Law Internship Resume Template

Landing a law internship is a crucial step in launching your legal career. A compelling resume is your first, and often only, chance to impress potential employers and demonstrate your passion for the law. But crafting a resume that stands out in a competitive applicant pool can feel daunting. Don't worry, we've got you covered! This Law Internship Resume Template is designed to help you showcase your skills, experiences, and academic achievements in a way that resonates with law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

This template is more than just a blank document; it's a strategic framework built specifically for aspiring legal professionals. It guides you through highlighting relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and any prior work experience, even if it's not directly law-related. We provide helpful prompts and examples to ensure you articulate your strengths and demonstrate your understanding of the legal field. Our goal is to make the resume-writing process as smooth and effective as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most – preparing for your interviews and securing your dream internship.

Ready to get started? This template is easily customizable and adaptable to your unique background and aspirations. Simply fill in the sections with your information, tailor the language to match the specific requirements of each internship application, and let your passion for law shine through. With a well-crafted resume, you'll be one step closer to gaining invaluable practical experience and building a successful legal career.

Why a dedicated law internship resume template?

Landing a coveted law internship requires a resume that immediately signals your suitability and potential to legal professionals. A generic resume simply won't cut it. A dedicated law internship resume template helps you tailor your application to highlight the specific skills, experiences, and qualities that legal employers seek, showcasing your understanding of the legal field and your eagerness to contribute.

Using a specialized template ensures that crucial information is presented in a clear, concise, and organized manner, allowing recruiters to quickly assess your qualifications. It prompts you to emphasize relevant coursework, legal research experience, analytical abilities, and communication skills – all essential for success in a legal internship. A well-structured template guides you to include sections like legal writing samples, moot court participation, or relevant volunteer work, which might be overlooked in a general resume.

Furthermore, a dedicated template can help you optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) commonly used by law firms and legal organizations. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and qualifications. A template designed for law internships will incorporate industry-specific keywords, such as legal research, case analysis, statutory interpretation, and contract drafting, increasing your chances of your resume making it past the initial screening and into the hands of a human reviewer. This targeted approach is crucial for standing out in a competitive applicant pool.

Finally, a law internship resume template demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. It conveys that you've taken the time to understand the expectations of the legal profession and have crafted your application accordingly. This shows initiative and a commitment to excellence, qualities that are highly valued by potential employers in the legal field. In essence, it's a strategic tool for presenting yourself as a serious and prepared candidate.

Key sections: Education, Experience, Skills

The "Education," "Experience," and "Skills" sections are the cornerstone of any successful law internship resume. They provide a concise and compelling narrative of your qualifications, showcasing your academic achievements, practical experience (even if limited), and relevant skills to potential employers. These sections work together to demonstrate your potential as a valuable contributor to their legal team.

The "Education" section should prominently display your academic credentials, including your current law school (or pre-law institution), expected graduation date, GPA (if above 3.5), relevant coursework (e.g., Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing), and any academic honors or awards. Tailor this section to emphasize courses and achievements that align with the specific internship requirements. For example, if the internship focuses on environmental law, highlight related coursework or extracurricular activities focused on environmental issues.

The "Experience" section is where you showcase your practical skills and accomplishments, even if they are not directly related to law. Include internships (legal or otherwise), part-time jobs, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular activities where you developed transferable skills such as research, writing, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and quantify your achievements whenever possible. For instance, instead of saying "Assisted with research," say "Conducted legal research on X topic, resulting in Y outcome." Frame your experiences to highlight their relevance to the legal field, even if they seem unrelated at first glance.

The "Skills" section should list both hard skills (e.g., legal research, Westlaw, LexisNexis, legal writing, contract drafting) and soft skills (e.g., communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail) relevant to the internship. Tailor this section to match the specific requirements of the internship description, using keywords that the employer is likely to be looking for. Consider categorizing your skills into groups such as "Legal Skills," "Technical Skills," and "Soft Skills" for better readability. Make sure to prioritize the most relevant and impressive skills at the top of the list.

Action verbs for legal achievements

Using strong action verbs is crucial for showcasing your legal skills and achievements on your resume. Instead of passive verbs like "assisted" or "helped," opt for dynamic verbs that highlight your contributions and demonstrate the impact you made in your previous roles. These verbs not only make your resume more engaging but also clearly communicate your capabilities to potential employers.

When crafting your resume, think about the specific tasks you performed and the results you achieved. Choose verbs that accurately reflect your involvement and the level of responsibility you held. For instance, instead of "researched case law," consider "analyzed complex case law" or "investigated relevant legal precedents." The goal is to paint a vivid picture of your abilities and demonstrate your proactive approach to legal work.

Here are some examples of action verbs categorized by the legal skills they represent:

• Research & Analysis: Analyzed, Investigated, Researched, Interpreted, Evaluated, Identified, Compiled, Examined.
• Communication & Advocacy: Drafted, Composed, Negotiated, Presented, Advocated, Articulated, Communicated, Corresponded, Briefed.
• Organization & Management: Managed, Organized, Coordinated, Maintained, Streamlined, Implemented, Supervised, Prioritized.
• Legal Support: Prepared, Filed, Processed, Organized, Summarized, Reviewed, Collected, Updated.

Remember to tailor the action verbs to each specific experience and accomplishment. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, instead of simply stating "Drafted legal documents," you could write "Drafted and revised over 50 legal documents, including contracts and pleadings, resulting in a 15% reduction in document processing time." By using strong action verbs and quantifying your achievements, you can create a compelling resume that showcases your legal skills and experience.

When describing your achievements, also consider using verbs that convey a sense of initiative and problem-solving. Verbs like "Initiated," "Developed," "Resolved," and "Solved" can effectively highlight your ability to take ownership of tasks and find creative solutions to legal challenges. Remember to select verbs that accurately reflect your contributions and emphasize the positive outcomes of your efforts.

Formatting best practices: readability & ATS

In the competitive field of law, your resume's first impression is crucial. Prioritize readability and ensure your document is easily parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A clean, well-organized format ensures your qualifications are immediately apparent to both human reviewers and automated systems. This section will explore essential formatting techniques for creating a resume that maximizes your chances of landing a law internship.

Use a professional and easily readable font such as Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Garamond in a size between 10 and 12 points. Maintain consistent font sizes and styles throughout your resume. Employ adequate white space to avoid a cluttered appearance and to guide the reader's eye. Margins should typically be between 0.5 and 1 inch on all sides. Consistent formatting demonstrates attention to detail, a highly valued trait in the legal profession.

Structure your resume with clear headings and subheadings to delineate different sections (e.g., Summary, Education, Experience, Skills). Use bullet points to highlight accomplishments and responsibilities within each role or project. Avoid using tables, graphics, or text boxes, as these can sometimes confuse ATS software. Submit your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting across different devices and operating systems, but be sure the PDF is text-based (not an image) for optimal ATS readability.

ATS systems scan resumes for keywords relevant to the specific job description. Carefully review the law internship posting and identify key skills, software, and legal terms. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in your skills section and within the descriptions of your experience. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your application. Focus on demonstrating your qualifications using action verbs and quantifiable achievements.

Showcase relevant coursework & extracurriculars

For a law internship, your resume needs to highlight experiences and skills that demonstrate your potential for success in the legal field. While your academic record is important, relevant coursework and extracurricular activities provide concrete examples of your abilities, work ethic, and interest in law. Think strategically about which experiences best showcase your skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and communication. Tailor this section to align with the specific requirements and preferences of the internship you're applying for.

When listing coursework, prioritize classes directly related to law, government, or public policy. Examples include Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing, Business Law, Political Science, Philosophy (especially logic and ethics), and History. Instead of just listing the course names, briefly mention key skills or concepts you developed within each course. For instance, under "Legal Research and Writing," you could add "Developed proficiency in Westlaw and LexisNexis, and honed persuasive writing skills through legal memorandum drafting." This shows the practical application of your academic knowledge.

Extracurricular activities offer a valuable opportunity to showcase your soft skills and commitment to legal or related fields. Participation in debate club, mock trial, student government, or pre-law societies demonstrates your interest in argumentation, public speaking, and leadership. Volunteer work, especially if it involves advocacy, community service, or working with vulnerable populations, can highlight your empathy, social responsibility, and commitment to justice. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, "President of the Debate Club: Led team to win three regional tournaments," or "Volunteer at Legal Aid Clinic: Assisted 20+ clients with filing paperwork."

Furthermore, consider including any relevant projects you've undertaken, such as research papers, independent studies, or pro bono work. Describe the project's purpose, your role, and the outcome or impact. This demonstrates your initiative, analytical skills, and ability to work independently. If you have limited directly related experience, consider including coursework-related projects that involved significant research and writing. This is especially important for students earlier in their academic careers. Remember to tailor the descriptions to emphasize skills and experiences that are valuable in a legal setting.

Finally, remember to use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in both coursework and extracurriculars. Strong action verbs like "analyzed," "researched," "presented," "negotiated," "led," and "coordinated" will make your resume more impactful and highlight your proactive contributions. Present this information in a clear, concise, and organized manner, using bullet points to enhance readability. Always proofread carefully to ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos.

Resume Example: law internship resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to law internship resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Cover letter: a powerful complement

While your resume provides a structured overview of your skills and experience, a cover letter offers the opportunity to personalize your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in a specific law internship. Think of your cover letter as a narrative extension of your resume, allowing you to highlight key accomplishments, articulate your career aspirations, and explain why you are a perfect fit for the organization's culture and values.

A well-crafted cover letter goes beyond simply reiterating information already presented in your resume. It allows you to showcase your writing skills, analytical abilities, and communication skills – all crucial for a successful legal career. Use the cover letter to explain any gaps in your resume, address specific requirements mentioned in the internship description, and demonstrate your understanding of the firm's practice areas and recent successes.

Consider these key elements when crafting your cover letter for a law internship:

• Tailor your letter: Research the specific firm or organization and tailor your letter to align with their values and priorities.
• Highlight relevant skills: Emphasize the skills and experiences that directly correlate with the internship requirements.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest in the organization and the legal field in general.
• Proofread carefully: Ensure your letter is free of any grammatical errors or typos.
• Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page letter that is easy to read and understand.

In essence, a compelling cover letter is your chance to make a lasting impression and distinguish yourself from other candidates. It transforms your application from a mere collection of qualifications into a compelling narrative that showcases your potential and demonstrates your commitment to pursuing a legal career. Don't underestimate the power of a well-written cover letter; it can be the key to unlocking your dream law internship.

FAQs

Applying for law internships can be competitive, and a well-crafted resume is crucial for standing out. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you create a strong resume that will impress potential employers.

What are the most important sections to include in my law internship resume? A successful law internship resume should include the following core sections: Contact Information, Education, Relevant Experience (including internships, volunteer work, and part-time jobs), Skills (both hard and soft), and any relevant Projects or Activities. Consider adding sections for Awards, Publications, or Languages if applicable. Tailor each section to highlight your qualifications for the specific internship you're applying for.

What kind of skills should I highlight on my law internship resume? Focus on skills that are highly valued in the legal field. These might include legal research, writing and communication skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, critical thinking, and teamwork. Specific technical skills, such as proficiency with legal research databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw), Microsoft Office Suite, and case management software, should also be included. Quantify your skills whenever possible, such as "Conducted legal research using LexisNexis, resulting in a 15% reduction in research time for the team."

How should I present my experience, even if it's not directly legal-related? Even if you lack formal legal experience, you can still showcase valuable skills from other experiences. Focus on transferable skills. For example, if you worked in customer service, highlight your communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills. If you volunteered for a non-profit organization, emphasize your dedication, teamwork, and organizational skills. Always connect your experiences to the requirements of a law internship. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.

Resume Example: law internship resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to law internship resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Final review & proofreading tips

Before submitting your law internship resume, meticulous review and proofreading are essential. Even minor errors can detract from your professionalism and impact your chances of landing an interview. This final stage involves more than just spell-checking; it requires a critical assessment of your resume's clarity, consistency, and overall effectiveness.

Start by printing a hard copy of your resume. Reviewing it on paper often reveals errors that are easily missed on a screen. Read each line slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Consider using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, but remember that these are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with a manual review. Pay special attention to dates, names, and numerical data, as these are common sources of errors.

Next, focus on consistency. Ensure that your formatting is uniform throughout the document. This includes font size, bullet style, spacing, and capitalization. Check that your dates are presented in the same format (e.g., MM/YYYY or Month YYYY) and that your job titles and company names are accurate. Also, carefully verify the information you’ve provided, such as your contact details, educational institutions, and skills. An incorrect email address or phone number could prevent potential employers from reaching you.

Finally, ask a trusted friend, mentor, or career counselor to review your resume. A fresh pair of eyes can often identify errors or areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes based on their suggestions. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your attention to detail and professionalism, so invest the time and effort to make it as polished as possible.

Resume Example: law internship resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to law internship resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Final Thoughts & Best of Luck!

We hope this law internship resume template and guide have provided you with a solid foundation for crafting a compelling resume. Remember to personalize your resume with your specific experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Tailoring it to each specific internship you apply for will significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

Before you finalize your resume, carefully proofread it for any errors and consider having a career counselor or mentor review it for feedback. Don't forget to revisit our site for more helpful tips, templates, and resources as you continue your job search. We wish you the very best in your pursuit of a law internship!