- Represented clients in arbitration proceedings and successfully resolved contractual disputes.
- Provided legal support to the procurement team, reviewing and negotiating vendor contracts for JKL Corporation.
- Developed and implemented a contract management system, improving tracking and monitoring of contract obligations.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to identify potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Managed contract disputes and worked closely with outside counsel to achieve favorable resolutions.
- Conducted training sessions for employees on contract-related legal issues to enhance their understanding.
- Assisted in the negotiation and drafting of employment contracts for MNO Company's executive team.
- Conducted legal research on labor and employment laws to ensure compliance in employment agreements.
- Reviewed and revised employee handbooks and policies to align with current legal requirements.
- Provided guidance on termination and severance agreements, adhering to applicable legal standards.
- Participated in mediation sessions and successfully resolved employment-related disputes on behalf of the company.
- Managed a high-volume caseload of contract matters, including drafting, negotiation, and enforcement of agreements.
- Advised clients on intellectual property licensing agreements, ensuring protection of their valuable assets.
- Conducted legal due diligence for corporate transactions, identifying potential risks and providing recommendations.
- Negotiated settlements in contract disputes, saving clients substantial litigation costs.
- Developed and delivered training programs on contract law for internal staff and clients.
- Supported the legal department of PQR Corporation by drafting and reviewing commercial contracts.
- Analyzed and advised on regulatory compliance issues related to contract management and execution.
- Maintained and updated the contract database, ensuring accurate and organized records.
- Assisted in the negotiation of service agreements with third-party vendors, resulting in cost savings.
- Collaborated with internal teams to develop contract templates and streamline the contracting process.
Quantifying impact on your resume
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Strategies for candidates with limited resume experience
Lack of extensive experience doesn't mean you can't make a strong impression. Here's how:
- Thoroughly understand the role's requirements and reflect them in key resume sections.
- Highlight transferable skills and personal attributes that make you a valuable candidate.
- Use the resume objective to articulate your growth vision within the company.
- Emphasize technical alignment through relevant certifications, education, and skills.
Remember, your resume's primary goal is to showcase how you align with the ideal candidate profile. The closer you match the job requirements, the higher your chances of securing an interview.
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Pro tip
Highlight what sets your experience apart. Incorporate metrics, feedback, and the tangible value you've added to organizations. This specificity ensures your resume remains pertinent and memorable.
How to create an impactful contract attorney resume skills section
Recruiters always care about the skill set you'd bring about to the contract attorney role. That's why it's a good idea to cherry pick yours wisely, integrating both hard (or technical) and soft skills.
Hard skills are gained through studying, are certifiable, and it's impossible to do your job without them. All in all, they show your suitability for the technical aspect of the role.
Your soft skills are those personality traits you've gained over time and most often than not - outside of the workplace. Soft skills are more difficult to quantify but are definitely worth it - as they show how you'll fit and adapt into a new team environment.
How do you build the skills section of your resume?
- Include up to five or six skills in the section as keywords to align with the advert.
- Create a specific technical skills section to highlight your hard skills aptitude.
- Read more about the culture of the company you're applying and cherry pick the soft skills you have that deserve a mention.
- Make sure you answer the majority of the job requirements that are in the advert within your skills section.
A contract attorney's resume requires a specific skill set that balances both industry-specific hard skills with personal, soft skills. Discover the most often used ones on contract attorney resumes from our list:
Top skills for your contract attorney resume:
Legal Research Tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Contract Management Software (e.g., ContractWorks, Agiloft)
Document Automation Software (e.g., HotDocs, Contract Express)
E-Discovery Tools (e.g., Relativity, Logikcull)
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Collaboration Tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
Case Management Systems (e.g., Clio, MyCase)
Time Tracking Software (e.g., Harvest, Toggl)
Billing and Invoicing Software (e.g., QuickBooks, Bill4Time)
Regulatory Compliance Tools
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Time Management
Problem-Solving
Interpersonal Skills
Adaptability
Conflict Resolution
Ethical Judgment
Pro tip
Sometimes, basic skills mentioned in the job ad can be important. Include them in your resume, but don't give them too much space.
Contract attorney resume: certifications and education
Boost your contract attorney resume by:
- Featuring recent and relevant certificates.
- Listing basic details: certificate name, school, and dates.
- If you lack experience, highlight skills from your education.
- Only include valid license numbers if needed.
Job ads often list desired education and certificates. Match these with top industry certificates.
Best certifications to list on your resume
Pro tip
If you have basic certificates, place them in the skills or experience section. This saves space for high-demand industry certificates.
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Should you add a summary or objective to your contract attorney resume?
Choose between:
- Resume summary to match job needs with your top wins.
- Resume objective to share your career goals.
Both should tell recruiters about your best moments. Keep them short, around five sentences. Check out our sample structures for guidance.
Resume summary and objective examples for a contract attorney resume
- Accomplished contract attorney with an impressive 10-year track record in international contract negotiation, boasting a robust understanding of commercial and corporate law. Recognized for proficiency in risk management, with demonstrated success in safeguarding clients against potential legal problems.
- Results-driven professional with over 7 years of experience in the financial sector, seeking to leverage skills in complex contract review and negotiation to transition into contract law. Noted for excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, with a background in assisting major acquisitions worth $1B.
- Exceptionally skilled IT professional with a decade of experience managing software development contracts, eager to apply this background to a career in contract law. Proven track record in understanding and addressing contractual needs of technical projects, while ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Seasoned business consultant with 8 years of expertise in constructing business proposals and agreements, looking to pivot towards contract law. Outstanding ability to interpret and explain legal terminology and implications to clients, thus ensuring better decision-making processes.
- An ambitious law graduate keen on contributing to a progressive firm by providing support in contract review, drafting, and negotiation. Adept at researching and analyzing legal statutes, regulations, and case law to ensure accurate information is relayed to clients.
- Newly licensed attorney seeking an opportunity to apply knowledge gained during Juris Doctor degree studies in contract law. Eager to bring strong research, drafting, and negotiation skills to a dynamic legal team, with an unwavering commitment to client service and ethical practice.
Extra sections to boost your contract attorney resume
Add more sections to show off your unique skills and personality.
- Projects - Include any impressive ones you've done outside of work.
- Awards - Show off any industry recognition.
- Volunteering - Share causes you care about and skills you've gained.
- Personality - Hobbies or favorite books can give a glimpse into who you are.
Key takeaways
- Effective contract attorney resumes are well-structured, weaving a compelling career narrative.
- Choose between a resume summary or objective based on your experience and the impression you aim to create.
- If lacking in direct experience, leverage other roles, such as internships or contract positions, to demonstrate alignment with the contract attorney role.
- Be discerning in listing hard and soft skills, ensuring relevance and showcasing outcomes.
- Always tailor your resume for each contract attorney application, ensuring alignment with job requirements.
