how to write a bio for a lawyer

by Conner Okuneva 6 min read

How to write a professional attorney bio people will actually want to read

  1. Include your full name, title and a professional headshot.
  2. Tell people what you do, without legalese and overused buzzwords.
  3. Tell them why you do it. What motivates you? What got you into law school?
  4. Explain how your experience helps clients.
  5. Provide relevant examples.

The 7 Most Important Items to Include in Your Lawyer Bio
  1. Your name and title right up front. ...
  2. A professional headshot. ...
  3. A summary of what you do for your clients. ...
  4. An explanation of why you do what you do. ...
  5. Highlights of relevant accomplishments or civic engagements. ...
  6. A few bits of personal information.

Full Answer

How do you write an extensive lawyer bio?

How to write a professional attorney bio people will actually want to read 1. Include your full name, title and a professional headshot. 2. Tell people what you do, without legalese and overused buzzwords. 3. Tell them why you do it. What motivates you? What got you into law school? 4. Explain how ...

What should an attorney bio look like?

Sep 01, 2021 · The thing to remember is other lawyers are always vying for the same types of cases you are. Take advantage of the things you can control by. ensuring your bio touts your successes and is up to ...

Do lawyers write their own BIOS?

Jan 23, 2019 · The first step to take when writing a killer bio is to do some research. Look at the biographies of respected attorneys in your field or even your favorite author or successful entrepreneurs. Simply reading how others crafted their bios is a great way to draw inspiration and find out what you want – and don’t want – to include in yours.

What is an attorney biography and why is it important?

Jun 10, 2021 · Peruse some of our best attorney bio designs below for inspiration for your firm’s website. Leave some comments if you have any that you like in particular. 1. Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose. 2. Raines Feldman LLP. 3. Bouhan Falligant LLP. 4.

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How do you write an attorney bio?

Wrapping up how to write an attorney bio
  1. Cover all of the basics of your background, career, values, and practice areas.
  2. Clearly explain why prospects should hire you. ...
  3. Leverage credentials, accolades, and awards to build trust and authority.

What makes a good attorney bio?

One essential marketing tool that new and seasoned attorneys should focus on is their biography. Attorney biographies are often a potential client's first real glimpse into one's background, educational history and overall expertise in the legal field.Aug 31, 2021

What should be included in a law firm bio?

As obvious as it may seem to you, be sure to include the type of law you practice within your bio. Keep in mind that potential clients may not be familiar with legal counsel. Consider breaking down your legal expertise with a brief layman's definition of your work. In her attorney bio, Kimberly N.Mar 12, 2021

What is an attorney bio?

Attorney biographies are a great way for potential clients to gather information about the people that might be representing them. A well-designed biography sets the stage for a client to really get a chance to learn about the attorneys at a particular firm.Jun 10, 2021

What is an example of a biography?

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (made even more famous by the musical “Hamilton,” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.

What makes an attorney great?

Here are the top 5 qualities of a good lawyer: responsiveness, analytical skills, good research skills, speaking skills, and listening skills. and understand it on the spot. When a case is in session, curveballs will likely be thrown and they have to be able to interpret and respond to them appropriately.

What is an attorney called?

In the United States, the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. For this reason, people in and out of the legal field often ask, “is an attorney and a lawyer the same thing?”. In colloquial speech, the specific requirements necessary to be considered a lawyer vs attorney aren't always considered.

Is a biography?

A biography, or simply bio, is a detailed description of a person's life. It involves more than just the basic facts like education, work, relationships, and death; it portrays a person's experience of these life events.

Your Bio is Not Your CV

A CV, even when done well, is still a laundry list of past employment positions and accomplishments. A list tells people nothing about you as a practicing attorney (and they are, honestly, quite dull). The last result you want from your About page is to lull your readers to sleep.

The 7 Most Important Items to Include in Your Lawyer Bio

Now that you know what your bio is not, it is time to learn what to include to make you stand out from the crowd.

A Note on Length

If you include everything in the above list, you could end up with a bio that is either two paragraphs or ten paragraphs long. Length does not matter. It is all about presentation:

Personality, Please

The best thing you can do for your bio is to bring your personality to the forefront. If you are laid back and casual, then your bio should express that. If you use humor in all you do, make sure it comes through in your bio. As long as you are genuine, whatever you care to share will hit the mark.

The Great Debate

I find they spend more time than they need to necessary on this question: “Should my bio be in first or third person?” You should determine the answer by asking two questions:

Still Stuck?

Writer’s block is a bear to break through. If you find you are still stuck when it comes to getting started on your bio, try starting with one of these options:

Keep It Current

The last thing you want to do is create a great bio that becomes stale with age. To avoid this, schedule calendar reminders to revisit your bio every three-to-six months. Review your photos, practice areas, years of experience, and any other time-sensitive items to ensure you do not lose prospects.

Who was the first female solicitor general?

At an early age, Kagan began to develop a strong passion for law. She became the first female Solicitor General of the United States. She achieved it under the Obama’s administration. Through her biography, people can get a general idea of her background, career path and the awards and achievements she has won.

Who is Amal Clooney?

Some of the most famous lawyers with great biographies include the ones below. Amal Clooney is an attorney specialized in human rights and international law. Clooney can practice as a lawyer in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is famous for tackling social injustices and fighting for human rights in international courts. ...

Who is Gloria Allred?

Gloria Allred is an inspirational lawyer that has been fighting for women and minorities rights for 40 years. Besides being an attorney, Allred is the president of the Women’s Equal Right Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Due to her activist work, she has received several awards.

What is a professional biography?

This gives each of your biographies a unique content score with the search engines which improves your overall search results rankings. It also means that potential clients see unique pieces of content that have not been cut-and-pasted to save time.

What is a biography in real estate?

The biography is a vehicle for selling legal services so even if it is in a third person voice, it should be about connecting your experience with the legal problems you solve. The first paragraph of your biography is important real estate for starting a conversation with the person you are trying to connect with.

How to write a bio for an attorney?

1. Meet with the attorney. Although many attorneys will write their own bios, you may be hired to do it for them. It is important to have a thorough understanding of their practice before beginning the bio. Before meeting with the attorney, do preparatory research, such as looking at the attorney’s website, as well as performing web searches.

What is an attorney bio?

An attorney bio generally includes information about the lawyer's credentials, including schooling and experience. A well-written bio will help draw clients to your practice. Follow these steps for writing a compelling attorney bio. Steps.

How long does it take to become a certified attorney?

Consider acquiring certification for any specialties and including those in your bio. Certifications typically require several years of expertise, professional recommendations from judges or fellow attorneys, and completion of additional education or tests.

How long should an attorney's bio be?

An attorney bio is not a memoir. A reader should be able to scan it without being overwhelmed by information. A good length is under six paragraphs. Extensive bios can be broken up using hyperlinks. For example, the main page may highlight a few client testimonials and representative matters.

Who is Jennifer Mueller?

Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006.

What is an attorney bio page?

Attorney bio pages are valuable law firm marketing tools, and yet so often, they are put together piecemeal without attention to branding or tone. Or, they are just resume-style lists, devoid of personality. More often than not, people aren’t hiring The Firm; they are hiring an attorney.

Is a lawyer's bio on a CV?

Your attorney bio page is not your CV and your website visitors aren’t in HR. Prospective clients don’t want to look at a long list of credentials, and they don’t want to read a bio that is just that list put into prose form.

What is a lead in a news article?

In a news article, the lede (often also, lead) is the introductory sentence, or short paragraph, that describes the story and gives the most important details up front, in an attempt to entice readers to continue. In many ways, you are similar to the journalist working to draw people into an article.

Is online publishing anonymous?

Online publishing is intrinsically anonymous and impersonal. It is easy to forget, when sitting solo in front of your screen, that when you write, you are talking to other people. First, drop the legalese and jargon. In very rare cases this may be appropriate, but only if you are speaking primarily to other attorneys.

How to write a professional bio?

Writing a professional bio starts by choosing the right name and professional titles to use. Different names and titles can change depending on the purpose and audience of the bio. For example, some people choose to use a different first name in their bio instead of their given name. Other professionals use their original last name instead ...

How to write a bio?

Start by choosing the appropriate name and professional title. Writing a professional bio starts by choosing the right name and professional titles to use. Different names and titles can change depending on the purpose and audience of the bio. For example, some people choose to use a different first name in their bio instead of their given name. ...

What to list in a bio while employed?

If you’re creating a bio while currently employed, list your current position or job role, such as “Senior Associate” or “Editor.” If you are unemployed and creating a bio as part of an online profile, you can list your previous role or your current expertise. For example, you could list “Web Developer” or “Professional Nanny.”

Do you have to share your bio?

In most cases, you do not have to share personal details in your bio. However, it might be helpful in some situations to help people understand you better as a well-rounded individual.

What are some examples of personal information?

Examples of popular personal details in bios: 1 Hobbies 2 Favorite TV shows, movies, or books 3 Information about family life 4 Funny details about habits or interests 5 Unique personal history

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Your Bio Is Not Your Cv

The 7 Most Important itemSTO Include in Your Lawyer Bio

  • Nowthat you know what your bio is not, it is time to learn what to include to makeyou stand out from the crowd. 1. Your name and title right up front.Do not make folks work hard to find your full name and the role you play. Hiding this information is irritating for prospects; it will cause them to navigate away from your bio or your website altoget...
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A Note on Length

  • If youinclude everything in the above list, you could end up with a bio that iseither two paragraphs or ten paragraphs long. Length does not matter. It is allabout presentation: 1. Format your bio for onlinereaders.YourAbout page exists on your website, so you should format it like you do allother pages. Use short, succinct sentences and paragraphs. Use bulleted listswhere proper. Use head…
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Personality, Please

  • Thebest thing you can do for your bio is to bring your personality to theforefront. If you are laid back and casual, then your bio should express that.If you use humor in all you do, make sure it comes through in your bio. As longas you are genuine, whatever you care to share will hit the mark. Focusingon personality achieves these goals: 1. Writing in your own voice and sharingthin…
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The Great Debate

  • I findthey spend more time than they need to necessary on this question: “Should mybio be in first or third person?” You should determine the answer by asking twoquestions: 1. Am I a solo attorney?If yes, stop thinking about it andjust write your bio (and all your website copy, for that matter) in firstperson. If no, move to the second question. 2. Who is my audience?If you are writi…
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Still Stuck?

  • Writer’sblock is a bear to break through. If you find you are still stuck when it comesto getting started on your bio, try starting with one of these options: 1. Fill out a short questionnaire.I have created a short professional bio questionnaire for my clients to use when tackling their own bios. There’s nothing fancy here, but it does help get those brain juices flowing. 2. Write a haiku.You c…
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Keep It Current

  • The last thing you want to do is create a great bio that becomes stale with age. To avoid this, schedule calendar reminders to revisit your bio every three-to-six months. Review your photos, practice areas, years of experience, and any other time-sensitive items to ensure you do not lose prospects. This post originally on Lawyerist.com.
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Examples of The Best Biographies

  • One of the best ways to learn the skills required to write a top profile to display proudly on your law firm’s website is to take a look at a successful lawyer bio sample. Learning by example is one of the best modalities for getting to grips with new skills and reading through a lawyer bio sample or two is no different. Run through a list of lawyers who have really made it big through their eng…
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How to Write The Biography of A Lawyer

  • You’ll quickly see from the most popular lawyer bio example texts that length is not your primary consideration, unlike when writing a resume or other such document. The most useful lawyer bio example for you is anyone to which you feel a personal connection, and it should be noted that your clients feel the same way. Learn from the positive aspect...
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Looking For A Rockstar Team?

  • We work with a professional team of expert creative writers to deliver a high-quality service. Thanks to their expertise, we can guarantee you will receive an original bio based on your personal story and resume. To get a glimpse of our work, you can read our new attorney bio sample and our lawyer bio sample. Both have been written by our skilled creative writers. Our team is special…
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Open with A Strong Statement

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The biography is a vehicle for selling legal services so even if it is in a third person voice, it should be about connecting your experience with the legal problems you solve. The first paragraph of your biography is important real estate for starting a conversation with the person you are trying to connect with. You can also increas…
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Cover The Basics

  • Make sure to include all the nuts and bolts that people will want to follow up on to ensure that you are who you say you are. Specifically, you should cover: 1. Contact Information:Location, phone number, social media links, email address. 2. Education:Undergraduate and law school credentials, as well as any post-graduate degrees. 3. Work History: ...
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Cover The Extras

  • Next, you will want to make sure that you include anything extracurricular that will make you stand out in a crowd. Leadership positions (even outside of a legal industry), community service, and board memberships are great additions to this section. This is also the right place to include a personal line or two about your interests, hobbies, or family to inspire further connection with yo…
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Have A Relevant, Professional Photo

  • Here is an area where many lawyers fall short. Remember, this may be the only time your prospective new client sees you before deciding to request your help. Give your best possible first impression by investing in professional headshots that reflect your best qualities and your personal brand. Take professional headshots regularly to keep your online image current.
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Create Several Biographies For The Best Web Engagement

  • The professional biography that you have on your website should be different than the one you have on sites like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell. This gives each of your biographies a unique content score with the search engines which improves your overall search results rankings. It also means that potential clients see unique pieces of content that have not been cut-and-pasted to s…
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Avoid The Biography Pitfalls

  • There are a couple of issues that I see often when I review clients’ online and offline biographies. Some of the worst offenders when creating a biography include: 1. Informal photos:Stay away from using an old repurposed image of you at your brother’s wedding. And, unless you have an MFA in graphic design, stay away from photoshopping yourself into a different setting. 2. Being t…
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Try Creative, Interactive Elements

  • You can make your biography page stand out even more by incorporating engaging elements like vcards, printable versions, or introductory videos - as long as they are professionally produced. Another wise choice is to include a disclaimer if you list your email address stating that sending an email to you does not indicate a legal attorney-client relationship unless an engagement lette…
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Conclusion

  • Writing the perfect lawyer biography does not have to be a difficult exercise. Like any other marketing exercise, start with your potential client and work backward. Your biography is a great opportunity to connect with people before you meet them. Create text that is search-friendly, concise, and filled with the highlights of your career. This will allow potential clients and colleag…
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