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Law School Application Resume Sample

In addition to your academic accomplishments, show how you have the fortitude, moral fiber, and backbone to make it through law school and the legal profession.

By Omar Sommereyns, Monster Contributor

Law school is for the lionhearted, the motivated, the fearless, the audacious. But to get in, you need to convincingly differentiate yourself—far from the madding crowd. You need to tell your story—and impart what makes you someone truly out of the ordinary. And your law school application resume can help you do this. Think of it as more than a document that effectively sums up your achievements: It can also be an expressive tableau vivant that depicts your character, work ethic, leadership potential, and overarching sense of responsibility.

So how can a resume push to sway the admissions staff? Here are some recommendations:

  • Put forward your doer-attributes and unfaltering perseverance.
  • Be bold and remove any lines that seem too anodyne or unavailing.
  • Demonstrate how you have superior writing skills, high reasoning capabilities, and a keen awareness for the power of speech, oration, and rhetoric.
  • Include your knowledge of the legal profession—and any pertinent work experience (e.g., positions as an intern, paralegal, or office/legal assistant at a law firm).
  • Research the school you’re applying to and convey how you’re well-aligned with their value system.
  • Make sure there are no typos, spelling errors, or grammatical blunders.
  • Add a section that spotlights your hobbies, interests, and extracurricular talents.

Who are you, really? What makes you special? Do you have the kind of tenacity that renders a good law school candidate—and, eventually, a successful attorney? Then our template for a law school application resume will provide a guiding light on how to showcase your most impressive traits.

Law School Application Resume

PAUL ROBINETTE

Manhattan, NY | 555-555-5555 | paul@email.com | linkedin.com/paul.robinette

Diligent ▪ Responsible ▪ Community-Oriented ▪ Collaborative ▪ Analytical ▪ Goal-Driven

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | Minor in Political Studies | College One, Manhattan, NY | 3.9 GPA | 20XX

Notable Achievements: Academics, leadership, business, professional communication, and multitasking.

  • 100% academic scholarship and acceptance into a competitive Honors program.
  • Voted “Best Negotiator” by classmates in Business Transactions course.
  • Vice President (20XX – 20XX) and Treasurer (20XX – 20XX) of University Trading & Investment Group; conducted due diligence for portfolio opportunities and collaborated to grow profits over 40% for four consecutive years.
  • Participated in two-to-four interactive Honors seminars annually, each presented by entrepreneurs and subject matter experts in law, business, finance, leadership, and philanthropy.
  • Tennis team member (Captain in 20XX); led team to district championship for the first time in 10 years.
  • Balanced demands of and excelled at Division II sports, academic coursework, and part-time work.
  • Member of University Mentor Program; coached, supported, and guided three first-year students to ease transition to college life, explore social programs, and identify academic growth opportunities.

High School Diploma | School One, Manhattan, NY | 3.8 GPA | 20XX

Notable Achievements: Goal-setting/achievement, advanced studies, community advocacy, and collaboration.

  • Accepted into AP courses; scored 5/5 on English Language and Composition and U.S. Government and Politics.
  • Selected for limited-admission National Merit Scholar preparation program; awarded National Merit Scholarship.
  • Enrolled in Law Track: Completed courses such as Civil Procedure, Business Law, Legal Transactions, and Professional Writing; wrote briefs and legal documents for real-life court cases; participated in Moot Court experience; and served as Secretary of the Law Committee.
  • Tennis team member (20XX – 20XX).
  • Member of the Wounded Warrior Project and Habitat for Humanity.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

OFFICE ASSISTANT | Firm One │ Manhattan, NY | 20XX – 20XX

  • Completed large projects with an organized/detailed approach and generated clear reports of findings for a five-attorney office specializing in business, homeowners, and probate law.
  • Conducted extensive research and analysis, including organizing case statistics for three attorneys in preparation for trial by analyzing 850+ pages of documents.

SERVER | Restaurant One | Manhattan, NY | 20XX – 20XX

  • Multitasked to deliver quality service to eight or more tables in a fast-paced family-style restaurant in a busy tourist location with a diverse clientele, including accommodating special needs/requests, providing visitor information, and processing payments.
  • Optimized efficiency and revenue by memorizing multiple menus and daily specials, implementing successful upselling techniques to strengthen the customer experience, and collaborating with a team of 10 to exceed service standards and maintain adequate stock.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & VOLUNTEERING

  • 20XX – Present: Assist with the annual holiday meal and toy drive at Organization One, including interviewing participants to gather program information, organizing donations for easy identification, and loading packages for 50+ families.
  • 20XX-20XX: Boys Scouts of America Eagle Scout; raised $3K for costs, designed concept, and executed a project to improve a local playground’s interactive opportunities and accessibility for users with different abilities.

PERSONAL INTERESTS & SKILLS

Travel: Visited 38 states and two continents; participated in a mission-trip to Cuba; attended an international law seminar in London.

Sports & Recreation: Tennis, golf, surfing, skiing, and fishing.

Music: Currently play the drums; love music from many genres, including classic rock, hip-hop, blues, and jazz.

 

Download this law school application resume template to get started.

Surely, you already know this, but we’ll say it here nonetheless: Lawyers typically make a very good living. This may vary, depending on the type of law you pursue (and whether you’re a high-profile corporate lawyer versus a public defender), but after those exigent studies at law school, you can expect to be financially rewarded. According to Monster data for law school graduates, the median salary for entry-level attorneys is $88,951, while those who are more advanced in their careers earn about $107,988.

After prepping your law school application resume, take advantage of Monster’s Salary Tools by typing in the exact job title you’re seeking and the city you’re in to gather some location-specific numbers.

What about making some money while you’re in law school to go toward loans and expenses? Maybe you want to get your foot in the door at law firms in your area? Working as a paralegal can be a great springboard for your career, offering hands-on experience and close contact with lawyers. Here are options in high-demand cities:

You can also expand your search by reviewing all the paralegal jobs available on Monster.

Monster Will Amend and Solidify Your Law School Application Resume

Getting into law school is a challenge, but we’re here to mitigate the process. So let us pitch in. With the right approach, your resume can become a driving force in being admitted to the school you’re aiming for. You may have a lot of accomplishments to emblazon, but Monster’s certified resume experts can impel your resume to the next level. We’ll schedule a speedy consultation to discuss how to organize the content of your law school application resume in the most optimal manner, and then we’ll get to work—inserting high-value keywords, polishing up your phrasing, and adding some striking design elements to appeal to any admissions officers.