A legal intern’s resume or CV should reflect varying specialties, from generic legal intern roles to corporate or public interest positions. Explore templates tailored for different career stages and use Monster’s Resume Builder to create your own.

Legal Intern Resume

This legal intern resume shows how a law student without experience can emphasize academic research, legal coursework, writing skills, and transferable experience when pursuing an internship.

Example of a resume for beginners for a legal intern.
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Why this resume works:

This candidate builds a strong legal profile without extensive professional experience by emphasizing research, writing, and relevant coursework. Academic and volunteer accomplishments demonstrate practical skills, while the clear organization offers a strong approach to a resume with no experience.

This corporate legal intern resume demonstrates how to highlight legal research, contract review, regulatory knowledge, and prior administrative experience when targeting an in-house internship.

Resume example for a corporate legal intern.
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Why this resume works:

This resume is tailored specifically to corporate law, prioritizing contract review, governance, legal research, and regulatory work throughout the document. Quantified accomplishments demonstrate how the candidate has applied these abilities, while the dedicated skills section makes relevant skills easy for employers to identify.

This public interest legal intern resume shows how to connect legal education with advocacy, community service, policy research, and client-facing experience relevant to mission-driven organizations.

Example resume for a public interest legal intern.
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Why this resume works:

This candidate establishes a clear focus on public interest law by connecting legal research and advocacy with hands-on community service. Significant accomplishments, including policy research, client support, and community outreach, provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to serve both legal teams and their communities.

Legal Intern Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a legal intern resume to copy, modify, and personalize directly in your document.

Suki Chen
Jersey City, NJ 07311
(555)555-5555
Suki.Chen@example.com

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented Legal Intern adept in legal research, case analysis, and contract drafting, proven to increase client satisfaction and efficiency.

Work Experience

Legal Intern
Lexicon Law Group – Jersey City, NJ
June 2025 – June 2026

  • Reviewed 100+ legal documents for accuracy
  • Assisted in drafting 15 contracts monthly
  • Conducted research improving efficiency by 30%

Junior Legal Analyst
Judicial Insight Partners – Jersey City, NJ
May 2023 – May 2025

  • Analyzed 200+ case files quarterly
  • Led team meetings increasing output by 20% Drafted reports enhancing decision-making

Legal Assistant
Advocacy Law Firm – Maplewood, NJ
June 2021 – April 2023

  • Organized database with 500 case profiles
  • Facilitated client meetings weekly
  • Enhanced research library by 300 entries

Education

Master of Laws in Corporate Law
Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA
June 2021

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
June 2019

Certifications

  • Certified Legal Research Specialist – American Legal Association
  • Legal Document Technician – Institute of Legal Executives

Skills

  • Legal Research
  • Contract Drafting
  • Case Analysis
  • Compliance Review
  • Client Relations
  • Document Editing
  • Litigation Support
  • Data Management

As a legal intern, knowing how to write a resume means showcasing your relevant skills and experiences while using a format that appeals to potential employers. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and tailor your resume for the positions you’re aiming for.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
  • Law school name and graduation date (if applicable)
PRO TIP

Avoid including details such as religious affiliation, Social Security number, social media links, or full addresses on your resume unless the employer specifically requests them.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introduction, typically spanning two to four sentences. It serves as a compelling pitch to hiring managers, highlighting your key qualifications and encouraging them to explore your resume further.

This profile is positioned at the top of your resume and can take the form of either a summary or an objective, each serving distinct purposes. Understanding these differences can help tailor your profile for maximum impact:

  • A resume summary highlights key qualifications, relevant skills, and notable achievements that resonate in the legal field. This format is especially beneficial for those with prior legal experience or transferable skills eager to showcase their impact as a legal intern.
  • A resume objective emphasizes your career aspirations and highlights what you aim to achieve in your next role. It’s particularly useful for recent law graduates, interns seeking entry-level positions, or anyone transitioning into the legal field with limited experience.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Legal intern resume summary example:

Detail-oriented legal intern with over 6 years of experience in diverse legal environments, including corporate law firms and nonprofit organizations. Proficient in legal research, drafting documents, and case management. Acknowledged for contributing to successful case outcomes through diligent work and strong analytical skills.

Legal intern resume objective example:

Recent law graduate with a Juris Doctor degree eager to launch a career in a dynamic legal environment. Committed to justice and advocacy, ready to contribute strong analytical skills and attention to detail to a law firm or nonprofit organization focused on social impact.

3. Work Experience

The work history on your resume is an important component of your application. Employers assess your job history to understand not only where you’ve worked but also the significant contributions you’ve made.

Your internship experiences illustrate how your legal background equips you for the demands of the target role.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your content to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities of a legal intern. Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “Researched,” “Drafted,” “Assisted”) to strengthen your statements and highlight your contributions.

Incorporate quantifiable information whenever possible. Specific numbers or outcomes illustrate your impact and provide compelling evidence of your skills, helping you stand out in the competitive legal field.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Assisted in drafting legal documents and conducting research for 15+ cases, contributing to a 20% decrease in case resolution times.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Contributed to a 30% increase in successful case outcomes by streamlining evidence gathering processes.

With these techniques in mind, your resume bullets may look something like:

  • Researched case law and drafted legal memoranda for 15+ cases, improving case preparation efficiency by 20%.
  • Assisted attorneys in preparing for trial by organizing exhibits and summarizing witness statements, improving trial readiness.
  • Collaborated with legal teams to review contracts and identify potential compliance issues without metrics.
  • Used Westlaw and LexisNexis for legal research, streamlining access to necessary case precedents.
  • Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss ongoing cases and contribute ideas for strategy development.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of professional abilities relevant to the legal intern position. This summary allows hiring managers to quickly assess qualifications and suitability for the role. Skills can be categorized into three distinct groups:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well legal interns collaborate with others.
  • Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities gained through education, training, or hands-on experience.
  • Technical skills refer to the specific knowledge and abilities required to perform tasks in a given field.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective communication
  • Research and analysis
  • Attention to detail
  • Team-oriented mindset
  • Time management skills

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Legal research and analysis
  • Contract drafting (Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word)
  • Case management software (Clio, MyCase)
  • Discovery document preparation
  • Client communication and advocacy

PRO TIP

If you’re a newer legal intern, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s best to position this section lower and weave relevant skills into your work history for a cohesive flow.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for making a strong impression. Begin with your most recent or relevant law degree, clearly stating the degree type and institution.

If you’re a recent graduate, consider including your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), any honors received, and relevant coursework to improve your qualifications further.

Legal intern resume education section example:

Juris Doctor (JD)
Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA
Graduated: 2024 | Cum Laude

PRO TIP

If you’re progressing from an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies to a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, or have earned another relevant degree, list both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume showcases your commitment to the field and helps counterbalance limited practical experience. Although this section may not always be standard, it’s an important addition for many legal professionals. Employers frequently seek specific credentials for specialized positions, such as compliance officers or intellectual property lawyers.

When listing certifications, focus on those that directly improve your qualifications for the job you want. Ensure that all credentials are current and presented in a clear format to make a strong impression.

Legal intern certification examples:

  • Paralegal Certification | National Association of Legal Assistants | Expires: 01/2028
  • Certified Legal Intern (CLI) | American Bar Association | Expires: 09/2027
  • Legal Research Certificate | Westlaw | Expires: 12/2027
  • Mediation Certification | Mediators Without Borders | Expires: 06/2028

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

To create a strong work history, tailor it to the specific legal intern position you’re applying for by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases.

Begin by closely analyzing the job description. Identify recurring skills, legal areas, or required competencies mentioned, and reflect those elements in your experience descriptions whenever possible.

This approach also leads to an ATS-friendly resume that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily scan.

Key Takeaways

  • Customize your resume for each application. Use terms from the job listing when detailing your experiences and skills to appeal to both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight specific accomplishments. Illustrate your contributions with quantifiable examples (e.g., cases assisted on, research papers published, client satisfaction ratings) for greater impact.
  • Select an appropriate format based on your experience level. Recent graduates might prefer a functional layout, while those with internships should use reverse-chronological resumes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my legal intern resume?

There are three main resume formats to consider when applying for a legal intern position. Your choice should reflect your experience level and the aspects of your background you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: The most popular format, a chronological resume highlights your work experience by detailing responsibilities and achievements in reverse order. This format is ideal for job seekers with a relevant job history that reinforces their qualifications and demonstrates consistent growth in the legal field.
  • Functional: Often referred to as a functional resume, this skills-based format emphasizes a summary of qualifications and an expanded skills section to highlight your relevant legal abilities. By minimizing the focus on work history, it becomes particularly useful for job seekers lacking direct experience in the legal field or those dealing with employment gaps.
  • Combination: A combination resume merges features from chronological and functional formats, highlighting skills alongside work experience. This format can help legal interns demonstrate relevant abilities while outlining their career progression, making it a strong choice for individuals entering the legal field or aiming for growth.

Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your application for a legal intern position. A well-crafted cover letter improves your resume by providing context for your interest in the firm and showcasing relevant skills or experiences that might not be highlighted in your resume. It demonstrates to potential employers that you’re genuinely invested in the opportunity and have made an effort to tailor your application.

If you’re feeling uncertain about writing your a letter, don’t let that hold you back from including one. Numerous resources can guide you through the process, including templates and examples tailored for legal positions. Reviewing different formats can help you choose one that aligns with your style and experience level.

For those looking to simplify their efforts, tools like a cover letter generator can assist in creating a polished document quickly by offering guidance on structure and content based on the specifics of your application.

How long should a legal intern resume be?

For professionals with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically ideal. This length allows you to highlight key skills, education, and relevant experiences without overwhelming the reader. Focus on clarity and organization to make your qualifications stand out.

If you have extensive experience or specialized roles, a two-page resume can be appropriate as long as the content remains focused and relevant. Use this space to elaborate on significant achievements and certifications that demonstrate your expertise in the field while maintaining a clear structure.

Should I include volunteer legal work or participation in law clinics?

Yes, especially if you’re a recent graduate. Listing volunteer experiences and law clinic involvement demonstrates practical skills and commitment to the legal field, helping you stand out if you don’t yet have full-time legal positions on your resume.

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Megan Dawkins Career Industry Editor

Megan Dawkins is a career industry editor who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers navigate the flexible job market.

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