In-House Counsels often struggle with articulating the breadth of their responsibilities in a concise manner, given the diverse legal issues they manage for companies. Our guide provides strategic advice to help In-House Counsels present their multifaceted roles clearly and effectively, illustrating how to prioritize and optimize legal experiences on their resumes.
Stay tuned for more ideas on how to write your in house counsel resume:
- Find different in house counsel 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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Styling your in house counsel resume: layout and format
Pondering the ideal length for your in house counsel resume? Experts suggest keeping it between one and two pages. Opt for the two-page format if you boast over a decade of pertinent experience. Moreover, the resume format you choose is pivotal in showcasing your experience. Consider the:
- Reverse-chronological resume format to spotlight your career journey;
- Functional skill-based resume format if you're light on experience but want to emphasize skills;
- Hybrid resume format to provide recruiters a comprehensive view of both your experience and skills.
Here are some additional tips for your in house counsel resume layout:
- Keep your headline straightforward: mention the job you're targeting, a notable certification abbreviation, or your professional specialty;
- Always customize your in house counsel resume for the specific role, aligning job requirements with your experience in various resume sections;
- After finalizing your resume, save it as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise) to maintain its readability and layout consistency.
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Pro tip
While color can enhance your in house counsel resume by emphasizing key details like headlines, job titles, and degrees, moderation is key. Stick to a primary and a secondary color to maintain professionalism and avoid a cluttered appearance.
Essential sections for a standout corporate counsel resume:
- The top section should combine your header—with accurate contact details—and a concise summary or objective that encapsulates your professional achievements.
- An experience section that chronicles your career trajectory and how each role contributed to your professional development.
- Highlight significant achievements that demonstrate the practical application of your skills, leading to tangible results.
- Include industry-recognized certifications to underscore your technical proficiency or interpersonal skills.
- Detail your educational background relevant to the field.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Relevant Legal Expertise: A proven track record in the areas of law relevant to the company's operations, such as corporate law, labor law, intellectual property rights, contract negotiation, etc.
- Business Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of the business sector of the company, with the ability to provide strategic advice on legal matters impacting the business.
- Risk Management Skills: Evidence of expertise in identifying and managing risks that could impact the business legally or operationally.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including executives, board members, and external partners.
- Professional Ethics: Unquestionable integrity and adherence to professional ethics, often evidenced by references, reputation, or conduct in past roles.
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Designing your in house counsel resume experience to grab recruiters' attention
For the in house counsel position, it's crucial to show how your expertise matches what they're looking for.
Your resume experience section can be a game-changer. Ensure you:
- Feature roles most relevant to the in house counsel job you're targeting.
- Avoid diving too deep into ancient history - unless what you did a decade ago is super relevant to the in house counsel role.
- Structure each bullet to first describe what you did, followed by the skills you utilized, and then the impact of your efforts.
- Quantify your achievements with numbers, possibly highlighting the broader impact on the organization.
- Emphasize transferable skills - those you've gained in past roles that could be valuable in your new role. This showcases your unique professional value.
Crafting the experience section doesn't mean detailing every job you've ever had. Check out the in house counsel resume samples below to see how top professionals present their experience.
Work Experience
Associate In House Counsel
ABC Corporation
2015-2018
- Provided legal counsel and guidance to senior management on corporate governance matters, resulting in enhanced compliance and risk mitigation strategies.
- Drafted and negotiated complex commercial agreements, including licensing agreements and vendor contracts, ensuring favorable terms for the company.
- Managed a team of paralegals and external counsel, effectively coordinating legal support for multiple projects and minimizing costs while maintaining high-quality work.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive intellectual property strategy, resulting in a 30% reduction in copyright infringement cases.
- Conducted due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, identifying potential legal risks and advising on mitigating measures.
Work Experience
Junior In House Counsel
XYZ Industries
2010-2013
- Provided legal advice and representation in commercial litigation cases, resulting in successful outcomes for clients and cost savings of over $1 million.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement compliance programs, ensuring adherence to industry regulations and minimizing legal exposure.
- Negotiated settlement agreements with opposing parties, achieving favorable resolutions and avoiding protracted litigation processes.
- Managed a portfolio of intellectual property assets, including trademarks and patents, resulting in increased protection and monetization opportunities.
- Advised on labor and employment matters, including employee contracts and disciplinary actions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and reducing legal disputes.
Work Experience
Senior In House Counsel
Tech Innovators Inc.
2019-Ongoing
- Providing legal guidance on data privacy and cybersecurity regulations, ensuring compliance with international standards and reducing data breach risks.
- Drafting and reviewing technology-related agreements, including software licensing and service level agreements, resulting in improved contract terms for the company.
- Conducting internal investigations into ethics and compliance matters, implementing corrective actions to enhance the company's ethical culture.
- Collaborating with external counsel on patent applications and infringement disputes, protecting the company's intellectual property rights.
- Developing and delivering training sessions to employees on legal and regulatory topics, increasing awareness and promoting a compliance-focused mindset.
Work Experience
Corporate In House Counsel
Global Enterprises
2013-2017
- Provided strategic legal advice to executive leadership, facilitating informed decision-making and enabling successful business expansions into new markets.
- Managed complex commercial litigation cases, coordinating with external counsel and achieving favorable settlements, saving the company over $2 million in potential damages.
- Led the negotiation of key corporate transactions, including joint ventures and strategic partnerships, resulting in increased market share and revenue growth.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive compliance program, resulting in improved adherence to regulatory requirements and mitigated legal risks.
- Advised on intellectual property matters, conducting patent portfolio assessments and resolving infringement issues, safeguarding the company's innovative products.
Work Experience
Legal Counsel
International Trading Co.
2018-2021
- Provided legal support for mergers and acquisitions, conducting due diligence reviews and drafting transactional documents, resulting in successful deal closures.
- Advised on regulatory compliance matters, including anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, ensuring adherence and minimizing legal risks.
- Managed complex contract negotiations with international vendors, achieving cost savings of 15% through favorable terms and conditions.
- Developed and implemented a global export control program, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and avoiding potential penalties.
- Participated in cross-functional teams to assess and address product liability risks, resulting in enhanced product safety standards and reduced legal exposure.
Work Experience
Technology In House Counsel
Innovative Tech Solutions
2022-Ongoing
- Providing legal advice on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.
- Drafting and negotiating commercial agreements for technology licensing and partnerships, protecting the company's intellectual property rights and fostering innovation.
- Conducting legal research and analysis on privacy and data protection laws, developing policies and procedures to safeguard sensitive information.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to evaluate and mitigate legal risks associated with new product launches and marketing campaigns.
- Advising on corporate governance matters, including board meetings and shareholder relations, ensuring compliance and promoting good governance practices.
Work Experience
Environmental In House Counsel
Green Solutions Ltd.
2014-2019
- Provided legal counsel on environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives, guiding the company towards eco-friendly practices and reducing carbon emissions by 20%.
- Negotiated favorable settlements in product liability claims, mitigating financial risks and preserving the company's reputation.
- Managed regulatory investigations and audits, ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations and implementing corrective actions.
- Drafted and reviewed complex contracts, including manufacturing and distribution agreements, resulting in improved risk allocation and cost savings.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement corporate social responsibility programs, enhancing the company's public image.
Work Experience
International Trade In House Counsel
Global Tech Solutions
2011-2015
- Provided legal advice on international trade matters, including export controls and customs regulations, ensuring compliance and facilitating smooth operations.
- Negotiated and drafted licensing agreements for the company's software products, resulting in increased revenue streams and market expansion.
- Managed intellectual property portfolios, conducting patent searches and filing applications, protecting the company's inventions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address regulatory challenges in emerging markets, enabling successful market entry and minimizing legal obstacles.
- Advised on employment law matters, including contract negotiations and dispute resolution, ensuring fair practices and minimizing litigation risks.
Work Experience
Media In House Counsel
Entertainment Enterprises
2020-Ongoing
- Providing legal guidance on digital media and entertainment matters, including content licensing and copyright issues, ensuring compliance and protecting intellectual property rights.
- Negotiating agreements with content creators and talent agencies, securing favorable terms and maximizing revenue opportunities.
- Conducting legal reviews of advertising campaigns and marketing materials, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Managing legal disputes and litigation related to intellectual property infringement, achieving successful resolutions and protecting the company's assets.
- Advising on privacy and data protection laws, developing policies and practices to safeguard customer data and mitigate legal risks.
Work Experience
Employment In House Counsel
Professional Services Group
2009-2013
- Provided legal counsel and representation in employment discrimination cases, resulting in favorable settlements for clients and preserving company reputation.
- Drafted and negotiated commercial leases and real estate agreements, ensuring favorable terms and minimizing legal disputes.
- Managed corporate governance matters, including board meetings and shareholder communications, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Conducted due diligence for corporate transactions, identifying potential legal risks and advising on risk mitigation strategies.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive compliance training program, enhancing employee awareness and adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
Quantifying impact on your resume
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Addressing a lack of relevant in house counsel experience
Even if you lack direct in house counsel experience, you can still craft a compelling resume. Here's how:
- Highlight projects or publications that demonstrate your relevant skills or knowledge.
- Emphasize transferable skills, showcasing your adaptability and eagerness to learn.
- In your objective, outline your career aspirations and how they align with the company's goals.
- Consider a functional or hybrid resume format, focusing on skills over chronological experience.
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Pro tip
If your experience section doesn't directly address the job's requirements, think laterally. Highlight industry-relevant awards or positive feedback to underscore your potential.
Highlighting your in house counsel skills
Recruiters look for a mix of technical and personal skills in your in house counsel resume.
Technical or hard skills are specific tools or software you use for the job. They're easy to spot through your education and work achievements.
On the other hand, soft skills like communication or adaptability show how you work with others. They come from both your personal and work life.
To showcase your skills:
- Have a skills section for technical abilities and another for personal strengths.
- Be clear about your skills. Name the exact tools you use and describe how you've used your soft skills.
- Avoid common terms like "Microsoft Office" unless the job specifically asks for them.
- Choose up to ten key skills and organize them in different sections of your resume.
Make your resume pop with top technical and personal skills that recruiters value.
Top skills for your in house counsel resume
HARD SKILLS
Legal Research
Contract Drafting
Corporate Governance
Dispute Resolution
Intellectual Property Law
Compliance Management
Negotiation
Legal Writing
Risk Assessment
Employment Law
SOFT SKILLS
Communication
Ethical Judgment
Problem Solving
Time Management
Analytical Thinking
Detail-Oriented
Stress Management
Collaboration
Confidentiality
Conflict Resolution
Pro tip
Double-check the spelling of all skills and tools on your resume. Remember, software like the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) scans for these details.
Highlighting your educational and certification milestones on your in house counsel resume
While skills alignment is increasingly prioritized, your educational background and certifications still play a pivotal role in establishing credibility.
To effectively present your academic and certification achievements:
- Detail your educational journey, including the institution and duration.
- Highlight recent and relevant certifications, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning.
- Be concise; focus on the skills and knowledge gained rather than exhaustive details.
- If a certification is in progress, mention the expected completion date.
Remember, authenticity is key. If a certification is pending, be transparent about it.
Best certifications to list on your resume
Pro tip
List your degrees in reverse order, starting with the newest. A recent PhD or unique field could set you apart.
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Crafting the in house counsel resume summary or objective: a blend of achievements, aspirations, and uniqueness
Whether you opt for a resume summary or objective depends on your career trajectory.
- If you have a rich tapestry of relevant achievements, a resume summary can spotlight these accomplishments.
- If you're relatively new or transitioning, a resume objective can articulate your aspirations and how they align with the role.
Regardless of your choice, this section should encapsulate your unique value proposition, blending your technical and interpersonal strengths.
Resume summary and objective examples for a in house counsel resume
How to include other relevant sections for your in house counsel resume
Apart from the standard sections listed in this guide, you have the opportunity to get creative when building your profile.
Select additional resume sections that you deem align with the role, the department, or the company culture.
Here are the ones we recommend:
- Language skills - use a profficiency framework to indicate your aptitude level;
- Hobbies and interests - you can share more about your favorite books or how you spend your time. It's great for culture alignment;
- Volunteering - helps you highlight the causes you care about and hints at people skills you gained such as teamwork, emotional intelligence, and organizational skills;
- Awards - the space for your most prominent in house counsel professional accolades and achievements.
Make sure that these sections don't take too much away from your experience, but instead build up your in house counsel professional profile. You can add them as a second column to your resume, or on a second page.
Key takeaways
- Keep your in house counsel resume clear and organized with key sections.
- Only include relevant details. Space is limited.
- Support your achievements with both hard and soft skills.
- Detail your experience, focusing on your industry expertise.
- Highlight the most relevant certifications to show your dedication to the field.
