Legal intern resumes need specific focus to succeed. This article offers proven resume examples and strategic advice for job seekers. Learn how to highlight relevant coursework, internships, and key skills. Understand what hiring managers look for in a legal intern candidate.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for legal interns:
Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show impact using numbers. Metrics like
Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Highlight Mock Trial Experience: Mock trial experience stands out. Details like
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For legal interns, where you place your education on your resume matters. If you are currently studying or have recently graduated from law school, show this information at the top of your resume. This helps to explain your entry-level status and emphasizes your relevant legal education, which is vital for this role.
Make sure to include details such as the name of the law school, your degree, and any honors or significant accomplishments, such as being on the dean's list or involvement in moot court. Share any coursework related to the kind of legal work you are seeking. If you have taken classes in intellectual property law and are applying to a firm that specializes in that area, make sure to highlight this connection.
When applying for a legal internship, ensure you highlight coursework relevant to law. Mention specific classes like 'Civil Procedure' or 'Contract Law' to show your foundational knowledge.
Also, if you have participated in any legal clinics or moot court competitions, include them in your resume. These activities can give you an edge over other candidates by showcasing your practical skills.
For a legal intern position, keep your resume concise, fitting onto one page if possible. You'll want to show you can communicate essential information efficiently. Prioritize your most relevant experiences such as internships at law firms, clinics, or legal volunteer work that directly relate to the position. Display your understanding of the legal system and showcase specific projects you've worked on or skills you've acquired.
Ensure your resume's format is clear and uses space wisely. If you have broader experience, focus on the roles and achievements that demonstrate your legal knowledge and analytical skills. Remember, you need to make a strong impression quickly as hiring managers typically review the first page in a few seconds. Craft your resume to ensure everything on the first page counts and mirrors the skills and experiences sought in the job description.
Employers for legal intern positions highly value strong legal writing skills. Dedicate a section to highlight any legal memos, opinions, or briefs you have written.
Mention any legal research you have done, and don't forget to specify if you used tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis. These details help demonstrate your readiness for real-world legal tasks.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by employers to sort and rank resumes. As a legal intern applicant, you need to format your resume in a way that these systems can read it easily.
Here are some tips to help you:
When you apply for a legal intern position, your resume should show the skills you have that match the job. This means picking out your strongest experiences that fit what the job needs. Keep your words clear and simple.
When crafting your resume as a legal intern, focus on showcasing specific hard skills that highlight your legal acumen and technical proficiency. These skills should be woven into your resume, demonstrating to hiring managers your readiness for the role. Place them in a dedicated skills section and also mention them in your experience descriptions to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for job-related keywords.
For example, if you've worked with specific legal databases or software, such as
Remember, you don't need to have all these skills, but include the ones that best match your experience and the job you're applying for. This targeted approach will help your resume stand out and show hiring managers that you're a strong candidate for the role.
If you've held positions of responsibility or have been promoted, your resume should reflect this. In the legal field, evidence of leadership can set you apart. Think about any roles where you had to manage others, lead projects, or were given more tasks over time.
Even if you're new to the field, consider times you've guided others or taken initiative. This could be during your studies or in volunteer work.
When you're applying for a legal intern position, showing your impact with numbers can make your resume stand out. Numbers help hiring managers see the real effect you've had in past roles or experiences.
Think about your work in terms of:
For example, if you've helped streamline the document filing process, estimate how much time you've saved. Or, if you've managed a database, quantify how many entries you've added or how you've improved data accuracy by a certain
Remember to also consider any
When you apply for a legal internship, think about the size of the company. A small firm or startup often values a more varied skill set. You might show you are ready to take on different tasks and learn quickly. For a big firm, like Baker McKenzie or Jones Day, focus on how you can fit into a large team and work on big cases. Stress your ability to handle complex tasks with care.
For a small company, your resume might say:
For a larger firm, consider phrases like: