Resume Writing Tips for Summer Associate

Introduction

The summer associate role offers unparalleled exposure to real-world challenges, networking opportunities, and a chance to mentally and professionally prepare for full-time positions. Given the high volume of applicants, recruiters rely heavily on resumes to quickly assess candidates' qualifications. Therefore, a strong, optimized resume that clearly highlights your capabilities and accomplishments can significantly improve your chances of success. In this blog, we’ll walk you through ten detailed resume writing tips specifically designed to help summer associate applicants create an impactful resume that gets noticed by recruiters and ATS alike.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the elevator pitch of your document. It should succinctly convey who you are as a candidate, your key strengths, and what you bring to the summer associate role. A compelling summary grabs attention early and motivates the recruiter to read further.

Example: “Analytical and detail-oriented law student with strong research, negotiation, and client communications skills. Proven track record in managing complex projects and delivering under tight deadlines. Eager to apply legal research and drafting expertise as a Summer Associate.”

2. Key Skills

List key skills relevant to the summer associate role to quickly communicate your qualifications. This helps both ATS systems and recruiters identify your fit for the position. Include a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

• Legal Research
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Client Communication
• Problem Solving
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Contract Drafting
• Negotiation
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Highlight achievements over mere job duties. Recruiters want to see the impact you made, not just what you were assigned to do. Quantify accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your value and results.

Example: Instead of “Researched case law,” use “Conducted comprehensive legal research contributing to winning a $1M settlement.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each application by aligning your skills and experiences with the specific job description. Incorporate keywords from the posting to increase ATS compatibility and show recruiters you understand what the role requires. Focus on experiences most relevant to the job.

5. Tools

• Westlaw
• LexisNexis
• Microsoft Excel
• PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Tableau
• Slack
• Trello
• Zoom

6. Metrics

• Increased research efficiency by 30% by developing streamlined data collection protocols.
• Managed a client portfolio valued at $2M during internship.
• Supported a case that resulted in a $1M settlement.
• Reduced document preparation time by 20% using automated templates.
• Collaborated with a team of 5 to draft contracts reviewed by senior partners.

7. Education

• Include your current law school or university, degree pursued, GPA (if strong), and expected graduation date.
• Mention relevant coursework, honors, or academic projects that illustrate your readiness for the role.

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman at 10-12 pt size.
• Maintain consistent margins and spacing; avoid large blocks of text.

9. Concise

Keep your resume to one or two pages maximum. Be concise and focus on relevance. Use bullet points for clarity and brevity.

10. Bonus

• Include a hyperlink to your professional LinkedIn profile or portfolio (if applicable).
• Use action verbs such as “Led,” “Analyzed,” or “Developed” to start bullet points for more dynamic descriptions.

Examples

• “Led a research team of 4 peers to analyze regulatory compliance affecting client contracts, resulting in a revised framework adopted by the firm.”
• “Drafted and reviewed over 50 contracts and legal documents, reducing turnaround time by 15% and improving accuracy.”

Conclusion

For summer associate candidates, your resume is not just a list of experiences—it is a powerful marketing tool that showcases your impact, leadership potential, and analytical strengths. By focusing on measurable achievements, tailoring your content to the position, and optimizing for ATS, you increase your chances of progressing through the selection process. Remember, clarity, relevance, and professionalism in your resume writing are key to opening the door to a rewarding summer associate role and paving the way for your future career.