Your law school résumé is your first impression—and in a highly competitive legal market, it can make or break your chances of landing an interview. Whether you're applying to BigLaw firms, clerkships, government internships, or boutique practices, employers often spend less than 30 seconds skimming each résumé. That means your document must immediately communicate value, professionalism, and legal potential. For additional guidance on crafting an impressive law‑student resume that opens doors to legal opportunities, check out Expert Strategies to Build an Outstanding Law Student Resume: Your Ultimate Guide to Landing Legal Opportunities.
So, what exactly do employers want to see on a law student resume—and just as importantly, what should you leave out?
What to Include on a Law Student Resume
Creating a law student resume that catches the eye of legal employers requires more than listing your education and internships. Law firms and legal recruiters look for a clear demonstration of your academic performance, legal writing and research ability, and leadership potential. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should include—and how to present it effectively:
1. Education (Place It at the Top)
Your legal education is your strongest credential, especially early in your career. Ensure this section is easily accessible and clearly formatted.- Law School Name, city/state, and expected graduation year
- GPA and Class Rank, if it places you above the median or top third of your class
- Honors and Distinctions, such as Dean’s List, CALI awards, or scholarships
- Relevant Coursework (optional), especially if targeting a niche practice area like tax, environmental, or IP law
- Study Abroad or Joint Degree Programs, if applicable
2. Legal Experience
This is the heart of your resume. Employers want to know that you’ve been exposed to the legal profession and are developing key skills.- Position Title (e.g., Legal Intern, Summer Associate, Research Assistant)
- Employer Name and location
- Dates of Employment (month/year format)
- Bullet Points outlining substantive legal work (e.g., drafting memos, conducting case law research, assisting in depositions)
- Highlight experience with briefs, pleadings, client interviews, or policy work
3. Writing, Research, and Analytical Skills
Legal writing is one of the most scrutinized skills in hiring decisions. Emphasize any experience that proves you can write clearly and think critically.- Law Review, Journals, or Moot Court Participation
- Writing Competitions (especially if you placed or won)
- Published Work in academic journals, blogs, or law reviews
- Mention if you've drafted legal memoranda, motions, or appellate briefs
4. Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
Law firms value students who take initiative, collaborate, and contribute to their communities. Include:- Student Bar Association (SBA) or other leadership roles
- Affiliated student organizations (e.g., BLSA, APALSA, OutLaw)
- Volunteer or pro bono projects
- Peer mentorship, orientation leader, or teaching assistant roles
Focus on outcomes and responsibilities, not just membership.
5. Skills and Technical Proficiency
You can add a brief section at the end to highlight relevant skills:- Languages (indicate fluency level honestly)
- Legal Research Tools like Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER
- Productivity Tools such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Clio, or document management systems
- Any certifications, such as mediation training or compliance courses
6. Professional Appearance and Formatting
A well-formatted resume signals attention to detail and professionalism, critical traits in legal work.- Keep it to 1 page (avoid over-styling—no photos, icons, or colorful fonts
- Use a professional font (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond, Arial)
Final Tip:
Every item on your resume should serve a purpose and advance your application. Tailor your resume to the specific role or firm you’re applying to, and always proofread for grammar, formatting, and accuracy.
What to Leave Off a Law Student's Resume
Just as important as showcasing your strengths is knowing what not to include on your law student resume. Employers and recruiters are often inundated with hundreds of applications, and even small missteps or irrelevant information can lead to your resume being overlooked. Here are the most common things to leave off to ensure your resume remains sharp, professional, and impactful:
1. High School Education and Activities
Once you're in law school, high school achievements are no longer relevant. Employers expect to see evidence of your academic progression throughout college and law school. The only exception might be if your high school is world-renowned or if it has a direct connection to the employer (e.g., an alumni network), but this is extremely rare.2. Unrelated or Outdated Work Experience
Jobs that have no connection to legal skills, critical thinking, or professional development—like lifeguard, barista, or cashier—can be omitted unless:- They help fill a gap in your resume
- You are a 1L with limited professional experience
- You can frame transferable skills (e.g., leadership, communication, or attention to detail)
3. Personal Information
Law resumes should be professional, not personal. Leave off:- Date of birth, marital status, or social security number
- Headshots or photos
- Home address (city and state are sufficient)
- Irrelevant hobbies or interests (unless highly unique or career-relevant, such as being a licensed pilot for an aviation law firm)
4. Objective Statements
These are outdated and unnecessary. Your cover letter should convey your intent, not the resume. Objective lines like “To secure a summer associate position…” take up space and don’t add value.5. Long Paragraphs
Avoid dense blocks of text. Legal employers prefer quick, skimmable information. Use clear bullet points that begin with action verbs and highlight concrete outcomes or responsibilities.6. Fluff and Vague Language
Phrases like:- “Detail-oriented team player”
- “Excellent communicator”
- “Go-getter”
...are overused and subjective. Instead, let your experiences and accomplishments speak for themselves.
7. Redundant or Repetitive Experience
Do not repeat the same bullet points across multiple jobs. Even if you held similar positions (e.g., multiple internships), try to showcase new skills or responsibilities in each role.8. Unverified Honors or Claims
Never list honors, roles, or skills that can't be verified or that you can’t confidently discuss. Legal employers value accuracy, honesty, and humility. Exaggeration can backfire in interviews—or worse, lead to character and fitness issues.9. Outdated Skills or Technologies
Avoid listing outdated programs, such as “Microsoft Word,” unless you're highlighting advanced capabilities (e.g., Excel for data-intensive legal work). Instead, emphasize legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis), citation management, or relevant industry platforms.10. References or “References Available Upon Request”
This is unnecessary. Legal employers know they can ask for references later in the process. Save that space for something that helps your candidacy stand out.A clean, focused, and relevant resume will always outperform a cluttered one. Show employers you understand what matters in the legal world by leaving off what doesn’t belong—and making every line count.
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Final Thoughts: Build a Resume That Reflects Legal Readiness
Your law student résumé is more than a list—it's a marketing document that must immediately convince employers of your value. Focus on clarity, relevance, and professionalism. Highlight your legal acumen, your writing and research skills, and your ability to contribute meaningfully to a legal team. Leave out what doesn’t serve your story—and make every line count. You can complement this advice with Mastering the Legal Intern Resume, which highlights 10 essential strategies to make your internship resume shine.
