Alumni Resume Guide Fall 2013 General Advice Recent graduates should limit their resumes to one page. Alumni with extensive experience may extend resumes to two pages if necessary. Use a traditional font such as Perpetua, Times New Roman or Garamond in 11 or 12 pt. font. Use stylistic devises (caps, small caps, bold, italics and underlining) sparingly to highlight certain items. Avoid acronyms and abbreviations, unless they are universally understood. List your education and experiences in reverse chronological order. Update your resume regularly and tailor it to target specific employers. If submitting an e-copy, create and send a PDF file to ensure that your resume is easy to view. Have a counselor review your resume for clarity, grammar and spelling. Contact Information Include your name, address, phone number and professional email address at the top of the page. Format contact information consistently on your resume and the letterhead for your cover letters. Consider including a local and permanent address to show ties to a particular geographical area when targeting an out-of-city/state employer. Experience Section List employer name and location on one line, followed by title and dates on the next line (preferred). Use a consistent format to list dates of employment: month year month year (preferred). Describe past positions in the past tense, current positions in the present tense. Use action verbs, but be careful to vary them (see attached examples). Provide concise and specific job descriptions that identify what work you performed and show the reader transferable skills, projects or assignments, clients, or co-workers. Try to highlight transferable skills and marketable qualities that match particular job descriptions and practice areas. Ask a counselor if you have questions. Education Section List degree(s) in the following order: Degree, Latin honors, major, date conferred. Use italics and lower case for Latin honors: cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude. List New York Law School followed by Juris Doctor, Year of Graduation (Juris Doctor or J.D., NOT Juris Doctorate.) Note scholarship(s) with official title and indicate if they are merit-based. Identify which semesters or years you were on the Dean's List. Include cumulative GPA if over 3.0. Talk to a counselor about handling lower averages. Add relevant upper division elective courses to show a practice area interest. Skills, Interests, and Professional Affiliations Sections Include strong interests, particularly when they relate to specific achievements or activities. Do not include general interests such as reading or sports. Do not include basic computer or research skills. They are assumed. List any language skills and proficiency levels (see attached examples). Include active bar association committee memberships and other professional activities under a Professional Affiliations section. Do not add References available on request. They can be provided upon request. Bar Admission List each state you are admitted to the bar and year of admission in a separate section of your resume. See attached resume samples to see how to list if you are awaiting results or admission.
RESUME ACTION VERBS Accomplish Achieve Acquire Administer Advise Advocate Amend Analyze Anticipate Apply Argue Arrange Assess Attend Authorize Brief Calculate Catalogue Classify Collaborate Compare Compile Complete Compose Conceive Conclude Condense Confer Construct Convince Coordinate Correct Counsel Create Critique Cross examine Defend Delegate Demonstrate Design Determine Develop Devise Digest Direct Discover Disseminate Document Draft Edit Effect Eliminate Elucidate Establish Estimate Evaluate Execute Expedite Explain Facilitate Formulate Gather Guide Handle Help Highlight Identify Implement Improve Initiate Innovate Inquire Inspect Institute Instruct Interpret Interview Introduce Investigate Launch Lecture Lead Litigate Locate Maintain Manage Maximize Mobilize Monitor Negotiate Organize Obtain Prepare Produce Plan Prosecute Perform Propose Provide Promote Process Research Recommend Review Report Refer Record Represent Restore Resolve Supervise Summarize Search Specialize Schedule Select Solve Serve Train Translate Update Write
RECENT GRADUATE RESUME TEMPLATE Address Phone Number Email Awaiting results from (month, year, and state taken) bar exam (Once you find out you passed, you should write: Passed (list state) Bar Exam, Awaiting Admission.) NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL, New York, NY Degree, Graduation Date (Month/Year) GPA/Class Rank (optional) Honors: include relevant academic honors/journals in this section Activities: include relevant activities in this section Relevant Coursework: (optional) Insert relevant coursework to tailor to your targeted practice area UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL, (City, State) Degree, Graduation date (Month/Year); Major, Minor, GPA (optional) Honors: include relevant academic honors in this section Activities: include relevant activities in this section Insert relevant professional, part-time, externship, and volunteer experience Describe activities, skills and achievements; current positions should be written in the present tense Start these descriptions with action verbs, e.g. Draft, Assist, Manage, etc. Describe activities, skills and achievements; prior positions should be written in the past tense Always start these descriptions with action verbs, e.g. Researched, Promoted, etc. Describe activities, skills and achievements; prior positions should be written in the past tense Always start these descriptions with action verbs, e.g. Organized, Established, etc. LANGUAGES/SKILLS (optional) Insert language skills and computer skills relevant to law offices. Basic computer skills are not necessary to list. INTERESTS (optional) Insert special interests and proficiencies; be as specific as possible. Include achievements such as awards won, sports events completed (such as marathons), leadership positions in charitable organizations, etc.
D LAW GRADUATE RESUME TEMPLATE Address Phone Number Email Insert relevant professional, part-time, and volunteer experience Describe activities, skills and achievements; current positions should be in the present tense Always start these descriptions with action verbs, e.g. Draft, Assist, Manage, etc. Describe activities, skills and achievements; prior positions should be in the past tense Always start these descriptions with action verbs, e.g. Researched, Promoted, etc. Describe activities, skills and achievements; prior positions should be in the past tense Always start these descriptions with action verbs, e.g. Organized, Established, etc. Describe activities, skills and achievements; prior positions should be in the past tense Always start these descriptions with action verbs, e.g. Managed, Created, etc. NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL, New York, NY Degree, Graduation Date (Month/Year) GPA/Class Rank (optional) Honors: include relevant academic honors/journals in this section Activities: include relevant activities in this section UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL, (City, State) Degree, Graduation date (Month, Year) Major, Minor, GPA (optional) Honors: include relevant academic honors in this section Activities: include relevant activities in this section Admitted, (list states and dates of admission here) PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS List bar active association memberships, committees, leadership positions on boards, and volunteer work
Recent Graduate Resume Sample Alisa Anne Perpetua 46 Maplewood Avenue Sunnyside, NY 11234 718-345-4050 alisa.perpetua@law.nyls.edu Passed July 2013 New York and New Jersey Bar Exams, Awaiting Admission NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL, New York, NY Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, May 2013 Class Rank: 13/336, Top 4% GPA: 3.79 Honors: New York Law School Law Review, Articles Editor John Marshall Harlan Scholar Dean s List, High Honors (Spring 2010, Fall 2011) Public Interest Fellow (Summer 2011) Activities: Center on Financial Services Law TUFTS UNIVERSITY, Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, May 2010 Activities: Intramural lacrosse and tennis LEGAL CITY BAR JUSTICE CENTER FORECLOSURE PROJECT, New York, NY Pro Bono Law Graduate September 2013 Present Advocate on behalf of homeowners in settlement conferences and in applying for loan modifications under the federal Home Affordable Modification Program. Research and draft legal memoranda for all documents related to foreclosure actions. Conduct client intake. Attend trainings on negotiation, loan modification, and foreclosures. THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY, New York, NY Legal Extern January 2013 May 2013 Represented client in Social Security Insurance (SSI) benefits hearing. Researched and drafted legal brief to appeal denial of benefits. Conducted client intake and home inspections for warranty of habitability cases. Developed legal resources for pro se litigants. NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY, New York, NY Legal Intern June 2012 August 2012 Researched case law relating to housing and employment policies. Drafted legal memoranda in defense of NYCHA s determinations to terminate tenancies in CPLR Article 78 proceedings. Attended administrative hearings concerning tenancy and employee disciplinary issues. SECURITIES ARBITRATION CLINIC, NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL, New York, NY Advocate January 2012 May 2012 Represented three clients claiming fraudulent broker sales techniques and misrepresentations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Settled claims favorably for two clients. THE HONORABLE STANLEY B. KATZ, NEW YORK COUNTY STATE SUPREME COURT, New York, NY Judicial Intern May 2011 June 2011 Researched and prepared draft opinions in non-jury trials and motions concerning breach of contract and warranty issues. Prepared jury charges on proximate cause and non-economic damages in medical malpractice trial.
Recent Graduate Resume Sample (litigation) Michael Roman 49-26 Millburn Avenue South Orange, NJ 08976 973-343-4567 michael.roman@law.nyls.edu Passed July 2013 New Jersey Bar Exam (Awaiting Admission) New York Law School, New York, NY Juris Doctor, cum laude, May 2013 GPA: 3.48 (Top 15%) Activities: Charles W. Froessel Intramural Moot Court Competition Latin American Law Student Association, President Brandeis University, Waltham, MA Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, History, May 2010 GPA: 3.47 Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Activities: Undergraduate Student Union, Press Secretary Alston & Alston LLP, Newark, NJ Graduate Law Clerk (part-time) September 2013 - Present Draft various motions including liability summary judgment motions on labor law and no-fault insurance claims, default judgments, and orders to show cause. Commence actions via summonses and complaints and draft other appropriate pleadings through course of litigation, including bills of particulars and responses to combined demands. Conduct intake for incoming clients and request medical records with HIPAA authorizations. Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP, New York, NY Legal Intern May 2012 - August 2012 Researched and drafted memoranda on legal issues, including nullification of patient waiver. Served as second chair during malpractice trial and assisted lead attorney with jury selection, preparation of jury instructions, and client communication throughout the proceedings. Kings County District Attorney s Office, Domestic Violence Bureau, Brooklyn, NY Legal Extern January 2012 - May 2012 Researched and analyzed case law in support of opposition to vacate prior judgment for ineffective assistance of counsel. Drafted legal memoranda, indictments, summonses and discovery requests and responses. Observed arraignments, grand jury proceedings, pre-trial and trial hearings. Lawyers for Children, Inc., New York, NY May 2011 - August 2011 Legal Intern Researched legal issues involving abuse, neglect, foster care placement, custody and adoption proceedings. Interviewed children, communicated with parents and guardians of minors and drafted summonses in preparation for pre-trial and trial hearings. Appeared on the record along with senior attorneys in hearings to terminate parental rights. LANGUAGE SKILLS Fluent in Spanish. Proficient in French.
Recent Graduate Resume Sample (transactional) ARIELLE GARAMOND 50 Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 973-343-4567 arielle.garamond@law.nyls.edu Awaiting Results from the July 2013 California Bar Exam New York Law School, New York, NY Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, May 2013 GPA: 3.48 Rank: Top 10.2% Honors: Dean s List, all semesters Activities: Center on Financial Services Law, Associate Stonewall Law Association, Events Chair Courses: Sales and Payments Real Estate Transactions & Finance University of Maryland, College Park, MD Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, Economics, May 2010 GPA: 3.47 Activities: Fitness Instructor Cooley Godward Kronish, LLP, San Diego, CA Graduate Law Clerk (part-time), September 2013 Present Conduct due diligence review and draft documents for a wide variety of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and public and private company financings. Prepare corporate documents including board resolutions, officer and secretary certificates, and formation documents. Investigate and advise clients on compliance with SEC rules and regulations for financial filings. The Law Offices of Wasserman & Mancino, New York, NY Law Clerk, May 2012 August 2012 Conducted legal research pertaining to the representation of creditor committees and debtors in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Assisted attorneys in negotiating debtor-in-possession financing and drafting plans of reorganization and liquidation, including accompanying disclosure statements. Prepared and reviewed pleadings involving contract, real estate, construction, and bankruptcy law. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, New York, NY Summer Analyst, Equity Research Department, May 2011 August 2011 Developed financial projections and analyzed market and operations data for investment banks and private equity firms. Researched macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions along with company fundamentals. Analyzed financial information to make specific investment recommendations to clients. Citigroup, Inc., New York, NY Examiner, May 2010 August 2010 Performed audit fieldwork in major bank divisions to determine compliance with federal, state, and internal bank regulations and policies. Evaluated the adequacy and efficiency of internal accounting. LANGUAGE SKILLS Proficient in Spanish and Arabic.
Alumni Resume Sample with 5+ Years Experience (Public Interest) Alisa Anne Perpetua 46 Maplewood Avenue Sunnyside, NY 11234 718-345-4050 alisa.perpetua@law.nyls.edu LEGAL NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, New York, NY Agency Attorney April 2012 Present Investigate and prosecute businesses engaged in illegal conduct through the agency s administrative tribunal. Negotiate and enforce settlement agreements, draft appellate briefs, and ensure ongoing compliance with DCAs laws, decisions and settlements. Draft formal decisions, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, penalty recommendations, and appeal determinations. Evaluate Notices of Hearing and write default decisions and dismissals. Review contracts for compliance with the Rules of the City of New York and Administrative Code. MFY LEGAL SERVICES, New York, NY Staff Attorney January 2009 March 2012 Represented over 100 tenants in Housing Court matters, including eviction proceedings and warranty of habitability actions. Researched, drafted, filed, and argued all complaints, answers, and motions, and negotiated settlement agreements for clients. Led training sessions on housing law for pro bono attorneys and student interns. CITY BAR JUSTICE CENTER FORECLOSURE PROJECT, New York, NY Pro Bono Law Graduate September 2008 January 2009 Advocated on behalf of homeowners in settlement conferences and in applying for loan modifications under the federal Home Affordable Modification Program. Researched and drafted legal memoranda on foreclosure actions. Conducted client intake. Attended trainings on negotiation, loan modification, and foreclosures. SECURITIES ARBITRATION CLINIC, NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL, New York, NY Advocate January 2008 May 2008 Represented three clients claiming fraudulent broker sales techniques and misrepresentations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Settled claims favorably for two clients. VOLUNTEER LEGAL OUTREACH, New York, NY Mentor, September 2010 Present Meet monthly with a high school student through an organization that prepares underserved youth to compete at high academic levels. Prepare mentee for debates, review college applications, and provide general guidance. NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL, New York, NY Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, May 2008 Class Rank: 13/336, Top 4% GPA: 3.79 Honors: New York Law School Law Review, Articles Editor; John Marshall Harlan Scholar; Dean s List, High Honors (Spring 2008, Fall 2007); Public Interest Fellow (Summer 2007) Internships: The Legal Aid Society (January 2007 May 2007); New York City Housing Authority (June 2007 May 2007); The Chambers of the Honorable Stanley B. Katz (May 2006 June 2006) TUFTS UNIVERSITY, Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, May 2005 New York, March 2009; New Jersey, December 2008
Alumni Resume Sample with 5+ Years Experience (litigation) Michael Roman 49-26 Millburn Avenue South Orange, NJ 08976 973-343-4567 michael.roman@law.nyls.edu Aaronson & Rappaport, Jersey City, NJ Associate February 2009 Present Represent doctors and hospitals in complex medical malpractice and insurance defense litigation. Draft legal documents including answers, pleadings, and motions for summary judgment. Prepare and defend clients in depositions. Conduct depositions of opposing parties. Conduct direct and cross examinations, opening and closing statements, and create exhibits for medical malpractice trials. Consult with numerous medical-legal experts in preparation for trial. Alston & Alston LLP, Newark, NJ Graduate Law Clerk November 2008 January 2009 Drafted various motions including liability summary judgment motions on labor law and no-fault insurance claims, default judgments, and orders to show cause. Commenced actions via summonses and complaints and drafted other appropriate pleadings through course of litigation, including bills of particulars and responses to combined demands. Conducted intake for incoming clients and requested medical records with HIPAA authorizations. Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP, New York, NY Legal Intern May 2007 August 2007 Researched and drafted memoranda on legal issues, including nullification of patient waiver. Served as second chair during malpractice trial and assisted lead attorney with jury selection, preparation of jury instructions, and client communication throughout the proceedings. Kings County District Attorney s Office, Domestic Violence Bureau, Brooklyn, NY Legal Extern January 2007 May 2007 Researched and analyzed case law in support of opposition to vacate prior judgment for ineffective assistance of counsel. Drafted legal memoranda, indictments, summonses and discovery requests and responses. Lawyers for Children, Inc., New York, NY May 2006 August 2006 Legal Intern New York Law School, New York, NY Juris Doctor, cum laude, May 2008 GPA: 3.48 (Top 15%) Activities: Charles W. Froessel Intramural Moot Court Competition Latin American Law Student Association, President Brandeis University, Waltham, MA Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, History, May 2005 Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society New Jersey (2007) LANGUAGE SKILLS Fluent in Spanish. Proficient in French.
Alumni Resume Sample with 5+ Years Experience (transactional) ARIELLE GARAMOND 50 Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 973-343-4567 arielle.garamond@law.nyls.edu Cooley Godward Kronish, LLP, San Diego, CA Associate, December 2007 Present Conduct due diligence review and draft documents for a wide variety of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and public and private company financings. Prepare corporate documents including board resolutions, officer and secretary certificates, and formation documents. Investigate and advise clients on compliance with SEC rules and regulations for financial filings. Through the firm s pro bono program, represent a small arts foundation in applying for its 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The Law Offices of Wasserman & Mancino, New York, NY Law Clerk, May 2006 August 2006 Conducted legal research pertaining to the representation of creditor committees and debtors in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Assisted attorneys in negotiating debtor-in-possession financing and drafting plans of reorganization and liquidation, including accompanying disclosure statements. Prepared and reviewed pleadings involving contract, real estate, construction, and bankruptcy law. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, New York, NY Summer Analyst, Equity Research Department, May 2005 August 2005 Developed financial projections and analyzed market and operations data for investment banks and private equity firms. Researched macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions along with company fundamentals. Analyzed financial information to make specific investment recommendations to clients. Citigroup, Inc., New York, NY Examiner, May 2004 August 2004 Performed audit fieldwork in major bank divisions to determine compliance with federal, state, and internal bank regulations and policies. Evaluated the adequacy and efficiency of internal accounting. New York Law School, New York, NY Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, May 2007 GPA: 3.48 Rank: Top 10.2% Honors: Dean s List, all semesters Activities: Center on Financial Services Law, Associate; Stonewall Law Association, Events Chair Courses: Sales and Payments; Real Estate Transactions & Finance University of Maryland, College Park, MD Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, Economics, May 2004 GPA: 3.47 California (2008) PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND LANGUAGE SKILLS San Diego County Bar Association, New Lawyer Division Member. Proficient in Spanish and Arabic.