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Entry-Level Legal Intern Resume
This resume example shows critical legal skills and relevant experience, making it ideal for recent graduates and career changers looking to excel as legal interns.
Why this resume works:
A skills-focused resume helps new or returning legal interns highlight skills like research, drafting, and client communication over experience gaps.
Mid-Career Legal Intern Resume
This legal intern resume example is perfect for applicants with relevant experience aiming to elevate their careers in law through specialized roles and strong contributions.
Why this resume works:
Mid-career legal interns can highlight accurate document drafting, cost savings, and reduced contract errors.
Experienced Legal Intern Resume
This legal intern resume showcases relevant experience and achievements that position job seekers for powerful roles in the legal field.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your legal intern skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write a Legal Intern Resume
Learning how to write a resume is important for demonstrating your unique value as a legal intern, rather than simply listing your academic credentials. By conveying your skills and experiences clearly, you can stand out to potential employers in the competitive legal field.
In the upcoming sections, we will outline step-by-step guidance on creating a resume that highlights your strengths. You’ll discover essential resume tips for structuring your document and showcasing relevant experience to make a lasting impression.
Start with your contact info
The header section contains all your contact information, prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Begin with your name in a bold, larger font to ensure it captures attention immediately. You might want to use a distinct font style or color that aligns with the overall design while remaining professional.
Next, include essential contact details such as your email address and phone number, along with your city and state. These elements are important for recruiters to reach you easily, and they also assist applicant tracking systems in identifying applicants based on their location.
Additionally, consider adding links to relevant legal certifications or any internships completed. If you have an online portfolio showcasing writing samples or projects related to law, including that link can provide valuable insight into your skills and experiences, making you stand out in a competitive field.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a brief overview of your qualifications and skills, positioned right below your contact details on your resume. It's often the first section recruiters read, making it important for creating a strong first impression.
In this section, you should highlight your relevant experiences and express enthusiasm for the legal intern role you’re targeting. Customizing your summary to align with the specific position can significantly improve its impact and relevance.
Using resume summary examples can provide inspiration and guidance on structuring your own to showcase your strengths.
Strong vs weak legal intern summary
Strong
"Detail-oriented legal intern with two years of experience supporting litigation teams in research and case preparation. Proven ability to draft legal documents, conduct thorough legal research, and assist in trial preparations, contributing to a 20% increase in case efficiency. Proficient in using legal research databases and case management software. Recognized for strong organizational skills and effective communication within diverse teams."
Why this example works: This summary effectively describes the applicant’s relevant experience, outlines measurable achievements like increased case efficiency, highlights essential skills specific to the role such as drafting legal documents and conducting research, and includes keywords commonly found in legal job descriptions.
Weak
"Law student seeking a legal intern position where I can apply my knowledge and support the team. I have some experience in legal research and enjoy working with others."
Why this example doesn't work: This professional summary is vague and lacks specific details about the job seeker's skills, experiences, or accomplishments relevant to the role of a legal intern.
Craft a personal mission statement as a legal intern that reflects your commitment to justice and ethical practice. Highlight how aligning your goals with the law firm's values demonstrates your dedication to advocacy, strengthening their reputation and client relationships beyond your academic achievements.
Share your work history
Your work history is, arguably, the central and most important part of your resume. List your most recent roles in reverse-chronological order. This approach emphasizes your latest experiences and skills while providing a clear career trajectory for potential employers.
When listing your work history, focus on:
- Job title and organization name
- Employment dates (month and year)
- Key responsibilities (What tasks did you perform regularly?)
- Achievements and contributions (What did you accomplish? Did you support case outcomes or improve client satisfaction?)
- Measurable results (For example, "assisted in cases that led to a 30% increase in favorable verdicts.")
Finally, use dynamic action verbs to effectively convey your contributions and impact.
Strong vs weak legal intern work history
Strong
Legal Intern, Smith & Associates Law Firm
2022–2023
- Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda for case analysis, contributing to a 15% increase in successful motions.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for trial by organizing evidence and creating exhibits that improved presentation efficiency.
- Participated in client meetings and maintained communication, improving client satisfaction scores by 20%.
Why this example works: This strong work history highlights specific tasks and achievements relevant to the legal field. It includes quantifiable results and detailed examples that showcase your research skills, analytical abilities, and contributions to team success.
Weak
Legal Intern
Big Law Firm
- Assisted with legal research.
- Helped prepare documents.
Why this example doesn't work: This entry is weak because it lacks detail about the specific area of law, omits dates, and provides generic tasks that don't showcase any unique contributions or skills.
If you have over 10 years of experience in the legal field, consider using a chronological resume format. This approach showcases your career growth, highlights significant roles, and emphasizes your expertise, making it easier for employers to see your professional journey.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is essential for demonstrating your qualifications as a legal intern. Here's a rundown of key skills and their significance in improving your candidacy for this role:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that show how you work and communicate with others—such as critical thinking, attention to detail, and professionalism. For legal interns, these traits play an important role in research and client interactions, helping ensure tasks are handled well while upholding a strong ethical standard in the legal field.
- Hard skills are specific legal abilities acquired through education or practical experience. For a legal intern, examples include legal research, document drafting, case analysis, and skill with legal software.
- Technical skills for a legal intern include skill with document management systems like iManage, research tools such as LexisNexis or Westlaw, and case management software like Clio. Platforms like these are part of the technical skills that streamline legal research and case documentation processes.
For legal interns, place your skills section near the top of your resume to highlight your capabilities if you're starting out. If you have more experience, consider placing it after your work history to let your background showcase those abilities.
Top 15 skills for your legal intern resume
When preparing your resume for a legal intern position, it’s essential to choose skills that align with the legal field. Highlight both soft skills, such as critical thinking and communication, and hard skills like legal research and writing. Including transferable skills can improve your appeal by showcasing how you can adapt these abilities in different contexts.
Here’s a list of the top 15 most popular skills for legal interns, based on insights from JobHero users. These skills reflect what law firms are looking for in job seekers and can help make your resume stand out in this competitive area.
Build your education section
The education section of a legal intern's resume should reflect their experience level. For seasoned professionals, work history takes precedence over educational background. If your career is well-established and you've gained practical skills through internships or jobs, consider placing the education section toward the end of your resume or minimizing its content.
Conversely, for recent graduates or those switching to a specialized legal field, education holds significant weight. Highlight your degree prominently at the top of your resume along with relevant coursework and any honors received to showcase your academic achievements.
In specialized areas such as intellectual property or environmental law, additional certifications can be important. Ensure these are clearly stated under the education section to demonstrate commitment and expertise in the field you're pursuing.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
Using action verbs on resumes strengthens them by communicating experience and creating a compelling narrative. These powerful words capture your contributions and responsibilities, allowing your accomplishments to stand out to potential employers.
When applying for legal intern positions, focus on action verbs that match the skills highlighted in job descriptions. This approach ensures your resume resonates with hiring managers seeking specific competencies in job seekers.
- Researched
- Drafted
- Analyzed
- Reviewed
- Summarized
- Prepared
- Assisted
- Advised
- Negotiated
- Facilitated
- Presented
- Consulted
- Organized
- Evaluated
- Collaborated
- Supported
- Documented
- Conducted
- Executed
- Engaged
Consider additional resume sections
In addition to the essential information on your resume, including optional sections can highlight your unique legal skills and experiences. These additions allow hiring managers to quickly recognize your qualifications, practical knowledge, and contributions that extend beyond standard entries.
Here are optional sections we tend to see on legal intern resumes:
- Relevant coursework: List courses related to law, such as contract law or constitutional law, that demonstrate your academic focus in the field.
- Legal research projects: Detail significant research assignments you've completed, showcasing your analytical skills and understanding of legal principles.
- Internships: Highlight prior internships or volunteer positions within legal settings that illustrate your hands-on experience.
- Publications or presentations: Include any articles written or presentations given at conferences that reflect your expertise and engagement with the legal community.
- Professional affiliations: List memberships in legal organizations or student associations, showing your commitment to professional development in law.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is important for job seekers looking to capture a recruiter's attention. Using ATS-friendly resume templates not only improves engagement but also ensures your application navigates automated screening processes, increasing your chances of landing an interview.
1. Watch your line spacing and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for hiring managers to read. It's essential to strike a balance between adequate spacing and maximizing available space. Here's what works best:
- Keep margins between 0.5" to 1.0", depending on how much space you need.
- Use single spacing between paragraphs and bullet points.
- Increase the space to 1.5" or double-space between sections.
2. Use a professional font
Selecting the right resume font is important as it impacts readability and first impressions. Opt for these professional fonts:
Result:
- Arial
- Calibri
- Garamond
- Helvetica
- Times New Roman
- Verdana
Consider a slightly bolder or different font style for your name at the top to improve visibility and add a personal touch.
3. Organize your resume sections
A resume for a legal intern should be clear and easy to scan. Use bullet points to outline your specific tasks and responsibilities, rather than lengthy descriptions. Start each bullet with a strong action verb, such as "Drafted" or "Researched," to convey your active role in the position.
Highlight measurable accomplishments to showcase your contributions. For instance, "Assisted in preparing case briefs that improved team efficiency by 25%" demonstrates not only what you did but also the impact of your work on the legal team’s productivity.
To optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS), use an ATS resume checker. This ensures that your formatting is compliant and that relevant keywords are included, increasing the chances of getting noticed by hiring managers in competitive environments.
4. Use colors and design
A well-crafted resume can set you apart as a legal intern, and incorporating color and design elements can improve its impact. While simplicity is key for readability, adding personality through thoughtful design can draw attention to your most significant qualifications.
Begin by selecting from various pre-made resume templates. The combination resume format works particularly well for legal interns, as it allows you to prominently feature skills alongside your academic experience and work history. Look for designs that provide clear sections to guide the reader's eye.
Next, focus on your color scheme. Choose professional colors that resonate with the legal field—think muted blues or grays that convey trustworthiness and competence. You might opt for darker shades as headers or section dividers to create a structured appearance without overwhelming the reader.
Avoid bright colors that may distract from your resume's content. Additionally, steer clear of any colors associated with competing firms or those that could negatively affect legibility. By carefully choosing design elements, you can create a polished and memorable representation of yourself as a future legal professional.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
Resumes should be focused and easy to read, making one page the ideal length for most applicants. Recruiters often spend mere seconds reviewing resumes, so clarity and relevance are essential in making a strong impression. Include only your most relevant experiences and skills, ensuring that each entry adds value and aligns with the job you're pursuing.
While one page is typically sufficient, there are exceptions. If you have extensive experience or are applying for senior roles like executive positions, a two-page resume can provide the space needed to showcase your accomplishments effectively. Similarly, academic roles may require a CV instead of a traditional resume due to the detailed nature of qualifications and publications.
Keep your content concise and relevant to improve your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Yes, it's advisable to include a cover letter with your resume. Writing a cover letter can significantly improve your job application, even if it's not explicitly required. It offers you the opportunity to present your qualifications and unique personality, helping you stand out from other job seekers. A thoughtful cover letter complements your resume by providing additional context about your experiences.
To assist you in creating a strong cover letter, we recommend exploring our collection of cover letter examples tailored for various industries and roles. When you're ready to craft your own, consider using our Cover Letter Builder for guided support through each step of the process.
What is the best resume format?
Choosing the right resume format is important and depends on your specific situation. The three primary formats are chronological, functional, and combination, each serving distinct purposes for job seekers at various stages in their careers.
The chronological format is ideal for those with significant work experience as it showcases a clear career timeline. The functional format focuses on skills and education, making it suitable for recent graduates or those changing fields. Meanwhile, the combination format offers a mix of both work history and skills, catering to mid-level professionals or individuals transitioning into new industries.
How long should my legal intern resume be?
For legal interns, a one-page resume is usually ideal, particularly if you're early in your career. Hiring managers often sift through numerous applications quickly, so keeping your resume concise and focused helps highlight your most relevant qualifications.
Emphasize internships, relevant coursework, and skills that align with the position you're pursuing. Remove less relevant experiences or overly detailed descriptions of non-legal roles to maintain clarity.
A two-page resume may be suitable for job seekers with significant legal experience or specialized training. In such cases, the additional details about accomplishments and roles can effectively showcase your readiness for more advanced positions.
Should I use a resume template or design my own?
For most job seekers, especially those applying for positions like a legal intern, using a professionally crafted resume template is highly recommended. These templates simplify the writing process and ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, which is important in today's job market.
However, if you're pursuing a creative position within the legal field or have specific design preferences that showcase your skills, creating your own custom design could be beneficial. Just ensure it adheres to professional standards for clarity and effectiveness.
Build a custom resume in minutes with our professional templates and expert tips.
Gabriela Hernandez
CPRW, Career WriterGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches and has worked in the career industry for more than four years providing comprehensive guidance on resume writing and job search strategies for individuals across diverse career paths. She holds a bachelor's in journalism and is passionate about helping job seekers present their professional story effectively through well-crafted resumes and cover letters that demonstrate their value, skills, and experience to potential employers. Some of her work has been featured on JobHero’s resume examples career center.
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