What specific items on resumes stand out most to law schools?

Law schools will look at your GPA and your LSAT result. Those two are very basic, primary decision-making factors. However, they may also be impressed if you did certain type of work or were involved in law-related extracurricular activities. For example, if you volunteered for a legal aid organization or for the ACLU, or participated in after school activities like debate, model UN, speech competitions. A lot of law school applicants have some background working as paralegals. Law schools will also be impressed if you worked for the state or federal government or if you were a research assistant to a professor, who publishes articles on social science/social justice topics.

Focus on things that make you unique but showcase the skills that you think a law school would look for. Instead of mentioning critical thinking skills by itself, identify a project or a previous work experience where you were able to use your critical thinking skills to solve a problem. Focus on putting these skills into the Experience or Education sections of a resume, not a separate skills section,

Don't be afraid to describe the event and how you were able to showcase the skill. If you know the law school is known for a particular area (for example, corporate law), showcase your interest in corporate law, learning corporate law, or experience in a corporate setting.

Also, highlight activities and events you took part in while at school. Don't be afraid to mention a one-time event if it left an impression - show the law school admissions team that you have experience or desire to experience different things.