​Top 10 Common Legal Resume Mistakes That Keep You from Getting Hired

 

1. Resume Is Over One Page

 

One of the biggest mistakes attorneys make is submitting resumes that are longer than one page. No matter how extensive your experience, hiring managers and recruiters expect a concise, one-page resume. A longer resume can give the impression that you’re unable to prioritize important information, which is a key skill for any attorney.

Solution: Condense your resume by focusing on the most relevant and recent positions. Use bullet points to present key information and achievements clearly and succinctly.

 

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See Related Articles:

• Should a Resume Be Only One Page Long?
• How Attorneys and Law Students Should Write a Legal Resume: Resume Examples, Suggestions and Resources
• A Complete Guide to Writing an Attorney Resume: Tips, Advice, and the Correct Format
• Crafting an Effective Legal Resume: Essential Advice for Attorneys

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2. Lack of Focus

 

A common error is presenting a resume that covers too many practice areas or unrelated experiences, which makes it difficult for law firms to determine your specialty. Law firms want attorneys who have developed expertise in a specific area, and a broad, unfocused resume can suggest a lack of commitment to a particular field.

Solution: Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for by emphasizing your experience in the relevant practice area. Remove unrelated work experiences that don’t align with the position.

 

3. Failing to Prioritize Experience Over Education (for Attorneys with Five or More Years of Experience)

 

For attorneys with over five years of experience, prioritizing education over professional experience is a mistake. Law firms are far more interested in your work experience and accomplishments than your law school education at this stage in your career.

Solution: Move your education section to the bottom of the resume, making room for your professional experience at the top. Highlight your most relevant and significant legal roles to show your growth and contributions in the legal field.

 

4. Including Irrelevant Information

 

Including irrelevant information, such as personal hobbies or experiences that aren’t related to the job, can clutter your resume and distract from your qualifications. Law firms are only interested in your legal experience, so adding unrelated details can make your resume seem less professional.

Solution: Focus only on the experience and skills that are directly related to the position you’re applying for. Leave out hobbies and personal details unless they directly support your qualifications for the role.

 

5. Overloading the Resume with Too Much Information

 

Another frequent mistake is overloading the resume with too much detail about each job or task you’ve handled. While it might be tempting to include everything, too much information can overwhelm the reader and obscure the key points of your qualifications.

Solution: Streamline your resume by selecting the most important roles and responsibilities. Use concise bullet points to list your duties and keep the information brief and relevant.
 

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See Related Articles:

• Harrison Barnes’s 29 Rules to Make Your Resume More Marketable
• How to Perfect Your Legal Resume: 20 Essential Tips for Attorneys and Law Students
• Making the Most of Your Resume

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6. Inconsistent Formatting

 

Inconsistent formatting can make your resume difficult to read and appear unprofessional. Discrepancies in font size, spacing, or layout give the impression that you didn’t take the time to polish your resume, which is a red flag for law firms that expect attention to detail.

Solution: Ensure that your resume is consistently formatted, with uniform headings, bullet points, and font sizes. A clean, professional layout will help your resume stand out in a positive way.

 

7. Forgetting to Tailor the Resume for Each Job Application

 

A generic resume that isn’t tailored to the specific job you’re applying for can reduce your chances of getting noticed. Law firms have distinct needs based on their practice areas, and sending the same resume for every job doesn’t demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand their requirements.

Solution: Adjust your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. This customization shows that you are serious about the opportunity and have done your research.

 

8. Including Outdated Information

 

Some attorneys leave outdated or irrelevant roles on their resumes, which can make the document seem cluttered and reduce the focus on their current experience. Early career positions that no longer add value should be removed as you gain more relevant legal experience.

Solution: Focus on your most recent and relevant experience. Remove positions that are outdated or not applicable to the role you are applying for, and make sure your resume reflects your current expertise.

 

9. Failing to Show Career Progression

 

Resumes that don’t show a clear progression in your career can make it difficult for law firms to understand how your experience has evolved over time. If your resume lists roles without showing growth or advancement, it may appear that you haven’t gained the skills needed to take on higher-level positions.

Solution: Highlight promotions, increased responsibilities, and significant achievements that demonstrate your career progression. Show that you’ve developed the skills and experience to move forward in your legal career.

 

10. Not Proofreading Carefully

 

Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting mistakes are major red flags for hiring managers. Law firms expect attorneys to have excellent written communication skills, and a resume with errors reflects poorly on your attention to detail and professionalism.

Solution: Proofread your resume thoroughly before submitting it. Consider asking a colleague or mentor to review it for you to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

By avoiding these common legal resume mistakes, you can significantly improve your chances of getting hired. A focused, well-structured resume that clearly communicates your experience and qualifications will help you stand out in the competitive legal job market.
 

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About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.