Professional Profile or Summary of Qualifications |
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- This section is typically recommended only for individuals with extensive pre-law school experience.
- It is essentially a three-to-five phrase commercial explaining your strengths and how your previous career skills translate to the career you are seeking.
- This section should be located at the top of your resume.
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Licenses or Certifications |
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- In this section, include bar admissions, CPA certification, engineering certifications, and any other license or certification that may be of interest to an employer.
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Skills |
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- This is an excellent section to indicate fluency in language, special licenses or certifications, expertise in another educational area, etc.
- Include skills a legal employer can utilize.
- Computer literacy is useful to a firm that utilizes computerized legal research systems.
- If not related to law, list special skills that are interesting and can differentiate you from other candidates.
- If you have no prior legal experience, you may choose to include a "Legal Skills" section. This will include skills gained through class work in legal writing and research.
- Include training in LexisNexis® and Westlaw® when appropriate.
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Interests or Community Service |
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- Do not include personal data such as marital status, height or weight.
- Think about including serious, ongoing hobbies or interests (have played piano since the age of four) that provide insight into your non-academic side.
- In an interview, the employer may ask you about your interests as a means of building rapport.
- Interests may include published poet, avid fly fisherman, marathon runner, etc.
- This is one place on the resume to show your individuality.
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Military Service |
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- Military service can be a separate topic or included under employment.
- Indicate the branch of service, organization, rank at the time of discharge, duty station, etc.
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Publications |
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- If you have published any law and/or law related articles, list them on your resume.
- Include any significant research paper published or accepted for publication.
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Memberships |
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- Include any ACTIVE memberships in bar associations or professional organizations.
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