How to Write a Lateral Attorney Resume: Complete Guide

Dear Elena T.,

Your Experience Now Speaks Louder Than Your Diploma

The good news is that your law school ranking becomes significantly less important once you have meaningful practice experience. Lateral hiring is fundamentally about what you can contribute from day one, not where you studied. Firms evaluating lateral candidates focus on deal flow, client relationships, and practice area expertise that aligns with their current needs.

This is particularly true in growing markets like Charlotte. Major firms there—including K&L Gates, Moore & Van Allen, and Robinson Bradshaw—often seek corporate attorneys with specific experience to support their practices.

Structure Your Resume Around Deal Experience

Unlike entry-level resumes that emphasize academics and credentials, lateral resumes should lead with your practice experience. Create a "Representative Experience" or "Selected Transactions" section that showcases 6-8 of your best deals. For each transaction, include:

• Deal type and value (when not confidential): "$150M acquisition of manufacturing company"
• Your specific role: "Drafted purchase agreement and managed due diligence process"
• Notable complexities: "Cross-border transaction involving regulatory approvals in three jurisdictions"
• Client type: "Represented private equity sponsor" or "Advised Fortune 500 buyer"

This approach demonstrates both the sophistication of your work and your ability to handle complex matters that BigLaw clients demand.

Quantify Your Contributions

Corporate attorneys can often provide concrete metrics that showcase their value. Consider including details like:

• Total transaction volume you've worked on
• Number of deals closed per year
• Types of clients (public companies, private equity, startups)
• Deal sizes and complexity
• Any business development or pitch involvement

If you're considering California markets, emphasize any technology transactions or startup experience, as the Bay Area's tech-heavy legal market highly values attorneys who understand venture capital, M&A, and emerging company work.

Tailor to Market Demands

Research your target markets and firms before crafting your resume. Charlotte's legal market includes major financial institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, so financial services transaction experience can be valuable there. The market includes fintech, energy, and healthcare sectors.

For California opportunities, highlight any experience with technology companies, venture capital, or complex securities work. Many firms value attorneys who can navigate both traditional corporate law and emerging technology issues.

Practice Area Positioning

Be specific about your practice focus. Rather than "corporate law," specify "middle-market M&A" or "venture capital and emerging companies." This specificity helps hiring partners quickly assess fit with their practice group needs.

If you have any cross-practice experience—such as corporate work with employment law components or regulatory aspects—highlight this versatility, as firms increasingly value attorneys who can handle multifaceted matters.

Professional Development and Skills

Include a brief section on continuing education, bar admissions, and relevant skills. If you're considering practice in multiple states, you might want to check bar reciprocity requirements and mention any additional bar admissions you're pursuing.

For corporate attorneys, highlight skills like:

• Industry specializations (healthcare, technology, energy)
• International transaction experience
• Regulatory knowledge
• Client counseling and business development activities

The Strategic Long-Term View

Think of your lateral resume as positioning yourself for where you want to be in 5-7 years, not just your next immediate move. If partnership is your goal, emphasize experiences that demonstrate business judgment, client relationship skills, and the ability to manage complex matters independently.

Consider how your current experience translates to the partnership track at target firms. Can you articulate a path toward developing portable business? Do you have industry expertise that could differentiate you in the market?

Your resume should tell a coherent story about your career trajectory and why this lateral move advances both your professional development and the target firm's strategic goals. Focus on demonstrating value through concrete achievements rather than compensating for perceived credential gaps—your work experience is now your strongest asset.