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Table of contents

Law school resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your law school resume
How to write a law school resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your law school resume
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Whether you’re aiming for the office of the county prosecutor or you want to become a civil court expert, your exciting law career begins with your education. You need to ace the admissions process to embark on the path to the credentials you’ve been dreaming of. That means that you need a persuasive and professional law school resume. We can help with that!

Already made it into your school of choice? Looking to leverage your legal knowledge to land a legal internship or entry-level legal position? We can help with that too!

Check out our guide for help putting together a resume that showcases your knowledge and skills.

In this guide, we will cover:

Inspiring law school resume samples.
A step-by-step process for constructing a strong law school application resume.
Optional sections to bolster your resume.
Tips for writing a professional cover letter.
Key insights to ensure your resume stands out.

Want a professionally designed resume in just minutes? Give our Resume Maker a try. Choose a template that reflects your style and receive expert guidance for every section, guaranteeing that your resume demonstrates your academic talents.

Law school resume examples

Entry-level law school resume example

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Why this entry-level law school resume works:

Professional formatting
This resume is laid out neatly so that it’s easy to read at a glance. Composing documents is a huge part of any lawyer’s job, so clarity is especially important here.
Emphasis on skills
This candidate is a student seeking a legal internship. For this reason, it makes sense to focus on skills. The candidate doesn’t have extensive experience, but her competence shines through her skills.
Includes coursework
For an experienced candidate, including coursework for a job or internship resume is usually not as relevant as focusing on job history. For a student or recent graduate, though, listing relevant coursework can be a great way to showcase expertise and development.

Experienced law school resume example

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Why this experienced law school resume works:

Minimalist design
This resume is intended for admissions into a law school program. A resume for a law school application should generally avoid distracting graphics or flashy colors. This understated design is perfect for its purpose.
Uses numerical data
Measurable data gives the admissions department a sense of the scale of this applicant’s experience as well as his ability to produce concrete results.
Employs active language
Action-oriented verbs like “conduct,” “draft” and “develop” add a sense of energy and directness to this candidate’s description of his experience.

Choose the right resume format for your law school resume

school resume serves as the foundation for a successful application to law schools and legal internships. The format of your resume plays a critical role in determining how admissions committees perceive your qualifications and achievements.

To maximize your chances of admission, you must carefully structure your resume to highlight your strengths as a law school candidate and prove your mastery when it comes to constructing professional documents.

Consider the following primary resume formats tailored to the law school admissions process:

Chronological resume format: If you boast a rich history of law-related experiences and internships, the chronological format is your ideal choice. It places your extensive track record at the forefront, emphasizing your successful endeavors in legal internships and relevant activities.
Combination resume format: For applicants who have accrued some experience and internships during their academic journey, the combination format strikes a balance between your legal skills and your educational history. It offers a comprehensive view of your abilities and legal involvement.
Functional resume format: If you are entering the field of law or are in the early stages of your academic career, the functional format spotlights your legal skills, knowledge and any relevant achievements. It minimizes the emphasis on previous work experiences and focuses on your potential as a law school student.

Once you’ve determined the best format for your law school resume, the next step is to select an appropriate template that reflects your professional image.

Select the perfect resume template for your law school application

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The law school resume template that you choose influences the way that your resume is read and perceived by admissions officers and potential employers alike. That’s why you need to choose something that is professional, neat and well-organized. Let’s go over some of your options.

If you prefer a clean and straightforward document, opt for a simple template. These templates offer a minimalist approach to resume design, ensuring that your qualifications and legal aspirations take center stage without any distractions.

For admissions, the simple template is our recommendation because law school admissions resumes are traditionally understated and conservative.

As a future legal professional, your distinctive approach to problem-solving and leadership can shine through a creative resume template. These templates incorporate visual appeal and a touch of personality into the traditional resume format, effectively showcasing your unique attributes.

This can be a great choice in the right context, like an internship at a creative organization, but use your best judgment and avoid using something too flashy for inappropriate contexts.

For those seeking a polished, professional and visually appealing design, consider a modern resume template. These templates feature sophisticated and stylish designs, offering a comfortable balance between simplicity and style.

Our selection of resume templates is available in various formats, including Word and Google Docs templates, providing the flexibility to download and personalize them according to your specific law school admissions needs.

Now that you’ve chosen the format and style for your resume, it’s time to dive into the content creation process, highlighting your achievements, experiences and aspirations in the field of law.

How to write a law school resume in 5 simple steps

Crafting an outstanding law school resume requires a strategic approach tailored to the admissions process, or the specific internship or job listing you want to apply for. Each section of your resume should effectively showcase your qualifications and aspirations in the field of law. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1

Review law school admission requirements

To create a compelling law school resume, start by carefully reviewing the admission requirements and expectations of the law schools or internships you’re applying to. Each law school and firm may have specific criteria and preferences for applicants, such as academic achievements, volunteer work, extracurricular activities and relevant internships.

Just as in job applications, law school admissions committees often use screening processes to evaluate applicants. These committees may look for specific keywords and phrases that align with their selection criteria.

Pay close attention to the admission requirements and preferences outlined by each law school. For example, if they emphasize terms like “legal research,” “moot court” or “public service,” make sure to incorporate these keywords when describing your relevant experiences. This demonstrates your alignment with their expectations while staying true to your background and skills.

When applying to internships and legal roles, employers may use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to automatically screen for these keywords. In these contexts, it’s a good idea to study the job listing closely and use that as your guide for choosing keywords.

Step 2

Your law school resume should kick off with a strong presentation of your law-related achievements and experiences, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned applicant with extensive internships or a newcomer to the field. This section serves as your resume profile and can be presented as a professional summary or resume objective, depending on your level of experience.

Experienced applicants should use a professional summary because it focuses on experience and accomplishments, allowing you to showcase your strengths up front.

Applicants with less concrete experience should opt for a resume objective. The resume objective focuses more on your goals for the future of your career and your desire to develop and contribute.

Law school professional summary:

Dedicated legal professional with a proven track record in legal research, moot court competitions and public service. Skilled in case analysis, brief writing and client advocacy. Recognized for contributions to significant legal achievements and a commitment to the principles of justice and fairness.

Law school resume objective:

Passionate law school applicant eager to excel in legal research, moot court competitions and public service. Committed to pursuing a legal education that fosters ethical lawyering and social justice. Seeking admission to a reputable law school to develop essential skills, contribute to the legal community and advocate for those in need.

Step 3

Highlight your essential academic and legal skills

As an aspiring law student, your qualifications and experiences are pivotal in gaining admission to the law school of your choice. Your law school resume should effectively highlight the skills and experiences that demonstrate your readiness for legal education. Let’s explore the two key categories of skills for a law school resume, tailored to the law school admissions process and law internships.

First, we have hard skills: These are the foundational proficiencies that showcase your readiness for law school. They encompass skills such as legal research, critical thinking, case analysis and briefs writing. These abilities are typically developed through coursework and academic experiences.

Secondly, there are soft skills: These relate to your attributes and abilities as a prospective law student, emphasizing your dedication, communication, adaptability and ethical principles. These skills significantly influence your potential as a law school candidate.

Here’s a list of hard and soft skills that accomplished law school applicants often include in their resumes:

Hard Skills

Legal research and analysis
Moot court and mock trial participation
Case brief writing
Legal writing and research projects
Academic achievements and GPA
Relevant coursework in constitutional law, contracts and criminal law

Soft Skills

Effective communication with peers and professors
Ethical and principled approach to legal studies
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Adaptability
Leadership
Professionalism and integrity

Your journey to law school involves preparing for the rigorous academic and ethical demands of the legal profession. Your skills should reflect your ability to excel academically and thrive in the dynamic world of law.

Here’s an example of a strong law school resume skills section for inspiration:

Proficient in legal research and analysis for effective case preparation.
Active participation in moot court and mock trial competitions, honing oral advocacy skills.
Experience in drafting persuasive case briefs and legal research projects.
Strong academic record with a focus on constitutional law, contracts and criminal law coursework.
Clear and persuasive communication skills.
Dedication to upholding ethical standards in legal studies and internships.
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Adaptability to evolving legal principles and commitment to continuous learning.
Effective time management and multitasking in a demanding academic environment.
Leadership roles in student organizations, showcasing organizational and teamwork skills.

Pro tip

Your law school resume should emphasize not only your academic and legal skills but also your personal qualities, as they are essential for success in law school and the legal profession. Be sure to showcase your commitment to the core principles of legal ethics and your readiness to tackle the intellectual challenges of law studies.

Step 4

Describe your academic and legal experience

Your law school resume’s experience section should seamlessly align with your skills and aspirations, highlighting your practical knowledge and your dedication to pursuing a legal education.

Now that you’ve showcased your skills, your experience section must demonstrate your ability to apply them effectively in the realm of law and legal internships.

Here’s an example of a strong experience section tailored to a law school resume:

Legal Intern, Smith & Associates Law Firm

Los Angeles, CA

May 2022 – August 2022

Conducted extensive legal research on a variety of cases, providing critical insights and supporting attorneys in trial preparation.
Assisted in drafting legal documents, including pleadings, motions and legal memoranda, contributing to successful case outcomes.
Participated in client interviews, demonstrating effective communication and interpersonal skills while building rapport with clients.
Attended court hearings, gaining firsthand experience in legal proceedings and court etiquette.
Collaborated with the legal team to analyze complex legal issues and develop strategies for case resolution.
Contributed to pro bono projects aimed at promoting access to justice, furthering my commitment to social justice in the legal field.

Step 5

Showcase your legal education journey

Whether you’re applying for a law school program or an internship, your education journey thus far plays a big role in your future law career. Use the education section of your resume to list your previous schooling as well as any other relevant training or coursework you’ve completed.

You may also list any current degrees you’re pursuing. Just ensure you mention it’s in progress and list your expected graduation date.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Graduation Date: May 2022

Honors and Activities:

Dean’s List: Recognized for academic excellence in political science coursework.

Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity: Active member, contributing to legal education and networking opportunities.

Additional sections for your law school resume

Languages

Effective communication is a fundamental skill for a law school applicant, especially when it comes to legal research, advocacy and interactions with clients from diverse backgrounds. Proficiency in multiple languages can be a valuable asset, so it’s essential to highlight this skill on your law school resume to underscore your capacity to navigate the legal field with cultural sensitivity and a global perspective.

Example of how to showcase languages on your law school resume:

Fluent in English and Spanish
Proficient in legal terminology and communication in both languages

Hobbies and interests

Including your hobbies and interests on your law school resume can provide admissions committees with insights into your character, your unique perspective and your potential contributions to the legal community. Ensure that the hobbies you mention are relevant to your legal aspirations and demonstrate qualities like critical thinking, leadership and dedication.

Example of how to showcase interests on your law school resume:

Legal advocacy enthusiast: Passionate about justice and advocacy, actively participating in legal debate clubs and staying updated on the latest developments in the legal field.
Moot court competitor: Committed to honing legal advocacy skills, actively participating in moot court competitions and enhancing ability to argue cases effectively.
Community service for legal causes: Enjoys contributing to initiatives that promote access to justice, providing support to underserved populations and demonstrating a commitment to social justice.

Community involvement

Active engagement with the legal community and related activities can showcase your dedication to a legal career and your enthusiasm for the field. It’s important to highlight any community involvement related to law, legal research or social justice causes.

Example of how to showcase community involvement on your law school resume:

Legal seminar presenter: Deliver presentations at legal events, sharing insights on legal topics and current legal issues.
Pro bono legal work: Contribute to pro bono legal projects, providing legal assistance to individuals in need and promoting equal access to justice.
Legal research group participant: Co-organize or actively participate in legal research groups, fostering a platform for sharing legal knowledge and insights within the legal community.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

When applying to jobs or internships, a great resume should be accompanied by a strong cover letter that expresses your excitement for the role and adds emphasis to the ways that your experience and skills align with the hiring department’s expectations for the ideal candidate.

For a law school application resume, we recommend looking into the admissions process and guidelines to make sure a cover letter is needed and to help you match your writing to the guidelines.

If you need help getting the cover letter-writing process started, take a look at our guide on how to write a cover letter and our extensive library of helpful cover letter examples for some inspiration.

To make sure that your cover letter matches the branding and visual design elements of your resume, try one of our cover letter templates or generate your cover letter using our Cover Letter Builder.

Key takeaways for your law school resume

Customize your law school resume for each application

Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements of each law school’s admissions process, emphasizing your skills in legal research, advocacy and proficiency in legal terminology. Look for keywords that can help your application stand out in the selection process.
Highlight your legal internship experiences

Showcase your hands-on involvement in legal research, case analysis and client advocacy, resulting in valuable contributions to the legal teams you worked with. Demonstrate your ability to excel as a law school applicant with practical legal experience.
Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning

Highlight any relevant courses, certifications or workshops you’ve completed in the field of law, underscoring your dedication to staying informed about the latest legal practices and adhering to the highest professional standards.
Express your passion for the legal field

While your resume provides an overview of your skills, a well-written personal statement or admissions essay can convey your interest in law, your motivation for pursuing a legal education, and your dedication to contributing to the legal community.
Highlight measurable achievements

If you’ve made significant contributions during your legal internships, such as successful legal research outcomes, well-prepared legal documents or positive client interactions, emphasize these accomplishments with specific details and results.
Showcase collaboration and teamwork

In the legal field, effective collaboration with legal teams, clients and stakeholders is crucial. Highlight instances where you’ve worked seamlessly with colleagues, demonstrating your ability to foster a cooperative and efficient legal environment for optimal case preparation and legal advocacy.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.