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You need to be well-qualified to win an entry-level attorney position. All firms will need you to have gotten a law degree and some will require you to have already passed the bar to qualify. Make sure you do your research to make sure you qualify for the firms you want to apply to.
In terms of what you can expect in the position, you will mostly be assisting more senior attorneys by doing a lot of research and administrative tasks. You can expect to work very long hours and have a heavy workload as you learn and prove yourself to your bosses. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.
Firms are looking for new attorneys who can handle the heavy workload of the position. Prove your capabilities by including metrics or how many legal documents, interviews, and contracts you produced in a limited time.
Legal certifications are particularly useful if you have not passed the bar yet. They can put you above your otherwise equally qualified competitors. It also shows initiative and passion for the profession on your part.
As a hiring manager who has recruited attorneys at top law firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, and Wachtell Lipton, I know what it takes to create a strong entry-level attorney resume. The following tips will help you craft a resume that stands out and showcases your qualifications effectively to land your first attorney role.
Employers highly value strong legal writing skills in entry-level attorneys. Showcase your writing experience prominently on your resume, such as:
Quantify your writing experience where possible, like the number of documents written or people reached, to convey the extent of your abilities.
As an entry-level attorney, you may be wondering if you need a resume summary. While a summary is optional, it can be a valuable addition to your resume if you have relevant experience or skills that you want to highlight. However, avoid using an objective statement, as it is outdated and does not provide value to the employer.
When writing your summary, focus on your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Tailor it to the specific position you are applying for and use keywords from the job description. Keep it concise and engaging, as it is the first thing the employer will read.
The work experience section is the most important part of your entry-level attorney resume. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your legal knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Even if you don't have much professional experience yet, there are still ways to make this section stand out.
When describing your work experiences, use powerful action verbs that are specific to the legal industry. This helps paint a clear picture of your capabilities and shows that you understand the terminology of your field.
Some great legal action verbs to consider:
Avoid generic phrases like "responsible for" or "assisted with." Instead, use strong verbs to highlight your specific contributions.
Your education section is one of the most important parts of your entry-level attorney resume. It's where you showcase your academic achievements and demonstrate that you have the necessary educational background to succeed in the legal field. Here are some key tips to help you craft a compelling education section:
The skills section on your entry-level attorney resume is critical. It's your chance to showcase your most relevant abilities to potential employers at a glance. With limited work experience, your skills can set you apart from other candidates.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your skills section:
Here are examples of popular skills from Entry-Level Attorney job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Entry-Level Attorney job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
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