A legal intern should possess essential hard skills such as expertise in legal research, understanding of case law, and familiarity with various legal documentation processes.
Legal Intern Resume Examples & Templates
Searching for your ideal legal intern position? Our legal intern resume examples will help you showcase your research skills and attention to detail, ensuring you stand out to potential employers.
Hired By:*
Popular Legal Intern Resume Examples
Discover our top legal intern resume examples that emphasize key skills such as legal research, writing skill, and analytical thinking. These examples will guide you in showcasing your accomplishments effectively to potential employers.
Ready to build your ideal resume? Our Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates designed specifically for aspiring legal professionals, helping you make a strong impression in your applications.
Recommended
Legal intern resume
What this resume does well:
This resume features well-organized sections and a professional resume font that improves readability. Such design choices effectively highlight the applicant's qualifications and attention to detail, creating a positive first impression for potential employers.
Paralegal intern resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively balances key skills like legal research and document drafting with relevant work experience. By showcasing these abilities alongside hands-on roles, employers can better assess the applicant's practical capabilities and readiness for a legal position in a dynamic environment.
Legal research intern resume
What this resume does well:
This resume efficiently uses concise bullet points and clear headings to organize 13 years of legal experience, allowing quick scanning by hiring managers. The strategic spacing improves readability, ensuring key skills and achievements stand out without cluttering the layout.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Jin Kim
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(555)555-5555
Jin.Kim@example.com
Professional Summary
Dedicated Legal Intern with expertise in case management and document drafting. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and drive impactful research. Fluent in Spanish, with certifications in legal research and compliance.
Work History
Legal Intern
Harborview Legal Associates - Jacksonville, FL
January 2024 - May 2025
- Streamlined legal research by 30%
- Drafted 100+ legal documents
- Coordinated with 5 case partners
Research Assistant
Pioneer Legal Research Lab - Tampa, FL
September 2021 - December 2023
- Analyzed 200+ legal cases
- Improved database efficacy by 25%
- Authored 10 published articles
Legal Administrative Coordinator
Liberty Legal Services - Jacksonville, FL
March 2020 - August 2021
- Managed K budget allocation
- Trained 20 staff in compliance
- Oversaw 40 case files accuracy
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- German - Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Case management
- Negotiation
- Compliance training
- Data analysis
- Budget management
- Peer collaboration
Certifications
- Certified Legal Research Analyst - Legal Analysis Institute
- Advanced Legal Compliance - American Legal Association
Education
Master of Laws Corporate Law
University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah
June 2020
Bachelor of Arts Political Science
Brigham Young University Provo, Utah
June 2018
Build Your Resume in Minutes
Creating a custom resume is easier than ever with our Resume Builder!
How to Write a Legal Intern Resume Summary
Your resume summary is the first opportunity to make an impression on potential employers. It's important for showcasing your fit for the legal intern position.
As a legal intern, you should highlight key skills like legal research abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. This section is your chance to stand out by emphasizing these qualifications.
To understand what makes a resume summary effective or not, compare these examples. They will guide you in crafting a compelling introduction:
Weak resume summary
I am a dedicated law student with some internship experience and strong academic credentials. I am seeking a position that allows me to use my knowledge and develop my skills further. A supportive work environment where I can learn and grow is what I'm looking for. I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team if given the chance.
Why this summary misses the mark:
- Contains vague statements about the job seeker’s experience without concrete examples or achievements
- Relies heavily on personal pronouns, which may detract from professionalism
- Emphasizes what the job seeker desires from the job instead of detailing their potential contributions to the employer
Strong resume summary
Motivated legal intern with 2 years of experience in corporate law and litigation support. Contributed to a 30% increase in case efficiency by developing comprehensive legal research and documentation strategies. Proficient in drafting legal briefs, conducting depositions, and using case management software to streamline workflow.
Why this summary works:
- Begins with specific experience duration and areas of focus within law
- Incorporates a quantifiable achievement that showcases a measurable impact on workload efficiency
- Highlights relevant technical skills that demonstrate preparedness for the role
PRO TIP
If you’re new to the legal field and don’t have extensive experience, consider using a career objective on your resume. This approach can effectively highlight your aspirations and skills. Explore resume objective examples tailored specifically for legal interns to inspire your own.
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is important for your resume as a legal intern, making up the bulk of your content. Good resume templates always emphasize this important area to showcase your relevant experiences.
This section should be organized in reverse-chronological order, detailing each position you've held. Use bullet points to clearly highlight your achievements and key contributions in each role.
To help you understand what makes an effective work history section, we’ll provide a couple of examples. These will illustrate what works well and what you should avoid:
Weak work experience
Legal Intern
Smith & Associates Law Firm – New York, NY
- Assisted attorneys with cases.
- Conducted legal research and reviewed documents.
- Attended court hearings and took notes.
- Performed general office tasks as needed.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
- Lacks specific employment dates to provide context
- Bullet points are vague and do not highlight any significant contributions
- Emphasizes routine tasks instead of showcasing achievements or skills gained
Strong work experience
Legal Intern
Smith & Associates Law Firm – New York, NY
June 2022 - August 2022
- Drafted legal documents and briefs for ongoing cases, contributing to a successful settlement in a high-profile contract dispute.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research that led to the identification of key precedents, improving case strategies significantly.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for court hearings, resulting in a streamlined process and improved client representation.
Why this work experience section works:
- Starts each bullet with powerful action verbs that clearly convey the intern's contributions
- Incorporates specific achievements that demonstrate measurable impact on case outcomes
- Highlights relevant skills such as research and drafting that are important for legal roles
While your resume summary and work experience are important, don't overlook the importance of other sections. Each part plays a role in showcasing your skills effectively. For more guidance, explore our detailed guide on how to write a resume.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A skills section is important for your resume as it quickly conveys your qualifications to potential employers. It highlights your competencies and gives insight into how you can contribute to their team.
For a more effective application, make sure your resume highlights both hard and soft skills.
Equally important are soft skills, including attention to detail, effective communication, and strong analytical thinking, as these improve collaboration within teams and contribute to successful case outcomes.
When selecting skills for your resume, it's essential to align them with what employers expect from an ideal applicant. Many organizations use automated systems to screen out applicants lacking the necessary resume skills for the role.
Carefully reviewing job postings provides insights on which skills are in demand and ensures you highlight the most relevant abilities. This strategy not only captures the attention of recruiters but also helps your application pass through ATS filters effectively.
PRO TIP
If you're looking to improve your chances of securing a legal internship, consider using our ATS Resume Checker. This tool identifies more than 30 common errors, ensuring your resume captures attention and smoothly navigates applicant tracking systems.
10 skills that appear on successful legal intern resumes
Highlighting essential skills in your resume can significantly attract the attention of hiring managers for legal intern positions. By exploring resume examples, you can see how these skills are effectively demonstrated, helping you present your qualifications with confidence.
Here are 10 key skills you should consider including in your resume if they align with your background and the specific requirements of the role:
Research skill
Strong writing abilities
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Time management
Understanding of legal terminology
Client interaction skills
Team collaboration
Problem-solving abilities
Adaptability
Based on analysis of 5,000+ law professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Choosing the right resume format is key for legal interns, as it highlights relevant coursework, internships, and skills to demonstrate their readiness for a legal career.
Entry-Level 0 - 2 years
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs
Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with limited legal experience
Mid-Career 3 - 7 years
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally
Best for:
Mid-career professionals eager to demonstrate their skills and pursue new opportunities
Experienced 8+ years
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order
Best for:
Seasoned legal minds adept in corporate law and litigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my legal intern resume?
Absolutely, including a cover letter is important for making a positive impression on potential employers. It allows you to showcase your personality and explain how your skills align with the job. If you need assistance, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator to simplify the process.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
When applying for jobs internationally, use a CV instead of a resume to provide detailed information about your academic and professional history. For guidance on formatting and writing an effective CV, explore our comprehensive resources that include CV examples and tips tailored for various countries. Additionally, learn more about how to write a CV to ensure you present your qualifications effectively.
What soft skills are important for legal interns?
Soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential for legal interns. These interpersonal skills foster collaboration with colleagues and help in understanding clients' needs, ultimately contributing to effective legal representation and a positive work environment.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
Highlight your transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking from previous roles. These abilities illustrate your potential to succeed in a legal intern position despite limited experience in law. Use concrete examples to show how your past achievements align with the responsibilities of this role, showcasing your readiness to contribute effectively.
How should I format a cover letter for a legal intern job?
To format a cover letter effectively, begin with your contact details followed by an appropriate salutation. Include an engaging introduction that highlights your interest in the legal intern position. Next, provide a concise overview of your relevant skills and experiences. Always customize your content to align with the specific job requirements, and conclude with a strong closing statement that encourages further communication.
Should I include a personal mission statement on my legal intern resume?
Yes, adding a personal mission statement to your resume can effectively convey your values and career aspirations. This strategy is especially beneficial when applying to firms with a strong commitment to justice or organizations that prioritize social impact in their culture.
Get Hired Faster
Join millions who’ve built resumes that land the job!
