Your Resume

    One Page

    Use your one-page resume to highlight your abilities to learn, think critically, work well on teams, speak to the public, multi-task, handle information in a confident way, etc. (the same transferrable skills successful lawyers possess)

    Be selective

    You do not need to include everything you’ve ever done- be selective based on what will inform the law schools about the skills and background you want them to know about

    Include anything

    Work experience can be in ANYTHING!  Think about what you were doing in relation to the transferrable skills lawyers use day to day. It is not advised that you use experience from high school. Try to keep it only things you have done after you graduated high school. 

    Highlight your involvement

    Showcase leadership and engagement in organizations. 

    Show off your skills

    Don’t forget to share information regarding any language, research, and technology skills

    Depending on your major, your school-based career center might have resume information and samples for you to use throughout the resume writing process. 

    Need a resume critique NOW?  We have support for that!  When you are ready for a resume critique, please take advantage of the following student resource: VMock Smart Resume.  Smart Resume is a 24/7 platform tailored specifically for USC students (using data from 10,000+ anonymized USC resumes!) that uses AI to review your resume and provide tailored feedback. Within 30 seconds you will receive constructive feedback to help your resume be more competitive in relation to presentation, impact, and competencies.

    Dornsife Career Pathways resume guide

    24/7 resume critique (Takes 30 seconds! TRY IT!)

    USC Career Center

    Sample Resumes