Chicago Sun-Times (Sunday)

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.

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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.

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:

• New York City

• Los Angeles

• Miami

• Chicago

• Houston

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.

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