Resume Checklist for Lateral Attorneys

If you haven’t updated your resume since law school, you may be missing key details that could make or break your chances in the lateral hiring process. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out, while an incomplete or misaligned one may result in your application being overlooked or even discarded.

Below is a resume checklist to ensure your application is competitive and aligned with employer expectations.

1. Use a Professional Email Address

Your email address is part of your professional brand, so it should include your name in a clear, professional format (e.g., angie.smith@gmail.com). Avoid unprofessional, shared, or overly casual addresses like sexybossbabe@gmail.com, tigerkingthomas@gmail.com, or stegerfamily@gmail.com.

Additionally, make sure to include your location (city and state) and phone number on your resume.

2. List All Bar Admissions & Professional Certifications

Clearly state all active and inactive bar licenses—some employers prioritize candidates with multiple admissions. For example, in St. Louis, many firms prefer attorneys licensed in both Missouri and Illinois.

Also, include relevant certifications, such as:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US)

Even if you’re not the right fit for a current opening, recruiters often search their database for candidates based on bar admissions and certifications. Make sure your resume is searchable.

3. Ensure Your Resume Aligns with Your LinkedIn Profile

Employers frequently cross-check LinkedIn profiles against resumes. Inconsistencies raise red flags and may cause your resume to be dismissed. Make sure your job titles, dates, and career progression match on both platforms.

4. Quantify Your Experience Using $ # %

Numbers provide tangible proof of your impact and differentiate you from other candidates. Instead of vague descriptions, use metrics to highlight results.

Example:
✅ Litigated and settled 300+ preference and fraudulent transfer actions, recovering $45 million for the debtor’s estate.

5. Include Both Month & Year for Employment Dates

Most law firms prefer specific employment dates. Instead of listing:

🚫 2019-2021

Use:

✅ May 2019 – April 2021

This level of detail helps eliminate ambiguity about your tenure at previous firms.

6. Clearly Indicate Your Current Position

If you’re currently employed but seeking new opportunities, make sure it’s obvious on your resume. Unclear employment status can create doubts and may prevent you from moving forward in the hiring process.

Correct format for current roles:
✅ May 2021 – Present

Avoid unclear or misleading formats like:

🚫 May 2021 – December 2025 (suggests a future end date)

🚫 2021 – 2025 (creates uncertainty)

7. Address Firm Mergers & Moves with a Partner

If your firm merged or rebranded after you joined, list the current firm name but note the merger or the former name in parentheses.

Example:
✅ Troutman Pepper Locke LLP (Locke Lord LLP and Troutman Pepper combined on January 1, 2025)

If you moved with a partner or practice group, mention this to avoid looking like a frequent job-hopper.

Example:
✅ XYZ Firm (Moved with partner to join firm).

You can include this notation under the firm name or your title to provide clarity.

Final Thoughts

A polished and strategic lateral resume can make a significant difference in your job search. By ensuring your resume is aligned, professional, and data-driven, you increase your chances of securing interviews and advancing in your legal career.

Need more personalized guidance? Feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help you navigate your next career move!