Associate Attorney Resume: Guide With Key Skills & Sample

What do an associate attorney resume and an affidavit have in common? Well… you don’t want to lie on both. But with the right approach, you’ll never have to. 

How do you write an associate attorney resume highlighting your best suits and showing the recruiters that you’re partner material? This guide will show you the right steps, structure, and skills that will make your resume an exhibit of your excellence.

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How to Write an Associate Attorney Resume

The following steps will guide you through the creation of an associate attorney resume:

1. Go with the traditional reverse-chronological resume. Use your best judgment, though—a different resume format may be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of experience. 
   
   
2. Comply with due process on the formatting. Select a resume font that looks professional, set the size to 12 pts (don’t go lower than 10 pts, as it will affect readability), line spacing to 1–1.5, and even one-inch resume margins on all sides. 
   
   
3. Follow precedent on the structure of your resume.  Use headings and bold type to separate resume sections, place them in the correct order (see below), and position additional information strategically after the main sections.
   
   
4. Consider picking a resume template that best fits your needs. It will make the whole procedure more straightforward. A one-page resume template works great if you have under ten years of experience. Otherwise, a two-page resume will do.  
   
   
5. State your intentions upfront in the header of your resume by mentioning your name, desired position, and contact information (think of the top part of your resume as a preamble). 
   
   
6. Display your main assets in the summary of your resume. If it’s an entry-level resume, write a resume objective. 
   
   
7. Prove you’re bona fide in your work history section. Tailor your resume carefully to the job description and emphasize relevant experience to show you’re the real deal. 
   
   
8. Describe your credentials in the education section—that’s a deliverable that comes by default. Ongoing education or applicable certifications can be added to your associate attorney resume as extra sections.
   
   
9. Remember that your work experience should serve as a warranty for your skills, i.e., reflect how you’ve applied those skills in action! Keep that in mind when you decide which skills should be included in your resume (in a separate Skills section).
   
   
10. Double-check everything: proofread, then proofread again. Make sure you’ve added the right resume keywords and that every word serves a purpose. Download your resume as a PDF (unless asked otherwise), send it, and prepare for the verdict: “Hired!”

For more in-depth tips, read this guide: How to Write a Great Resume

Pro Tip: Thinking of applying with a resume alone? Objection! Learn how to write a compelling cover letter to match your resume and increase your chances significantly.

Key Skills to Add to Your Associate Attorney Resume

While the required hard and soft skills may vary across industries, there are core skills you should add to your resume to give the recruiters the verification they expect. Show that you understand the full scope of your duties and that, de facto, you’re just the right fit for the opportunity.

Consider these top 10 universal skills for your associate attorney resume:

• Legislative knowledge (according to specialty.)
• Being business-minded/commercially aware (i.e., knowing the potential implications of your work.)
• High level of responsibility.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Analytical skills.
• Critical thinking skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Decision-making skills.

• Verbal and written communication.
• Resilience/ability to work under pressure.

Pro Tip: Make sure your attorney cover letter also contains evidence of the skills you list in your resume.

Need a Guide for a Different Position in Legal? Here’s What We Have:

• Law/Legal Resume
• Attorney/Lawyer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Legal Assistant Resume
• Legal Intern Resume
• Criminal Justice Resume
• Law Student Resume
• Law School Application Resume
• Police Officer Resume
• Peace Corps Resume

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our ATS resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Do you feel confident about writing a strong associate attorney resume? Would you like us to add anything? Please, share your suggestions in the comments below.

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