A Kick A** Resume for Law School Applications

Hey everyone!

Let's dive into creating a great resume for your law school applications. I'll share some tips on what to highlight and how to showcase your experiences to make a killer impression.

First Things First: The Myth of the Perfect Resume

There's no such thing as a perfect resume. Everyone's background is different—socially, economically, and professionally. If you're coming straight from undergrad, you might not have much "professional" experience, and that's okay. Admissions officers are more interested in your work ethic and passion than a lengthy work history.

Pro Tip: If you're short on "professional" experience and having trouble filling out the experience section of your resume, don't worry. Include all your work experiences, even the ones that seem less relevant. Did you work as a barista for a summer during your Sophomore year? Add that in! Admissions officers want to see how you've spent your time. Were you a caregiver for your grandma on weekends? That counts, too. Include it all to show your dedication and versatility.

Structuring Your Resume

• One Page Only: Your resume should be concise and limited to one page. Seriously. Admissions officers have only minutes to review your resume — don't make them angry by making them flip pages to tell them that your favorite hobby is making TikTok dances.  

  • Font size should be at least 11-point if using Times New Roman.

• Contact Information: Start with a clean title featuring your name, address (you can use your university's address if you feel uncomfortable with putting your address), phone number, and email.

• Education: Bold, capitalize, and underline this section. List only your higher education credentials; high school information is unnecessary.

  • If you want to draw an admission officer's eyes to it, put your GPA. Otherwise, omit it. They have this information on your transcripts.

  • Omit all high school information — including work experience from high school.

  • Include any prestigious awards or dean's list.

• Experience: Format this section to showcase relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent work experience.

  • Bold the name of the company/business/organization you worked for.

  • Italicize the job title below the company's name and include the dates from the month and year you worked.

  • Follow up the title and position with three to six bullet points of information. Begin each bullet point with an action verb. Words like "Analyzed," "Developed," and "Prepared" are powerful and concise. Keep each bullet point to one line to maintain clarity and impact. Read: https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome

• Additional Sections: Include any leadership roles, technical skills, or personal interests. Your personal interests section should be the last section of your resume and be a list separated by commas, not bullet points — start with your most unique hobby.  

What Admissions Officers Look For

Admissions officers are looking for a cohesive story. Your resume, personal statement, diversity statement, addenda, and letters of recommendation should all contribute to a comprehensive narrative—your personal story. Your resume should read no different. A strong narrative and a high GPA and LSAT scores are crucial.

Types of Experience

Legal Experience: Necessary or Not?

Legal experience is not mandatory but highly beneficial. It shows you've explored the field and are still committed to pursuing law. More importantly, it helps you decide if law is the right career for you. Many legal internships are unpaid, so consider your budget and time. Remember, never sacrifice your GPA or LSAT preparation for any job.

Research Positions

A research position through a professor can be an excellent alternative to legal internships. These roles often provide academic credit and valuable experience. Law schools value research positions as they demonstrate time management, leadership, and strong reading and writing skills. Plus, your research supervisor can be an excellent source for a letter of recommendation.

Political Experience

Working in the political field, whether at the state, local, federal, or school level, is another excellent way to gain relevant experience. Politics and law are closely linked, and such roles can provide firsthand insight into government and law-making processes. These positions are often volunteer-based, offering ample opportunity to get involved.

Non-Legal Experience

Non-legal internships and jobs can also strengthen your application. What's important is to craft a narrative highlighting your work ethic and intentional choices. Suppose you work a retail job to pay bills; this shows dedication and responsibility. Choose experiences that make you happy and align with your long-term goals.

Taking Gap Years

If you decide to take gap years, use that time thoughtfully. Gain experience that benefits you personally and professionally. Whether studying for the LSAT, saving money, or gaining relevant work experience, ensure your time is well-spent.

Final Tips

Keep your resume clean, concise, and professional. Remember, you're presenting yourself as a future law professional.