Creating a standout resume is a crucial step for aspiring legal professionals seeking internships in the competitive field.

A well-crafted legal intern resume not only highlights your educational background and relevant experiences but also demonstrates your commitment to the profession.

This article provides comprehensive examples of internship resumes, offering insights into the key components that can make your application compelling. From showcasing your academic achievements to detailing your practical experience, we’ll explore how to present your skills and qualifications effectively.

Legal intern resume examples

Legal clinic intern resume template

Legal Clinic Intern Resume
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Resume Objective

Detail-oriented and driven law student with a strong passion for social justice and community service, seeking a Legal Clinic Intern position. Eager to leverage academic knowledge in legal research and client advocacy to contribute to a legal clinic’s mission of providing pro bono services.

Education

Juris Doctor Candidate

University of Idaho College of Law, Moscow, ID

  • Expected: May 2025
  • Coursework: Legal Research and Writing, Civil Rights Law, Family Law
  • GPA: 3.7/4.0

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

  • Graduated: May 2022
  • Magna Cum Laude
  • Dean’s List (2019-2022)
  • Coursework: Constitutional Law, Public Policy, Comparative Politics

Legal Experience

Legal Intern

Idaho Legal Aid Services, Boise, ID, June – August 2023

  • Assisted attorneys with case preparation for low-income clients.
  • Performed client interviews and gathered essential information for case files.
  • Supported the team in organizing and maintaining case records and evidence.

Skills

  • Legal Research & Writing. Proficient in legal research methodologies and drafting legal documents.
  • Client Interaction. Experience in interviewing clients and understanding their legal needs.
  • Communication. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
  • Organizational Skills. Adept at managing case files, maintaining records, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Technical Proficiency. Familiar with legal research databases (LexisNexis, Westlaw), Microsoft Office Suite, and case management software.

Why is it a good example of a law internship resume?

  • The legal intern resume opens with a concise and focused objective statement. This clearly communicates Iris’s career goals and enthusiasm.
  • The educational background is prominently displayed, showcasing her Juris Doctor candidacy and coursework.
  • The resume is well-structured, with clear headings and bullet points that make it easy to read.
How to start a legal internship resume?
  • Begin with your official name at the top of the application.
  • Including an address is optional, especially if you’re applying to jobs in different geographic locations. You can just list your city and state if privacy is a concern.
  • Provide a phone number where you can be easily reached. Make sure your voicemail message is professional as well.
  • Use an email, ideally one that contains your name. Avoid using nicknames.
  • If you have a LinkedIn profile that is up-to-date and relevant, you may attach the URL to the law internship resume.

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What to add - legal intern resume summary or objective?

A resume summary provides a snapshot of your qualifications and experiences.

When to use:

  • You have some experience in the legal field or related areas.
  • You want to showcase a blend of skills and accomplishments.

Legal intern resume summary example:

Motivated law student with over a year of hands-on experience in legal research and client advocacy. Proven ability to assist attorneys in case preparation, conduct thorough legal research, and communicate effectively with clients. Adept at managing multiple tasks and committed to providing high-quality support in a fast-paced legal environment.

An objective for an internship resume focuses on your career goals and how you hope to contribute to the organization you’re applying to.

When to use:

  • You are new to the sphere or have limited experience.
  • You’re applying for internships or entry-level positions and need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment.

Legal intern resume objective example:

Detail-oriented student looking for a Legal Clinic Intern position to apply strong research and writing skills in a practical setting. Eager to contribute to a team dedicated to providing pro bono legal services and to gain valuable experience in client advocacy and case management.

Corporate legal intern resume example

Resume Objective

Motivated legal student with a strong interest in corporate law, seeking an Intern position. Eager to apply academic knowledge and hands-on experience to support a legal team in corporate governance, compliance, and contract management. Committed to leveraging research skills and proactive problem-solving abilities to contribute effectively to a dynamic corporate environment.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Finance

University of North Carolina at Wilmington, NC

  • Graduated: May 2024
  • Dean’s List (2020-2022)
  • Coursework: Financial Accounting, Business Law, Management

Legal Experience

Legal Intern

Smith & Johnson LLP, Charlotte, NC, May – July 2023

  • Assisted with the preparation and review of contracts, including non-disclosure agreements and partnership agreements.
  • Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on various corporate governance issues.
  • Participated in client meetings and contributed to the development of legal strategies for business transactions.

Legal Assistant

Foster & Associates, Wilmington, NC, January – May 2022

  • Provided administrative support to attorneys, including organizing case files and managing documentation.
  • Assisted in the preparation of legal briefs and research reports for corporate litigation cases.
  • Coordinated with clients to gather necessary documentation and information for ongoing cases.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Legal Advisor

Wilmington Community Legal Services, September 2022 – Present

  • Conduct workshops on basic business law principles for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Finance and Legal Volunteer

Local Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington, NC, June – August 2021

  • Helped in organizing and reviewing contracts related to chamber events and sponsorships.

Skills

  • Contract Negotiation
  • Corporate Compliance
  • Due Diligence
  • Legal Writing and Documentation
  • Client Relations
  • Time Management

Why this law intern resume example is successful?

  • Internships are directly related to the corporate legal field. They showcase hands-on experience in contract management, legal research, and compliance.
  • The legal intern resume details specific tasks the candidate undertook during their internships.
  • Volunteering shows commitment to the legal field and a proactive approach to gaining experience.
How to list experience on the resume for law students?
  • Use keywords and phrases from the internship description.
  • Clearly state your role or position.
  • Include the name of the organization where you worked.
  • Provide the city and state (or country if international).
  • Mention the start and end dates (month and year) on your legal intern resume.
  • Place your duties and accomplishments in bullet points for readability.
  • Incorporate any quantifiable achievements or contributions you made in each role.

If you have other work experience that is less directly related but still valuable, include it under a separate heading.

Legal research intern resume template

Legal Research Intern Resume
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Resume Objective

Highly motivated, detail-oriented graduate student pursuing a position as a Legal Research Intern to apply strong analytical and scientific skills in a real-world setting. Committed to using academic knowledge and practical experience to support legal research initiatives and contribute effectively to a team.

Education

Juris Doctor Candidate

Widener University Delaware Law School, Wilmington, DE

  • Expected: May 2025
  • Coursework: Advanced Legal Research, Legal Writing, Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure
  • GPA: 3.7/4.0
  • Honors: Dean's List (2023, 2024)

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

University of Delaware, Newark, DE

  • Graduated: May 2022
  • Magna Cum Laude
  • Dean’s List (2019-2022)
  • Coursework: Political Theory, Public Policy, International Relations

Certifications

Legal Research and Writing Certificate

Widener University Delaware Law School

  • Issued: June 2023

Introduction to Legal Research and Westlaw

Westlaw Academy

  • Issued: December 2022

Certificate in Legal Research Methodologies

American Bar Association (ABA)

  • Issued: August 2022

Experience

Research Assistant

Widener University Delaware Law School, Professor John Adams, January – May 2023

  • Assisted with research on constitutional law issues, including the preparation of research summaries and bibliographies.
  • Analyzed and synthesized legal articles and case law for academic publications.
  • Collaborated with Professor Adams on developing lecture materials and case studies.

Skills

  • Legal research methodologies
  • Drafting legal memoranda
  • Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal research tools
  • Ability to analyze and interpret legal documents
  • Reviewing and summarizing legal materials.

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, American Bar Association (ABA) – Student Division (since 2022)

Legal intern resume strong sides:

  • By listing relevant coursework, the application demonstrates a solid foundation in legal principles and research methods.
  • Geraldine's impressive GPA and inclusion of academic honors underscore her commitment to her studies.
  • The certifications validate her practical skills and knowledge, making her a stronger candidate for the internship.
How to organize education on a legal internship resume?
  • State the type of degree you are pursuing or have obtained.
  • Specify your major or field of study if relevant.
  • Include the full name of the educational institution. Provide the location.
  • Mention the month and year of graduation or the expected date.
  • List courses that are particularly relevant to the internship you are applying for.
  • Include academic honors and GPA if it’s strong and relevant to your law internship resume.
  • Emphasize certifications that are pertinent to the intern role.

Write your most recent or ongoing degree first, followed by previous ones in reverse chronological order.

Legal intern cover letter

A cover letter is a formal document sent along with a resume or job application to provide additional context and highlight your qualifications for a job. It is typically addressed to the recruiter and serves as a personal introduction, explaining your interest in the position and why you are a strong candidate.

Key elements of a cover letter:

  • Header. Includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's data.
  • Salutation. Begins with a greeting, ideally addressing the hiring manager by name.
  • Opening paragraph. Explains why you are writing. Mention where you found the job listing and briefly state your qualifications.
  • Body. Provides more detail about your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Connect these to the specific requirements of the job.
  • Closing. Reinforces your interest, invites further discussion (e.g., requesting an interview), and expresses gratitude.
  • Signature. Ends with a professional closing (e.g., "Sincerely") and your name.

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Example of a cover letter for legal intern

Dear Ms. Emily Harper,

I am excited to apply for the Legal Intern position at Harper & Associates Law Firm, as advertised on the official careers page. With my academic background in legal research, and strong passion for corporate law, I am eager to contribute to your team and further develop my expertise.

As a second-year student at Columbia Law School, I have honed my skills in legal research, drafting, and analysis. During my internship with Riverside Legal Aid, I assisted attorneys by preparing case summaries, drafting motions, and conducting in-depth research on regulatory compliance. My work contributed to successful case strategies and provided me with a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance and compliance.

I am particularly drawn to Harper & Associates Law Firm because of its reputation for delivering innovative solutions for high-profile corporate clients. I am impressed by your recent work on the landmark merger between two leading tech firms, and I am eager to learn from and contribute to such impactful work.

My coursework in Contracts and Securities Regulation and leadership roles in the Business Law Society and volunteering with the Pro Bono Project have prepared me to excel in a fast-paced and intellectually demanding environment like yours.

In addition to my academic achievements, my ability to manage competing priorities and communicate effectively has been demonstrated through my role as a research assistant and volunteering to assist underserved communities with legal aid. I am confident these skills will enable me to provide valuable support to your legal team and clients.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the needs of Harper & Associates Law Firm. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and would be happy to provide additional information or references upon request.

Sincerely,

Jim Harris

Conclusion

A strong legal intern resume is more than just a list of qualifications—it’s a strategic tool that reflects your readiness to take on new challenges. By presenting a polished, detailed, and tailored document, you increase your chances of landing the internship that will propel your legal career forward.

As you prepare your application, keep in mind the importance of clarity, relevance, and professionalism. With the right approach, your resume can open doors to valuable opportunities.