Attorney Resume and Cover Letter Advice

Here’s what something they don’t teach you in law school: How to write a résumé and cover letter that’ll help you win your case for landing a job. But this is certain: You’ll never get the job without them: No law firm job is an easy win and it’ll take more than telling a good story and the write verbs and adjectives, but your résumé and cover letter are your best way to make a memorable first impression. Not only will they help you get your foot in the door, they’ll also be a vital point of discussion during your law firm interview. Alignment also means narrowing your legal focus—explained fully in Why Focus Matters: Tailoring Your Legal Resume to Stand Out.

For an in-depth guide to having a successful law firm interview, click here.


Below you’ll find extensive resources for composing attorney résumés and cover letters that have been curated and compiled from articles written by our staff of BCG Attorney Search recruiters. Many on our staff have previously worked in some top law firms and know firsthand the importance of a well-written résumé and cover letter. We hope that you find this a valuable resource for your legal career. Feel free to bookmark and share this page with others whom will also find it useful.

Your Legal Career Breakthrough Starts with BCG Attorney Search – Upload Your Resume Now. For a step‑by‑step walkthrough of attorney resume creation, see our comprehensive Attorney Resume Guide.

For more information about law firm diversity, see our Diversity Resources.

Resume Writing Advice

How to Write a Legal Resume
Attorney Resume Writing Tips
How Should I Prepare My Resume if I'm Getting Ready for a Law Firm Job Search?
What Should I Put on My Attorney Resume?
Where Should Education Go on a Lawyer's Resume?
Should a Resume Be Only One Page Long?
Action Verbs for Effective Resumes
Resume Revamp: A Little Less Conversation? A Little More Action!
Your Resume as a First Impression
I've Reviewed the Resumes of Over 500,000 Attorneys and Law Students: Here is What I Have Learned About How to Construct a Legal Resume

For a detailed breakdown of resume missteps to avoid, read Legal Resume Mistakes That Sabotage Your Job Search (And How to Fix Them).

Overcoming Common Resume Problems

6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from their Resumes ASAP if They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms
How to Explain the Employment Gap in Your Resume

Cover Letter Writing Advice

How to Prepare Outstanding Cover Letters
The Dos and Don'ts of Cover Letter Writing
How Attorneys and Law Students Can Craft the Perfect Cover Letter

Making Your Resume and Cover Letter Stand Out to Law Firms

What is the Best Way to Get My Resume and Cover Letter Noticed?
What Law Firms Want to See in Your Cover Letter
Should I Submit My Legal Resume Through a Friend in the Law Firm?

For more advanced keyword and practice area targeting techniques, see The Ultimate Guide to Legal Resume Keywords and Practice Area Targeting.

Keeping Your Resume Updated

Seven Reasons Why Updating Your Resume Could Change Your Life
It's Bathing Suit Season! Time to Trim the Fat on Your Resume

General Resume Q & A

Is It Ever a Good Idea to Lie or Exaggerate about Your Qualifications on a Resume or in an Interview? (Part II)
I've Heard of People Making Different Versions of Their Resume - Is This a Good Idea?
How "Out" Should I Be on My Attorney Resume?
Should Jobs Held for a Short Duration Be Included on My Resume?
New Lawyer Wonders about the Effects of Contract Work on His Resume


For example, when applying to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, known for fulfilling legal careers, a well-crafted resume makes all the difference.


For an in-depth step-by-step resume improvement guide, see How to Perfect Your Legal Resume: 20 Essential Tips for Attorneys and Law Students.
Discover how to network and land interviews with top firms in this free training. Watch Now
Don’t miss our in-depth article on common resume pitfalls and fixes: Why Over 85% of Attorney Resumes Are Failing—and How to Fix Yours Now. For a complete playbook combining resumes with interview mastery, see Unlocking Your Legal Career Potential. For attorneys targeting writing or media positions, Exploring the Possibilities: Unveiling the Benefits of Attorneys Becoming Journalists provides valuable context on positioning legal experience for journalism-focused opportunities. For a complete step-by-step framework on building an attorney resume that stands out, see our comprehensive Attorney Resume Guide.
 

• For readers who want a curated hub of resume videos, guides, and insights, explore our comprehensive resource on attorney resume resources and expert tips. For a deeper dive into crafting powerful resumes, our Resume Review Workshop video walks you step-by-step through how legal professionals can make their application materials stand out. If you’re preparing your materials for competitive law-firm hiring cycles, the complete Attorney Resume Guide provides a polished framework you can follow. For a deeper, structured overview of how to build an attorney résumé that aligns with current legal-market expectations, our comprehensive Attorney Resume Guide is an essential companion resource. If you want a foundational walkthrough of building a strong attorney résumé before pairing it with a cover letter, consult our detailed Attorney Resume Guide.

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.