How to Write a Great Resume for a Job in Law

In the competitive legal field, a strong resume is your ticket to landing interviews and securing your dream job. But crafting a standout resume that captures the attention of hiring managers can be daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to create a winning legal resume that showcases your skills, experience, and potential.

Understanding the Importance of a Legal Resume

Your resume is your first impression on potential employers. It's a crucial document that serves as a brief summary of your qualifications, skills, and achievements. In the legal profession, where precision and attention to detail are paramount, your resume must reflect these qualities. A well-structured and compelling resume can make the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.

Key Objectives of a Legal Resume

• Highlight your relevant legal skills and experience: Showcase your expertise in legal research, writing, advocacy, and other core competencies.
• Demonstrate your achievements and accomplishments: Quantify your successes wherever possible to demonstrate your impact.
• Tailor your resume to the specific job requirements: Emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you're applying for.
• Create a professional and polished presentation: Ensure your resume is error-free, visually appealing, and easy to read.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Great Law Resume

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are three main resume formats:

• Chronological: This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, emphasizing your career progression. It's ideal for those with a strong work history.
• Functional: This format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It's useful for those with gaps in their employment or who are transitioning careers.
• Combination: This format combines elements of both chronological and functional formats. It's a versatile option that allows you to highlight both your skills and experience.

For law resumes, a chronological format is generally recommended. It provides a clear and concise overview of your legal career trajectory and demonstrates your experience and expertise.

2. Craft a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective Statement

Your resume summary or objective statement is your chance to grab the reader's attention and highlight your key qualifications. It should be concise, impactful, and tailored to the specific job you're applying for.

Summary Statement:

• Use a few concise sentences to highlight your key accomplishments and relevant skills.
• Focus on your achievements and the value you can bring to the role.
• Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results.

Objective Statement:

• Clearly state your career goals and how the position aligns with your aspirations.
• Emphasize your passion for law and your desire to contribute to the legal field.
• Keep it brief and focused.

Example Resume Summary for a Law Graduate:

Highly motivated and results-oriented law graduate with a strong academic record and a passion for intellectual property law. Proven research and writing skills, adept at legal analysis and drafting concise legal documents. Seeking a challenging and rewarding position where I can contribute to a dynamic legal team.

3. Highlight Your Relevant Legal Experience

This section is the heart of your resume. Use clear and concise language to describe your previous legal roles and responsibilities. Emphasize your accomplishments and quantify your impact whenever possible.

Key Elements to Include:

• Job Title: State your previous job title and the organization where you worked.
• Dates of Employment: Include the start and end dates of your employment.
• Responsibilities: Briefly describe your key duties and responsibilities in each role. Use action verbs to showcase your skills and achievements.
• Accomplishments: Quantify your successes whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “Prepared legal documents,” state “Prepared over 100 legal documents for various clients, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.”
• Keywords: Incorporate relevant legal keywords that match the job description and industry standards. Use terms like “legal research,” “pleadings,” “discovery,” “negotiation,” “litigation,” “compliance,” “contract law,” “intellectual property,” “corporate law,” “employment law,” etc.

4. Showcase Your Legal Skills and Qualifications

This section is your chance to demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge of legal principles. Focus on the skills most relevant to the position you're applying for. Use a combination of bullet points and a skills section to highlight your proficiency.

Key Legal Skills to Include:

• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Pleading and Motion Practice
• Discovery
• Negotiation
• Litigation
• Contract Drafting
• Legal Analysis
• Client Communication
• Case Management
• Legal Compliance

Example Skills Section:

Legal Skills: Legal Research, Legal Writing, Pleading and Motion Practice, Discovery, Negotiation, Litigation, Contract Drafting, Legal Analysis, Client Communication, Case Management, Legal Compliance

Software Skills: Westlaw, LexisNexis, Clio, Practice Panther, Microsoft Office Suite

5. Highlight Your Education and Certifications

This section should include your law degree, any relevant undergraduate degrees, and any certifications you hold. Include the name of the institution, your degree or certification, and the year of graduation or certification.

Example Education Section:

Juris Doctor (JD), Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, 2020

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 2017

6. Include Additional Relevant Information (Optional)

Depending on your experience and the specific job you're applying for, you may consider including additional sections to enhance your resume. Some options include:

• Publications: List any relevant publications, articles, or research papers you've authored or co-authored.
• Presentations: Highlight any legal presentations, seminars, or conferences you've delivered.
• Awards and Honors: Mention any academic awards, scholarships, or legal honors you've received.
• Professional Affiliations: List any relevant professional organizations or bar associations you belong to.
• Volunteer Experience: Showcase your commitment to community service and legal aid.
• Languages: Indicate any foreign languages you speak or write fluently.

7. Proofread and Edit Your Resume Carefully

Before submitting your resume, proofread and edit it meticulously. Ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are impeccable. You may also want to ask a trusted colleague or friend to review your resume for any errors or inconsistencies.

8. Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Most large law firms and corporations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases to match them with job requirements. To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly:

• Use keywords: Research the job description and incorporate relevant legal keywords throughout your resume. This includes industry-specific terms, skills, and experience.
• Format your resume consistently: Use a simple and consistent formatting style, such as a standard font and clear headings.
• Avoid fancy formatting: Avoid using tables, graphics, or unusual fonts that can disrupt the ATS's scanning process.

9. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application

Always tailor your resume to the specific requirements of each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Don't simply submit a generic resume. This shows the hiring manager that you're genuinely interested in the role and that you've taken the time to understand their needs.

Tips for Creating a Powerful Legal Resume

• Quantify your accomplishments: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “Successfully negotiated several contracts,” say “Successfully negotiated 10 contracts, saving the company $50,000 in legal fees.”
• Use strong action verbs: Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of saying “Managed legal cases,” say “Successfully managed and resolved 50 legal cases, achieving a 95% success rate.”
• Keep it concise: Your resume should be brief and to the point. Aim for a maximum of two pages. Eliminate unnecessary details or jargon.
• Focus on clarity and readability: Use white space, bullet points, and headings to break up your resume and make it easy to read. Choose a professional font and use a standard resume template.
• Proofread meticulously: Carefully proofread your resume for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It's also helpful to have a trusted colleague or friend review your resume for any inconsistencies.
• Seek feedback from professionals: If you're unsure about your resume, consider seeking feedback from a career counselor, legal recruiter, or experienced attorney. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Example Legal Resume

Here is an example of a legal resume for a recent law graduate seeking a position as a junior associate at a law firm:

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

Summary

Highly motivated and results-oriented law graduate with a strong academic record and a passion for intellectual property law. Proven research and writing skills, adept at legal analysis and drafting concise legal documents. Seeking a challenging and rewarding position where I can contribute to a dynamic legal team.

Experience

Legal Intern, Smith & Jones Law Firm, New York, NY

May 2020 – August 2020

• Assisted senior attorneys with legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing for client meetings.
• Conducted thorough legal research on various intellectual property matters, including trademark infringement and patent litigation.
• Drafted and revised legal briefs, memoranda, and client correspondence, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Successfully prepared for and assisted with client presentations, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills.

Research Assistant, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

September 2019 – May 2020

• Assisted law professors with research projects related to intellectual property law and technology law.
• Conducted extensive legal research, analyzing case law, statutes, and scholarly articles.
• Drafted and edited research papers, contributing to the development of legal scholarship.

Skills

Legal Skills:

• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Pleading and Motion Practice
• Discovery
• Negotiation
• Litigation
• Contract Drafting
• Legal Analysis
• Client Communication
• Case Management
• Legal Compliance

Software Skills:

• Westlaw
• LexisNexis
• Clio
• Practice Panther
• Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, 2020

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Political Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 2017

Awards and Honors

• Dean's List, Harvard Law School
• Phi Beta Kappa, University of California, Berkeley

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• Intellectual Property Law Association

Conclusion

Creating a compelling legal resume is essential for advancing your career in law. By following these steps and tips, you can craft a standout resume that showcases your skills, experience, and potential to land your dream job. Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, proofread meticulously, and seek feedback from professionals to ensure your resume is polished and professional.