Believe it or not, being a recruiter is about much more than helping attorneys land their next role. At Empire, we pride ourselves on taking a relationship-driven approach with both clients and candidates. That means offering more than just job listings—we help with legal resume and deal sheet reviews, share insights into the lateral and in-house markets, and act as an ongoing resource for attorneys navigating an ever-evolving landscape.
Whether or not you’re actively looking or ever plan to make a lateral move, we’re always happy to get to know you and provide guidance so you can make informed decisions about your career. That way, if the time ever comes to make a move, you’ll already have a trusted point of contact and a game plan in place.
Why Your Resume Still Matters (Even If You’re Not Looking)
Attorney hiring is more competitive than ever—especially at Am Law 100 firms. While demand for legal talent remains high, the landscape is shifting. Legal tech and AI, regulatory changes, and client expectations have increased the need for specialized skills. Law firms and companies are looking for long-term value—and that starts with your resume.
Still, many attorneys haven’t touched their resumes since law school. Even if you’re not planning to make a move anytime soon, keeping your legal resume (and deal sheet!) updated is a smart career habit. You never know when opportunity will knock, and scrambling to update everything at the last minute rarely produces your best work.
4 Resume Tips to Help You Stand Out
1. Keep It Consistent
Formatting and language should be clean and uniform. Align text properly, use bolding sparingly (and purposefully), and make sure your descriptions follow a consistent voice and tone throughout.
2. Be Concise
If you’ve worked at fewer than five firms or companies, your resume should ideally be one page. With limited time and space to capture attention, learning how to separate pertinent information from fluff is key.
3. Structure Your Experience Strategically
When outlining your law firm work, avoid listing specific transactions. Instead, start with the big picture—who you represent and the types of deals you work on—and build from there.
Here’s a suggested format:
• First bullet: Who are your clients? What kinds of matters do you handle?
• Second/third bullets: What’s your specific role in these deals?
• Additional bullets: How else do you contribute—leading deal teams, mentoring, recruiting, pro bono, cross-practice work?
We also recommend supplementing your resume with a deal sheet. While your resume highlights your role, your deal sheet showcases the scope and depth of your practice.
4. Show Off Involvement and Recognition
Unless you’re listing a standout law school GPA, feel free to leave it off. Instead, highlight honors, journals, clinics, and extracurriculars. Firms appreciate well-rounded candidates who bring more than just strong academics to the table.
Let’s Perfect That Resume
The best resumes are clear, specific, and paint a full picture of your legal experience—without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to help. We’ve developed resume and deal sheet templates that have opened doors for countless attorneys.
Of course, a polished legal resume is just one piece of the puzzle. Working with a knowledgeable legal recruiter can unlock new opportunities and take some of the stress out of the search. With deep relationships across the industry, the right recruiter will guide you toward roles that align with your experience, goals, and values.
