Law Internship CV Template and Example

Professional

A strong law internship CV proves you can research, write, and manage cases before you ever set foot in a courtroom. It highlights hands-on legal experience, specific tools like Westlaw and Relativity, and quantified results that show your impact. This guide and sample show you exactly what to include and how to phrase it.

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Law Internship CV example (Professional template)

A full-page example built for this role. Use it as a structure reference — replace every line with your own experience.

Skills hiring managers look for in a Law Internship

Legal research (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Case management (Clio, MyCase)
E-discovery (Relativity, Everlaw)
Drafting motions and briefs
Bluebook citation
Deposition and trial preparation
Contract review and redlining
Client intake and conflict checks
Statutory and regulatory research
Document review and privilege logs
Court filing (CM/ECF, state e-filing)
Legal writing and memo drafting

What to Include in a Law Internship CV

Law internship CVs differ from general resumes because they must demonstrate legal skills and substantive experience, even for students. Include a professional summary, a skills section with legal-specific tools, and an experience section that details your legal work. Education is critical, so list your law school, expected graduation date, and relevant coursework or clinics. Add certifications like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and any moot court, journal, or pro bono projects. Keep the format clean and reverse-chronological.

Professional summary: 2-3 sentences on your legal focus and key strengths.
Skills: list legal research platforms, case management software, and drafting abilities.
Experience: use bullet points with action verbs and quantified results.
Education: include law school, expected graduation, and honors.
Certifications: Westlaw, LexisNexis, or e-discovery tools.
Projects: moot court, law review, clinics, or research assistantships.

How to Write Experience Bullets for a Law Internship

Hiring attorneys scan for evidence of legal analysis, writing, and case management. Each bullet should start with a strong action verb and include a metric: number of cases, documents reviewed, hours saved, or dollar amounts. Avoid vague phrases like 'assisted with legal research.' Instead, specify the area of law, the tool used, and the outcome. For example, 'Drafted 15 bench memos on motions to dismiss, cited by the judge in 4 opinions.' This shows both volume and impact. Use past tense for previous roles and present tense for current ones.

Start with a verb: Drafted, Managed, Researched, Negotiated.
Quantify: number of cases, documents, clients, or dollar amounts.
Name the legal area: commercial litigation, family law, housing.
Mention tools: Westlaw, Relativity, Clio, CM/ECF.
Show outcomes: reduced review time, secured settlements, won motions.

Skills Hiring Managers Scan For

Legal employers look for a mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills include proficiency with legal research databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis), e-discovery platforms (Relativity, Everlaw), and case management software (Clio, MyCase). They also expect strong legal writing, Bluebook citation, and document drafting. Soft skills like attention to detail, time management, and client communication are equally important. If you have language skills, list them, especially if they match the firm's client base. Certifications in these tools can set you apart from other candidates.

Legal research: Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law.
E-discovery: Relativity, Everlaw, Concordance.
Case management: Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther.
Drafting: motions, briefs, memos, contracts.
Court procedures: CM/ECF, state e-filing systems.
Client communication and conflict checks.

Common Mistakes in Law Internship CVs

Many applicants treat a law internship CV like a general resume, listing duties instead of achievements. Avoid generic phrases like 'assisted attorneys' without context. Another mistake is omitting metrics; law is a detail-oriented field, so numbers matter. Failing to proofread for typos or Bluebook errors can be fatal. Also, don't list every law school course; focus on relevant ones. Finally, ensure your contact information is professional and your email is appropriate. Tailor each CV to the specific practice area you're applying to.

Listing duties instead of quantified achievements.
Ignoring Bluebook citation rules in writing samples.
Including irrelevant coursework or high school details.
Using an unprofessional email address.
Submitting a CV without proofreading for typos.
Failing to tailor the CV to the practice area.

Formatting and Length Guidelines

For law internships, one page is standard unless you have extensive legal experience. Use a clean, conservative font like Times New Roman or Calibri, 10-12 point. Margins should be one inch. Use reverse-chronological order for experience and education. Include a header with your name, email, phone, and LinkedIn. If you have a portfolio or writing sample, add a link. Avoid graphics or photos. Consistency in formatting shows attention to detail, a key trait for legal work.

One page for students; two pages only if 5+ years of legal experience.
Use a professional font and one-inch margins.
Reverse-chronological order for experience and education.
Include a LinkedIn URL and writing sample link if available.
No photos or graphics.

Law Internship CV — frequently asked questions

How long should a law internship CV be?

For current law students, one page is expected. If you have significant prior legal experience as a paralegal or career changer, two pages may be acceptable. Focus on quality over quantity and only include relevant legal experience, education, and skills.

What skills should I list on a law internship CV?

List legal research platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis), e-discovery tools (Relativity), case management software (Clio), and drafting abilities. Also include soft skills like attention to detail and client communication. Certifications in these tools are a plus.

Do I need to include high school on a law internship CV?

No. Once you are in law school, high school details are irrelevant. Focus on your undergraduate and law school education, along with legal experience, projects, and certifications.

How do I write about legal experience if I have none?

Highlight transferable skills from non-legal jobs, such as research, writing, and client service. Include law school clinics, moot court, pro bono work, or research assistantships. Volunteer legal work also counts. Quantify your impact wherever possible.

Should I include a writing sample with my CV?

Only if the employer requests it. If you do, choose a legal memo or brief that showcases your research and Bluebook citation skills. Ensure it is redacted and proofread. You can mention 'Writing sample available upon request' on your CV.