Crafting a resume for law school is more than listing achievements—it’s about strategically showcasing your potential for legal studies and your commitment to the field. Whether you're applying to law school, a legal internship, or your first post-graduate role, your resume needs to demonstrate critical thinking, academic excellence, and a serious interest in law.
In this post, we’ll walk you through expert-approved law school resume examples, explain what admissions committees and legal employers look for, and provide a fully written example to guide you. Whether you're a current undergrad or recent grad, this guide will help you craft a professional resume that opens doors.
Sample Law School Resume
Below is a real-world, manually written example of a law school resume tailored for a prospective student applying to JD programs.
JORDAN REYNOLDS
1234 Constitution Ave • Chicago, IL 60601 • jordan.reynolds@email.com • (555) 123-4567
OBJECTIVE
Motivated and analytical undergraduate student with a strong academic background in political science and philosophy, seeking admission to a top-tier law school to further develop expertise in civil rights and constitutional law. Passionate about advocacy and public service with proven leadership and research experience.
EDUCATION
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, IL
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy
Graduation: May 2025 | GPA: 3.89
Dean’s List (6 semesters), Honors College Scholar
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Undergraduate Legal Research Fellow
University of Illinois Law and Policy Institute | Aug 2023 – Present
Collaborated with faculty to research precedent in constitutional law for academic publication
Analyzed Supreme Court opinions and summarized findings for use in legal briefs
Co-authored a 40-page report on due process interpretations in civil liberties cases
LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES
Pre-Law Society, President
Aug 2022 – May 2024
Organized speaker series featuring attorneys and alumni from top law schools
Led a mentorship initiative connecting underclassmen with LSAT prep support
Increased club membership by 50% through strategic outreach
Mock Trial Team, Captain
Jan 2023 – Present
Directed case strategy and witness prep for regional competitions
Awarded “Best Attorney” in 2024 Midwest Invitational Tournament
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Legal Aid Society of Chicago, Intake Intern
Summer 2024
Conducted client interviews, gathered preliminary case facts, and performed clerical support
Exposed to family law, housing disputes, and immigration cases under staff attorney supervision
SKILLS & INTERESTS
Legal Research (LexisNexis, Westlaw) • Public Speaking • Spanish (Conversational)
Interests: Supreme Court history, debate, urban policy
Resume Writing Tips for Law School Applications
Prioritize Academics – Law schools want to see intellectual curiosity and discipline. Highlight your GPA, honors, relevant coursework, and academic research.
Show Legal Interest – If you've done anything related to law—mock trial, pre-law clubs, legal internships—place that front and center.
Use a Clear, Formal Format – The legal field expects professionalism. Use clean formatting with no fluff or graphics.
Highlight Analytical and Communication Skills – These are core to legal success. Choose experiences that show critical thinking, writing, and public speaking.
Tailor Your Objective (If You Use One) – An optional objective section can be powerful if it clearly states your legal aspirations.
FAQs About Law School Resumes
1. Do I need legal experience to apply to law school?
No, but demonstrating interest in law through clubs, coursework, or internships is highly recommended.
2. How long should my law school resume be?
Keep it to one page unless you have extensive post-graduate work or publications.
3. Can I include a GPA lower than 3.5?
Yes, especially if it’s in a rigorous major or balanced with strong LSAT scores and experience. Be transparent and focus on strengths.
4. Should I include an objective or summary?
It’s optional, but a concise, well-written objective can clarify your goals and make your resume feel more personal.
With the right structure, tone, and content, your resume can reinforce your law school application and position you as a strong candidate. Follow these tips, refer to the example above, and tailor your document with intention—and you’ll be one step closer to your legal future..
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