How to Make a Resume for a Job in Law

Landing a job in the legal field requires a compelling resume that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications. But with so many talented applicants competing for the same positions, crafting a standout resume can seem daunting. Don't worry! This comprehensive guide provides expert tips, actionable advice, and real-world examples to help you create a law resume that gets noticed and lands you the job.

Understanding the Importance of a Law Resume

Your resume serves as your introduction to potential employers. It's the first impression you make, and it needs to be a positive one. A well-crafted law resume should:

• Highlight your relevant skills and experience in the legal field.
• Showcase your knowledge of legal principles and procedures.
• Demonstrate your writing, research, and analytical abilities.
• Emphasize your professionalism and strong work ethic.
• Make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

Essential Components of a Law Resume

A strong law resume should include the following essential components:

1. Contact Information

Start with your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (optional). Keep it concise and professional. Avoid using personal email addresses like "[email protected]."

2. Summary or Objective Statement

A summary or objective statement briefly outlines your professional goals and skills, tailored to the specific job you're applying for. It should be concise (3-4 sentences) and highlight your most relevant qualifications. Here's an example:

Highly motivated and results-oriented law graduate with a strong foundation in criminal law and litigation. Eager to apply legal expertise and research skills in a challenging and dynamic legal environment. Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, contributing to successful case outcomes.

3. Work Experience

This section showcases your professional history and relevant legal experience. Start with your most recent position and work backward chronologically. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments, quantifying them whenever possible. For example, instead of "Assisted with legal research," write "Conducted thorough legal research for 15+ cases, leading to successful outcomes." Here's a sample:

Legal Assistant, Smith & Jones Law Firm, New York City

May 2020 - Present

• Prepared legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
• Assisted attorneys with trial preparation, including witness interviews and evidence gathering.
• Managed client communication and maintained case files, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

4. Education

List your highest level of education, including the name of the institution, your degree, and the year you graduated. If you have any honors or awards, include them in this section. For example:

Juris Doctor (JD), Columbia University School of Law, New York City

May 2023

• Dean's List, 2021-2023
• Moot Court Competition, Finalist, 2022

5. Skills

This section lists your technical and soft skills that are relevant to the legal profession. Some essential legal skills include:

• Legal Research & Writing
• Case Management
• Litigation Support
• Negotiation & Mediation
• Client Communication
• Legal Drafting & Pleading
• Contract Review & Analysis
• Trial Advocacy
• Legal Compliance

You can also include soft skills that are relevant to the legal profession, such as:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork

6. Relevant Coursework & Projects

If your resume is short on legal work experience, this section can highlight coursework and projects that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. For example:

Completed legal research projects on topics related to intellectual property law, corporate law, and environmental law.

7. Professional Affiliations & Licenses

Include any relevant professional affiliations, such as the American Bar Association, or licenses, such as a state bar license.

8. Awards & Honors

This section can highlight achievements that showcase your academic or professional accomplishments. For example:

Awarded the Dean's List for academic excellence.

9. Extracurricular Activities

While not mandatory, this section can highlight your personality and interests, showcasing your well-roundedness and commitment to other areas. For example:

Volunteer for the Legal Aid Society, providing legal assistance to underprivileged communities.

Tips for Creating a Standout Law Resume

Here are some practical tips to make your law resume stand out from the crowd:

1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Don't send out the same resume for every job application. Take the time to customize each resume to the specific requirements of the position. Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description.

2. Use Action Verbs to Describe Your Accomplishments

Use strong action verbs like "analyzed," "developed," "negotiated," "represented," and "litigated" to describe your work experience. This adds dynamism and clarity to your resume, making it more engaging to read.

3. Quantify Your Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate the impact you've made. For example, instead of writing "Prepared legal documents," write "Prepared over 100 legal documents for complex litigation cases." Quantifying your accomplishments adds credibility and showcases your achievements in a tangible way.

4. Use a Professional Font and Format

Choose a clean and professional font, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Use a consistent font size and formatting throughout the resume. Keep the layout clean and uncluttered to enhance readability.

5. Proofread Carefully

Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A well-written resume free of errors reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

6. Use Keywords

Include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume. This helps your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many employers use to screen resumes.

7. Get Feedback from Others

Ask friends, colleagues, or career advisors to review your resume for feedback and suggestions for improvement. An objective perspective can help you identify any areas that need further refinement.

Example Law Resume

Here's an example of a law resume that incorporates the tips discussed above:

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn Profile (Optional)]

Summary

Highly motivated and results-oriented law graduate with a strong foundation in [mention your area of specialization, e.g., criminal law, intellectual property law]. Proven ability to conduct thorough legal research, draft persuasive legal documents, and effectively communicate legal concepts to clients. Seeking a challenging position in a dynamic legal environment where I can contribute to the success of the firm.

Work Experience

Legal Intern, [Name of Law Firm], [Location]

June 2022 - August 2022

• Assisted attorneys in conducting legal research and drafting legal memoranda on various legal issues.
• Prepared and filed legal documents, including motions and discovery requests.
• Attended client meetings and court hearings to observe legal proceedings.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD), [Name of Law School], [Location]

May 2023

• Dean's List, 2021-2023
• Moot Court Competition, Finalist, 2022

Skills

• Legal Research & Writing
• Case Management
• Litigation Support
• Client Communication
• Legal Drafting & Pleading
• Contract Review & Analysis
• Critical Thinking
• Problem-solving
• Time Management
• Organization

Relevant Coursework

• Criminal Law
• Civil Procedure
• Torts
• Contracts
• Constitutional Law

Awards & Honors

• Dean's List, 2021-2023
• Moot Court Competition, Finalist, 2022

Extracurricular Activities

• Volunteer for the Legal Aid Society, providing legal assistance to underprivileged communities.

Conclusion

Creating a compelling law resume is crucial for a successful legal career. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can craft a resume that highlights your qualifications, showcases your achievements, and helps you land the job you desire.

Remember, your resume is your first impression, so make it count!