Criminal Lawyer Resume Samples

A Criminal Lawyer or Criminal Justice Lawyer defends clients accused of criminal activity, representing them in court and advising them on legal strategies. Some of the common work activities listed on the Criminal Lawyer Resume are – conducting case research, gathering evidence, drafting legal documents, and negotiating with opposing counsel. They also represent clients in a range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and work to secure the best possible outcome, whether through settlement, trial, or plea agreements.

The strongest resume for this occupation emphasizes qualifications such as – strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities, and a deep knowledge of criminal law, and courtroom procedures. They should possess effective communication and public speaking skills to present cases persuasively before the judge or jury. A Juris Doctor degree is required, along with passing the bar examination and gaining experience through internships or clerkships.

Looking for drafting your winning cover letter? See our sample Criminal Lawyer Cover Letter.

Criminal Lawyer Resume example

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Summary : As a Criminal Lawyer, responsible for collaborating closely with expert witnesses to strengthen case strategies, which contributed to favorable plea bargains in of cases.

Skills : Case Analysis, Legal Research, Strategic Planning, Client Relationship Management, Regulatory Compliance

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Description :

  1. Responsible for conducting thorough legal research to challenge prosecutorial evidence, ultimately leading to the dismissal of charges in approximately 30 cases.
  2. Responsible for litigating over 150 criminal cases, with a significant focus on white-collar crimes, achieving reduced sentences for clients in 80 of the cases.
  3. Responsible for implementing new technology for evidence organization, enhancing the firm's ability to handle complex financial fraud cases effectively.
  4. Responsible for mentoring junior attorneys, and providing guidance on case preparation and courtroom tactics, which increased the overall efficiency of the legal team.
  5. Responsible for spearheading the criminal law department's expansion into cybercrime defense, securing on average of 15 new clients per quarter.
  6. Responsible for leading a high-profile murder case defense, orchestrating a multifaceted strategy that involved forensic analysis, which contributed to a not-guilty verdict.
  7. Responsible for enhancing the firm's reputation by presenting contemporary criminal defense strategies at national law conferences, resulting in a 20 increase in client referrals.
Years of Experience
Experience
7-10 Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
JD


Criminal Lawyer Resume

Headline : As a Criminal Lawyer, worked closely with teams of caseworkers and administrative staff, communicated with the police, probation services and other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.

Skills : Trial Preparation, Negotiation Skills, Team Collaboration, Jury Selection, Investigation Skills, Client Relationship Management, Sentencing Advocacy

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Description :

  1. Performed legal research to set up a defense and a case theory.  
  2. Discussed and negotiated a potential plea bargain with the prosecution.
  3. Conducted comprehensive legal research and analysis, resulting in the successful dismissal of charges in 30% of pre-trial motions.
  4. Successfully represented over 100 clients in criminal defense cases, achieving a 75% acquittal rate in jury trials.
  5. Negotiated favorable plea deals for clients, reducing potential sentences by an average of 40% across multiple cases.
  6. Developed and implemented effective defense strategies that led to the reversal of wrongful convictions in two high-profile cases.
  7. Collaborated with law enforcement and forensic experts to gather evidence, enhancing case outcomes and client satisfaction.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
BA in Pol Sci


Criminal Lawyer Resume

Headline : As a Criminal Lawyer, visited prisons and police stations to liaise with defendants, drafted legal documents, established a complete, accurate and compelling defence for the accused.

Skills : Oral Advocacy, Written Communication, Witness Examination, Conflict Resolution, Persuasion Skills, Negotiation Skills

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Description :

  1. Discussed whether evidence is strong enough to charge the accused.
  2. Supported the accused by challenging evidence against them and interviewing witnesses to support their case.
  3. Ensured a fair hearing is provided if a case goes to court.
  4. Examined police evidence and deciding whether to progress criminal proceedings.
  5. Maintained up-to-date knowledge of criminal law and procedural changes, ensuring compliance and effective representation for all clients.
  6. Trained and mentored junior attorneys and interns, improving team performance and client service delivery in the firm.
  7. Successfully argued for the suppression of evidence in 20 cases, leading to favorable verdicts for clients.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
LLM

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Summary : As a Criminal Lawyer, prepared and drafted legal documents, including legal briefs and appeals, negotiated plea negotiations, punishments, and settlements.

Skills : Criminal Law Knowledge, Oral Advocacy, Client Counseling, Trial Preparation

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Description :

  1. Represented defendants in all stages of a criminal prosecution, from police investigation to presenting their case in court as an advocate.
  2. Reviewed documentation related to an offense and the case (including witness statements, police reports, forensic reports, and medical records).
  3. Prepared and presented compelling arguments in court, resulting in a significant reduction of charges for 15 clients.
  4. Engaged in community outreach programs to educate the public on legal rights, enhancing the firm’s reputation and client base.
  5. Drafted and filed numerous motions, briefs, and legal documents, achieving a 90% success rate in motions filed.
  6. Represented clients in appellate courts, securing favorable rulings in 60% of cases appealed, significantly impacting clients' lives.
  7. Conducted thorough client interviews and investigations, uncovering critical evidence that led to case dismissals in 25% of cases.
Years of Experience
Experience
10+ Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
BS in Psych

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Summary : As a Criminal Lawyer, responsible for achieving unprecedented sentences in high-level criminal cases in federal district courts, responsible for reviewing arrest reports regarding felony criminal cases, conducted preliminary hearings in Magistrate Court, and conducted probation revocation hearings.

Skills : Evidence Evaluation, Courtroom Presentation, Criminal Law Knowledge, Plea Bargaining, Courtroom Experience

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Description :

  1. Undertook confidentiality, follow instructions and work diligently. 
  2. Delivered quickly and efficiently, work independently and meet deadlines and manage others.
  3. Conducted research and analyzing cases to determine a probable outcome and devise an effective strategy to defend clients in court.
  4. Interpreted laws for clients and helping them to understand their legal options.
  5. Aimed to resolve cases as quickly and favorably as possible.
  6. Represented clients at arraignments, hearings, and court trials.
  7. Presented evidence to a judge andor jury should the case go to trial.
Years of Experience
Experience
10+ Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
JD

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Objective : As a Criminal Lawyer, responsible for organizing trial preparation and support including witness lists, exhibits, and trial binders.

Skills : Plea Bargaining, Legal Drafting, Evidence Evaluation, Written Communication, Strategic Thinking

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Description :

  1. Responsible for creating and maintaining organizational infrastructure for trial documents, cases, and research. 
  2. Responsible for performing legal research; organized legal correspondence; prepared litigation documentation for a large international law firm; attended court hearings. 
  3. Responsible for assisting large international commercial law firms by conducting extensive research, drafting legal arguments, and document management for discovery.  
  4. Responsible for providing legal advice, documentation, and service to members in administrative procedures; criminal preliminary proceedings; and family law proceedings.
  5. Responsible for performing a variety of tasks needed to settle cases and assisted in the preparation of criminal cases for trial. 
  6. Responsible for investigating criminal cases, through client interviews, witness interviews, scene visits, and discovery reviews. 
  7. Responsible for working on six criminal cases in both federal and state courts as part of the defense team. 
Years of Experience
Experience
2-5 Years
Experience Level
Level
Junior
Education
Education
BA in Gov

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Objective : As a Criminal Lawyer, responsible for consulting with clients in jails and in office regarding their cases, responsible for identifying potential defenses and conducted full investigations.

Skills : Public Speaking, Statutory Interpretation, Legal Drafting, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Interpersonal Skills, Ethical Judgment

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Description :

  1. Responsible for negotiating with District Attorneys to secure lower convictions than charges or outright dismissals.
  2. Responsible for representing people in motions hearings jury trials and court trials
  3. Negotiated with the prosecution to plea bargain to lesser charges.
  4. Drafted, filed, and argued motions such as motions to dismiss and motions to suppress.
  5. Advocated for the defendant at trial. Draft, file, and argue appeals.
  6. Advocated for clients in various criminal matters, including drug offenses, assault, and white-collar crimes, with a focus on justice.
  7. Implemented case management systems that improved efficiency and tracking of client cases, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.
Years of Experience
Experience
2-5 Years
Experience Level
Level
Executive
Education
Education
MPP

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Headline : As a Criminal Lawyer, responsible for transitioning into private practice, responsible for defending clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges.

Skills : Legal Ethics, Critical Thinking, Interpersonal Skills, Investigation Skills

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Description :

  1. Responsible for staffing cases with partners for defenses and appropriate approaches.
  2. Responsible for consulting with and advising clients on the best tactics to take.
  3. Responsible for conducting careful legal research and keeping abreast of changes in the law.
  4. Responsible for developing good relationships with District Attorneys.
  5. Responsible for representing indigent clients criminally charged in court cases.
  6. Presented evidence, making opening and closing arguments, and cross-examining witnesses.
  7. Prepared for trials by reviewing evidence, gathering witness testimony, and formulating defense strategies.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
BA in Soc

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Headline : As a Criminal Lawyer, responsible for navigating and resolving ethical dilemmas in the course of practice, ensuring adherence to the highest legal standards and maintaining the firm's integrity.

Skills : Problem Solving, Time Management, Legal Compliance, Client Relationship Management, Analytical Thinking

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Description :

  1. Responsible for functioning as a criminal law consultant for several tech startups, advising on regulatory compliance related to computer fraud and digital privacy laws.
  2. Responsible for delivering keynote speeches at legal symposiums about the evolving landscape of digital crime prosecution and defense tactics.
  3. Responsible for growing a specialized practice area in cybercriminal law, resulting in a 45 client increase and expanded market recognition for the firm.
  4. Negotiated and finalized non-trial resolutions for 80 of criminal cases assigned, reflecting a strong capacity for persuasive negotiation.
  5. Responsible for championing the development of legal aid initiatives for underrepresented communities, offering pro bono services that aided over 200 individuals.
  6. Interpreted laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  7. Analyzed the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
LLM

Criminal Lawyer Resume

Headline : As a Criminal Lawyer, gathered evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.

Skills : Attention to Detail, Interpersonal Skills, Crisis Management, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Competence

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Description :

  1. Evaluated findings and developed strategies and arguments in preparation for the presentation of cases.
  2. Advised clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, the advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
  3. Examined legal data to determine the advisability of defending or prosecuting a lawsuit.
  4. Prepared, drafted, and reviewed legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
  5. Studied the Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
  6. Successfully argued for the suppression of illegally obtained evidence, resulting in the dismissal of charges in multiple cases.
  7. Represented clients in appellate courts, securing favorable rulings that overturned lower court decisions in several cases.
Years of Experience
Experience
5-7 Years
Experience Level
Level
Senior
Education
Education
BS in Legal St