Securing a coveted position at Australia’s leading law firms can feel overwhelming when your resume isn’t effectively showcasing your legal expertise and achievements to partners and hiring managers. Whether you’re a recent law graduate preparing for your first role as a graduate lawyer, an experienced solicitor seeking advancement to senior associate positions, or a barrister looking to join chambers, creating a compelling lawyer resume is essential for standing out in Australia’s highly competitive legal market. With the legal profession being one of the most regulated and prestigious sectors, employers affiliated with bodies like the Law Council of Australia and state-based Law Societies demand demonstrated excellence, strong analytical skills, and proven track records of successful legal practice.
Lawyer Resume Examples and How to Write
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything needed to create an exceptional lawyer resume that captures the attention of Australia’s top legal employers. From understanding the specific expectations of different practice areas to showcasing your legal research abilities, case management experience, and client advocacy skills, you’ll learn how to transform your application from overlooked to interview-worthy. We’ll cover essential sections, provide detailed examples, and share insider insights that will help your resume stand out in Australia’s demanding legal profession.
This free sample resume for a lawyer has an accompanying sample lawyer cover letter and sample lawyer job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Lawyer Resume (Text Version)
Senior Associate | Commercial LitigationContact Information:
Phone: 0404 123 456
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelharrisonlawyer
Location: Sydney, NSWProfessional Summary
Accomplished Commercial Litigation Lawyer with 8+ years of experience representing corporate clients in complex disputes across Australian federal and state courts. Proven track record of achieving favourable settlements exceeding $50M in aggregate value while managing diverse litigation portfolios for ASX-listed companies. Expert in contract disputes, employment law, and regulatory compliance with strong advocacy skills and deep understanding of Australian commercial law frameworks.
Admissions & Qualifications
• Admitted to practice in New South Wales (2016)
• Admitted to practice in Victoria (2018)
• Admitted to the High Court of Australia (2020)
• Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | University of Sydney (2015)
• Bachelor of Commerce | University of Sydney (2013)
Professional Experience
Senior Associate | Gilbert + Tobin | March 2021 – Present
• Lead complex commercial litigation matters with claims exceeding $10M, achieving 85% success rate in settlements and court decisions
• Manage litigation portfolio of 25+ active matters for ASX 200 clients across banking, technology, and resources sectors
• Supervise team of 4 junior lawyers and paralegals, providing mentoring and case strategy guidance
• Conduct mediations and settlement negotiations, securing favourable outcomes saving clients average of $2.3M in potential damages
• Author legal publications on commercial law developments, with 3 articles published in leading industry journals
Lawyer/Senior Lawyer | King & Wood Mallesons | February 2018 – February 2021
• Represented multinational corporations in Federal Court proceedings involving contract breaches and corporate governance disputes
• Drafted complex legal submissions and managed discovery processes involving 50,000+ documents
• Collaborated with international legal teams on cross-border disputes and regulatory investigations
• Achieved promotion to Senior Lawyer within 18 months based on exceptional client feedback and matter outcomes
• Led pro bono initiatives representing disadvantaged individuals in employment disputes
Graduate Lawyer/Lawyer | Norton Rose Fulbright | March 2016 – January 2018
• Completed comprehensive rotation program across litigation, corporate, and employment law teams
• Conducted extensive legal research and analysis supporting senior partners in high-stakes commercial matters
• Prepared court documents, witness statements, and evidence briefs for Federal and Supreme Court proceedings
• Maintained detailed case management systems ensuring compliance with strict court deadlines
Legal Experience During Studies
Law Clerk | Allens Linklaters | November 2014 – February 2016
• Supported senior lawyers in research and document preparation for major corporate transactions
• Gained exposure to M&A, capital markets, and regulatory compliance matters
• Received outstanding performance reviews and return offer for graduate program
Skills
Legal Expertise: Commercial litigation, Contract law, Employment law, Corporate governance, Regulatory compliance, Alternative dispute resolution, Legal research and analysis, Court advocacy
Technical Skills: LexisNexis, Westlaw Australia, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, Case management systems, Document review platforms, Electronic discovery tools
Professional Development
• Advanced Advocacy Course – Australian Bar Association (2023)
• Mediation Accreditation – Australian Disputes Resolution Association (2022)
• Corporate Governance Certificate – Australian Institute of Company Directors (2021)
• Continuing Legal Education: 20+ CPD points annually (2016-2023)
Publications & Speaking
• “Emerging Trends in Contract Interpretation” – Australian Business Law Review (2023)
• “Directors’ Duties in Digital Transformation” – Company Director Magazine (2022)
• Keynote Speaker – Young Lawyers Commercial Law Conference (2022)
• “Employment Law Update” – Law Society of NSW Seminar Series (2021)
Professional Associations
• Law Society of New South Wales – Member
• Australian Corporate Lawyers Association – Member
• Commercial Law Association of Australia – Committee Member
• Young Lawyers International Association – Australian Representative
Awards & Recognition
• Chambers Student Guide – Rising Star in Commercial Litigation (2023)
• Gilbert + Tobin Excellence Award – Outstanding Client Service (2022)
• University of Sydney Law School Alumni Award (2020)
• Law Society of NSW Young Lawyer of the Year – Finalist (2019)
What is The Best Format for a Lawyer Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the gold standard for lawyer resumes in Australia, as it clearly demonstrates your career progression from law student through to qualified practitioner and showcases your increasing responsibility and expertise within the legal profession. This format is particularly important for legal employers who need to verify your path to admission, understand your practice areas, and assess your suitability for specific roles. Australian law firms and legal departments prefer this format as it provides transparency about your professional development and specialisation areas.
Use conservative, professional fonts such as Times New Roman, Garamond, or Calibri in 11-12 point size for body text, with headings in 14-16 point size. The legal profession values traditional presentation, so maintain 1-inch margins and ensure your document appears polished and authoritative. Always submit your resume as a PDF file to preserve formatting, as legal employers often print resumes for partner review and need consistent presentation across platforms.
Your lawyer resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title (if applicable), phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location. Legal employers value easy contact and verification of your professional presence.
Summary: A powerful 3-4 line overview highlighting your legal expertise, years of experience, practice areas, and key achievements that demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Admissions & Qualifications: A dedicated section listing your admission details, law degrees, and relevant academic achievements, as these credentials are fundamental to legal practice in Australia.
Experience: Your professional legal history in reverse chronological order, focusing on roles that demonstrate your legal expertise and career progression.
Other sections: Additional relevant information such as skills, publications, speaking engagements, professional associations, awards, and continuing legal education.
What Experience Should Be on Your Lawyer Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your legal expertise, analytical capabilities, and track record of successful outcomes for clients or employers. Focus on achievements that showcase your ability to handle complex legal matters, provide strategic advice, and deliver results that contribute to firm profitability or organisational success. Include specific examples of cases you’ve managed, transactions you’ve facilitated, or legal challenges you’ve resolved, using metrics wherever possible to quantify your impact.
Emphasise experience that shows your knowledge of Australian legal frameworks, court procedures, and regulatory requirements relevant to your practice areas. Legal employers value lawyers who can demonstrate progression from junior roles to positions of greater responsibility, showing growth in case complexity, client management, and team leadership. Include any specialised legal work, pro bono activities, or cross-jurisdictional experience that highlights your versatility and commitment to the profession.
Senior Lawyer | Herbert Smith Freehills | June 2019 – Present
• Lead corporate governance team for ASX 100 client, managing regulatory compliance matters with ASIC and ASX
• Successfully defended $25M breach of contract claim, achieving complete dismissal with costs awarded to client
• Negotiated and documented 15+ commercial agreements totalling $150M in transaction value
• Supervise and mentor 3 junior lawyers, with all mentees receiving positive performance reviews and career advancement
Lawyer | Law Firm | 2019 – Present
• Worked on legal matters
• Helped clients with problems
• Wrote legal documents
• Attended court hearings
Entry-Level Lawyer Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, highlight your clerkships, internships, practical legal training, volunteer legal work, and any relevant experience that demonstrates your legal reasoning and client service abilities. Focus on showing your potential and foundational legal knowledge.
Graduate Lawyer | Clayton Utz | February 2023 – Present
• Complete rotations across corporate, dispute resolution, and employment law teams, gaining exposure to diverse practice areas
• Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis supporting senior lawyers in Federal Court commercial litigation
• Draft legal memoranda, court documents, and client correspondence under partner supervision
• Manage discovery processes and document review for complex commercial disputes involving 10,000+ documents
Graduate Lawyer | Law Firm | 2023
• Learning about different legal areas
• Helping senior lawyers with work
• Doing research and writing
• Going to court sometimes
How to Write the Education Section for Your Lawyer Resume
The education section is fundamental for lawyer resumes, as legal practice in Australia requires specific academic qualifications and admission requirements. Include your law degree details, institution, graduation year, and any academic honours or distinctions that demonstrate your intellectual capability. Australian legal employers place significant weight on academic performance, particularly for graduate and early-career positions, so highlight strong grades, prizes, or scholarship achievements.
Include details about your practical legal training, any additional qualifications that complement your legal expertise (such as business, accounting, or industry-specific degrees), and relevant coursework or research that aligns with your target practice areas. If you’ve completed international study or have qualifications from overseas, ensure you clearly indicate any recognition or equivalency processes completed for Australian practice.
Lawyer Resume Example [Education]
• Dean’s Honours List recipient (2018, 2019, 2020)
• Recipient of Supreme Court Prize for Constitutional Law
• University Medallist in Jurisprudence
• Thesis: “Corporate Governance Reform in Post-COVID Australia” (Published in Melbourne University Law Review)Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) | University of Melbourne | 2018
• Graduated with Distinction (H2A average)
• Exchange semester: London School of Economics (2017)Practical Legal Training | Leo Cussen Centre for Law | 2021
• Completed with High Distinction
• Outstanding Performance Award in Advocacy Skills
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Lawyer Resume
The skills section should demonstrate your comprehensive legal capabilities, combining technical legal expertise with analytical, communication, and client management abilities. Include 12-16 skills that reflect both your substantive legal knowledge and the professional competencies essential for successful legal practice. Balance technical skills related to specific practice areas with transferable skills that show your ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders in complex legal environments.
Focus on skills that align with Australian legal practice requirements and the specific demands of your target practice areas. Legal employers particularly value lawyers who demonstrate strong analytical reasoning, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to manage complex matters while maintaining attention to detail and meeting strict deadlines.
Lawyer Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Commercial litigation and dispute resolution
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Legal research and case law analysis
• Court advocacy and oral argument
• Corporate governance and compliance
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Employment and industrial relations law
• Regulatory compliance and investigations
• Legal writing and document preparation
• Alternative dispute resolution and mediation
• Client advisory and strategic counsel
• Cross-border legal matters
Lawyer Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Client relationship management
• Leadership and team collaboration
• Time management and deadline adherence
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Negotiation and persuasion
• Ethical judgment and integrity
• Stress management under pressure
• Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness
• Adaptability and continuous learning
How to pick the best Lawyer skills:
1. Review the position description and identify specific practice areas and skills mentioned by the employer
2. Research the firm’s client base and practice focus to align your skills with their service offerings
3. Include skills that demonstrate your knowledge of relevant Australian legal frameworks and procedures
4. Balance substantive legal skills with client service and business development abilities
5. Highlight skills that show your ability to work in team environments and manage complex stakeholder relationships
6. Include any specialised or niche legal skills that differentiate you from other candidates
Lawyer Resume Examples [Skills]
• Client Advisory: Provide strategic legal counsel to ASX 200 companies on corporate governance, achieving 100% client retention over 3-year period
• Contract Negotiation: Led negotiations for major commercial agreements worth $500M+ aggregate value, securing favourable terms while maintaining client relationships
• Legal Research: Conduct comprehensive case law and statutory analysis, with research cited in 5+ Federal Court judgments
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor 6 junior lawyers and paralegals, contributing to 95% team satisfaction and zero turnover in 2023
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Lawyer Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your lawyer resume by demonstrating your expertise, professional engagement, and commitment to the legal profession. These sections are particularly important in Australia’s competitive legal market, where employers value lawyers who contribute to legal scholarship, participate in professional development, and maintain active involvement in legal communities. Consider including publications, speaking engagements, professional associations, awards, pro bono work, or continuing legal education that showcases your expertise and dedication to legal excellence.
Choose bonus sections that directly enhance your legal credentials and demonstrate thought leadership in your practice areas. For instance, published articles, conference presentations, or committee memberships show your expertise and professional standing, while pro bono work demonstrates your commitment to access to justice and community service.
Lawyer Resume Examples [Other Sections]
• “The Future of Class Actions in Australia” – Federal Law Review (2023)
• “Corporate Liability in the Digital Age” – Australian Business Law Review (2022)
• “Regulatory Responses to Financial Technology” – Banking & Finance Law Review (2021)Professional Recognition:
• Best Lawyers Australia – Ones to Watch in Commercial Litigation (2023)
• Doyle’s Guide – Rising Star in Dispute Resolution (2022)Pro Bono & Community Service:
• Legal advisor, Refugee Legal Centre (2020-Present)
• Volunteer lawyer, National Pro Bono Resource Centre (2019-Present)
• Board member, Young Professionals Legal Aid Society (2021-2022)
• Reading novels
• Playing tennis
• Cooking
• Travelling
Tip: Include personal interests only if they demonstrate leadership, analytical thinking, or skills relevant to legal practice (such as competitive debating, chess, or volunteer work that shows commitment to justice and community service). Professional achievements and legal scholarship are significantly more valuable than general hobbies.
How to Write a Lawyer Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling resume summary is essential for lawyer positions as it immediately communicates your legal expertise, practice area focus, and track record of success. Your summary should be 3-4 lines that highlight your years of experience, specialisation areas, and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your value to legal employers. Focus on outcomes that show your ability to deliver results for clients, contribute to firm success, and handle increasingly complex legal matters with professional excellence.
Key elements to include:
• Years of legal experience and admission status
• Specific practice areas and areas of expertise
• Quantifiable achievements such as successful case outcomes or transaction values
• Client types you’ve served (ASX companies, government, individuals)
• Leadership experience and professional recognition
Lawyer Resume Summary Examples
Senior Commercial Lawyer with 10+ years of experience advising ASX 200 companies on complex corporate governance, M&A transactions, and regulatory compliance matters. Proven track record of successfully completing 50+ transactions worth $2B+ in aggregate value while maintaining zero regulatory breaches for institutional clients. Expert in Australian corporate law with dual admission in NSW and Victoria, recognised as Rising Star by Chambers Asia-Pacific for corporate excellence. Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing cross-functional legal teams and mentoring junior practitioners.
Experienced lawyer with good legal skills and knowledge. Hard-working professional who helps clients with their legal problems. Team player who gets along well with colleagues. Looking for a challenging position where I can use my legal training and experience to contribute to a successful firm.
For entry-level candidates, focus on your academic achievements, practical training, relevant legal experience during studies, and passion for specific practice areas. Emphasise your potential and foundational legal knowledge while showing understanding of professional expectations.
Entry-Level Lawyer Resume Summary Examples
High-achieving recent law graduate with First Class Honours and comprehensive practical legal training across commercial litigation and corporate advisory work. Gained valuable experience through clerkships at tier-one firms, supporting senior lawyers on complex Federal Court proceedings and major corporate transactions. Strong analytical and research capabilities demonstrated through published thesis on competition law reform and Dean’s List recognition. Eager to contribute legal expertise and fresh perspective to dynamic legal team while building expertise in commercial law practice.
Recent law graduate looking for first legal job. Studied hard at university and did well in most subjects. Completed clerkships and learned about different areas of law. Interested in working at a good law firm and gaining more legal experience.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Lawyer Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial in Australia’s legal profession, where partners, legal recruiters, and potential clients increasingly use LinkedIn to identify and evaluate legal talent. Your LinkedIn profile should enhance your resume by providing additional context about your legal philosophy, thought leadership, and professional network within the Australian legal community. Many Australian law firms and corporate legal departments use LinkedIn to research candidates’ professional reputation and industry standing before making hiring decisions.
When updating your LinkedIn profile, ensure complete consistency with your resume regarding employment dates, qualifications, and achievements. However, LinkedIn provides opportunities to expand on your legal expertise through articles, case studies, and professional insights that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to legal excellence.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Lawyers
Your LinkedIn headline should incorporate keywords that legal recruiters and potential employers search for, while highlighting your seniority level and practice area specialisation.
• “Senior Commercial Lawyer | M&A & Corporate Governance Expert | ASX 200 Advisory | Sydney”
• “Litigation Partner | Complex Disputes & Class Actions | Federal & High Court Advocate | Melbourne”
• “Corporate Counsel | Technology & IP Law Specialist | ASX Listed Companies | 12+ Years Experience”
• “Lawyer at Law Firm”
• “Legal Professional”
• “Experienced Attorney”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on measurable achievements and technical qualifications, your LinkedIn summary can include your legal philosophy, what drives your passion for the law, and your vision for your practice area or the legal profession. Australian legal employers value authenticity and intellectual depth, so your LinkedIn summary can showcase your analytical thinking and commitment to legal excellence while maintaining the gravitas expected in the profession.
Your LinkedIn summary should be 4-5 paragraphs that expand on your resume with insights about your approach to legal problem-solving, notable matters you’ve handled, and your perspective on developments in Australian law. Consider discussing your commitment to client service, professional development, or contributions to legal reform and scholarship.
Showcasing Lawyer Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed explanations of your legal work and significant matters you’ve handled. Use this space to provide context around complex transactions, landmark cases, or challenging legal problems you’ve resolved. You can elaborate on the legal strategies you employed, the outcomes achieved for clients, and the broader impact of your work on legal precedent or business success.
Consider including details about high-profile matters (where client confidentiality permits), your role in legal reform initiatives, or complex cross-border transactions that demonstrate your expertise and professional standing within the Australian legal community.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Lawyers
Prioritise skills that reflect your legal expertise and practice area focus, seeking endorsements from colleagues, clients, and other legal professionals who can validate your capabilities. Focus on obtaining recommendations from partners, senior colleagues, or clients who can speak to your legal acumen, professionalism, and results achieved. These testimonials provide powerful evidence of your reputation and effectiveness as a legal practitioner.
Consider completing relevant LinkedIn Learning courses related to business skills, technology, or industry knowledge that complements your legal expertise and demonstrates your commitment to staying current with broader business and professional trends.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Lawyers
Optimise your profile for the Australian legal market by following relevant organisations such as the Law Council of Australia, your state law society, and leading Australian law firms. Engage thoughtfully with content shared by legal industry leaders, judges, and senior practitioners, contributing insights that demonstrate your professional knowledge and respectful engagement with legal discourse.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as Australian legal professionals, practice area specialists, or alumni networks from your law school or former firms. Share insights about legal developments, legislative changes, or industry trends that showcase your expertise while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and client confidentiality requirements.
Creating an exceptional lawyer resume is fundamental to advancing your legal career in Australia’s prestigious and competitive legal profession. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your legal expertise, analytical capabilities, and track record of professional success that law firms, chambers, and corporate legal departments value most. Your resume should reflect not only your technical legal skills but also your commitment to legal excellence, professional development, and ethical practice.
Remember that your resume is most effective when combined with a comprehensive application strategy. Pair your polished resume with a persuasive lawyer cover letter that articulates your legal philosophy and genuine interest in the specific role and organisation. Explore current opportunities through leading Australian legal recruitment platforms like Seek, specialist legal recruiters, and direct applications to target firms. With dedication to continuous learning, professional development, and maintaining the highest ethical standards, you’ll be well-positioned to build a distinguished career in Australia’s legal profession, contributing to the administration of justice while achieving your professional aspirations and making a meaningful impact through skilled legal advocacy and counsel.
