how to make a resume for law graduate

Resume of Law Graduate (LLB)

Description

Suraj is an LLB graduate with specialisation in Criminology, knowledge of advancements in Criminal Law and skills in research and drafting legal documents, and managing cases. Lawyers' resumes need to be to the point and traditional for easy reading by other senior lawyers. That is why Suraj selected the Elegant format to create his resume on Resumod. With precise content and an easy to follow format, as a Lawyer, Suraj is sure to find relevant job opportunities and interview calls.

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Resume Skills and Keywords for Law Graduate

Lawyers advise clients on their rights, obligations, and risks in a variety of business and personal situations. As negs, they carefully advocate their customers' interests in order to obtain a favorable result. As advocates, they act as an adversary's representative in a criminal or civil case, preparing complaints and motions, obtaining and presenting evidence, and using it to support their claims. Lawyers must comprehend the law and apply it persuasively in all circumstances.

Skills required for a lawyer role

• Constitutional Rights 
• Case Analysis and Tracking  
• Reporting and Documentation  
• Detail Oriented  
• Negotiation
• Client Advocacy
• Legal Research 

What recruiters look for in a  lawyer resume: 

• Strong skill set in monitoring legal risk in the documentation and give guidance on the acceptable assumption of risk.
• Expertise in interpreting laws, rulings and regulations for natural and juristic persons.
• Ability to conduct legal research and gather evidence.

What can make your law resume stand out:

A strong summary that demonstrates your skills, experience, and background in the legal sector 

LLB graduate with specialization in Criminology, knowledge of advancements in Criminal Law with skills in research and drafting legal documents, and managing cases. Proactive in undertaking pursuits beyond the academic sphere while demonstrating academic excellence. 

Targeted job description 

• Draft, evaluate, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, as well as filing thorough complaints and airtight responses
• Write briefs and motions for each case that goes to trial in collaboration with the team; prepare persuasive motions
• Communicate with clients concerning discovery, depositions, trial preparation, and other case-related matters.
• Conduct depositions and discovery; conduct industry research on legal issues pertaining to specific matters, as well as applicable laws

Related academic background 

• B.A. LLB (Criminal Law) | Sri Ram Law Institute Passed with distinction 2019 
• Higher Secondary | Sri Venkateshwar Public school 2014 
• Secondary School | Sri Venkateshwar Public School 2012

Sample Resume of Law Graduate in Text Format

SURAJ PRATAP

LLB Graduate - Criminal Lawyer 

6866573856 | [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suraj-pratap-51999785798 | L-41 Chirag Road, Delhi 

EDUCATION 

• Secondary School | Sri Venkateshwar Public School 2012 

PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENTS 

Moot Courts

• Appeared in Intra College level Moot Court competition | November 2017. 
• Appeared in Moot Court competition at FYLC, Rajasthan University | September 2016. 

Certifications

 Diploma in Criminal Procedure and Oral Proceedings. 

EXPERIENCE / INTERNSHIP 

Research Intern | First Class Legal Associates | Jan 2018 – Mar 2018 

• Accompanied seniors to client meetings to acquire an understanding of case history.
•  Investigated on client cases, prepared reports and presented to the Attorney in-charge.
•  Drafted all legal documents and case proceedings as requested. 
• Maintained and archived records of recent hearings, and upcoming dates. 

Intern | District Court, Raipur | Jun 2016 – Aug 2016

• Assisted counsel in preparing motions and trails, and attended Court Proceeding. 
• Analysed various appeals and conducted research for fact checks. 

Assistant Intern | Legal Solutions | Jun 2015 – Sept 2015 

• Analyzed legal documents and other legal research work. 
• Met the eye-witnesses (if required) with the seniors and interacted with them to gure out important points about the case. 
• Tracked status of cases through case management and billing systems. Ran reports as needed. 

PROJECTS 

States Human Rights Commission, Raipur 

Prepared a project on Decided cases in SHRC and researched on State's measures to ensure criminal justice. 

SKILLS ( TECHNOLOGY / FUNCTIONAL ) 

Constitutional Rights | Case Analysis and Tracking | Reporting and Documentation | Detail Oriented | Legal Research 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR 

Participations / Sports 

• Worked as a Red Cross volunteer.
•  Member of NCC in college. 

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Resume Advice & Samples

Resume advice and samples.

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• Review your resume with a CDO counselor prior to applying to jobs. 
• Your resume is a sales tool, not an autobiography. When making decisions about what to include, consider recency and relevancy to the job for which you are applying.  
• Be prepared to discuss everything on your resume in an interview. 
• Be scrupulously honest. Exaggerations or misrepresentation will damage your reputation and professional relationships. 
• Make your resume visually clean and clear. What will an employer see in 30 seconds? 5 seconds? 
• Keep your resume to one page.
• Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Garamond.
• Select a font size of 11 point or 12 point.
• Create margins no smaller than .5 inches on all sides.
• Use bold, underlining, and italics consistently to enhance readability.
• Make deliberate style choices, then stick to them throughout.
• Ensure your resume is error free.
• Follow our advice, “ Resume Formatting: How to Use Tabs & Styles ” to give your resume a professional look.

Resume Construction

• Include your name, mailing address, cell number, and Yale email address.
• If you do not have a mailing address in New Haven, that is fine, as mailing addresses are becoming optional.
• Add your permanent mailing address to emphasize ties to that area when applying to positions nearby.
• List your gender pronouns if you wish.

Education Section

• List degrees in reverse chronological order.
• Include all courses of study: past, present, and future.
• List each educational institution, location, degree, and degree date (expected date if currently enrolled).
• Do not include high school or LSAT score.
• Think strategically about how much space you devote to each degree. What message are you sending to employers?
• Include at your option with a strategic mindset.
• YLS awards few Honors.
• Moot court/mock trial awards and paper prizes are Honors.
• List Yale Law Journal as an Honor, due to the competitive admission process. List other journals as Activities or create a separate Journal sub-section under Yale Law School.
• List those that are not based solely on financial need and are awarded through a competitive process.
• If space permits, provide a very brief description of the selection criteria.
• Examples: Tilman Scholarship; the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans; and the NAACP LDF Earl Warren Civil Rights Scholarship.
• List scholarship or fellowship awards that are associated with summer or post-graduate employment with the position in the Experience section.
• Do not list need-based scholarships and fellowships, including SPIF funding, summer Mary McCarthy funding, and Kirby Simon travel grants.
• List the following positions as Activities or in the Experience section: Coker Fellow, Research Assistant, Orientation Leader, Community Leader, Student Representative, Tsai Leadership Program Fellow, and CDO Student Advisor.
• Use this section to emphasize relevant skills and interests including research and writing skills, oral advocacy, teamwork, and leadership.
• Narrow the list, if necessary, by selecting only one of several activities that are of the same genre.
• If applying for public service positions, include as many of your service-related activities as space permits to demonstrate your commitment to service.
• Move particularly relevant, intensive, or skills-enhancing activities to the Experience section. Example: clinics.
• Be clear about the timing of future commitments, however, describing the exact timing of past activities is not strictly necessary.

Optional Sections

• Create a Select Courses sub-section to highlight courses that reflect your interest in a practice area.
• Tailor this section depending on your target employer(s).
• List courses you have already taken and courses you intend to take in the future (with a parenthetical indicating that the course is expected).  
• Create a Study Abroad sub-section in your undergraduate education listing.  
• Create a Thesis sub-section in your undergraduate education listing.
• Include especially if the topic relates to the law.

Experience Section

• List experiences in reverse chronological order.
• Include experiences to which you have committed, but not yet begun; describe using future-tense verbs.
• Dates can be general (e.g., Summer 20XX).
• Omit job titles if unimpressive or do not clarify your responsibilities, however, be consistent about including/excluding titles throughout.
• List experiences that demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas relevant to legal employers, especially research, writing, and analysis.
• Emphasize professional skills including organizational ability, leadership, initiative, creativity, communication skills, common sense, and intellectual ability.
• List both paid and unpaid experiences.
• Include work associated with a scholastic experience, including legal clinic experience, research for a professor, and extensive work for a student organization.
• Rewrite past descriptions written for different industries and audiences. Eliminate jargon and terminology unfamiliar to a general audience.
• Summarize smaller or less relevant positions to fill gaps. E.g., “Held various positions as salesclerk, server, and receptionist while in college.”
• Be prepared to discuss significant gaps at interviews.
• Think strategically about the amount of physical space devoted to each experience. More space = greater emphasis.
• Use action verbs and rich detail in descriptions. E.g., “researched and wrote memoranda on issues of jurisdiction and venue,” rather than “involved in assisting attorneys in the researching and writing of…”
• Languages: List if relevant and/or skill level is high. May be useful to delineate written vs. spoken proficiency. Be scrupulously honest regarding skill level.
• Think strategically about employers’ impressions. Publications show writing skills, but a long list of publications may signal interest in an academic career which may not be well received by non-academic employers.
• Consider selective list or summary if publication list is long.
• Use Bluebook citation format.
• Be clear about co-authored pieces.
• Interests: Include a few special interests that may be compelling and serve as icebreaker topics during an interview.
• Other skills: list only relevant skills, eliminating those which are universal (e.g., MS Word) or unrelated to legal employers’ needs (e.g., C++ programming).

Do Not Include

• Objective or introductory statements.
• Personal information (e.g., marital status, parental status).
• Salary requirements.
• “References available on request.”

Think Ahead to Your Next Resume

Develop your skills and knowledge through career-related experiences

• Summer employment
• Student organizations
• Research Assistant positions
• Leadership positions

Sample Resumes PDF   Sample Resumes Word

Jump to: First Year Student Examples | Second Year Student Examples | Third Year Student Examples

Legal Resumes

This guide contains some basic suggestions about preparing resumes, and includes samples for you to consult. If you would like to have a Career Development Office attorney-counselor review your draft resume, send it to the career email box, [email protected] . The resume process, from start to finish, can take much longer than you anticipate. Start early, and give yourself plenty of time .

A. What is a Resume?

B. effective resumes, c. writing your resume, d. resume suggestions, e. finalizing your resume.

• Sample Resumes – Students (These are included as a pdf to preserve formatting, an essential element of effective resume-drafting.)
• Suggested Action Words for describing experiences
• “1L Resume Workshop” Presentation (10/2023)

A resume is a marketing device whereby you present the most attractive, true picture of yourself with the goal of convincing an employer to meet with you. During an interview, you may be asked questions about any entries on the document. For lawyers, the resume also is a writing sample that shows your ability to communicate clearly and concisely and your attention to detail.

Your resume is often your first contact with a potential employer and will probably determine whether your qualifications and background warrant an interview or serious consideration for a job. While employers do not usually hire on the basis of a resume alone, they may decide not to interview an applicant on the basis of a poorly prepared or presented resume. Therefore, excellent content and presentation are vital. Employers assume that your resume represents your best work and is indicative of your general work product in terms of clarity, organization, accuracy and appearance.

Most decisions about what to include and how best to present information in your resume are based on your personal assessment of your strengths, the kind(s) of position you are seeking, your own taste and style, and your knowledge of how resumes in the legal profession traditionally look and read. Consider having more than one resume to emphasize different things for different types of prospective employers.

Resumes for public interest organizations. For these employers, a demonstrated commitment to public interest work will be a key factor. Evidence of your commitment can take the form of extracurricular activities, journals, internships, clinics and volunteer work, all of which should be included on your resume. Consider including substantive clinical work or student organization activities (e.g., CARC) in your “Experience” section, where you can elaborate on your tasks and responsibilities. If your experience justifies it, you may consider creating an additional section entitled “Community Service” or “Volunteer Activities” to list your volunteer or community activities that will emphasize the extent of your dedication to public interest issues. In addition, languages can be very important to public interest/public sector employers, depending on the communities they serve or the work you can do for them. Unlike resumes aimed at private sector employers, public interest resumes can go over one page if your experience requires it; however, it is still critical to use concise language and efficient formatting.

Resume Rules. There are a few absolute rules for writing resumes. Your resume must be:

• scrupulously honest;
• conservative (graphically and linguistically, not necessarily politically);
• selective (because your resume is not your whole life history, perhaps not even your entire employment history);
• visually appealing so it will be easy to read rapidly;
• absolutely free of typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies.

Difficult Issues. Some items you might include in your resume may reveal political leanings, religious beliefs, ethnicity, disability, and/or sexual orientation, which, depending on the prospective employer, could work against you or in your favor. (This is true regardless of the legality of taking such factors into account.) The decision whether to include such information is a personal one. First, consider how important the inclusion of such information is to you, and whether you would want to work for an employer who would use it in making a decision whether to hire you. If you choose not to include this information, you still have the option of bringing it up in an interview, or later in the hiring process. If you are unsure about whether to include items of this kind in your resume, contact a CDO attorney-counselor.

Accuracy of Resume Information and Verification of Resumes. It is imperative that all information presented on your resume be scrupulously honest and free of embellishment. The potential for misrepresentation of academic or work performance is of great concern to employers; they typically verify this information. Berkeley Law has established practices to ensure the fair and accurate presentation of students in the placement process, including procedures for the verification of statements concerning grades, journal membership, or other law school achievements that a student has made in a resume or other document. By making such statements to an employer in writing, a student consents to the Law School verifying the substance of these statements at the employer’s request. (Berkeley Law’s Registrar will inform the employer whether written grade information is accurate, but will not provide the correct grade information to the employer without the student’s prior consent.)

Any falsification or misrepresentation of law school grades or other records, recommendations, or other qualifications is a violation of the Academic Honor Code.

First, brainstorm. Inventory your background and accomplishments and list everything which helps to distinguish you individually, professionally, and as a student. You might ask for input from family or friends because you may overlook some basic but important areas. Remember to focus on what you bring to the table based on your experience. What will make the employer interested in you?

Name and Contact Information

This information should go in large (font size 14-16) bold face type at the top of your resume. If you choose to include both your school address and your permanent address you should indicate which is which. (Students often include an out-of-area address in order to show that they have a connection to an area outside of Northern California.) Always include your phone number and email address, but only one of each. (Your email address, as well as your voicemail greeting, should be professional.)

List your education in reverse chronological order (law school first). Include basic information on schools attended, degrees received and dates (or anticipated dates) of graduation, and major field(s) of study.

Under your undergraduate school heading, include major and minor areas of study and thesis topics, if applicable. Be consistent. If you use the term “J.D,” then use “B.A.” Alternatively, if you write out “Juris Doctor” then write out “Bachelor of Arts.” Other than law schools, you need not include schools from which you transferred and did not graduate. No need to include your high school. If you acquired a degree which employers might not recognize by its abbreviation, spell out the degree name.

For your law degree, you can either list it as “J.D. Candidate” with your expected graduation date, or you can list “J.D.” and the date as “Expected May 20XX.”

A Special Note for Transfer Students : If you transferred here from another law school, put Berkeley Law first, followed by the other law school, for at least your first year at Berkeley Law. If you received honors at the other school, put them under that law school’s section. If you were invited to join law review at your former school and didn’t because you transferred here, indicate that you were invited to join and explain why, e.g., “Invited to join University of San Diego Law Review on the basis of high academic achievement.”

Joint Degree Students : If you are pursuing a joint degree program, be sure to list both schools under your education section.

Honors and Activities. Honors attached to your degree should appear in lowercase after the degree awarded, e.g., B.A., summa cum laude , June 2006. (If the honors are in Latin, they should be italicized.) Other academic honors are listed separately below your degree, along with school activities.

If you have extensive undergraduate honors and activities, you might consider listing only a representative number of them. Make sure it is clear which activities are at which institutions. If you were involved during school with an activity not related to the school, it should go under a different section of your resume.

For law school, list all honors and activities of importance such as law review, participation on other journals, moot court, trial advocacy, clinics, fellowships, scholarships, committees, student organization membership, and academic awards.

If an activity in college or law school was or is especially involved or relevant, consider putting it under the Experience section. For example, if you are a public interest student, your participation in CARC could go under Experience, with a description of the work you did on your asylum case.

Grades, Rank and LSAT Scores. Because Berkeley Law does not use a traditional grading system, students do not have GPAs. Under Academic Rule 19.6, the Dean, Dean of Students, faculty, students, and alums shall not disclose information about academic honors, class standing or GPAs provided under Rule 19 for any professional purpose other than aiding in obtaining a judicial clerkship or academic position. Revealing this information for any other professional purpose is a violation of the Honor Code. LSAT scores should not be listed on your resume, as they are designed to predict law school performance only, and are not an indicator of professional performance.

Use reverse chronology. You can list a brief summary of your most important duties, or list the skills you have developed at the job so that the employer can see what you can bring to the table. Your experience is worth including not for what you did, but for what it says about you and what you can do in the future. 

List the name and location of the employer, your title, the dates of employment, and a brief summary of your most important duties. Emphasize law-related work in any area, but do not struggle to make your experience appear more law-related than it really is; many students come to law school with no legal experience whatsoever, and employers know this. Three or four phrases are usually all you need, but elaborate further if you have the space and believe that your duties were especially interesting, responsible, and/or relevant to your legal career.

• If the name of the employer is inadequate to convey the nature of the business, try to incorporate a description of the employer in your job duties, e.g., “prepared marketing materials and sales analysis for start-up company selling online pet products.”
• Avoid insider jargon.
• Use present tense verbs to describe your current job and past tense verbs with all former positions.
• Provide specific information about actions and responsibilities (e.g., budget, percentage of increase in revenues or sales, number of staff supervised, direct work with clients, etc.) Many skills obtained in non-law jobs are transferable to law practice (e.g., attention to detail, meeting deadlines, writing, research and analytical skills, working under pressure, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, etc.). Try to highlight such skills.
• If you were at one job for a long time, show promotions and increased responsibility, if applicable.
• If you had many part-time or temporary jobs while in school, consider summarizing them, e.g., “Worked part-time during undergrad to finance education.” (Employers will value the fact that you have worked while going to school, particularly if you were still able to do well academically.) For certain jobs, such as in retail or restaurants, or as a ski instructor, it can be appropriate to omit the description altogether, as most people know roughly what this work entails.
• Include summer jobs to avoid time gaps on your resume.
• If a prior job is your only link to a prospective employer’s city, include it.
• Any experience can be relevant, regardless of whether or not it was paid, so if your volunteer or community service is substantial, include it in the main body of your resume, especially if you are applying for public interest positions. Volunteer work can also be presented in a separate Community Service section, or at the end or your resume under a heading such as “Other Information.” Jobs are usually assumed to be full-time and paid unless you indicate otherwise; be sure not to appear to overstate your experience.

Other Categories.

If space allows, you may choose to elaborate on one or more of the following categories, under a heading such as “Other Information” or “Interests and Activities”:

• Languages : If you include languages on your resume, state your level of fluency (e.g., “fluent,” “proficient,” “reading knowledge only” (where your fluency is very limited, it is probably not worth listing the language)). Do not overstate your level of proficiency.
• Publications : You may include a short list of publications on law-related topics, particularly if the area of research is relevant to an employer’s practice. A more extensive list of publications should be compiled as a separate document. Be prepared to discuss in interviews any publications you list.
• Professional Licensing and Affiliations : Include any relevant licenses or certifications (such as a CPA license). Include past and present memberships with your title, if any, and dates. Give the full name of the organization.
• Bar Admission : Bar membership, only applicable to graduates, should appear at the top of your resume, above the Education section. If you have a substantial amount of experience as an attorney, the Experience section of your resume should precede the Education section. If you are registered to take the bar exam or awaiting the results of a bar exam you have written, you can include that information in a cover letter.
• Keep your resume to one page, unless you have substantial working experience prior to coming to law school, or for public interest resumes.
• Do not use abbreviations, with these exceptions: the two-letter state abbreviations and academic degrees.
• List each item only once. If you list Debate Team Captain as a college activity, don’t repeat it under Other Activities at the bottom.
• Make your resume easy to read. The reader should be able to locate your graduation date, duties of employment, etc., by scanning (not reading) your resume.
• Use short descriptive sentence fragments separated by semicolons with strong action verbs to relate your job responsibilities, not sentences. (A list of “ action words ” can be found at the end of this guide.).
• Be specific about what you did at your jobs; avoid vague expressions such as “gained exposure to,” “participated in” or “assisted with.”
• List your job responsibilities in descending order of responsibility and challenge (start with the most impressive and work down to a “catch-all” item, if appropriate).
• Put your references on a separate document, and don’t include “references available on request” on your resume. Employers know to ask for them.
• Avoid extraneous information and try not to convey too many ideas at once.
• Do not include computer abilities, except as part of a job description where you used highly specialized skills.
• Do not include such personal information as age, marital status, etc.
• Do not include anything in your resume you would not want to discuss in an interview.

Resume Style. Resume styles vary, as presented by the samples found at the end of this guide.

In addition to using physical layout, take strategic advantage of the various ways to highlight important information, such as bold face, capitalization, italicizing, and underlining. Be completely consistent with the choices you make (e.g., all educational institutions in boldface, all job titles in italics), all the way down to the way you use commas, periods and spaces. For legal resumes, it is most typical to use Times New Roman font (or another similar serif font) in size 11 or 12. Look for a pleasant balance of text and white space on the page. While margins can be smaller than the standard for a term paper, you should allow at least .7″ all around.

Proofreading. Once you have your resume set up as you want it with content and layout, proofread it carefully. Look for inconsistencies in style as well as actual typos. Do not trust yourself as the only proofreader; enlist the aid of at least one other person. If you discover a typo, you must redo your resume, even if it has been already been printed; no typo is insignificant.

A few technical notes.

• If you send your resume electronically, it is preferable to convert it to a PDF file first; this way your formatting and any document history are invisible, and you can control exactly the way your resume appears and prints.
• Email addresses in your contact information should be text, like your phone number, not a hyperlink.

Sample Resumes (These are included as a pdf to preserve formatting, an essential element of effective resume-drafting.)

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Law Student with no experience CV example

To land a good junior law job with no experience, you need a winning CV that will wow recruiters and hiring managers.

Learn how to create your own winning CV with our example Law Student (with no experience) CV along with a step-by-step CV writing guide.

Guide contents

Law Student with no experience CV example

• CV layout and format
• Your CV profile
• Work experience

Education section

CV templates 

This example CV demonstrates how to structure and format your own aspiring law professional CV, so that it can be easily digested by busy hiring managers, and quickly prove why you are the best candidate for the jobs you are applying to.

It also gives you a good idea of the type of skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be making prominent in your own CV.

Build your CV now 

Law Student with no experience CV layout and format

First impressions count, so a sloppy, disorganised CV may cause your CV to be overlooked..

Instead, perfect the format and structure of your CV by working to a clear logical structure and applying some simple formatting tricks to ease readability.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this step; if your CV lacks readability, your written content won’t even be seen.

Formatting advice

• Length: Recruiters will be immediately put off by lengthy CVs – with hundreds of applications to read through, they simply don’t have the time! Grabbing their attention with a short, snappy and highly relevant CV is far more likely to lead to success. Aim for two sides of A4 or less.
• Readability : Recruiters appreciate CVs that they can quickly scan through without trouble. Ensure yours makes the cut by formatting your headings for attention (bold or coloured fonts should do the trick) and breaking up long paragraphs into smaller chunks or short, snappy bullet points.
• Design: When it comes to CV design, it’s best to keep things simple and sleek. While elaborate designs certainly command attention, it’s not always for the right reasons! Readability is key, so whatever you choose to do, make sure you prioritise readability above everything.
• Avoid photos: It’s tempting to add a profile photo or images to your CV, especially if you’re struggling to fill up the page – but it’s best avoided! They won’t add any value to your application and, as are not a requirement the UK, so recruiters do not expect it, or want to see it.

CV structure

Divide your CV into the following major sections when writing it:

• Name and contact details  – Head your CV with your name and contact details, to let the reader know who you are and how to contact you.
• CV profile – A brief paragraph which summarises your skills and experience and highlights why you’re a good match for the role.
• Core skills list – A snappy, bullet-pointed list of your most relevant skills.
• Work experience – A structured list of your work experience in reverse chronological order.
• Education – A summary of any relevant qualifications or professional training you’ve completed.
• Hobbies and interests – An optional section, which should only be used if your hobbies are relevant to the jobs you’re applying to.

Now I’ll tell you exactly what you should include in each CV section.

CV Contact Details

Write your contact details in the top corner of your CV, so that they’re easy to find but don’t take up too much space.

You only need to list your basic details, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address
• Location – Don’t list your full address. Your town or city, such as ‘Norwich’ or ‘Coventry’ is perfect.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Remember to update these before listing them on an application.

Law Student with no experience CV Profile

Your CV profile (or personal statement , if you’re an entry-level applicant) provides a brief overview of your skills, abilities and suitability for a position.

It’s ideal for busy recruiters and hiring managers, who don’t want to waste time reading unsuitable applications.

Think of it as your personal sales pitch. You’ve got just a few lines to sell yourself and prove you’re a great match for the job – make it count!

Tips for creating an strong CV profile:

• Keep it concise: Recruiters are busy, so to ensure your profile is actually read, it’s best to keep it short and snappy. 3-5 punchy lines makes for the perfect profile.
• Tailor it: If recruiters don’t see your suitability within a few seconds, they may close your CV straight away. Your CV profile should closely match the essential requirements listed in the job ad, so make sure to review them before you write it.
• Don’t add an objective: You only have a small space for your CV profile, so avoid writing down your career goals or objectives. If you think these will help your application, incorporate them into your cover letter instead.
• Avoid cliches: Focus on fact, not fluff. Phrases like “Committed and enthusiastic thought-leader” and “Dynamic problem solver” might sound fancy, but they’ll do nothing for your application. Not only do they sound cheesy, but they have no substance – stick to real skills and facts

Example CV profile for a Law Student with no experience

What to include in your law student with no experience cv profile.

• Summary of experience: Demonstrate your suitability for your target jobs by giving a high level summary of your previous work work experience , including the industries you have worked in, types of employer, and the type of roles you have previous experience of.
• Relevant skills: Make your most relevant key skills clear in your profile. These should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for – so make sure to check the job description first, and aim to match their requirements as closely as you can.
• Essential qualifications: If the jobs you are applying to require candidates to have certain qualifications, then you must add them in your profile to ensure they are seen by hiring managers.

Quick tip: Your CV is your first impression on recruiters, so it’s vital to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes if you want to appear professional. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to add pre-written content that has been crafted by recruitment experts.

Core skills section

Next, you should create a bullet pointed list of your core skills , formatted into 2-3 columns.

Here, you should focus on including the most important skills or knowledge listed in the job advertisement.

This will instantly prove that you’re an ideal candidate, even if a recruiter only has time to briefly scan your CV.

Work experience/Career history

Next up is your work experience section, which is normally the longest part of your CV.

Start with your current (or most recent) job and work your way backwards through your experience.

Can’t fit all your roles? Allow more space for your recent career history and shorten down descriptions for your older roles.

Structuring your roles

Recruiters will be keen to gain a better idea of where you’ve worked and how you apply your skill-set in the workplace.

However, if they’re faced with huge, hard-to-read paragraphs, they may just gloss over it and move onto the next application.

To avoid this, use the simple 3-step role structure, as shown below:

Begin with a summary of your role, detailing what the purpose of your job was, who you reported to and what size of team you were part of (or led).

Key responsibilities

Using easy-to-read bullet points, note down your day-to-day responsibilities in the role.

Make sure to showcase how you used your hard sector skills and knowledge.

Key achievements

Finish off by showcasing 1-3 key achievements made within the role.

This could be anything that had a positive effect on your company, clients or customers, such as saving time or money, receiving exemplary feedback or receiving an award.

In your education section, make any degrees, qualifications or training which are relevant to junior law roles a focal point.

As well as mentioning the name of the organisation, qualification titles and dates of study, you should showcase any particularly relevant modules, assignments or projects.

Interests and hobbies

This section is entirely optional, so you’ll have to use your own judgement to figure out if it’s worth including.

If your hobbies and interests could make you appear more suitable for your dream job, then they are definitely worth adding.

Interests which are related to the industry, or hobbies like sports teams or volunteering, which display valuable transferable skills might be worth including.

Writing your Law Student with no experience CV

Once you’ve written your Law Student CV, you should proofread it several times to ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

With a tailored punchy profile that showcases your relevant experience and skills, paired with well-structured role descriptions, you’ll be able to impress employers and land interviews.

Good luck with your next job application!

Law and Legal Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Law and Legal Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Law and Legal Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Marina Michaels (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Chicago, IL 60007 | www.linkedin.com/example

Attorney with 12 years of experience representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice lawsuits. Won multimillion-dollar settlements for clients in cases related to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and medication errors. Strong experience overseeing paralegals and mentoring law students on malpractice lawsuits and other personal injury cases.

• Client communications
• Expert witness sourcing
• Junior staff mentoring
• Legal document preparation
• Legal research and analysis
• Settlement negotiations

Professional Experience

Staff Attorney, McGill Law Firm, Chicago, IL | September 2014 to present

• Meet with potential clients and review their medical documentation to determine if claims have merit
• Investigate whether medical professionals breached standards of care
• Prepare for trials by filing motions and writing legal briefs in support of each client’s case
• Source expert medical witnesses to testify on behalf of clients
• Ensure all documents are filed well in advance of state statutes of limitations
• Negotiate settlement offers with defendants, ensuring final amounts are adequate to replace clients’ lost income or cover ongoing medical needs

Staff Attorney, Pavia & Marko, Attorneys at Law, Chicago, IL | January 2011 to September 2014

• Helped partners prepare for trial by sourcing expert witnesses, meeting with clients, performing legal research, and drafting relevant correspondence
• Negotiated with defendants, under supervision of lead attorney on each case
• Prepared for depositions by drafting interrogatories and preparing clients to answer questions from opposing counsel

Juris Doctor, UIC John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL | 2011

Kimberly Clarkson (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Carolina Beach, NC 28425 | www.linkedin.com/example

Certified paralegal with over 10 years of experience including five years in North Carolina family and custody law. Draw on deep knowledge of common legal practices, documents, and standards. Quickly adapt to new work challenges and industry conditions.

• Legal file digitization
• Legal research standards
• Strategic time management
• Task prioritization
• Team collaboration
• Trial document preparation
• Writing, editing, proofreading

Staff Paralegal, Legal Assistance of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC | January 2018 to present

• Conduct legal research for family court and custody cases
• Prepare motions, subpoenas, complaints, and witness lists for attorneys
• Manage case files and associated documents
• Serve as liaison between attorneys and clients to ensure positive, productive communications at all points
• Screen potential clients for subsidized legal assistance

Paralegal, Cowell Law Firm, Greensboro, NC | June 2012 to December 2017

• Contributed to legal research for upcoming trials
• Prepared motions, subpoenas, complaints, and witness lists
• Digitized physical documents in the electronic filing system

Legal Assistant, Anker & Collo, LLC, Durham, NC | September 2010 to May 2012

• Helped draft motions, subpoenas, complaints, and other legal documents
• Assisted with legal research for upcoming trials
• Uploaded physical documents to the digital legal filing system

Bachelor of Arts — Legal Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 2014

Associate of Arts — Paralegal Studies, Alamance Community College, Durham, NC | 2012

Credentials 

Family Law Paralegal Specialist Certificate, Duke University, Durham, NC | 2017

Registered Paralegal, The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Minneapolis, MN | 2012

Michael Francis (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Albuquerque, NM 87109 | www.linkedin.com/example

Bar-admitted attorney with three years of experience negotiating business contracts and commercial leases.

Key Skills 

• Contract and lease negotiations
• Dispute resolution
• Professional courtroom practices
• Public speaking and presentations
• Rules of civil procedures

Staff Attorney, Girardi & Howell PC, Albuquerque, NM | May 2020 to present

• Represent clients in complex negotiations related to commercial leasing, mergers, and acquisitions
• Draft and review legal agreements to ensure terms are fair and legally compliant
• Supervise and performance-manage one paralegal and two legal assistants

Highlights:

• Assisted clients with saving an average of 28% on their commercial rents
• Enhanced the firm’s reputation by delivering presentations on business contracts, commercial property, and other key topics at meetings of professional associations
• Helped a restaurateur break their lease with no penalties, due to a breach of contract by the landlord

Legal Intern, Mirage Real Estate, Albuquerque, NM | January 2020 to May 2020

• Helped staff attorneys draft contracts and prepare for closings on commercial real-estate purchases
• Gathered and distributed documentation to attorneys, mortgage brokers, and others involved in property transactions
• Attended closings and helped staff attorney prepare final documentation

Juris Doctor, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM | 2020

• 3.82 GPA | magna cum laude
• Served as Editor-In-Chief of the UNM Law Review. Distributed research assignments; edited submissions for clarity; ran editorial meetings; and collaborated with writers, editors, and graphic designers to publish each issue on time.

When writing your resume for legal jobs, use each section to show you have strong knowledge in your specialized field. Hiring managers want to know where you gained important skills such as legal research, public speaking, or settlement negotiations. They also want to see how you’ve applied those skills to help clients, attorneys, and other colleagues. The tips and examples below will help you draft a powerful resume that gets you interviews for your next legal job.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your law and legal qualifications

Brainstorm the top sources of your law knowledge, then identify the ones most relevant to your target job. These points should form the basis of your summary profile . For instance, if you’d like to work in family and custody law, cite any years of experience you have in that area already. Or, if your work experience is limited, focus your profile on your legal education and any related internships you’ve done.

Keep your profile short and to the point. Even a one-sentence headline can work here if it captures the scope of your legal background.

(Note, most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.)

Profile Example

2. create a powerful list of your law and legal experience.

Use the experience section to give examples of your applying law knowledge effectively – this helps hiring managers envision the value you’d generate for their firm. Under each legal position in your work history, brainstorm your various duties and achievements. Then identify and elaborate on the ones that overlap with your target job.

For instance, say you’re after paralegal jobs focused on accurate documentation. Spell out the types of legal records you’ve helped prepare and organize, such as motions, subpoenas, or witness lists. Also, describe any ways in which you streamlined reporting procedures to provide better support for lawyers at the firm.

Or, say you’d like to represent clients in the area of commercial leasing. For any similar jobs you’ve held, describe how you helped clients negotiate favorable contract terms and qualify for rent savings. Express these highlights in terms of a clear percentage or dollar amount.

Professional Experience Example

3. list any education and certifications relevant to law and legal work.

School degrees and certifications are usually key to a law resume since they provide the foundation of your required legal knowledge. Flesh out these sections with plenty of relevant detail, especially if you have limited work experience. For each higher education degree, consider including any law-related majors, minors, coursework, or school activities. Also, consider giving a brief description of any training or certificate programs you’ve done that are not well-known but still applicable to your target job.

If you’re just out of school, your education experiences may be your main selling point. Feel free to place your education section above your professional experience section, particularly if the jobs you’ve held so far don’t pertain to the legal jobs you’re now pursuing.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note optional template areas appear in [brackets].

Degree Name — [Major, Minor], School Name, City, ST | [Year] [Academic honors and awards] [Select legal coursework] [Law-related school activities]

Juris Doctor, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM | 2020 3.82 GPA | magna cum laude Served as Editor-In-Chief of the UNM Law Review. Distributed research assignments; edited submissions for clarity; ran editorial meetings; and collaborated with writers, editors, and graphic designers to publish each issue on time.

Certification

Certification Name or Title , [Awarding Organization] | [Year] [Description]

Registered Paralegal , The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Minneapolis, MN | 2012

4. List key skills and proficiencies for law and legal work

Add a key skills section to show the various ways you can apply your law knowledge in a work setting. This section should focus on specific legal disciplines and software programs, but you can also include more general soft skills like collaboration and client relations. Just make sure each item overlaps in some way with your target job.

Below are some common skills and keywords to consider for your law resume:

How To Pick the Best Law and Legal Resume Template

As with most vocations, legal professionals should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Opt for a layout that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with a colorful or elaborate design. Also, ensure the template complies with applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers to screen resumes.

Erica Pizem - Legal Recruiter and Expert Contributor, LinkedIn

Meet our Expert: Erica Pizem is a licensed attorney based in New York City, leveraging her expertise in recruiting within the legal industry.

1. What are the most in-demand skills for law and legal careers that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? -

A candidate that is interested in pursuing a law or legal career should make sure to emphasize that they are fully capable of managing their own caseload independently and can handle cases from inception to the discovery phase and to the trial phase if needed. A candidate should be able to prepare various legal documents and be familiar with motion practice. Additionally, a candidate should have excellent supervisory skills so that they can delegate work if needed and have excellent communication skills so that they can communicate with clients. Moreover, a candidate should be detail oriented, a team player, and able to multitask.

2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in law and legal candidates? -

Hiring Managers are interested in candidates with exceptional writing and research skills. A candidate should have the relevant skills in the legal area that he or she is applying for. For example, a candidate applying for a litigation role should make sure they have deposition skills and/or trial experience. Additionally, a candidate should be familiar with Microsoft, Adobe, and legal research databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.

3. What else besides a resume should a law and legal candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers? -

In addition to a resume, a candidate applying for a legal position should submit a cover letter outlining his or her interest in the role and why they are a good fit. Writing samples and letters of recommendation and/or references from a recent job experience should also be submitted. And, if a candidate has an incredibly high LSAT score, a copy of the LSAT score can be submitted as well.

4. What advice would you give a law and legal candidate about their job search? -

I would advise prospective law and legal candidates to utilize job posting sites such as LinkedIn and it can’t hurt to message a legal recruiter explaining his or her background, relevant skills, and interest. Also, it is very common for a local law firm to advertise a job posting in the local law school job posting site so make sure to take advantage of the law school’s job posting site. Additionally, a candidate should make sure to attend local networking events.

Frequently Asked Questions: Law and Legal Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for law and legal resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you keep the hiring manager’s attention and show how you’ve applied your legal skills. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your law resume:

How do you align your law and legal resume with a job posting? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for legal professionals will grow faster than the average for all U.S. jobs between 2022 and 2032, with nearly 92,000 positions available each year.

You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume for each application. Look closely at the job post and highlight words that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these highlighted phrases to the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then seek ways to align your resume language with the job post while not copying phrases or misstating your background.

For example, if the hiring manager seeks someone collaborative, you may want to call out that aspect of your experience in your profile and key skills sections. Or say the firm has many non-English speaking clients. You could highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each job opportunity.

What is the best law and legal resume format? -

Most legal professionals should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format.)

By fusing these two features, a combination resume offers the best of both worlds. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most law firms. At the same time, the profile section lets you display your career highlights at the top, regardless if they’re from that work history or another part of your background. As a result, you can present yourself clearly and strategically. With this format, you give hiring managers the best view of your experience and strengths, so they can make an informed decision to call you for an interview.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

Attorney Resume Examples and Templates

Law Clerk Resume Examples and Templates

Paralegal Resume Examples and Templates

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11 Resume Rules Every Law Student Should Follow

April 27, 2021

[Learn more about how Bloomberg Law can help law students excel in class and  jump-start their careers .]

In today’s virtual world, it is even more important for law students to get their resume right.

“A bad resume is far more detrimental to your job search than a good resume is beneficial – many potential employers view bad resumes as disqualifying,” said Mike Wippler, member of the national law firm Dykema. “Your resume should look professional, be easy to read, tell an accurate and truthful story, and highlight your readiness and skills for the position.”

Learn the top resume rules from the experts to stand out from the crowd and land the legal job you want.

1. Keep It Short.

A good legal resume doesn’t need to be long. In fact, it should be one or two pages at most.

“As a hiring manager, I want candidates to be able to eloquently and succinctly articulate their experience and career goals – this is especially critical for someone who wants to be a trial lawyer,” said Noel Edlin , managing partner of San Francisco-based law firm Bassi Edlin Huie & Blum.

Similarly, “use bullet points effectively – state what you did and how you did it in a way that demonstrates your experience, skills, and the results you achieved,” said the University of Miami School of Law Career Development Office.

“For students or junior lawyers with minimal experience, try to keep it to a single page and succinctly summarize your experience, linking it to qualities that you want to highlight – for example, analytical abilities, taking initiative, [and] attention to detail,” said Katten chief talent officer Melanie Priddy.

[Register for your Bloomberg Law Academic Account for the legal content and tools that you need now and the business intelligence you need as you start your career.]

2. Keep It Traditional.

Traditional legal resumes for law students are structured in three to four sections in the following order: Heading, Education, Experience, and an additional optional section, such as Interests, Languages, or Skills, according to the University of Miami School of Law Career Development Office.

“Do not go crazy with color or design – black type on a white background is preferable, and do not include your photo or other graphics. Pick one font and stick with it,” Edlin said.

Ensure a consistent layout, too. “Use a resume format that is simple, professional, and easy to read,” Priddy said. In this vein, “Formatting should carry through the entire page – bold/italics, font, spacing, indentations, etc., should be consistent throughout.”

3. Proofread Everything.

“A resume is the first example of your ‘work product,’ and it can be hard to overcome a negative first impression if there are errors,” Priddy said. “Proofread your resume and make sure it is free of grammatical errors and typos, including the law firm [name].”

Finally, in proofreading, review abbreviations. “Use abbreviations only if they are universally understood,” said the University of Miami School of Law Career Development Office.

4. Update Contact Information.

“This seems like a no-brainer but be sure you’re providing updated contact information – full legal name, address, email, phone, and LinkedIn profile link,” Edlin said. “It helps save administrative time if we decide to extend an offer of employment.”

Similarly, “add a professional voicemail message that confirms who a caller has reached and clear your voicemail inbox regularly so employers can leave you messages,” Priddy said.

5. Boost Your LinkedIn Presence.

In parallel, “complete your LinkedIn profile and add it to the contact section of your resume,” said the University of Miami School of Law Career Development Office.

“Make sure [it includes] a banner image, a good headshot, an about section, and links to any articles you have published,” Edlin said. Similarly, “Be active on the platform by posting/liking content and recognizing the accomplishments of contacts. Try to acquire at least 500 contacts,” Edlin said. “It helps to paint a picture of who you are and stay on the radar of employers.”

[Learn more about how to network effectively and use LinkedIn to get ahead in our Essential Career Toolkit .]

6. Be Truthful.

“Do not include anything that you do not want to discuss in an interview,” said the University of Miami School of Law Career Development Office. Similarly, “do not overexaggerate your language skills – you may be asked a question in whatever language you claim fluency.”

The same holds true for hobbies. “Make sure that any hobbies or interests on your resume are truthful – interviewers will likely ask for details,” Priddy said. “Even if you get hired, it may cost you the job later,” Wippler added.

7. Do Not Assume Reader Knowledge.

“Don’t assume that everybody assumes you have technical skills – if you have them, make sure you point them out,” said Chris M. Smith, partner and co-head of DLA Piper’s New York real estate practice.

“If you’ve done anything that is a little bit different, make sure it shows on your resume,” Smith added. “And if you have a connection at the firm, have them try to put in a good word for you.”

8. Customize the Content.

“Customize your resume for different employers by highlighting experiences relevant to the particular job an employer is seeking to fill,” said the University of Miami School of Law Career Development Office. The same holds true for the cover letter.

“Add something to your cover letter that relates your application to the organization or the law firm in a way that stands out from the generic cover letter,” said Efrén Olivares, deputy legal director of the Immigrant Justice Project at Southern Poverty Law Center. “That’s going to make a difference, and it’ll send your resume to the top of the pile.”

For further customization, “include a two- to three-sentence summary at the top [of the resume] that directly aligns with the job posting,” Edlin said. “Customize this section using keywords in the job description in a way that makes it clear you are a strong candidate for the opportunity.”

9. Reach for “Power” Words.

“Replace generic words with power words and action verbs – ‘advised,’ ‘advocated,’ ‘resolved,’ ‘advanced,’ ‘enhanced,’ ‘maximized,’ ‘achieved,’” said the University of Miami School of Law Career Development Office.

“Oftentimes, your resume is being scanned by machine learning/natural language processing programs that have been programmed to search for keywords, so include keywords you’d find in the job you want,” Edlin said. “Even if your CV is being reviewed by a decision-maker, it may get a one- to two-minute scan, so leverage that time by including keywords that will stand out.”

10. Focus on Relevant Experience.

“When describing prior work experience, include details that highlight your ability to lead and work with a team, collaborate with others, and provide client service,” said Lauren Marsh, director of attorney recruiting at Akin Gump.

“Some students may assume they have no relevant skills if they did not work before attending law school – however, they should be sure to highlight the comparable experience they gained through internships or college activities,” Marsh said. “These are skills we highly value in our candidates, and an indicator they have developed skills that will enable them to be successful at the firm.”

Also, “Where you went to school is not as important to me as what you did there, how you engaged with the community, organizations, and leadership development,” said Jason Starr, litigation director of Human Rights Campaign. “A strong academic record [is important], but what else about you demonstrates a real passion and a real willingness to dig in?”

11. Be Clear About Your Licensing Status.

“Depending upon where you are in the process, you can indicate it in several different ways, and update your resume as you move from one category to the next,” said Shauna C. Bryce, who practiced law and served on a law firm hiring committee before starting  Bryce Legal Career Counsel .

“If you’ve been admitted to practice, are active and in good standing, then your bullet point is simple – something like this: ‘Bar Admission: California.’ If you have not yet applied to take the bar exam but are eligible to take it: ‘Eligible for July 2021 California bar exam.’”

“If you’ve submitted your application to sit for the exam but have not yet sat for the exam: ‘Candidate for July 2021 California bar exam.’ If you have sat for the exam but have not yet received the results: ‘Candidate for July 2021 California bar exam (results pending).’ If you have passed the exam, but not yet been sworn in: ‘California (admission pending).’

[Log in to Bloomberg Law to read the full article: Ask the Hiring Attorney: How do I show my bar status on my resume? ]

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3 Law Student Resume Examples Proven to Work in 2024

Law Student Resume

Professional law student resume, formal law student resume.

• Law Student Resume Writing 101

It’s time to get your foot in the door with a stellar law student resume that shows off your ability to vary between a few specialized litigation areas, process case records, and uphold regulations.

But how exactly do you do that? What resume template should you select, what job skills should you include in your resume sections, and what sections should you even have on your resume page?

Don’t worry. We’ve helped many professionals in legal roles find their dream jobs. After years of experience, we’ve developed three law student resume examples and a cover letter maker to help you launch your career in the courtroom!

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Legal assistant
• Entry-level paralegal

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Work History

Okay, so as a law student, you might have your Juris Doctorate . . . but not much work experience yet. If you’re fresh out of law school, remember instances from other jobs or internships (related or unrelated to the legal field) that helped you develop translatable skills.

Skills like data entry, communication, and organization transfer nicely to a legal role—but don’t list them in your skills section like that! Hone your skills into things like “case management” and “legal records” instead.

Lean as technical as possible while developing your skills list. Which programs do you use to keep client records in order? What are the profession-specific specialties that fall under the umbrella of your smooth communication abilities?

9 most popular law student skills

• Case Review
• Debate and Advocacy
• Client Records
• Legal Writing
• Time Management
• Legal Research
• Wills and Trusts

Sample law student work experience bullet points

Impressive work skills ! But recruiters want to see some courtroom-related actions. How did you leverage those skills to create success for clients, attorneys, and peers? Recruiters want to see what you did, how and why you did it, and what kind of positive differences you made.

How did you transform your bookkeeping experience from an old job into more efficient client record keeping? As a law student, remember how many skills from unrelated jobs can transfer over to benefit your new professional role.

Just make sure you provide quantifiable data to back up your impact in the legal office or courtroom. Recruiters want percentages, dollar amounts, and ratings that support your efficacy and readiness to advance in your legal career.

Here are a few examples:

• Instructed Debating 101 class each semester, increasing Debate Club membership by 119%
• Streamlined the processes for legal research, drafting, and creation of self-help materials for pro se clients, decreasing research time by an average of 4 hours per case
• Supervised weekly schedule to adhere to labor guidelines and reduce employee burnout, decreasing turnover rate by 7% and boosting employee satisfaction rates to 4.8/5
• Assisted the managing attorney in foreclosure, debt buyer defense, and bankruptcy cases, improving work efficiency and reducing weekly labor hours by 11 on average
• Designed all in-house promotional displays and digital advertisements, increasing revenue by 16% and client acquisition by 9%

Top 5 Tips for Your Law Student Resume

• Keep your specialization goals in mind while you build your resume. Do you have a passion for commercial or family law? Taxation or civil litigation? If you’re applying for a firm specializing in just one or a few legal areas (most do), your resume should give examples of how you’re primed for that particular role.
• At the same time, we understand that limited job experience as a student and a broadly-themed legal internship might not convey your personal niche. And that’s okay! You can angle internships and unrelated job experiences toward your desired specialization and still provide a variety of accomplishments that show your adaptability with litigation.
• If your resume’s feeling a bit “patchwork,” you can always spotlight your specialized career goals in an objective statement . Briefly outline why you want that specific job, how you’ll benefit the role, and what qualifies you to deliver.
• Your example points should be as streamlined as possible. Again, state what you did, the context for why you did it, how you did it, and your final quantifiable impact . Stick with quality over quantity and avoid fluff.
• Additional certificates can be the cherry on top of your Juris Doctorate and land you that dream job! So don’t leave out other stuff like an Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) or Certified Paralegal certification.

If you only have one or two additional certifications as a law student (which is understandable if you’re just starting out!) then you can place them by your degree. If you have several, they’re worth having their own column!

Definitely! If you’re a fresh law student who’s new to the working world, an internship can provide invaluable work experience points that enhance your credibility. Just make sure you pick the most impressive points that are most similar to those you’d encounter on the job!

If you’re looking for other ways to boost your desirability as a legal candidate, try to think of memorable professors from law school, or even bosses from previous jobs. If any of them are willing to write you a professional reference, take them up on it!

Application Toolkit: Resume

On this webpage, you will find our advice and guidance for approaching the resume component of the application., instructions.

We require a resume as part of the application. Please limit your resume to 1 – 2 pages in length.

The following links are sample resumes from successful applicants in prior years. You do not have to follow the formatting used in these resumes, but all three are examples of well-organized, easy-to-read drafts.

Application Insights: Resume

Blog Advice

• Visit the Admissions Blog
• View All Resume Blog Posts

Overrated/Underrated Part 3

Continuing our Overrated/Underrated series, this week, we shift our focus to highlight some of the overrated approaches that we recommend applicants avoid as they craft their applications. 

November 17, 2021

Overrated/Underrated Part 2

This week, we continue our Underrated Approaches to the Application series with some additional advice.

October 21, 2021

Overrated/Underrated Part 1

The J.D. Admissions team recently came together to offer their thoughts on some underrated and overrated approaches that applicants might take towards their HLS application. We hope you’ll find some of these nuggets useful.

September 9, 2021

Real Talk: The Resume

This week’s entry in the Real Talk series covers the resume. 

August 25, 2020

Podcast Advice

Navigating law school admissions with miriam & kristi.

Miriam Ingber (Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Yale Law School) and Kristi Jobson (Assistant Dean for Admissions at Harvard Law School) provide candid, accurate, and straightforward advice about law school admissions — direct from the source. They will be joined by guest stars from other law schools to discuss application timing, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and more.

• View All Episodes

Resume Workshop

Our Resume Workshop provides applicants with straightforward advice on how to craft their resumes with a reflective activity and guiding questions to consider.

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Your resume will be the primary tool you use in your job search to introduce, define, and market yourself to potential employers.

An effective resume does more than just list the schools you have attended and the jobs you have held; it explains to the reader how these experiences have both demonstrated and honed the skills you possess that are crucial to the specific job for which you are applying.

In additional to our high-level overview below, please refer to the  Career Manual distributed at Orientation for a detailed discussion of resume writing.  It provides additional information on preparing a resume, style guidelines, and examples of different resumes. It is highly recommended that LL.M. students consult the relevant chapter of the  Career Manual when writing, editing, and formatting their resume. For additional guidance in drafting your resume, we recommend you review our sample LL.M. resumes .

For federal resumes specifically, the National Archives and Records Administration has a  guide on preparing a federal resume .

Purpose of a Resume

Conservative, succinct, accurate and relevant are the key words for preparing your legal resume. Do not allow your busy schedule to justify presenting anything less than perfect. It is imperative that your resume highlights the qualifications you bring to the table for each individual employer.

Your resume should:

• Highlight the academic and work experiences that make you a qualified applicant for that particular employer or job announcement;
• Demonstrate relevant additional skills and achievements;
• Present substantive information in an organized, succinct and eye-catching manner; and
• Represent your ability to write well and to pay close attention to detail.

Your resume should not:

• Include a detailed biography;
• Be a document for all occasions, all jobs and all employers; or
• Be a compilation of all previous job descriptions.

Format and Appearance of a Resume

An LL.M. student resume follows a fairly standard format. Review our LL.M. resume templates and select the template that matches your situation most closely.

Legal resumes should always be printed on 8½” x 11” paper. Use heavy bond paper that is white or off-white. Do not use dark-colored paper, because many employers will make copies of your resume to distribute to others and dark-colored paper does not copy well. Your resume does not need to be professionally printed, but it should be done on a quality printer. Georgetown’s Law Library has laser printers available for student use.

Consider using different methods (fonts, underline, bold, italics and caps) to highlight certain items in your resume. Doing so will often guide employers more quickly to relevant information. Be judicious, however, because too many font changes can make a resume look cluttered or distracting. Your ultimate objective is to make your resume easily readable, because most employers do not spend a lot of time on first reviews of resumes.

Note: Do not use resume templates that are available in some word-processing programs. They are not formatted with a legal resume in mind. Please use one of our  resume templates tailored for LL.M. students instead.

Length of a Resume

It is generally preferable to restrict your resume to one page. If the essential information can be presented on page one, it is unlikely that any additional information you put on page two would improve your chances for an interview. However, do not sacrifice relevant content (e.g., published work, significant life/work experience) to adhere to this recommendation.  If you have been practicing for a while or gained substantial relevant professional experience prior to law school, then a second page may be warranted.  If your resume does go to a second page, be sure to include your name and “Page 2” in the upper right hand corner of the second sheet and staple the two pages together. It is absolutely recommended that your resume not exceed two pages.

Resumes for public interest employers should also be longer if your experience and activities warrant more than one page. These employers will want to see that your commitment to public service is genuine, and you can show that most effectively by recounting a thorough history of your work experiences and/or volunteer activities. In all cases, be sure that the most relevant information appears on the first page.

Content of a Resume

Put your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address at the top of your resume (we recommend that you use your Georgetown Law e-mail account). Include your work (if applicable) and your home telephone numbers. If you are applying to employers in your home state or country, you may wish to include both your school and permanent addresses.

Note: You should include all identifying information required in the posting. For example, some government employers will require that you include your Social Security Number (SSN) or at least the last four digits. Follow the guidelines provided by the employer in the posting but otherwise stick to only your name and contact information in the heading.

Job Objective or References

Legal resumes do not include job objectives or references.

List your current (Georgetown Law) education first and proceed in reverse chronological order (e.g., legal education, graduate institution, and undergraduate institution). For each institution, indicate the month and year of graduation or expected graduation (not years in attendance) and the degree obtained or expected. Only include degree-granted institutions after high school or the equivalent degree.

Under law school education, indicate grades if appropriate (see below), honors and relevant activities, journal, clinic and research projects.

For other educational subheadings, include information about your academic achievements, organizational memberships and any other information closely related to your educational background. If relevant, briefly describe research projects or theses.

Describe any honors you received if not self-explanatory. If you attended a summer abroad program, you can describe it directly under the undergraduate or graduate listing instead of as a separate listing.

The level of importance placed on law school grades can vary greatly among employers. For example, grades are often a significant consideration for large law firms, and at least one consideration for small and medium firms and federal government agencies. Conversely, public interest employers, whether or not they are interested in grades, are usually more interested in activities and experience that demonstrate a commitment to public interest.

Should you include your law school grades on your resume?

The answer depends on:

• The type of employer; and
• What your grades are.

For most private sector employers and government agencies, your Grade Point Average (GPA) should be stated if it is a 3.0 or above. If it is below a 3.0, consult with a Graduate Career and Professional Development advisor about whether to include it and how to respond to questions about grades during interviews.

For public interest employers, the decision about including your GPA probably will depend on what it is and how much a particular employer values academic performance.

List your GPA as it appears on your transcript —  DO NOT  round up or down. If your grades improve over time, you might consider breaking down your GPA by semester or year to reflect the improvement. If you are seeking in a specialized practice area and your GPA in relevant courses is significant higher than your cumulative overall GPA, you can consider adding that separate GPA calculation to your resume.

Law school honors (Dean’s List, scholarships, etc.) should be listed. For class rank, you should indicate if you are in the top third, top 15% or top 10%, but only if you have received confirmation that you fall within the particular category.

If you include your grades for one degree, you should include your grades/GPA for all degrees.

By using the term “experience” as opposed to “employment,” you may include volunteer work, clinic experience, and internships in this category.

List your experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent position. It is not necessary to include every part-time job you have held but you should include every past position that would be relevant to the job you are seeking. For each position, include the name of the employer, the location of the position, your job title and the dates of employment, including months and year.

Include significant and/or relevant part-time or summer employment. Write a brief statement using action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Resist the temptation to begin every position description with “responsibilities included.”

Do not leave big time gaps on your resume.

Specialty Categories (Languages, Community Service, Interests, Bar Memberships)

The purpose of these categories is to highlight particular skills, relevant activities, personal interests or other unique items. Fluency or proficiency in a language should always be included in your resume, preferably in a separate “Language Skills” category.

Volunteer activities indicate community involvement and commitment, and they are particularly useful if directly relevant to positions for which you are applying.

Personal interests are usually included to spark conversation or “break the ice” during interviews. Whether or not you should include a personal interest section generally depends on the type of employer you are targeting (e.g., public interest employers generally do not focus on applicants’ personal interests). If you choose to include an interests section, be specific, and only include items that you can discuss comfortably and in that you were recently engaged (e.g., running marathons, reading Russian literature).

We recommend that you also include a “Bar Membership” or “Bar Admissions” section listing the date of admission, if applicable.

Resume Falsification

Do not falsify or exaggerate information on your resume . The  Georgetown Law Student Handbook of Academic Policies  states: “Students are cautioned to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in the preparation of their job resumes, letters, and application forms. The inclusion of material that is misleading, inaccurate, or false may be a violation of the Student Disciplinary Code. “

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Sample Resumes

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• Resume with Comments (PDF)
• Sample Sections and Categories (PDF)
• Sample 1 Resume 1L (PDF)
• Sample 2 Resume 1L (PDF)
• Sample 3 Resume 1L (PDF)

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• Sample 1 Resume 2L (PDF)
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Sample 1 Resume 3L (PDF)

Alumni Resumes

Sample Alumni Resume (PDF)

9 Effective Tips for Writing a Law Resume for Freshers

• Career Guide
• September 11, 2023

As a law student or recent graduate, stepping into the professional world of law can be both exciting and challenging. One of the key tools you’ll need to kickstart your legal career is a well-crafted resume. 

Your resume is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers, so it’s essential to get it right. 

This article will provide you with some straightforward tips on how to write a law resume tailored to your experience and skills, specifically designed for those new to the legal field.

Importance of Well-Drafted Law Resume for Freshers

A well-drafted law resume for freshers is of paramount importance as it serves as the first impression a budding legal professional makes on potential employers. It is your ticket to securing interviews and ultimately landing your desired legal job. 

Here’s why it matters:

• First Impressions: A resume is often the initial document employers review. A well-structured and error-free resume demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
• Showcases Qualifications: It highlights your academic achievements, relevant coursework and any legal internships or externships, giving employers insight into your qualifications and practical experience.
• Tailored to Job Descriptions: Customising your resume for each job application demonstrates your genuine interest in the specific position and increases your chances of being shortlisted.
• Quantifies Achievements: By quantifying your accomplishments and using strong action verbs, you provide concrete evidence of your abilities, making a compelling case for your candidacy.
• Soft Skills Display: The inclusion of soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, reveals your readiness to adapt to the demands of a legal career.
• Professional Affiliations: Mentioning memberships in legal organisations showcases your commitment to the legal profession and staying updated on industry developments.

Read More: How to Proofread Your Legal Resume/CV?

Tips for writing a law resume for freshers, choose the right resume format.

When crafting your law resume, the first decision you need to make is choosing the right format. The two most common formats for law students and fresh graduates are the chronological and functional formats.

• Chronological Format: This is the most traditional format and lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. It’s a good choice if you have relevant internship or work experience to highlight.
• Functional Format: The functional format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience. This format is suitable if your work experience is limited but you possess skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the job.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Every job application should be treated as unique. Tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for is crucial. 

This means customising your resume to match the requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you seek.

Use Keywords

In today’s digital job application landscape, many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems scan your resume for keywords that match the job description. 

To improve your chances of getting noticed, pepper your resume with relevant keywords from the job posting. This could include legal terms, specific software skills, or industry-related terminology.

Quantify Your Accomplishments

One of the most effective ways to grab the attention of potential employers is by quantifying your accomplishments. Rather than simply listing your responsibilities, use specific numbers and data to showcase your achievements. For example:

• “Assisted in drafting legal documents for 10+ cases per month.”
• “Achieved a 95% success rate in legal research and analysis.”
• “Managed a team of 5 interns during a summer internship.”

Quantifying your accomplishments provides concrete evidence of your skills and contributions.

Use Strong Action Verbs

To make your law resume more impactful, use strong action verbs to describe your skills and experiences. Action verbs convey a sense of leadership, initiative and achievement. Some examples of strong action verbs include:

• Coordinated
• Successfully implemented

Replacing passive phrases with these dynamic verbs will make your resume more engaging and compelling.

Proofread Carefully

Before hitting the submit button, make sure to proofread your resume carefully. Spelling and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression on potential employers. It’s often helpful to have a trusted friend or mentor review your resume as well, as they may catch mistakes you might have missed.

Highlight Relevant Coursework

As a law student or recent graduate, your academic achievements can play a significant role in showcasing your qualifications. 

Include a section that highlights relevant coursework, particularly if you’ve taken courses that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. Mention any honours or special projects you completed during your studies, such as moot court competitions, legal clinics, or research papers.

Include Legal Internships and Externships

If you’ve completed any legal internships or externships during your academic journey, make sure to feature them prominently on your resume. 

These experiences can provide valuable insights into your practical skills and exposure to real legal work. Describe your responsibilities, the types of cases you worked on and any specific achievements or skills gained during these positions.

Emphasise Soft Skills

While technical and legal knowledge is essential, soft skills are also highly valued in the legal profession. Highlight your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and attention to detail, throughout your resume. 

You can illustrate these skills through examples from your academic or extracurricular activities. Many law firms look for well-rounded individuals who can effectively collaborate with colleagues and clients.

Include Professional Memberships and Associations

Demonstrate your commitment to the legal field by including any memberships or associations related to law or specific legal areas. 

Whether you’re a member of a law society, bar association, or other legal organisations, mentioning these affiliations can indicate your dedication to your profession. It also shows that you are actively engaged in the legal community and staying informed about industry developments.

Read More:  How to Include Awards and Honors on Your Resume

Final thoughts.

In the competitive world of law, a well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing your dream job. By following these tips and tailoring your resume to your unique skills and experiences, you can stand out as a fresh law graduate or student and increase your chances of securing your desired legal position. 

Remember, your resume is your first opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications and potential to prospective employers, so make it count.

Good luck with your legal career journey!

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