According to a 2010 survey of employers, the answer is NO. You should not include a statement on your resume that references are available upon request. In fact, including such a statement was Number 9 on the employers’ Top Ten List of Resume Mistakes. “References available upon request” is viewed as an archaic term, and if a prospective employer wants references from you, they will indeed request them without the necessity of your including such a statement on your resume. Also, nix the objective statement. First, it’s not appropriate for a legal resume, but even in other employment arenas, employers find it unnecessary. It’s too subjective and does not accurately reflect your qualifications and skill. Use the space instead to highlight a great legal experience, including the types of documents you drafted or court proceedings you attended. That’s a much better use of the space.
