Corporate Lawyer Resume Examples and How to Write
Breaking into corporate law or advancing your legal career in Australia’s competitive market can feel overwhelming, especially when your resume isn’t landing you interviews. With law firms receiving hundreds of applications for each position, your resume needs to immediately demonstrate your legal expertise, commercial acumen, and ability to handle complex corporate matters.
This comprehensive guide provides you with proven corporate lawyer resume examples, templates, and expert strategies tailored specifically for the Australian legal market. Whether you’re a graduate seeking your first corporate law role, an experienced lawyer looking to transition between firms, or re-entering the workforce, you’ll learn how to craft a resume that captures attention and secures interviews with top-tier law firms and corporate legal departments.
We’ll cover everything from optimal formatting and structure to showcasing your legal experience effectively, ensuring your resume aligns with Australian employer expectations and stands out on platforms like SEEK and LinkedIn.
This free sample resume for a corporate lawyer has an accompanying corporate lawyer sample cover letter and sample job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Corporate Lawyer Resume (Text Version)
SARAH MELBOURNE
Corporate Lawyer
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: 0412 345 678
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahmelbourne
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced Corporate Lawyer with 6+ years specialising in mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and corporate governance for ASX-listed companies. Proven track record of successfully managing transactions worth over $500M and reducing contract negotiation timeframes by 35%. Admitted to practice in Victoria and New South Wales with expertise in Corporations Act compliance and regulatory matters.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Associate | Herbert Smith Freehills | Melbourne, VIC | March 2021 – Present
- Led M&A transactions totalling $300M+ for ASX 200 companies, managing due diligence processes and coordinating multidisciplinary teams of 8+ professionals
- Advised on corporate restructures and capital raisings, resulting in successful completion of 15+ transactions with zero regulatory compliance issues
- Negotiated complex commercial agreements including joint ventures, distribution agreements, and licensing deals for Fortune 500 clients
- Mentored 3 junior lawyers and law clerks, improving team efficiency by 25% through streamlined workflow processes
Lawyer | King & Wood Mallesons | Sydney, NSW | February 2019 – February 2021
- Managed corporate law matters for mid-market clients including share acquisitions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance
- Drafted and reviewed commercial contracts worth $50M+ annually, maintaining 99% client satisfaction rating
- Conducted legal research on complex Corporations Act matters and prepared comprehensive legal memoranda for senior partners
- Assisted in major IPO transactions, contributing to successful listings worth $200M+ on ASX
Graduate Lawyer | Ashurst | Melbourne, VIC | February 2018 – January 2019
- Completed rotations across Corporate, Banking & Finance, and Dispute Resolution teams
- Supported senior lawyers in M&A transactions, conducting due diligence and preparing transaction documents
- Researched regulatory requirements and prepared client advisories on changes to Corporations Act
- Maintained detailed matter files and managed client communications for 20+ active matters
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | University of Melbourne | 2017
First Class Honours, Dean’s List recipient
Relevant coursework: Corporate Law, Securities Regulation, Commercial Law, Contract Law
Bachelor of Commerce | University of Melbourne | 2017
Major: Finance, Minor: Economics
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice | College of Law Australia | 2018
SKILLS
Technical Skills: Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Contract Negotiation, Due Diligence, Regulatory Compliance, Securities Law, Commercial Law, IPO Processes
Software Proficiency: LexisNexis, Westlaw AU, iManage, Microsoft Office Suite, DocuSign, Virtual Data Rooms
ADMISSIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
- Admitted to Practice – Supreme Court of Victoria (2018)
- Admitted to Practice – Supreme Court of New South Wales (2019)
- Member – Law Institute of Victoria
- Member – Law Society of New South Wales
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Winner – University of Melbourne Moot Court Competition (2017)
- Published Article – “Corporate Governance Reform in Australia” Australian Law Journal (2022)
- Volunteer Legal Advisor – Justice Connect (2019-Present)
What is The Best Format for a Corporate Lawyer Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the gold standard for corporate lawyer resumes in Australia. This format showcases your career progression and demonstrates the continuous development of your legal expertise, which is crucial in the legal profession where experience and seniority matter significantly.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
- Heading Font: 14-16pt for your name, 12-14pt for section headings
- Body Font: 10-12pt for content (11pt is optimal for readability)
- Font Style: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Margins: 2.5cm on all sides to ensure adequate white space
- File Type: Always submit as PDF unless specifically requested otherwise
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, location (city, state), phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile URL. For corporate lawyers, ensure your email address is professional and avoid using nicknames.
Professional Summary: A concise 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of experience, areas of specialisation, key achievements, and admission status. This section should immediately communicate your value proposition to potential employers.
Professional Experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements rather than just duties. Use specific metrics and highlight notable transactions or clients where appropriate.
Education: Critical for lawyers – include your law degree, any additional qualifications, honours received, and relevant coursework. For corporate lawyers, business or commerce qualifications are also valuable.
Other Essential Sections: Admissions and certifications, professional memberships, key skills (both technical legal skills and software proficiency), and relevant additional achievements such as publications or awards.
What Experience Should Be on Your Corporate Lawyer Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your progression in corporate law and highlight achievements that show your capability to handle complex legal matters. Focus on quantifiable results, notable transactions, and the scope of your responsibilities. Australian employers particularly value experience with ASX-listed companies, major transactions, and regulatory compliance under Australian law.
Key elements to include: transaction values and types, client categories (ASX-listed, multinational, etc.), team leadership experience, regulatory expertise, and specific legal areas of focus. Always use action verbs and include metrics where possible.
Correct Example:
Senior Associate | Clayton Utz | Sydney, NSW | January 2020 – Present
- Led M&A transactions valued at $400M+ for ASX 200 companies, managing cross-border acquisitions and domestic mergers with 100% completion rate
- Advised 25+ clients on Corporations Act compliance, resulting in zero regulatory breaches and successful completion of all ASIC filings
- Negotiated complex commercial agreements including $50M+ joint venture agreements for mining and resources clients
- Supervised team of 4 junior lawyers and paralegals, implementing efficiency processes that reduced document review time by 30%
Incorrect Example:
Senior Associate | Clayton Utz | Sydney, NSW | January 2020 – Present
- Worked on various M&A transactions
- Provided advice to clients on corporate law matters
- Drafted contracts and agreements
- Supervised junior staff members
Entry-Level Corporate Lawyer Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level corporate lawyers, focus on your graduate program experiences, internships, clerkships, and any practical legal experience gained during law school. Highlight your exposure to different practice areas and any client interaction or transaction involvement.
Correct Example:
Graduate Lawyer | Allens | Melbourne, VIC | February 2023 – Present
- Completing rotations across Corporate M&A, Capital Markets, and Banking & Finance teams, gaining exposure to transactions worth $200M+
- Conducted comprehensive due diligence for 5+ mid-market acquisitions, identifying key legal and commercial risks
- Drafted ancillary transaction documents including disclosure letters, board resolutions, and ASX announcements under senior lawyer supervision
- Researched complex regulatory requirements and prepared detailed legal memoranda for partner review on Corporations Act compliance matters
Incorrect Example:
Graduate Lawyer | Allens | Melbourne, VIC | February 2023 – Present
- Currently working in different departments as part of graduate program
- Helping with various legal matters
- Learning about corporate law
- Assisting senior lawyers with their work
How to Write the Education Section for Your Corporate Lawyer Resume
Education is fundamental for corporate lawyers, as it establishes your legal credentials and demonstrates your academic foundation. In Australia, employers pay close attention to your law school, academic performance, and any additional qualifications that enhance your commercial understanding. For corporate lawyers, business or commerce qualifications are particularly valued as they demonstrate commercial acumen essential for advising clients on business matters.
Include your law degree, any honours received, relevant coursework that aligns with corporate law, and your practical legal training. If you graduated within the last 5-7 years or achieved high academic honours, include your GPA or academic distinctions. Additional business qualifications, such as an MBA or commerce degree, should also be prominently featured.
Corporate Lawyer Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | University of Sydney | 2019
First Class Honours, University Medal recipient
Relevant coursework: Corporate Law, Securities Regulation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Commercial Law, Contract Law, Competition Law
Bachelor of Commerce | University of Sydney | 2019
Major: Finance and Accounting, WAM: 85
Dean’s List recipient (2017, 2018, 2019)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice | Australian National University | 2020
Corporate Law Electives: Advanced M&A Practice, Capital Markets Regulation
Continuing Professional Development
- Advanced Corporate Governance Certificate | Australian Institute of Company Directors | 2022
- Securities Law Update Seminar | Law Council of Australia | 2023
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Corporate Lawyer Resume
The skills section is crucial for corporate lawyers as it immediately communicates your technical expertise and areas of specialisation to potential employers. Focus on including 8-12 highly relevant skills that align with the specific role you’re targeting. Balance technical legal skills with software proficiency and commercial understanding. Tailor this section to match the job description, ensuring you include both hard skills (specific legal knowledge and software) and soft skills that are essential for client relationships and team collaboration.
Corporate Lawyer Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Corporate Governance and Compliance
- Securities Law and Capital Markets
- Contract Negotiation and Drafting
- Due Diligence Management
- Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) Expertise
- IPO and Capital Raising Processes
- Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances
- Regulatory Compliance (ASIC, ASX)
- Commercial Litigation Support
- Financial Services Regulation
- Competition and Consumer Law
Corporate Lawyer Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Client Relationship Management
- Strategic Commercial Thinking
- Project Management and Leadership
- Cross-functional Team Collaboration
- Analytical and Problem-solving
- Attention to Detail and Accuracy
- Effective Written and Oral Communication
- Time Management and Prioritisation
- Mentoring and Team Development
- Adaptability and Learning Agility
How to Pick the Best Corporate Lawyer Skills:
- Match the job description: Carefully review the position requirements and mirror the language used, ensuring your skills align with what the employer is seeking.
- Prioritise specialisation areas: List your strongest areas of expertise first, particularly those most relevant to the specific role or practice area.
- Include both technical and software skills: Balance legal expertise with technology proficiency, as modern legal practice requires both.
- Consider your career stage: Junior lawyers should emphasise foundational skills and eagerness to learn, while senior lawyers should highlight leadership and business development capabilities.
- Research the firm’s focus areas: Tailor your skills to match the firm’s key practice areas and client base, showing you understand their business.
Corporate Lawyer Resume Examples [Skills]
CORE COMPETENCIES
- M&A Transactions: Successfully completed 25+ acquisitions valued at $500M+ across diverse industries including mining, technology, and healthcare
- Corporate Governance: Advised ASX-listed companies on board composition, director duties, and compliance frameworks resulting in 100% regulatory compliance record
- Contract Negotiation: Negotiated complex commercial agreements worth $100M+ annually, achieving favourable terms and reducing client legal costs by 20%
- Due Diligence Management: Led comprehensive due diligence processes for major transactions using advanced data room technologies and cross-border coordination
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Corporate Lawyer Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your corporate lawyer resume by demonstrating your commitment to the profession, ongoing development, and broader expertise. These sections are particularly valuable in the legal profession where professional standing, continuous learning, and industry involvement are highly regarded.
Valuable Additional Sections Include:
Professional Admissions & Certifications: Essential for lawyers – list all jurisdictions where you’re admitted to practice, professional memberships, and relevant certifications such as AICD Company Director courses.
Publications & Speaking Engagements: Legal articles, conference presentations, or thought leadership pieces demonstrate expertise and industry recognition.
Professional Associations: Memberships in law societies, bar associations, or industry-specific groups like the Corporate Lawyers Association of Australia.
Languages: Particularly valuable for international M&A work or serving diverse client bases in multicultural Australia.
Pro Bono & Volunteer Work: Shows commitment to access to justice and community service, values highly regarded in the legal profession.
Awards & Honours: Academic achievements, professional recognition, or industry awards that demonstrate excellence.
Corporate Lawyer Resume Examples [Other Sections]
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & ADMISSIONS
- Admitted to Practice – Supreme Court of Victoria (2020) and Federal Court of Australia (2021)
- Member – Law Institute of Victoria, Corporate Lawyers Special Interest Group
- Associate Member – Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Member – Women Lawyers Association of NSW
PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING
- “ESG Considerations in Australian M&A Transactions” – Australian Corporate Lawyer Magazine (2023)
- Speaker – “Cross-Border M&A Challenges” Corporate Law Conference Melbourne (2023)
LANGUAGES
- English (Native), Mandarin (Business Proficient), German (Conversational)
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
- Reading, travelling, cooking
- Playing tennis on weekends
- Watching movies and TV shows
Tip: Avoid generic hobbies unless they directly relate to the role or demonstrate relevant skills. Instead, focus on professional development activities, industry involvement, or volunteer work that showcases your commitment to the legal profession and community.
How to Write a Corporate Lawyer Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A powerful professional summary is crucial for corporate lawyers as it immediately communicates your expertise, experience level, and value proposition. This 3-4 line summary should highlight your years of experience, areas of specialisation, notable achievements, and admission status. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments and specific expertise that aligns with the role you’re targeting.
Key elements to include: years of experience, practice areas of expertise, notable transaction values or client types, admission jurisdictions, and 1-2 key achievements that demonstrate your impact. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on specific, measurable contributions you’ve made in previous roles.
Corporate Lawyer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Accomplished Corporate Lawyer with 8+ years specialising in M&A transactions and capital markets for ASX-listed companies. Successfully managed transactions worth over $1B across mining, technology, and healthcare sectors. Admitted in Victoria and NSW with extensive experience in cross-border acquisitions and IPO processes. Proven track record of leading complex deals while mentoring junior teams and maintaining 98% client satisfaction rating.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced lawyer with knowledge of corporate law. Looking for a challenging role where I can use my skills and grow my career. Hard-working professional with good communication skills and attention to detail. Team player who works well under pressure.
For entry-level corporate lawyers, focus on a resume objective that highlights your educational achievements, practical experience gained during studies, and enthusiasm for corporate law practice.
Entry-Level Corporate Lawyer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Recent law graduate with First Class Honours seeking to begin career in corporate law. Gained practical M&A experience through internship at King & Wood Mallesons, supporting transactions worth $200M+. Strong academic foundation in corporate law and commerce, with published research on corporate governance reform. Admitted to practice in Victoria and eager to contribute to complex transactions while developing expertise in securities regulation.
Incorrect Example:
Recent graduate looking for entry-level position in corporate law. Good academic results and some work experience during university. Interested in learning about different areas of law and developing my skills. Motivated to work hard and contribute to a legal team.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Corporate Lawyer Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is essential in Australia’s legal market, where recruiters and law firms extensively use LinkedIn for candidate sourcing. Your LinkedIn profile should complement and expand upon your resume while optimising for search visibility and professional networking. Unlike your resume, LinkedIn allows for a more conversational tone and provides opportunities to showcase thought leadership through posts, articles, and industry engagement.
Key considerations include optimising your profile for Australian legal recruiters, incorporating relevant keywords for corporate law roles, and ensuring consistency in your career narrative across both platforms. Your LinkedIn profile should also leverage features unique to the platform, such as media uploads, recommendations, and skill endorsements.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Corporate Lawyers
Your LinkedIn headline is crucial for search visibility and should go beyond just your current job title. Include your specialisation areas, level of experience, and key value propositions to attract the right opportunities.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Senior Corporate Lawyer | M&A & Capital Markets Specialist | ASX-Listed Company Advisory | Admitted VIC & NSW”
- “Corporate Lawyer | 5+ Years M&A Experience | Cross-Border Transactions | Securities Law Expert”
- “Graduate Corporate Lawyer | Herbert Smith Freehills | M&A & Corporate Governance | Melbourne”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Lawyer at ABC Law Firm”
- “Corporate Lawyer seeking new opportunities”
- “Legal Professional with experience in various areas”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary is concise and achievement-focused, your LinkedIn summary can be more expansive and conversational. Use first person, tell your professional story, and include your motivations and career aspirations. For the Australian market, consider mentioning your commitment to the local legal community and understanding of the regulatory environment.
Your LinkedIn summary should be 3-5 paragraphs, incorporating keywords naturally while maintaining readability. Include a call-to-action encouraging connections or conversations, and consider mentioning your involvement in the Australian legal community or pro bono work, which resonates well with local employers.
Showcasing Corporate Lawyer Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions than your resume. Expand your bullet points into short paragraphs, include context about the clients or industries you’ve served, and add relevant media such as deal announcements, articles you’ve written, or presentations you’ve given. Use LinkedIn’s project feature to highlight specific transactions or major deals you’ve worked on.
Take advantage of LinkedIn’s rich media capabilities by uploading relevant content such as published articles, speaking engagement materials, or professional certifications. This additional context helps paint a fuller picture of your expertise and thought leadership in corporate law.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Corporate Lawyers
Prioritise skills that align with your target roles and encourage colleagues and clients to endorse your key competencies. Focus on specific legal skills like “Mergers & Acquisitions,” “Corporate Governance,” and “Securities Law” rather than generic terms. Consider taking LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas to earn skill badges, which can enhance your profile’s credibility.
Regularly review and reorder your skills based on your current career focus and the roles you’re targeting. Remove outdated or less relevant skills to ensure your profile accurately reflects your current expertise and career direction.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Corporate Lawyers
Optimise your profile for the Australian legal market by including location-specific keywords and demonstrating your understanding of local regulations and market conditions. Engage with Australian legal content, follow local law firms and legal publications, and participate in discussions relevant to the Australian corporate law landscape.
Build your network strategically by connecting with other Australian lawyers, clients, and industry professionals. Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as Australian legal professional associations or corporate law interest groups. Regularly share insights about Australian corporate law developments or comment thoughtfully on industry posts to increase your visibility among local legal professionals.
Consider the timing of your LinkedIn activity to align with Australian business hours and engage with content when your target audience is most active. This strategic approach to networking and content engagement can significantly enhance your professional visibility in the Australian legal market.
Creating a compelling corporate lawyer resume requires strategic positioning of your legal expertise, commercial understanding, and professional achievements. By following this guide’s proven templates and examples, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a resume that stands out to Australian employers and positions you for success in the competitive corporate law market.
Remember to complement your strong resume with an equally impressive cover letter and ensure your application materials work together to tell a cohesive professional story. For additional career resources and current corporate law opportunities across Australia, explore positions on SEEK and connect with legal recruiters through LinkedIn. Consider joining professional associations like the Law Council of Australia to stay current with industry developments and expand your professional network.
