

E.g., “researched and wrote memoranda on issues of jurisdiction and venue,” rather than “involved in assisting attorneys in the researching and writing of…”

Use action verbs and rich detail in descriptions.Think strategically about the amount of physical space devoted to each experience.Be prepared to discuss significant gaps at interviews.E.g., “Held various positions as salesclerk, server, and receptionist while in college.” Summarize smaller or less relevant positions to fill gaps.Eliminate jargon and terminology unfamiliar to a general audience. Rewrite past descriptions written for different industries and audiences.Include work associated with a scholastic experience, including legal clinic experience, research for a professor, and extensive work for a student organization.Emphasize professional skills including organizational ability, leadership, initiative, creativity, communication skills, common sense, and intellectual ability.List experiences that demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas relevant to legal employers, especially research, writing, and analysis.Omit job titles if unimpressive or do not clarify your responsibilities, however, be consistent about including/excluding titles throughout.Dates can be general (e.g., Summer 20XX).Include the name of the employer, the location, titles, and dates of employment.Include experiences to which you have committed, but not yet begun describe using future-tense verbs.List experiences in reverse chronological order.Include especially if the topic relates to the law. Create a Thesis sub-section in your undergraduate education listing.Create a Study Abroad sub-section in your undergraduate education listing.Be clear about the timing of future commitments, however, describing the exact timing of past activities is not strictly necessary.Move particularly relevant, intensive, or skills-enhancing activities to the Experience section.If applying for public service positions, include as many of your service-related activities as space permits to demonstrate your commitment to service.Narrow the list, if necessary, by selecting only one of several activities that are of the same genre.

