how to add solo practitioner contracting work for law firm to attorney resume

by Tillman Reichert 10 min read

What Should Be Included In A Solo Practitioner Resume 1 Add Contact Information To Your Solo Practitioner Resume Your name should be the biggest text on the page and be at or near the top of the document. Your address doesn't need to include your street name or house number - listing your city and state works just fine.

Full Answer

How do I get a lawyer to practice solo?

Solo Practitioner - Sauk Centre, MN. Prepare and draft legal documents, such as wills, deeds, mortgages, leases, and contracts. Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates. Perform administrative and management functions related to …

How hard is it to make it as a solo practitioner?

For me, I started as a solo practitioner because I wanted to be a lawyer. Period. I graduated into the great recession and spent years working in alternative legal career jobs before getting so frustrated with life that I was ready to do anything to finally achieve that dream of practicing law. So I quit my job, sold everything, moved to Los Angeles, and opened a family law firm.

How should you name your solo law firm?

Sep 29, 2008 · This, combined with having to work more standard (or far longer) office hours, can be a shocking transition to a solo practice attorney — don't let the shock of the transition sour you on the experience. Stick to it for a month or two while you're getting your feet on the ground. Focus on the work, and keep both your clients' and the firm's ...

Is it time to launch your own solo law practice?

A Contract Attorney is a lawyer who practices law, on a freelance or contract basis, instead of working on a permanent basis. The work activities listed on the Contract Attorney Resume include the following – interacting with clients and helping them in legal matters, representing parties in criminal or civil cases, researching and preparing all legal documents, advising …

How do you list contract attorney on resume?

Headline : Methodical and service-oriented professional, interested in pursuing a career in the legal/contractual field to make use of and hone knowledge on legal matters and proceedings acquired from education and extensive experience.

How do I make my legal resume stand out?

  1. Use good design to ensure your lawyer resume stands out. ...
  2. Lead with your lawyer profile or summary statement. ...
  3. Showcase your specialized skills. ...
  4. Use action words to strengthen employment history. ...
  5. Focus on relevant education. ...
  6. Demonstrate that you're tech-savvy. ...
  7. What is your ideal legal practice area?
Mar 2, 2022

How do you put bar status on resume?

If you choose to include a bar admission section, you can place it at the top of your resume, below the name/address heading and before your first substantive category, or towards the bottom, after Education/Experience.

What skills should I put on my resume for law?

Top Legal Skills
  • Oral Communication. Language is one of the most fundamental tools of a legal professional. ...
  • Written Communication. ...
  • Client Service. ...
  • Analytical and Logical Reasoning. ...
  • Legal Research. ...
  • Technology Skills. ...
  • Knowledge of Substantive Law and Legal Procedure. ...
  • Time Management.
Feb 18, 2020

Should I put Esq on my resume?

If you are a tax attorney who took a bunch of classes in tax law, that should be on your resume. Just do not put anything on there that is likely to detract from showing your commitment to being an attorney. Too much emphasis on what you did as an undergraduate.

Do legal resumes have to be one page?

Two-Page Resumes Are The Norm For Lawyers

Unless you are an entry-level attorney, chances are your resume will be two pages. Don't try squeezing all the information into a single page just to fit that one-page myth. Your resume should be as long as it needs to be in order to properly convey your experience.
Aug 31, 2021

How do you add bar admissions to LinkedIn?

Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage, then View Profile. Click Add profile section in the introduction section. Click Recommended dropdown, then Add licenses & certifications. In the Add license or certification pop-up window that appears, enter your information into the fields provided.

How do I list my law license on LinkedIn?

  1. Log in to LinkedIn. ...
  2. Click "Add Sections" below your profile overview. ...
  3. Type the name of your license next to "Certification Name," then type the organization that issued the license next to "Certification Authority." Type your license number next to "License Number" if desired.

Is it Juris Doctor or juris doctorate on resume?

degree names. Note that the degree for which you are studying is a juris doctor, not a juris doctorate. If you are a dual degree candidate, include both anticipated degrees in a single entry (if you will be obtaining both degrees simultaneously) or use a separate entry for each degree and academic unit (Example 4).

How do you list pro bono legal on resume?

If you see your pro bono service as a continuation of your work experience, add it to your work history instead. Including “pro bono” or “skills-based volunteering” in the description is an easy way to point out that the project was done on a volunteer basis.Apr 14, 2021

Are interpersonal skills important in attorney?

Good interpersonal skills are one of the most important characteristics of a successful legal professional. Whether we're meeting with clients, attempting to persuade a judge or jury, or simply negotiating law firm life, solid interpersonal skills are critical to career success.Jul 3, 2018

What is the job outlook for a lawyer?

4%
(2019)
6%
(2014)
Lawyer/Projected 10-year growth

How many years of experience does a lawyer have?

Friendly and enthusiastic lawyer with 29 years of experience in numerous areas of law, including real property, estate & succession planning, small business organization and formation. Able to learn new areas of law quickly and proficient in growing key customer relationships.

What is the job of a lawyer?

Prepare and draft legal documents, such as wills, deeds, mortgages, leases, and contracts. Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates. Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law. Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.

Is networking good for a lawyer?

Networking is a powerful tool in your legal job search, and keeping your networking efforts fresh goes hand in hand with having an effective lawyer resume. While you’re updating your resumes, it’s the perfect time to update your LinkedIn profile and other social media platforms.

How many pages should a resume be?

Resumes should only be one page, or two at most, so you may have to leave room for more relevant information.

What is the skills section on a resume?

It’s just a shortlist of your top skills, highlighting your strengths at the top of your legal resume. However, before you list off the first few positive attributes that come to mind, consider what an opportunity this section actually is.

Should I open my own law firm?

That’s easy: Yes! Except for those of you who aren’t disciplined enough to run a business rather than a legal clinic. And those who have zero interest in money, those who want a strict 9 to 5, those who demand certainty and security in their livelihood at all times.

My personal journey as a solo lawyer

For me, I started as a solo practitioner because I wanted to be a lawyer. Period. I graduated into the great recession and spent years working in alternative legal career jobs before getting so frustrated with life that I was ready to do anything to finally achieve that dream of practicing law.

What to consider when thinking about starting a solo law firm

When figuring out how hard is it to make it as a solo practitioner, first consider what is most important to you. I have heard people say that they went into solo practice for a better work-life balance, but quite frankly, most solos that I know that are making a substantial living do so by working very long hours.

How to set yourself up for success as a solo practitioner

Few businesses ever succeed when they are governed by the whims of entrepreneurs and fate. If you are launching a law firm with no plan, your odds of success are going to be slim. Every single day will bring many surprises, not of the good kind.

What is the objective of a contract attorney?

Objective : Highly qualified Contract Attorney with experience in the industry. Enjoy creative problem solving and getting exposure on multiple projects, and excel in the collaborative environment on which your company prides itself.

How many years of experience does a Fortune 100 attorney have?

Objective : Experienced attorney with over thirteen years of experience representing and counseling Fortune 100, 200, and 500 companies, small businesses and individuals in connection with complex litigation and intellectual property matters.

What is a point person and project leader?

Summary : Worked on products liability defense litigation, government investigations, and regulatory compliance; Point person and project leader for the research and analysis of a global dossier of documents related to litigation, including regulatory submissions, internal business documents, personnel records and marketing documents.

What is an attorney's headline?

Headline : An experienced attorney with the ability to think in practical as well as strategic terms. Through the use of active communication skills, persuasive negotiation techniques, and a willingness to pursue action, has successfully achieved the desired results on behalf of clients. Combining in-depth knowledge and experience and strong work ethic, able to make an immediate and significant contribution to an organization.

What is an adaptable attorney?

Summary : Highly reliable detail oriented attorney at law can be counted on to complete assignments without supervision. Creative thinker can determine whether relevant information exists in a document, able to determine if a privilege exists. Adaptable can work in a variety of work situations, and technically skilled able to use several different database document review software systems, and e-filing systems.

What is a real estate attorney?

Summary : Accomplished attorney with a focus on real estate, to include acquisition, disposition, leasing and finance transactions, as well as experience in bankruptcy, creditor's rights and commercial litigation. Provides expert legal counsel on a broad range of real estate.

What is creative thinker?

Creative thinker can determine whether relevant information exists in a document, able to determine if a privilege exists. Adaptable can work in a variety of work situations, and technically skilled able to use several different database document review software systems, and e-filing systems.

1. Do the math

First, you need to take a hard look at the numbers and fully assess your finances. How much money do you need to generate to feed yourself and your family, pay the mortgage, and keep the lights on? Make a list of every real and estimated expense, both personal and business. Then think about the expenses you can reduce or eliminate.

3. Keep your overhead low

You’re in charge now, and every dollar adds up quicker than you think (especially if you just invested in that great new laptop!). One of the biggest potential expenditures is office space. Think about what type of location would work best for you and your clients: Do you need office space in a central location, or will your home office work?

4. Be thoughtful with your banking

When it comes to managing your money as a solo lawyer, you’ll need an operating account, as well as an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Account) account, at the very least. You’ll also want to review the rules for maintaining the IOLTA. They’re not difficult to understand, but they are important.

5. Get your website and other materials in order

Yes, you need a website, even as a small solo law practice. How fancy does it need to be? That probably depends on your practice; the transactional lawyer’s website looks different from the immigration lawyer’s. But remember that your website often makes your first impression for you—so make it a good one.

6. Name your solo practice carefully

One fun aspect of launching your solo firm is, of course, naming it. But before you mimic those big, well-known firms around you, be careful. There are rules about law firm names. If you want to name your firm Smith Law Offices—note the plural “offices”—but you only have one office, that might get you in trouble.

7. Buy law malpractice insurance

Even if it’s not required in your state (for example, it’s not required in Massachusetts), it buys peace of mind. If you’re just starting your solo law firm, you don’t have much exposure yet, so the price can be less than $1,500 for a year. You may be able to spread the payments out over 12 months too.

8. Use your network

In addition to everyone being a PRS, think about potential referrers in your existing and extended networks. If you’re doing family law, talk to counselors. If you’re doing tax law, let your accountant know. If you’re doing personal injury work, reach out to that physical therapist friend.

Stable Compensation – Overall

The report shows a slight decrease in overall income.Compared to a mean of $198,000 and a median of $140,000 in 2017, 2018 saw attorneys earning a mean of $194,000 and a median of $135,000.

Making More or Making Less?

When comparing their 2018 earnings to their 2017 pay, close to half of the respondents reported increases .

Who Is Earning the Most?

The highest-earning practice area this year is medical malpractice, which boasts an average salary of $267,000.

The Report

The full Attorney Compensation Report offers a more detailed picture with details such as:

Thinking of starting your own solo practice? Here's a cautionary tale

A few weeks ago, I asked for stories from former solo practitioners who have closed up shop and their reasons why. I received a fair number of responses. Some did well, moving on to BigGov, better larger law firms, or decent non-legal jobs, and some even started profitable businesses.

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