Highlight your relevant legal experience

Employers want to see that you have practical experience in the legal field, even if you're just starting out. Include any internships, clerkships, or part-time positions you've held in law firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

When describing your experience, focus on your specific contributions and the skills you developed, such as:

• Conducted legal research on trademark infringement cases, analyzing over 50 judicial decisions
• Drafted memoranda and briefs for 10+ complex commercial litigation matters
• Assisted in preparing discovery requests and responses for a multi-million dollar contract dispute

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   Showcase your academic achievements

As a junior lawyer, your academic record is a key factor in landing your first job. Highlight your law school achievements, such as your GPA, class rank, and any honors or awards you received.

However, simply listing your accomplishments is not enough. Provide context to make them more impactful, like this:

• Graduated in the top 10% of class of 200+ students
• Awarded Best Oral Advocate in Moot Court competition, prevailing over 50 participants
• Published note in XYZ Law Review on emerging trends in corporate governance, cited by 3 other journals

   Tailor your skills to the job description

Legal employers look for candidates with specific skills that match their practice areas and clients' needs. Review the job description carefully and highlight the skills you possess that align with their requirements.

Avoid simply listing generic skills that could apply to any legal position, such as:

• Legal research
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication

Instead, provide concrete examples that demonstrate your proficiency in those skills:

• Conducted comprehensive legal research on SEC regulations for initial public offerings, resulting in successful registration of $50M offering
• Meticulously reviewed and analyzed over 1,000 pages of due diligence materials for M&A transaction under tight deadlines
• Clearly communicated complex legal concepts to clients during 20+ in-person meetings and conference calls

   Demonstrate your leadership and teamwork abilities

Lawyers rarely work in isolation, so employers value candidates who can collaborate effectively with colleagues and lead teams when necessary. Highlight any leadership roles or teamwork experience you have, whether in law school or in other settings.

For example:

• Led team of 5 students in developing and presenting mock trial case, winning Best Team award
• Collaborated with attorneys and paralegals to prepare 25+ witness interviews and depositions
• Served as Editor-in-Chief of law school newspaper, managing team of 15 writers and editors to publish weekly issues

   Quantify your achievements whenever possible

Numbers and metrics are powerful tools for demonstrating your impact and value to potential employers. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using specific numbers and data.

Compare these two examples:

Assisted in drafting briefs for several appellate cases

Co-authored 5 appellate briefs, contributing to 3 favorable decisions by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

The second example is much more compelling because it provides concrete numbers and results.

   Highlight your pro bono and volunteer work

Many law firms place a high value on pro bono and community service, as it demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and public service. If you have volunteered for legal clinics, non-profit organizations, or community groups, be sure to include that experience on your resume.

For example:

• Provided legal assistance to 20+ low-income clients at XYZ Legal Clinic, handling cases involving housing, employment, and public benefits
• Served as a volunteer tutor for high school mock trial team, coaching 12 students on trial advocacy skills
• Organized fundraising event for legal aid society, raising over $5,000 to support pro bono legal services

Pro bono and volunteer work not only showcases your legal skills, but also your dedication to using your talents to serve others and make a positive impact in your community.