A junior lawyer resume serves as the first introduction to potential employers, making it crucial to highlight the right skills, experience, and education.

Whether you're fresh out of law school or transitioning into a new role, your application must effectively demonstrate your legal expertise and enthusiasm.

This guide will provide practical tips on making a standout resume that not only showcases your qualifications but also positions you as a promising candidate in today’s competitive job market.

Junior lawyer resume examples

Junior lawyer resume sample

Entry-level attorney resume template

Junior Attorney Resume
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Resume for a junior attorney | Plain text

Name: Mitchell Morgan
Address: Dallas, TX
Phone: (214) 555-0198
Email: mitchell.morgan@gmail.com
LinkedIn: /in/mitchellmorgan

Objective

Highly motivated and detail-oriented Junior Attorney with a passion for corporate and civil law. Seeking to contribute to the success of a reputable Dallas law firm by providing exceptional legal research, drafting, and client services.

Education

Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law

Juris Doctor, May 2024

  • Dean’s List (2022–2024)
  • Legal Writing Excellence Award

University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, May 2021

  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Experience

Associate Attorney (Intern)

Baylor Evanson LLP, Dallas, TX

May 2023 – August 2023

  • Conducted extensive legal research on corporate litigation matters.
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts, memoranda, and pleadings.
  • Assisted in preparing trial strategies for commercial disputes.
  • Collaborated with senior attorneys during depositions and mediations.

Judicial Intern

Hon. Lisa Boyd, Dallas County Civil Court, TX

January 2022 – April 2022

  • Reviewed case law to prepare detailed bench memoranda for civil court motions.
  • Observed courtroom procedures and client arguments, gaining valuable litigation experience.

Skills

  • Legal Research (LexisNexis, Westlaw)
  • Drafting Contracts and Memoranda
  • Strong Negotiation Skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Professional Development

  • "Corporate Law Fundamentals" – Texas Bar Association, 2024
  • "Advanced Contract Negotiations" – SMU Dedman School of Law, 2023

Strong sides of this junior lawyer resume example:

  • A clean, logical flow with distinct sections makes it easy for recruiters to quickly locate relevant information.
  • Including Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses adds value, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated in the field.
  • Highlighting awards showcases the candidate's skills and dedication to excellence in the legal sphere.
How to properly format a resume for a junior attorney?
  • Choose a professional font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in a size between 10 and 12 points for body text.
  • Keep your lawyer resume to one page, as applications for junior roles should be concise, focusing only on the most relevant details.
  • Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides to create a clean layout with sufficient white space.
  • Use clear, bold headings for each section to improve readability. Make sure the titles stand out but are not overwhelming.
  • Add bullet points to list your responsibilities and accomplishments. They make the page easy to skim.
  • Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your document—whether it’s for dates, job titles, or locations.

To avoid issues when creating or editing your resume, one effective tip is to use an online resume builder app.

Resume Trick offers a variety of customizable job resume templates that handle layout, fonts, and margins for you. This reduces the risk of having inconsistent or misaligned sections when viewed on different devices.

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Public defender resume example

Law student resume with no legal experience

Name: James Thornton
Address: Atlanta, GA
Phone: (470) 555-8765
Email: james.thornton@gmail.com
LinkedIn: /in/jamesthornton

Objective

Dedicated law graduate eager to defend the rights of underserved populations. Seeking an Entry-Level Public Defender position with Fulton County Office to provide effective and compassionate legal representation.

Education

Emory University School of Law

Juris Doctor, December 2024

  • Member, Public Interest Law Association
  • Certificate in Criminal Law and Advocacy

Georgia State University

Bachelor of Science in Criminology, May 2021

  • Student Government Vice President

Experience

Legal Intern

Fulton County Public Defender’s Office, Atlanta, GA

June 2024 – August 2024

  • Interviewed clients to understand their cases and concerns.
  • Prepared and filed motions, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
  • Shadowed attorneys in misdemeanor and felony hearings.
  • Assisted in trial preparation for indigent defendants.

Research Assistant

Prof. Maria Kent, Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, GA

January 2023 – May 2023

  • Conducted research on criminal justice reform policies in Georgia.
  • Co-authored a paper on the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing.

Skills

  • Client Interviews and Case Analysis
  • Legal Writing and Drafting (Criminal Focus)
  • Trial Preparation
  • Fluent in Spanish

Community Engagement

Volunteer, Atlanta Homeless Shelter, GA

September 2021 – Present

  • Provide legal information and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Assist in the intake process and help direct clients to proper legal channels.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a junior lawyer resume will impress recruiters:

  • It starts with a clear objective that communicates a passion for defending underserved populations, which is critical for this role.
  • Volunteering at the homeless shelter ties directly to the values of a public defender's office.
  • Including language skills makes the candidate stand out, as communication with diverse populations is vital.
Should I choose a junior lawyer resume objective or summary?

A summary is a concise statement of your professional experience and key qualifications.

  • It gives the hiring manager an immediate overview of your skills and strengths.
  • This is especially useful for lawyers who have completed internships, clerkships, or legal research.

Junior lawyer resume summary sample:

Dedicated Junior Lawyer with 2+ years of experience in corporate law. Proven track record in drafting legal documents, conducting research, and advising clients. Strong communication skills and a detail-oriented approach to legal analysis.

An objective is a more traditional, brief statement of what you're looking for in a role.

  • While it can be useful for applicants with no experience, it’s often less impactful for those with some background in the field.

Junior lawyer resume objective example:

Motivated law graduate seeking a Junior Lawyer position to apply legal expertise in research, drafting, and client representation.

How to showcase your junior lawyer resume skills?

The skills section is vital for demonstrating your abilities and the range of tasks you can handle.

  • Hard skills are the technical competencies related to the practice of law.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal traits that are equally important to thrive in the workplace.

Junior lawyer hard skills:

  • Legal research
  • Drafting legal documents
  • Contract negotiation
  • Case preparation
  • Legal writing
  • Legal analysis
  • Litigation support
  • Compliance management
  • Knowledge of legal software (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw)
  • Client management

Soft skills for a junior lawyer:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability
  • Critical thinking
  • Negotiation
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Conflict resolution

Junior prosecutor lawyer resume template

Junior prosecutor lawyer resume sample

Junior Prosecutor Resume
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Resume for junior lawyer | Text version

Name: Emily Day
Address: Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 555-6732
Email: emily.day@gmail.com
LinkedIn: /in/emilyday

Objective

Driven law graduate seeking a Junior Prosecutor role at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office. Passionate about upholding justice and ensuring the community's safety through ethical legal practices.

Education

University of Chicago Law School

Juris Doctor, June 2024

  • President, Criminal Law Society
  • Recipient, Best Oral Advocate Award

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, June 2021

  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Experience

Prosecutorial Intern

Cook County State’s Attorney Office, Chicago, IL

June 2023 – August 2023

  • Conducted legal research on criminal procedure and case law.
  • Assisted in drafting indictments, pretrial motions, and opening arguments.
  • Observed and supported attorneys during preliminary hearings and trials.

Law Clerk

Chicago Legal Aid Bureau, Chicago, IL

May 2022 – August 2022

  • Reviewed case evidence for victims of violent crimes.
  • Prepared affidavits and compiled evidence for pro bono prosecution cases.
  • Communicated with witnesses to assist in deposition preparation.

Skills

  • Criminal Case Litigation Support
  • Prosecution-Oriented Legal Writing
  • Strong Analytical and Presentation Skills
  • Familiar with Courtroom Technology

Awards & Honors

  • Best Oral Advocate Award, University of Chicago Law School, 2024
  • Dean’s List, University of Chicago Law School, 2022-2024
  • Pro Bono Publico Award, Northwestern University, 2021

This sample junior lawyer resume is effective for several reasons:

  • The internship provides practical experience that directly correlates with the responsibilities of a Junior Prosecutor.
  • The skills listed—such as proficiency with courtroom technology and criminal litigation—makes it clear that the person has the technical knowledge needed for the position.
  • The inclusion of law clerk position shows a well-rounded skill set with the candidate contributing to criminal case analysis.
What academic credentials should I add to my entry-level lawyer resume?

Your educational background demonstrates your legal knowledge, and it also reflects your commitment to pursuing a career.

  • Add your law degree (e.g., Juris Doctor) and the school where you earned it.
  • Specify the month and year of your graduation.
  • Mention any honors, distinctions, or academic awards you received.
  • You can also write relevant coursework or projects that align with the type of law you want to practice.
How to organize the experience section in a junior lawyer resume?

As you’re early in your career, it’s essential to present any relevant experience—internships, clerkships, assistant roles, or even part-time work in a legal setting—in a way that highlights your skills.

  • List your most recent roles first. This allows hiring managers to see your most relevant experiences.
  • Clearly state your job title, followed by the name of the organization and its location.
  • Include the time period during which you worked at a position.
  • For each entry, list 3-5 key responsibilities and any notable achievements or cases you've had.

Conclusion

Creating an effective resume is about more than just listing qualifications. It's about strategically presenting your skills, education, and experience in a way that resonates with employers.

By focusing on relevant legal positions, soft skills, and a clean, professional format, you'll set yourself up for success in landing your first or next role.

With the tips provided, you’re well on your way to drafting a document that highlights your potential and readiness for the legal world.

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