Legal Intern Resume Template

Landing a legal internship is a crucial first step in your legal career, and a strong resume is your key to unlocking that door. Competition is fierce, so you need to present yourself as a qualified and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to a firm or organization. A generic resume just won't cut it; you need a tailored document that highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and academic achievements in a clear and compelling way.

This legal intern resume template is designed to help you showcase your strengths and make a lasting impression on potential employers. It provides a structured framework for presenting your education, legal skills, research abilities, and any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work. We've included examples and tips to guide you in crafting a resume that is both professional and personalized, allowing your unique qualifications to shine through.

With this template, you can focus on highlighting your achievements and demonstrating your passion for the law, rather than struggling with formatting and structure. Tailor each section with your specific experiences, and remember to proofread carefully for any errors. Let this template be your foundation for building a resume that gets you noticed and helps you secure the legal internship of your dreams!

Why legal intern resume template resumes matter

A legal intern resume template provides a crucial framework for presenting your qualifications in a clear and compelling manner to potential employers. In the competitive field of law, first impressions are paramount, and a well-structured resume can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. These templates offer a pre-formatted structure, ensuring that your resume is organized logically and highlights the information most relevant to legal internships. This saves you valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus on tailoring the content to match specific job requirements.

Furthermore, using a legal intern resume template ensures consistency and professionalism. Many templates are designed to be Applicant Tracking System (ATS) friendly, meaning they use formatting and language that is easily parsed by automated resume screening software. This is vital because many law firms and legal organizations use ATS to filter through large volumes of applications, and resumes that are not ATS-compatible may be automatically rejected. A well-chosen template increases the likelihood that your resume will be seen by human eyes.

Beyond simply formatting, a good legal intern resume template often provides guidance on what information to include and how to present it effectively. They often suggest sections such as relevant coursework, legal research experience, moot court participation, and other activities that demonstrate your passion for and aptitude in law. By following a template, you can ensure that you don't overlook any crucial details that might distinguish you from other candidates. They can also guide you on how to quantify your achievements and responsibilities, making your resume more impactful and demonstrating the value you can bring to the internship.

Finally, leveraging a template can help you tailor your resume to specific legal fields or types of internships. For instance, a template geared toward public defender internships might emphasize experience with pro bono work and client interaction, while a template for a corporate law internship might highlight analytical skills and knowledge of business principles. Adapting a template to reflect your unique experiences and the specific requirements of each internship application is key to maximizing your chances of success.

Key sections for a legal intern resume

Crafting a compelling legal intern resume requires careful consideration of its key sections. Each section should showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications in a way that highlights your suitability for the role and resonates with potential employers. A well-structured resume will not only capture the attention of recruiters but also effectively communicate your value as a prospective intern.

Contact Information: This is the most basic yet crucial section. Include your full name, professional email address, phone number, and location (city, state). Adding a link to your LinkedIn profile is also highly recommended. Ensure your contact information is easily accessible and professional.

Summary/Objective: A concise summary or objective statement sits at the top of your resume and offers a snapshot of your qualifications. A summary is best if you have some relevant experience, highlighting key skills and accomplishments. An objective statement is suitable for those with limited experience, focusing on your career goals and how the internship aligns with them. Tailor this section to match the specific requirements of each legal internship you apply for.

Education: Prominently display your educational background, including the name of your institution, degree program, expected graduation date (or graduation date if already graduated), and GPA (if it's above 3.5). Include relevant coursework, especially those related to law, political science, or other relevant fields. Consider including honors or awards you've received.

Experience: This section details your work history, including internships, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. Even if not directly related to law, these experiences demonstrate valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. For each entry, include the job title, organization name, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Skills: List both hard skills (e.g., legal research, writing, case analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, time management) relevant to the legal field. Tailor this section to match the specific skills mentioned in the job description. Consider categorizing your skills for clarity, such as "Legal Skills," "Technical Skills," and "Communication Skills."

Activities/Extracurriculars: Include relevant extracurricular activities, such as participation in pre-law societies, debate clubs, moot court competitions, or volunteer work related to legal aid. These activities demonstrate your interest in the legal field and your commitment to developing relevant skills.

Awards/Honors: Showcase any academic awards, scholarships, or honors you've received. This section highlights your achievements and demonstrates your dedication to academic excellence.

Resume Example: legal intern resume template

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

Highlighting relevant skills and experiences

When crafting your legal intern resume, the skills and experiences section is paramount. It's your opportunity to demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the qualifications necessary to succeed in the role. Carefully consider the specific requirements outlined in the job description and tailor your resume to reflect those needs. Prioritize experiences that showcase your legal acumen, research abilities, writing skills, and attention to detail.

Focus on quantifiable achievements whenever possible. Instead of simply stating that you "conducted legal research," specify the type of research (e.g., case law, statutory), the subject matter, and the impact of your findings (e.g., "Conducted legal research on intellectual property law, contributing to a successful motion for summary judgment"). Similarly, if you assisted with drafting legal documents, highlight the specific types of documents (e.g., pleadings, contracts, briefs) and your role in the drafting process.

Consider these examples of relevant skills and experiences for a legal internship:

• Researching legal issues and precedents.
• Drafting legal memoranda and correspondence.
• Assisting with the preparation of court documents.
• Conducting client interviews.
• Organizing and managing case files.
• Attending court proceedings and depositions.
• Utilizing legal research databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal information.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Remember to use action verbs to describe your experiences. Instead of saying "Responsible for legal research," try "Conducted comprehensive legal research" or "Performed in-depth legal research." Strong action verbs make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Furthermore, ensure your skills section aligns with the experiences you describe. If you claim to have strong research skills, your experience section should provide concrete examples of your research accomplishments.

Finally, remember to tailor your resume to each specific internship you apply for. Carefully review the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that particular position. A generic resume is less likely to stand out than a targeted one that demonstrates a clear understanding of the employer's needs.

Formatting and design tips

Creating a visually appealing and easily readable resume is crucial for landing a legal internship. While the content of your resume is paramount, its presentation plays a significant role in grabbing the recruiter's attention and ensuring your qualifications are easily assessed. Choose a clean, professional template that emphasizes readability over flashy design. Simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are generally preferred. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can be difficult to read and may not be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Pay close attention to the layout of your resume. Utilize clear section headings (e.g., Education, Experience, Skills) to guide the reader and enable them to quickly find the information they need. Use bullet points to highlight key accomplishments and responsibilities within each role. This makes your experience more digestible and emphasizes quantifiable results whenever possible. Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including font size, spacing, and indentation. A clean and organized layout demonstrates attention to detail, a highly valued trait in the legal profession.

Consider margins and white space to prevent your resume from appearing cluttered. A good balance of text and white space allows the reader's eye to rest and makes the overall document more inviting to read. Aim for margins of at least 0.5 inches on all sides. Finally, save your resume as a PDF to preserve the formatting and ensure it appears as intended regardless of the recipient's operating system or software. Using a PDF also generally makes your resume more compatible with ATS.

Action verbs for legal interns

Choosing the right action verbs is crucial for showcasing your skills and accomplishments as a legal intern. Strong action verbs make your resume more engaging and help recruiters quickly understand your contributions. Avoid generic verbs like "assisted" or "helped," and instead opt for more impactful words that demonstrate your initiative and abilities.

When selecting action verbs, consider the specific tasks you performed during your internship. Did you conduct research? Then use verbs like "Researched," "Analyzed," or "Investigated." Did you draft documents? Consider verbs like "Drafted," "Composed," or "Prepared." Quantifying your accomplishments whenever possible adds further weight to your claims. For example, instead of saying "Drafted legal memoranda," you could say "Drafted 10 legal memoranda on various topics including contract law and intellectual property."

Here's a list of action verbs categorized by common legal intern tasks to get you started:

• Research & Analysis: Researched, Analyzed, Investigated, Examined, Evaluated, Gathered, Interpreted, Compiled, Identified
• Drafting & Writing: Drafted, Composed, Prepared, Wrote, Revised, Edited, Summarized, Formulated, Created
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicated, Presented, Collaborated, Liaised, Consulted, Negotiated, Advocated, Explained, Clarified
• Legal Support: Supported, Managed, Organized, Maintained, Processed, Administered, Filed, Recorded, Tracked
• Client Interaction: Interviewed, Advised, Counseled, Represented, Assisted, Supported

Remember to tailor your action verbs to the specific requirements of the legal intern position you're applying for. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and responsibilities the employer is seeking. Then, select action verbs that best highlight your relevant experience and demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role. Using a variety of strong action verbs will make your resume stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Resume Example: legal intern resume template

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

Common resume mistakes

Creating a compelling legal intern resume requires avoiding common pitfalls that can quickly disqualify you from consideration. One frequent mistake is failing to tailor your resume to each specific internship application. Generic resumes that list every skill and experience, regardless of relevance, lack focus and demonstrate a lack of effort. Always carefully review the job description and prioritize the skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the legal internship.

Another prevalent error is neglecting to quantify your accomplishments. Instead of simply stating responsibilities, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work. For instance, instead of writing "Assisted with legal research," consider "Conducted legal research, contributing to a successful motion to dismiss that saved the client an estimated $10,000." This demonstrates tangible results and showcases your value to a potential employer.

Furthermore, grammatical errors and typos are extremely detrimental to your credibility, especially in the legal field where precision is paramount. Proofread your resume meticulously multiple times and consider asking a friend or career advisor to review it as well. Ensure consistent formatting, clear language, and accurate information throughout the document. Even a single error can cast doubt on your attention to detail and professional capabilities.

Finally, neglecting to include relevant keywords is a significant mistake, especially in today's applicant tracking system (ATS) driven hiring processes. Research the common keywords used in the legal field and strategically incorporate them into your resume, particularly within your skills section and job descriptions. This ensures that your resume is properly parsed by the ATS and reaches a human reviewer.

Cover letter tips

A compelling cover letter is crucial for a legal internship application, serving as your first impression and a vital opportunity to showcase your personality and enthusiasm beyond your resume. Tailor each cover letter specifically to the firm or organization you're applying to. Research their values, recent cases, and areas of focus. Demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with their specific needs and culture. Generic cover letters are easily identified and often discarded.

Start with a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention. Avoid generic phrases like "I am writing to express my interest..." Instead, consider highlighting a specific achievement, shared value, or connection to the organization. Clearly state the position you are applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. Your introduction should immediately convey your interest and qualifications.

Use the body paragraphs to elaborate on the skills and experiences listed in your resume, providing context and demonstrating their relevance to the internship. Highlight specific projects, coursework, or volunteer work that showcase your research abilities, writing skills, analytical thinking, and attention to detail – all critical for a legal intern. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "I conducted legal research," say "I conducted legal research that contributed to a successful summary judgment motion." Be specific and use action verbs to illustrate your contributions.

Don't just reiterate your resume; use the cover letter to tell a story and showcase your personality. Connect your past experiences to your future aspirations and explain why you are passionate about law and this particular internship. Express your enthusiasm for learning and contributing to the team. Finally, proofread your cover letter meticulously for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A polished cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

FAQs

What are the most important sections to include in a legal intern resume? The most critical sections are your Education, Legal Experience (even if it's volunteer work, moot court, or law review), Skills, and a concise Summary or Objective. Your Education section should prominently display your law school, GPA (if it's strong), relevant coursework (e.g., Constitutional Law, Torts, Contracts), and any academic honors. The Legal Experience section is where you showcase any practical experience you have, highlighting your responsibilities and contributions in each role. Skills should include both hard skills (legal research, writing, analysis) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, attention to detail).

How can I make my resume stand out if I have limited legal experience? Focus on highlighting transferable skills and relevant experiences from other areas of your life. For example, strong writing skills developed through academic papers, research experience from undergraduate studies, or leadership roles in student organizations can all be valuable assets. Emphasize your eagerness to learn, your strong work ethic, and your commitment to the legal field. Consider including a Projects section to showcase any independent legal research or writing you've done. You can also use your cover letter to further elaborate on your skills and experiences, and explain how they align with the specific requirements of the internship.

Should I include a resume objective or a summary? For a legal intern resume, a brief summary is generally preferred over an objective. A summary statement highlights your skills and qualifications and how they align with the employer's needs, while an objective statement focuses on what you hope to gain from the internship. A summary demonstrates immediate value and makes a stronger impression. However, if you're early in your law school career and have limited experience, an objective can be helpful in outlining your career goals and demonstrating your commitment to the legal profession.

Resume Example: legal intern resume template

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

Closing Thoughts: Polish & Perfect!

We hope this legal intern resume template has provided a solid foundation for crafting a compelling resume. Remember to tailor the template to each specific internship you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the employer's needs. Proofread carefully and ensure your resume is free of errors before submitting.

Don't forget to revisit our site for more helpful resources, including cover letter templates, interview tips, and career advice. We're committed to helping you succeed in your legal career journey. Good luck with your internship search!