How to Craft a Standout Legal Resume

A polished resume is your ticket to landing interviews in today’s competitive legal market. Here’s how to make yours stand out.

1. Start with a Strong Header
Include your name, phone number, and email address (brick and mortar home address details are not required). Ensure it’s clean and easy to read.

2. Highlight Legal Experience
Focus on achievements, not just duties. Use bullet points to quantify results.

Example:
Real Estate Associate
YOUR FIRM | Los Angeles, CA | March 2021 – Present

Managed $100M+ in commercial property transactions.
Drafted and negotiated contracts, leases, and loan documents.
Originated nine new client relationships.

3. Showcase Education and Credentials
List degrees, schools, and honors. Include bar admissions prominently.

Example:
J.D., Loyola Law School, 2020
Admitted to California State Bar

4. Add Key Skills
Highlight relevant abilities like contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and title review.

5. Include Leadership & Pro Bono Work
Showcase well-roundedness with community involvement or pro bono cases.

6. Keep It Professional
Use a clean format, concise language, and consistent style.
Proofread to ensure no errors. Fonts such as Century, Century Schoolbook and Verdana work well. The Supreme Court requires that all legal briefs use a Century family font.
Use margins of at least 0.5 inches on all sides.
Aim for a balance of text and white space on the page.
No colors and no photos.

Final Tip
Customize your resume for each job, aligning it with the firm’s priorities. A tailored, error-free resume makes a strong first impression.

Need expert advice? Would you like to see a sample resume? Contact us at [email protected] to refine your legal resume and advance your career!