Law Graduate Resume Examples and How to Write
Finding it challenging to secure your first legal position in Australia’s competitive legal market? You’re entering one of the most demanding yet rewarding professional fields, where employers seek candidates who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also practical legal skills, commercial awareness, and genuine commitment to the profession. Whether you’re seeking graduate positions at top-tier commercial firms, boutique practices, government agencies, or community legal centres, your resume must showcase your legal knowledge, research capabilities, and professional readiness from day one.
This comprehensive guide will help you create an exceptional law graduate resume tailored specifically for the Australian legal profession. From highlighting your academic achievements and mooting experience to demonstrating your understanding of Australian legal systems and commercial law principles, we’ll show you how to position yourself as an outstanding candidate ready to contribute meaningfully to legal practice. Learn what legal recruiters and partners at firms advertising on SEEK and LinkedIn are seeking in today’s dynamic legal landscape.
This free sample resume for a law graduate has an accompanying law graduate sample cover letter to help you put together a winning job application.
Law Graduate Resume (Text Version)
Law Graduate
📧 [email protected]
📱 0423 789 456
📍 Sydney, NSW 2000
💼 linkedin.com/in/jessicathompson-law
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
High-achieving Law Graduate with Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and comprehensive practical legal experience through internships at leading commercial law firms. Demonstrated excellence in legal research, contract analysis, and client communication with proven track record in competitive mooting and academic achievement. Strong foundation in corporate law, litigation, and regulatory compliance with commitment to delivering exceptional legal services and contributing to firm success from day one.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Legal Research & Case Analysis
• Contract Drafting & Review
• Client Interview & Communication Skills
• Commercial Law & Corporate Governance
• Litigation Support & Court Procedures
• Legal Writing & Documentation
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Assessment
• Legal Database Proficiency (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class I)
University of Sydney, Sydney NSW
2023
GPA: 6.8/7.0 | Dean’s List 2021-2023
Academic Excellence Scholarship Recipient
Honours Thesis: “Corporate Governance in Australian Public Companies: Post-Royal Commission Reforms”
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
University of Sydney, Sydney NSW
2021
Distinction Average | Major: Corporate Finance | Minor: Business Law
PRACTICAL LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Legal Intern
Allens Linklaters, Sydney NSW
November 2023 – February 2024
• Conducted comprehensive legal research for major corporate transactions totalling $500M+ in deal value
• Assisted senior associates with due diligence processes for M&A transactions, reviewing contracts and corporate documents
• Drafted memoranda and legal opinions on corporate governance matters for ASX-listed clients
• Supported litigation team with case preparation including document review and witness statement analysis
• Participated in client meetings and observed court proceedings in Federal Court commercial disputes
• Contributed to pro bono matters including refugee legal assistance and community legal education programmes
Paralegal
Baker McKenzie, Sydney NSW
January 2023 – October 2023 (Part-time)
• Provided research and administrative support to partners and senior associates in banking and finance practice
• Reviewed and analysed complex financing agreements and security documents for major infrastructure projects
• Maintained client databases and managed document management systems for large-scale transactions
• Prepared court filings and correspondence with regulatory authorities including ASIC and APRA
• Assisted with regulatory compliance matters and advised on Australian prudential standards
Legal Research Assistant
University of Sydney Law School, Sydney NSW
February 2022 – December 2022
• Conducted extensive research for academic publication on constitutional law and human rights
• Analysed High Court decisions and their impact on Australian constitutional interpretation
• Prepared research summaries and case notes for academic conferences and journal submissions
• Tutored undergraduate students in constitutional law and contract law subjects
• Contributed to law reform submissions to parliamentary committees and government agencies
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Mooting & Advocacy
• Champion – Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot, 2023
Best Advocate Award – Individual Recognition
• Finalist – Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, 2022
• Semi-Finalist – Clayton Utz Commercial Law Moot, 2022
Law Review & Publications
• Senior Editor – Sydney Law Review, 2023
• Published: “Directors’ Duties in Times of Corporate Distress” – Australian Corporate Law Journal, 2023
• Case Note: “Smith v Jones: Developments in Contract Interpretation” – Sydney Law Review, 2022
Leadership & Community Involvement
• President – Sydney University Law Society, 2023
• Volunteer Legal Advisor – Redfern Legal Centre, 2021-2023
Provided legal assistance to disadvantaged community members
• Mentor – First Year Law Student Mentoring Programme, 2022-2023
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CERTIFICATIONS
• Practical Legal Training (PLT) – College of Law Australia, Currently Enrolled
• Legal Technology Certificate – LexisNexis Professional Development, 2023
• Negotiation Skills Workshop – Harvard Law School (Online), 2023
• Commercial Awareness Programme – Baker McKenzie, 2023
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Corporate Law – University of Sydney, 2023
• Academic Excellence Scholarship – University of Sydney, 2021-2023
• Law Society of NSW Prize for Constitutional Law – 2022
• University Medal Nominee – Bachelor of Laws, 2023
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Student Member, Law Society of New South Wales
• Member, Australian Corporate Lawyers Association (ACLA) – Student Division
• Member, Women Lawyers Association of New South Wales
What is The Best Format for a Law Graduate Resume?
The reverse chronological format is essential for law graduate positions as it clearly demonstrates your academic progression, practical legal experience development, and increasing levels of responsibility in legal environments. This format allows legal recruiters and partners to quickly assess your qualifications, experience trajectory, and readiness for legal practice.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
Choose professional, conservative fonts such as Times New Roman, Georgia, or Garamond that reflect the traditional nature of legal practice. Use 14-16pt for your name and contact information, 12pt for section headings, and 11pt for body text. Maintain 2.5cm margins and ensure adequate white space for professional appearance. Save as PDF to preserve formatting when submitting to legal recruiters and law firms.
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, mobile number, professional email address, city and state, and LinkedIn profile URL. For law graduates, ensure your email address is highly professional and consider including your law school affiliation if prestigious.
Professional Summary: Create a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your legal education, practical experience, key achievements, and areas of legal interest. This section should immediately establish your academic credentials and practical readiness.
Education: Place education prominently near the top of your resume, including degree details, honours, GPA (if strong), academic awards, and thesis topics that demonstrate legal expertise.
Experience: Detail your legal internships, clerkships, paralegal work, and any other relevant professional experience, emphasising legal skills developed and contributions made to legal teams.
Additional Sections: Include academic achievements, mooting experience, publications, leadership roles, professional associations, and volunteer legal work that demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession.
What Experience Should Be on Your Law Graduate Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your practical legal skills, understanding of legal processes, and ability to contribute meaningfully to legal practice. Focus on specific legal tasks performed, research conducted, client interactions, and contributions to legal matters that show your readiness for professional legal practice.
Highlight experiences that demonstrate your analytical abilities, attention to detail, written communication skills, and understanding of commercial law principles. Include examples of legal research, document review, client service, and any involvement in significant legal matters or transactions.
Summer Clerk
Herbert Smith Freehills, Melbourne VIC
November 2023 – February 2024
• Conducted legal research and analysis for complex commercial litigation matters involving contract disputes exceeding $50M
• Drafted legal memoranda and case summaries for senior associates and partners on corporate law and securities regulation
• Assisted with due diligence reviews for major M&A transactions, analysing corporate governance documents and compliance records
• Prepared court documents and assisted with hearing preparations for Federal Court commercial proceedings
• Participated in client conferences and observed witness interviews for regulatory investigation matters
• Contributed to firm’s pro bono practice providing legal research for indigenous land rights case
• Received excellent performance feedback and offer for graduate position upon admission
Law Intern
Law Firm
2023 – 2024
• Worked with lawyers
• Did research tasks
• Helped with legal work
• Attended meetings
• Read legal documents
• Learned about law practice
Entry-Level Law Graduate Resume Samples [Experience]
For new law graduates with limited practical experience, emphasise law school clinics, volunteer legal work, internships, research assistantships, and any exposure to legal practice through coursework or extracurricular activities.
Student Legal Clinician
Griffith University Legal Clinic, Brisbane QLD
February 2023 – November 2023
• Provided supervised legal assistance to 25+ clients in family law and consumer protection matters
• Conducted client interviews, drafted legal advice letters, and prepared court documents under academic supervision
• Researched complex legal issues including domestic violence protection orders and debt recovery procedures
• Represented clients in Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) proceedings
• Collaborated with community legal organisations to provide outreach services to underserved communities
• Achieved 90% successful resolution rate for client matters through negotiation and tribunal representation
• Received commendation for exceptional client service and legal research capabilities
Legal Clinic Student
2023
• Helped clients with legal problems
• Did legal research
• Attended clinic sessions
• Learned practical legal skills
• Worked under supervision
• Gained legal experience
How to Write the Education Section for Your Law Graduate Resume
Education is the cornerstone of any law graduate resume, as legal qualifications are mandatory for practice and demonstrate your foundational knowledge of Australian law, legal reasoning capabilities, and academic excellence. Include your law degree prominently with details that showcase your academic achievements and specialisation areas.
Highlight academic distinctions, relevant coursework, honours thesis topics, and any academic awards that demonstrate excellence in legal studies. For law graduates, strong academic performance can differentiate you in the competitive graduate market and indicate your potential for success in legal practice.
Law Graduate Resume Example [Education]
Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class I)
Monash University, Melbourne VIC
2023
GPA: 6.9/7.0 | Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Dean’s Prize for Academic Excellence – Corporate Law, Constitutional Law
Honours Thesis: “Regulatory Sandboxes in Australian Financial Services: Innovation vs Consumer Protection”
Relevant Coursework: Corporate Law, Securities Regulation, Commercial Litigation, Competition Law
Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations)
Monash University, Melbourne VIC
2020
First Class Honours | High Distinction Average
Exchange Programme: University of Oxford, UK (Semester 2, 2019)
Major Research Project: “International Trade Law and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms”
ADDITIONAL LEGAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Practical Legal Training (PLT) – Australian National University College of Law, Currently Enrolled
• Certificate in Advanced Legal Research – Legal Research Institute, 2023
• Commercial Law Intensive – University of Melbourne Law School, 2022
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Law Graduate Resume
The skills section demonstrates your legal competencies, analytical abilities, and professional capabilities essential for successful legal practice. Include 10-12 skills that showcase your legal research proficiency, written communication excellence, client service orientation, and technical abilities valued in modern legal practice.
Balance legal-specific skills (statutory interpretation, case analysis, legal drafting) with broader professional skills (project management, client relations, commercial awareness) to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate ready for diverse legal challenges.
Law Graduate Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Legal Research & Case Analysis (Westlaw, LexisNexis, AustLII)
• Contract Drafting & Document Review
• Statutory Interpretation & Legislative Analysis
• Legal Writing & Brief Preparation
• Court Procedures & Filing Requirements
• Due Diligence & Regulatory Compliance
• Legal Database Management & Research
• Commercial Law & Corporate Governance
• Litigation Support & Case Management
• Legal Technology & Practice Management Systems
Law Graduate Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Professional Client Communication
• Time Management & Deadline Management
• Ethical Reasoning & Professional Integrity
• Team Collaboration & Leadership
• Oral Advocacy & Presentation Skills
• Cultural Sensitivity & Diversity Awareness
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning
• Commercial Awareness & Business Acumen
How to Pick the Best Law Graduate Skills:
1. **Review graduate position descriptions** from target law firms to identify the most commonly requested legal competencies and technical skills
2. **Emphasise research and writing skills** as these are fundamental to all areas of legal practice and highly valued by employers
3. **Include technology proficiencies** relevant to modern legal practice including legal databases, practice management systems, and research tools
4. **Balance technical legal skills** with commercial awareness and client service skills that demonstrate your readiness for business-focused legal practice
5. **Consider practice area specifics** such as corporate law, litigation, or regulatory compliance based on your career interests and target firms
6. **Highlight advocacy skills** developed through mooting, clinical practice, or court appearances that demonstrate your oral communication abilities
Law Graduate Resume Examples [Skills]
• **Contract Analysis Excellence:** Reviewed and analysed 200+ commercial contracts during internships, identifying key risk factors and drafting comprehensive legal advice memoranda
• **Client Communication Proficiency:** Conducted 30+ client interviews and consultations during clinic work, receiving consistently positive feedback for empathy and clarity of legal advice
• **Litigation Support Expertise:** Assisted with case preparation for 15+ Federal Court matters, including document review, witness statement preparation, and hearing attendance
• **Commercial Law Knowledge:** Demonstrated expertise in corporate governance, securities regulation, and M&A transactions through academic excellence and practical experience
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Law Graduate Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your law graduate resume by demonstrating your commitment to legal excellence, professional development, and community service beyond basic academic requirements. These sections are particularly valuable in the competitive Australian legal market where firms seek candidates who show initiative, leadership, and genuine passion for the law.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Mooting & Advocacy Experience: Competitive mooting results, advocacy training, court appearances, or public speaking experience that demonstrates your oral communication skills and legal argument capabilities.
Publications & Research: Law journal articles, case notes, conference presentations, or research projects that show your analytical abilities and contribution to legal scholarship.
Professional Associations & Leadership: Membership in legal organisations, student society leadership roles, or professional development activities that demonstrate engagement with the legal community.
Pro Bono & Community Legal Work: Volunteer legal assistance, community legal education, or social justice activities that show your commitment to access to justice and community service.
Law Graduate Resume Examples [Other Sections]
MOOTING & ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Winner – Australian National Mooting Competition, 2023
Best Oralist Award – Individual recognition for advocacy excellence
• Finalist – International Commercial Arbitration Moot, Vienna, 2022
• Semi-Finalist – ALSA Intervarsity Mooting Competition, 2021
PUBLICATIONS & RESEARCH
• “Cryptocurrency Regulation in Australia: Balancing Innovation and Consumer Protection”
Published: Australian Business Law Review, Issue 3, 2023
• “Contract Law in the Digital Age: E-signatures and Electronic Contracts”
Case Note: Melbourne University Law Review, 2022
COMMUNITY LEGAL WORK
• Volunteer Solicitor – Homeless Persons’ Legal Service, 2021-2023
Provided legal advice and representation to homeless clients on housing and social security matters
• Legal Education Volunteer – Migrant Resource Centre, 2022
Conducted workshops on Australian legal system for newly arrived migrants
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
• Reading legal thrillers
• Watching court TV shows
• Playing sports
• Travelling
PERSONAL QUALITIES
• Hardworking
• Detail-oriented
• Good communicator
• Team player
Tip: Only include personal interests if they demonstrate leadership, community engagement, or skills relevant to legal practice such as debating, public speaking, or cultural competency through international experience.
How to Write a Law Graduate Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary positions you as an exceptional law graduate ready to contribute meaningfully to legal practice while continuing to develop your professional capabilities. Focus on your academic achievements, practical experience, legal skills, and commitment to professional excellence that make you an ideal candidate for graduate legal positions.
For law graduate roles, emphasise your analytical abilities, research skills, client service orientation, and understanding of commercial law principles. Include specific achievements, relevant experience, and career aspirations that align with the firm’s practice areas and values.
Key elements to include:
• Law degree details including honours and academic distinctions
• Practical legal experience including internships and clinic work
• Specific legal competencies and achievements
• Areas of legal interest and specialisation
• Professional attributes and career commitment
• Understanding of Australian legal system and commercial law
Law Graduate Resume Summary Examples
Distinguished Law Graduate with Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class I) and comprehensive practical experience through clerkships at tier-one commercial law firms. Demonstrated excellence in legal research, contract analysis, and client communication with proven track record in competitive mooting and academic achievement. Strong foundation in corporate law, M&A transactions, and regulatory compliance with commitment to delivering exceptional legal services and contributing to firm success. Seeking to apply analytical skills and commercial awareness in challenging graduate role at leading commercial law firm.
Recent law graduate looking for first legal job. I have completed my law degree and am ready to start working as a lawyer. I am hardworking, dedicated, and passionate about the law. I have good analytical skills and want to help clients with their legal problems. Looking for opportunities to gain experience and develop my legal career.
For law graduates with limited practical experience, a resume objective focusing on educational achievements, career goals, and transferable skills may be more appropriate than an experience-focused summary.
Entry-Level Law Graduate Resume Summary Examples
High-achieving Law Graduate with Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and strong foundation in commercial and corporate law through academic excellence and practical legal clinic experience. Demonstrated analytical abilities through award-winning legal research and successful client representation in student legal clinic. Proven oral advocacy skills through competitive mooting success and written communication excellence through published legal commentary. Seeking graduate position to apply legal knowledge and develop professional capabilities in dynamic commercial law environment.
New law graduate seeking entry-level position in legal field. I have just completed my law degree and am excited to start my legal career. I am eager to learn from experienced lawyers and gain practical experience. I am committed to working hard and contributing to a successful law firm while developing my legal skills and knowledge.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Law Graduate Resume
Your LinkedIn profile is crucial for law graduate career development in Australia, with legal recruiters, partners, and in-house counsel increasingly using the platform to identify potential candidates for graduate positions and lateral moves. When updating your law graduate resume, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects consistent professional branding while leveraging LinkedIn’s features for legal networking and thought leadership within Australia’s legal community.
LinkedIn provides opportunities to demonstrate your legal knowledge through posts, share insights about legal developments, and connect with legal professionals across Australian law firms and corporate legal departments. Use this platform to showcase your analytical thinking and establish yourself as an emerging legal professional.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Law Graduates
Your LinkedIn headline should communicate your legal qualifications, areas of interest, and professional aspirations beyond just your current status. Include relevant achievements, practice area interests, and key attributes that distinguish you in the competitive graduate legal market.
• “Law Graduate (Honours) | Corporate & Commercial Law Focus | Admitted Solicitor | Seeking Graduate Opportunities in M&A and Securities”
• “JD Graduate | Commercial Litigation Interest | Award-Winning Mooter | Legal Research & Writing Excellence | Future Barrister”
• “Law Graduate | Banking & Finance Law | PLT Complete | Published Legal Researcher | Ready for Commercial Law Practice”
• “Law Graduate”
• “Recent Law Graduate Seeking Opportunities”
• “Law Student at University”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary is concise and achievement-focused, your LinkedIn summary allows for more storytelling about your legal journey and professional aspirations. Write in first person, explain your passion for law, discuss your career interests, and share your vision for contributing to legal practice. For the Australian context, mention your understanding of local legal market dynamics, regulatory environment, or specific aspects of Australian law that interest you.
Your LinkedIn summary can span 3-4 paragraphs, providing space to discuss your legal education journey, practical experiences, research interests, and career aspirations in Australian legal practice. Include legal keywords naturally to improve discoverability by legal recruiters and law firm partners.
Showcasing Law Graduate Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions of your legal internships, research projects, and academic achievements. Expand beyond resume bullet points to explain your legal analysis methodologies, research approaches, and contributions to legal matters or academic projects.
Consider adding media to your experience entries such as published articles, mooting certificates, academic transcripts (if exceptional), or professional development certificates. Visual content helps demonstrate your achievements and professional development to profile visitors.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Law Graduates
Select up to 50 skills relevant to legal practice, prioritising those most valued in Australian legal environments. Include legal skills (contract law, litigation, legal research), analytical capabilities (due diligence, regulatory compliance), and professional skills (client service, project management). Actively seek endorsements from law school professors, internship supervisors, and legal professionals you’ve worked with.
Take LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas like Legal Research and Project Management. Displayed skill badges enhance your profile credibility and can improve visibility in searches by legal recruiters for specific competencies.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Law Graduates
Optimise your profile for the Australian legal market by using local legal terminology, referencing Australian legislation and case law in your experience, and mentioning understanding of Australian legal system principles. Share insights about Australian legal developments, comment on legal industry posts, and engage with content from Australian legal thought leaders.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as “Young Lawyers Australia,” “Australian Corporate Lawyers Association,” or state-based legal professional groups, and participate in discussions about legal career development, practice area developments, or access to justice issues. Connect strategically with Australian legal professionals, partners at target firms, and legal recruiters to build your professional network within Australia’s legal community.
Creating an outstanding law graduate resume requires demonstrating both academic excellence and practical readiness for the demanding yet rewarding field of legal practice. Your resume should position you as an analytically sharp, professionally mature candidate prepared to contribute meaningfully to legal teams while continuing to develop your expertise under senior guidance.
Complement your polished resume with a targeted law graduate cover letter that explains your legal interests and demonstrates your understanding of the specific firm’s practice areas and culture. Stay informed about Australian legal developments through Law Society resources and continue your professional development through Law Council of Australia programmes to maintain excellence throughout your legal career.
With a compelling resume that showcases your legal education, practical experience, and commitment to professional excellence, you’ll be well-positioned to secure graduate positions and build a successful career in Australia’s dynamic legal profession.
