Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Quantifying achievements like drafting memos that boosted efficiency by 20% brings the applicant’s value to light.
- Highlights industry-specific skills: The applicant’s expertise in legal research and policy drafting underlines their fit for roles demanding strong analytical skills in the legal field.
- Sections are well-organized: Effective use of bullet points and headers makes the resume easy to scan, ensuring key achievements are quickly accessible and improving readability.
More Law Student Resume Examples
Take a look at these law student resume examples to learn how to highlight your legal knowledge, research skills, and internships. Use these samples to help you create a resume that stands out.
Legal intern
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: By listing a master’s degree in corporate law, the applicant emphasizes academic excellence early in their career, reinforcing strong foundational knowledge from prestigious institutions.
- Effective use of keywords: Including specific keywords like “legal research” and “case analysis” helps ensure the resume stands out to applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Shows digital literacy: Skills such as document drafting and case research suggest skill with modern digital tools, showcasing essential computer skills for today’s workplace.
Law clerk
Why this resume works
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: The applicant’s history as a law clerk and legal research analyst reveals a strong mix of interpersonal skills and technical expertise, essential for the legal field.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language skills in Spanish, French, and German improves cross-cultural communication, which is invaluable in international law contexts.
- Points to measurable outcomes: Listing achievements like improving research efficiency by 30% annually and reducing court delays by 20% showcases their ability to achieve measurable outcomes.
Judicial intern
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: The applicant’s choice of a chronological resume format effectively narrates their legal journey, showcasing relevant career experiences.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: By including achievements like reducing backlog by 30%, the applicant’s accomplishments highlight their significant impact on organizational efficiency and ability to drive results.
- Lists relevant certifications: By listing certifications such as an Advanced Legal Research Certification from a recognized institution, the applicant reinforces their expertise and dedication to continual learning.
Law Student Resume Template (Text Version)
Jane Jefferson
Cambridge, MA 02138
(555)555-5555
Jane.Jefferson@example.com
Skills
- Legal Research & Writing
- Case Analysis
- Client Communication
- Contract Review
- Litigation Support
- Policy Drafting
- Document Management Systems
- Team Collaboration
Languages
- Spanish – Limited Working (B1)
- French – Full Professional (B2)
- German – Limited Working (B1)
Professional Summary
Dynamic law student with three years of legal experience. Skilled in research, case analysis, and drafting, with a record of improving efficiency by 40%. Driven to apply analytical and advocacy skills in corporate law and compliance while building client trust through collaboration and results.
Work History
Law Student, 08/2023 to Current
KJC Law Firm, LLC – Boston, MA
- Conducted legal research for 15+ case studies.
- Drafted policy memos improving efficiency by 20%.
- Collaborated with teams on 10 client consultation sessions.
Legal Research Associate, 01/2023 to 07/2023
Koufman Law Group, LLC – Boston, MA
- Reviewed contracts reducing errors by 25%.
- Prepared legal reports for 8 business transactions monthly.
- Assisted attorneys with 12 deposition preparations.
Paralegal Intern, 08/2022 to 12/2022
O’ Connel Law, LLC – Boston, MA
- Supported drafting of 40+ legal documents.
- Analyzed case law, improving research speed by 50%.
- Organized client files, ensuring 100% compliance standards.
Certifications
- LexisNexis Legal Research Certification
- Westlaw Legal Research Certification
- Mediation and Dispute Resolution Training Certificate
Education
Juris Doctor: Law, Expected in 05/2026
Harvard Law School – Cambridge, MA
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, 05/2017
University of California, Berkeley – Berkeley, CA
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Law Student Resume
Learn how to write a resume that highlights your legal knowledge, coursework, and passion for justice.
Whether you’re aiming for an internship or your first job in the field, explore tailored strategies to stand out in a competitive landscape.
Highlight relevant certifications and training
Certifications and specialized training are important for a law student because they show a commitment to learning and improving skills. They help you stand out by demonstrating knowledge in specific areas that can be useful in legal practice.
By listing certifications, a law student can demonstrate readiness for practical legal tasks. This section should be placed after education or skills on your resume for it to get noticed easily. It’s a way to show future employers that you have taken steps to learn more about the field of law and are prepared to use these skills in real-world situations.
Example of a certifications & training section
Certified Paralegal
Issued by: National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
Legal Research and Writing Course
Issued by: American Bar Association
Mediation and Conflict Resolution Certification
Issued by: International Mediation Institute (IMI)
Cybersecurity Law and Policy Certificate
Issued by: Stanford Online
Trial Advocacy Workshop
Issued by: Harvard Law School
Need help with your resume? Use these professional resume examples to find ideas and make yours shine!
List your most relevant skills
As a law student, it’s important to showcase both technical and soft skills. Technical skills might include legal research, writing, and using software like Microsoft Office or legal databases such as LexisNexis. Soft skills are just as key; they include communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These help you analyze cases and present arguments clearly.
When listing your skills, create a dedicated skills section on your resume. Include any specific software you know how to use and any unique abilities that set you apart. This helps employers quickly see what you bring to the table.
Also, try weaving these skills into your work experience or project descriptions. For example, mention how your research skills helped in drafting a legal memo or how your communication strengths aided in client interactions.
Showing how you’ve applied these skills in real situations makes a stronger impact than just listing them. It gives potential employers a clearer picture of what you can do and how you can contribute to their team as a law student.
Choose a resume format that clearly organizes your skills and experiences, making it easy for potential employers to see your strengths.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary on a resume acts as an engaging introduction for hiring managers, offering a snapshot of your career. When crafting your resume, you can choose between this or a resume objective.
Typically spanning three to four sentences, a professional summary highlights your experience, skills, and achievements. It suits applicants with more experience who wish to showcase their professional identity and value quickly. Its aim is to provide employers insight into what you’ve accomplished throughout your career journey.
On the other hand, a resume objective outlines your career goals and is ideal for entry-level job seekers, those changing careers, or individuals with employment gaps. This section emphasizes what you aim to contribute in future roles.
Now that you understand the differences between summaries and objectives, let’s explore examples of both tailored for various levels of experience.
Law student resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent law graduate with a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited institution. Completed internships focusing on contract law and legal research, gaining foundational skills in legal writing and case analysis. Member of the American Bar Association and eager to contribute to a dynamic legal team with strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
Mid-career
Practicing attorney with over five years of experience specializing in corporate law and litigation. Successfully managed multiple cases from inception through trial, providing strategic advice to clients on compliance and regulatory matters. Licensed in New York, recognized for excellent negotiation skills, and a track record of achieving favorable settlements.
Experienced
Seasoned lawyer with over 15 years of expertise in intellectual property law. Proven leader with significant experience managing complex patent portfolios and guiding teams through high-stakes litigation processes. Holds an LLM in Intellectual Property Law, known for innovative legal strategies that safeguard client interests while improving business objectives.
Law student resume objective examples
Entry-level
Aspiring law student with a keen interest in environmental law seeking an entry-level position where analytical and research skills can be applied to support legal teams in advocating for sustainable practices. Eager to contribute to meaningful cases while gaining practical experience in the legal field.
Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning from corporate communications into the legal field, aiming to leverage strong writing and critical thinking skills as a law clerk. Committed to supporting attorneys through careful research and document preparation, while developing expertise in corporate law.
Recent graduate
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science aspiring to begin a career in criminal law. Seeking an opportunity to apply strong analytical abilities and passion for justice within a dynamic legal team, assisting attorneys with case preparation and client interactions.
Using our Resume Builder is a great way to make your law student resume stand out. The templates are easy to customize, helping you highlight your skills and experiences effectively.
Showcase your accomplishments
Including a section to show off your accomplishments on your resume can really set you apart as a law student. This section shows off your academic work, recognitions, and research skills, making you stand out in the competitive field of law.
For this section, you could list publications like peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, or conference papers. When listing these, make sure to follow a professional style guide like The Bluebook for citation details. Include things like the journal name, volume, issue, and year so anyone reading your resume can easily find your work.
Besides publications, mention any major awards, grants, or fellowships you’ve received. These accomplishments show you have been recognized for your research efforts and add credibility to your profile. If you’ve presented at conferences, include those too.
Conferences are important because they demonstrate that you’re engaged with current legal issues and trends. For added detail and easy access to more of your work, consider linking to online profiles like Google Scholar or ResearchGate if you have them. This gives potential employers extra ways to explore your achievements and see how active you are in the academic community.
Example of an awards & grants section
Dean’s List | University of Georgetown Law Center | Fall 2025
- Recognized for achieving a GPA in the top 10% of the class.
CALI Award for Excellence | University of Georgetown Law Center | Spring 2025
- Awarded for achieving the highest grade in the Professional Responsibility course.
Public Interest Law Foundation Grant | Public Interest Law Foundation | Summer 2024
- Supported summer internship at the Human Rights Defense Fund, assisting with asylum cases for refugees.
Moot Court Finalist & Best Oralist | Georgetown Law Moot Court Competition | Spring 2024
- Recognized for exceptional oral advocacy skills and performance in a competitive appellate advocacy program.
Select a resume template that is simple and neat, avoiding fancy fonts or busy designs. A clear layout with distinct sections helps employers find key information quickly.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my law student resume?
Including a cover letter with your law student resume is often beneficial and can make a strong impression on potential employers.
A cover letter provides an opportunity to explain your interest in a particular firm or legal area while highlighting relevant skills or experiences not fully detailed in your resume.
For instance, if you have specific experience in areas like intellectual property or criminal law that align with the firm’s focus, mentioning this can demonstrate your fit for the role.
Consider using our Cover Letter Generator to craft a personalized cover letter that complements your resume, offering step-by-step assistance and content suggestions.
Additionally, reviewing cover letter examples tailored for law students can provide insight into structuring and phrasing your own letter effectively.
How long should a law student’s resume be?
For a law student, a one-page resume is typically ideal. Present your education, internships, moot court experience, and relevant skills concisely to quickly capture the attention of hiring managers. This format works well when you have limited professional experience but wish to showcase strong academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
If you’ve gained substantial legal experience through internships, clinics, or publications, consider a two-page resume. Ensure each entry relates directly to your legal career goals and adds significant value.
Explore our guide on how long a resume should be for examples and tips on determining the most suitable length for your specific situation.
How do you write a law student resume with no experience?
When writing a resume with no experience, focus on detailing the following:
- Emphasize your education: Start with your law school details, including the name, expected graduation date, and any honors or notable achievements. Mention specific courses related to the area of law you’re interested in.
- Highlight academic projects or research: Include significant projects or research papers that align with legal work. Describe your role in these projects and what skills you applied or developed.
- Showcase transferable skills: Focus on skills like critical thinking, research skill, analytical abilities, and communication. If you’ve been involved in activities such as debate club or mock trials, include them to demonstrate practical application of these skills.
Check out our comprehensive guide on writing a resume with no experience for more detailed tips and examples tailored to various fields.
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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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