Entry-Level Attorney Resume Examples

Stepping into the legal world as an entry-level attorney can feel like you're swimming with sharks. Crafting a compelling attorney resume is crucial, yet many new lawyers struggle to highlight their skills and experiences effectively. You juggle academic achievements, internships, and perhaps even part-time law jobs, but how do you turn this into a winning resume? Keywords like "legal research" and "case management" might swirl in your head, but fitting them in while showcasing your unique story isn’t a walk in the park. Fear not, this guide is here to help you avoid common pitfalls and tailor your resume to catch a hiring manager's eye.

Ready to dive in? Choosing the right resume template is a game-changer for entry-level attorneys. Your resume needs to clearly communicate your qualifications and stand out in a sea of applicants. With the perfect template, you can present your accomplishments in a structured, professional manner that highlights your legal expertise.

Don't miss out! We offer more than 700 resume examples to help you start crafting the perfect resume.

What to focus on when writing your entry-level attorney resume

An entry-level attorney resume should convey your educational background, practical skills, and any relevant legal experiences to the recruiter. Highlight your law degree, any internships or clerkships you have completed, and specific legal skills like research, writing, and critical thinking. Emphasize your ability to effectively communicate and stay organized under pressure.

To boost your resume's impact, consider including:

• Academic achievements and scholarships
• Relevant coursework or certifications
• Volunteer work or extracurricular activities in law
• Memberships in legal societies or organizations

Present yourself as eager, competent, and ready to contribute to the legal team.

Must have information on your entry-level attorney resume

When creating a resume for an entry-level attorney position, certain sections are essential to highlight your qualifications and potential. Ensure your resume includes the following must-have sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Education
• Legal Internships or Related Experience
• Relevant Coursework
• Skills

Additionally, you may consider including sections like Certifications, Professional Affiliations, and Volunteer Work to further strengthen your resume. These additional sections can showcase your dedication and involvement in the legal field, even if you don't have extensive work experience.

Which resume format to choose

Choosing the right resume format is vital for an entry-level attorney, and a chronological format is usually best. This format helps highlight your education and any relevant internships or clerkships in a clear and logical order. For fonts, opt for modern options like Rubik or Montserrat as they offer a sleek look compared to older fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Always save and send your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting stays consistent across devices. Set margins to around 1 inch to make your document easy to read. Use clear section headings like "Education" and "Experience" to help Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) navigate your resume with ease.

An entry-level attorney resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Objective or Summary Statement
• Education
• Relevant Experience
• Skills
• Certifications and Licenses
• Volunteer Work
• References

Resume Mentor's free resume builder takes care of all these details for you, making the process simple and efficient.

How to include education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your entry-level attorney resume. It shows your qualifications and academic achievements to potential employers. Your education section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If any education is irrelevant to the position, do not include it. This is especially critical for entry-level attorneys with no experience.

When listing your degree, be clear and precise. If you graduated with honors, such as cum laude, make sure to include it after your degree. Including your GPA can also be beneficial, particularly if it is impressive; however, only list it if it is above 3.0. Use correct formatting to keep it professional.

This example is not good. The degree listed is not relevant to an entry-level attorney role. Furthermore, the GPA is low and this information should be omitted. The bullets are irrelevant and make the resume look cluttered.

This example is excellent. The degree listed is directly relevant to the job. The honors and high GPA are clearly stated. The formatting is clean without any unnecessary information. This makes your education stand out for the right reasons.

How to include volunteering on your resume

Including a volunteering section on your resume can significantly boost your profile, especially for an entry-level position. Start each point with an active verb to show initiative and impact. Volunteering can also be seamlessly included in the experience section, particularly if it relates to the legal field.

For example, if you volunteered as a legal assistant at a non-profit organization, you could list it in the experience section like this:

A standalone volunteering section on your resume can show well-roundedness and civic responsibility. For instance:

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This example is effective because it highlights specific skills and experiences directly related to an attorney's role, like organizing case files and drafting correspondence. Such experience underscores your readiness to handle similar tasks in a paid position and demonstrates your dedication to the legal field.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

When writing your resume experience section for an entry-level attorney role, it's crucial to make the most of the skills and experiences you have, even if you feel they aren't directly relevant. Start with your most recent position first and work backward. If you have minimal experience, focus on transferable skills, volunteer work, and academic accomplishments. You should tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Use action words like "achieved," "collaborated," "managed," and "supported" to demonstrate your impact. Let's see how this can be done well by looking at two detailed examples.

The first example shows a poorly written experience section and details why it isn't effective. The second example offers a much better alternative.

This first example falls short for several reasons. It doesn't quantify achievements or offer any details beyond basic tasks. The bullet points are vague and could apply to almost any job, making it difficult for hiring managers to see the unique value you bring. Transforming this into a well-crafted entry involves focusing on achievements and specifics.

This second example shines because it emphasizes clear accomplishments, uses numbers, and defines the impact of your work. "Drafted over 50 legal documents" and "improving office efficiency by 10%" show concrete contributions you made, which is compelling for potential employers.

Looking at resumes can be overwhelming, especially when you lack experience. But there are various ways you can focus your resume experience section to truly stand out. Here are four different approaches you can consider:

Skills-focused Experience Section

Highlight specific skills relevant to the attorney role. You should include both hard and soft skills, making sure to illustrate them with brief examples.

Project-focused Experience Section

Focus on specific projects that you've worked on. This can show how you're able to manage tasks and see them through to successful completion.

Problem-Solving Focused Experience Section

Showcase instances where you identified a problem and implemented solutions. This is particularly valuable in a legal setting where analytical thinking is paramount.

Collaboration-focused Experience Section

Emphasize your ability to work well with others, which is crucial in any law firm or legal department.

Remember, an entry-level resume doesn't have to lack impact. Tailor each entry in your experience section to highlight your achievements and skills effectively.

Write your accountant resume objective section

When crafting a resume objective for an entry-level attorney position, your focus should be on clearly articulating your career goals while highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Avoid generic statements that can apply to any job. Instead, be specific about your aspirations and how you can add value to the prospective employer.

The best way to describe yourself in a resume objective is to emphasize your passion, recent accomplishments, and any specialized training or skills. This will make you stand out as a qualified and motivated candidate.

An objective is a brief statement about your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the position you're applying for. A resume summary, resume profile, or a summary of qualifications, on the other hand, provides a concise overview of your most significant achievements and qualifications.

Here is a poorly written resume objective example:

This example is bad because it is too vague and does not specify how you can contribute to the employer or what unique skills you bring.

Here is a much better example:

This example is good because it is specific, highlights your passion for a particular field, and demonstrates how your skills align with the employer's needs.

Listing your entry-level attorney skills on your resume

A well-crafted skills section on your entry-level attorney resume highlights your strengths and capabilities. This section can stand alone to showcase specific competencies or be included in other parts like your objective and experience sections. When talking about strengths, mention your soft skills like being detail-oriented or having strong communication abilities, which are critical in legal practice. Hard skills, on the other hand, are specific, teachable abilities you have gained, such as legal research or proficiency in legal software.

Skills and strengths act as keywords in your resume, catching the eye of hiring managers or applicant tracking systems. Using relevant skills as keywords ensures you get noticed in a competitive job market.

Example:

Each skill listed is specific and relevant to an entry-level attorney position. This section makes it easy for recruiters to quickly identify your capabilities. Including technical skills, like legal software proficiency, and practical skills, like client communication, paints a well-rounded picture of your abilities.

Best hard skills to feature on your entry-level attorney resume

Hard skills are measurable and teachable abilities that are critical for job performance. They show hiring managers you have the technical knowledge required for the role. An entry-level attorney should have:

Best soft skills to feature on your entry-level attorney resume

Soft skills demonstrate your interpersonal qualities and how well you work with others. They are crucial for client relations and teamwork. An entry-level attorney should have:

Extra sections to include in your entry-level attorney resume

Searching for your first job as an attorney can be daunting, especially in a competitive field. Your resume must stand out and highlight your diverse skills and interests beyond just legal expertise.

• Language section — Indicate the languages you speak fluently and your proficiency level—Show potential employers you can communicate with a broader array of clients and colleagues. List both spoken and written skills if applicable.

• Hobbies and interests section — Include activities you enjoy outside work—This can demonstrate a well-rounded personality and provide conversation starters during interviews. Focus on interests that show your soft skills or help relieve work stress.

• Certificates section — Highlight any additional training or qualifications you have earned—Mention relevant courses, such as legal writing, mediation, or negotiation workshops you've attended. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Books section — Share a few titles relevant to your field that you have read and found influential—This can demonstrate your dedication and passion for law. Including this can help indicate that you stay up-to-date with legal trends and theories.

Pair your entry-level attorney resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send with your resume when applying for a job. It introduces yourself to the employer and explains why you are a good fit for the position. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your personality, highlighting your most relevant experiences, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role.

For an entry-level attorney, a cover letter should focus on your legal education, any internships or clerkships you have completed, and specific skills relevant to the position. Mentioning your coursework and projects that align with the job’s requirements will also help. Describe any volunteer work or pro bono engagements that helped you develop practical legal skills. The goal is to show your potential employer that you have the foundation and passion to succeed in the role.

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