How to Write a Lawyer CV (In-Depth Guide)

Becoming a lawyer in the UK is notoriously challenging, with only a 2% success rate. Despite these daunting statistics, don’t let them deter you from pursuing your dream career. Lawyers are key at providing legal advice, drafting documents, and representing clients in courtrooms across the UK. They play a crucial role in resolving civil and criminal cases, ensuring that justice prevails within society.

As the legal field evolves, staying ahead by embracing AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and adapting to technological changes could be a great help and make your job search more efficient. Whether you are a recent law graduate, a paralegal, a trainee solicitor, or a seasoned Chief Legal Officer (CLO), this guide guides you through the complex legal job market.

In this step-by-step guide, we cover:

• How do you tailor your lawyer CV for different legal jobs?

• What is the best way to format for maximum impact?

• How can you write a successful CV if you have no experience?

• Which sections should you include, and when should you include them?

For more inspiration, discover our expert tips and CV templates for creating a compelling solicitor CV, propelling your legal career to new heights.

Lawyer CV example

Download this legal CV example UK as a PDF

Andrei Popescu is an experienced mid-level lawyer specialising in employment law. His skill set includes drafting compelling legal documents, conducting thorough research, and representing clients in diverse labour law cases. With a strong legal representation experience, he is a suitable candidate for his next role. He has opted for the simple CV layout and two-column Wisconsin template that conveys his qualifications and expertise in an easy-to-read format.

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Do you need a cover letter? Check out our lawyer cover letter example, which explains each section in more detail and shows how to tailor it to specific job openings.

What to include in a lawyer CV?

Similar to a good CV, there are core and optional sections you need to take note of when preparing your law CV. There is no uniform way of writing a CV, and the way you do it depends on various factors such as the type of job or industry and your professional background. The last but not least step is optimising your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS), as your recruiters or hiring managers can parse your CV for years of experience, technical skills, and the right qualifications.

See the list of must-have sections to include in your legal CV sample:

• Personal details

• Personal profile

• Work experience

• Skills

• Education.

Additionally, consider adding one of the following CV sections for your CV:

• Courses and cerificates

• References

• Achievements

• Languages.

How to write a personal profile on a lawyer CV

A personal profile on a CV, also known as a personal statement, is a brief snapshot of your key qualifications and career goals in four to six lines. It should show your personality and explain how you can contribute to the law firm you’re applying for.

Emphasise your key achievements, areas of expertise, and years of experience directly within your personal statement. Rather than listing all your skills separately, weave them organically into your personal profile. Highlighting soft skills such as communication, negotiation, attention to detail, and organisation can strengthen your profile and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

What skills to put on a lawyer CV?

Incorporating the right legal skills on a CV is crucial not only to impress hiring managers but also to navigate ATS. Carefully opt for the strongest skills that showcase valuable capabilities that could benefit the organisation or law firm. Make it easy for employers to recognise your strengths and enhance your prospects for a successful legal career.

If you’re a trainee or transitioning to a different role, try to incorporate transferable skills such as ‘problem-solving’, ‘project management’, or ‘critical thinking’ from previous experience. This could further help you land your job, especially if you’re seeking a career change.

Explore our related blog article on the top skills employers look for to learn more.

How to write work experience on a lawyer CV

Work experience on a CV is the foundation for any CV in the legal field, as that’s what most hiring managers ask you to have. Focus on showcasing tangible achievements rather than just listing duties. Emphasise your most recent and relevant legal roles that align with your targeted legal positions. Tailor your CV to a specific job by demonstrating your expertise, legal prowess, and the valuable contributions you've made as a lawyer.

Examples of work experience:

Senior Lawyer, Smith & Associates Law Firm, New York | 2016-Present

Represent clients in complex litigation cases, handling trial preparation, legal research, and drafting legal documents. Collaborate with senior lawyers on legal strategy and case analysis. Advise corporate clients on compliance with regulatory requirements and conduct due diligence in M&A transactions.

• Achieved favourable outcomes in 85% of cases, leading to increased client referrals and high client retention rates.

• Negotiated settlements for clients, successfully resolving 90% of cases out of court, saving time and resources for both clients and the firm.

• Received recognition for outstanding contributions to a landmark litigation case.

Corporate Legal Adviser, TechLink Inc., San Francisco | 2014 - 2020

Provided legal guidance and support to the company's management and cross-functional teams. Drafted and reviewed various commercial contracts, ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation. Led the legal team in intellectual property matters, securing three successful patent registrations and enabling the company's expansion into international markets.

• Designed and implemented internal legal training for employees on contract best practices.

• Counselled with external counsel to manage litigation cases effectively, resulting in an impressive 80% success rate in favour of the company.

• Received commendation for exceptional legal counsel in a high-stakes M&A negotiation.

Junior Solicitor, Harrison & Co. Solicitors, Manchester | 2015-2018

Assisted in representing clients in family law and personal injury cases, managing case files, conducting client interviews, and preparing legal documents. Provided support in drafting contracts and wills, ensuring compliance with current legislation.

• Achieved a high success rate in family law mediations, helping clients reach amicable agreements without needing to go to court.

• Played a key role in resolving over 50 personal injury claims, securing substantial compensation for clients.

• Praised for attention to detail and thoroughness in case preparation, leading to positive outcomes in court.

Senior Solicitor, Baker & Partners, London | 2018-Present

Advised corporate clients on complex legal matters, including contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. Represented clients in high-stakes litigation, developing and executing legal strategies to protect their interests. Led the drafting and review of legal documents, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with clients' objectives.

• Drafted and negotiated contracts that resulted in a 20% increase in business agreements for high-profile corporate clients.

• Successfully executed over 30 trial strategies, securing favourable court judgments in 85% of cases handled.

• Trained and managed 5 paralegal teams, directly contributing to the completion of mergers and acquisitions worth over £50 million.

For more information, check out our related blog article on how to write work experience on a CV.

How to list education on a lawyer CV

This core section is a testament to your legal acumen, expertise, and qualifications. Showcase your relevant legal training and academic achievements to demonstrate your capabilities in handling complex legal matters and commitment to professional excellence. Legal work is intellectually challenging and competitive, so universities expect excellent A-level grades as evidence that you'll be able to cope with the demands of studying law.

Examples of education for legal CV:

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of London, London | 2020 - 2023

• Graduated with First Class Honours.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Manchester, Manchester | 2017 - 2020

• Obtained Upper Second Class Honours (2:1).

• Recipient of the Law Scholarship for outstanding academic performance.

Legal Practice Course (LPC), City Law School, London | 2014 - 2017

• Completed extensive advocacy training for courtroom practice.

For more tips, refer to our blog article about education on a CV.

How to list courses and certificates on a lawyer CV

As a solicitor, showcasing your professional development through relevant courses and certifications on a CV can bolster your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest law best practices. Renowned legal institutions like The University of Law, The City Law School, and The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) provide specialised certificates tailored to various legal specialisations. Incorporating these certifications into your CV not only enhances your credibility but also showcases your expertise in specific legal domains.

Examples of courses and certificates:

• Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme (QLTS), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

• Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), Bar Standards Board (BSB)

• Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx), Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx)

• Higher Rights of Audience (HRA), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

• Advanced Criminal Litigation and Advocacy Certificate, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

• Notary Public, The Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury

• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Key takeaways

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of what hiring managers expect in your CV and how to format and structure your lawyer CV effectively. Technologies rapidly shape the legal landscape, so take advantage of that and demonstrate your proficiency in the latest tools and legal knowledge. See our key takeaways below:

• Keep your CV concise, focusing on the most relevant information.

• Write a compelling personal statement that showcases your passion and noteworthy achievements in the legal sector.

• Differentiate between soft and hard skills by incorporating the former in the personal profile section.

• Quantify your achievements with specific metrics and numbers whenever possible.

• Highlight both duties and achievements, such as drafting documents or securing court decisions.

• Showcase your relevant education alongside qualifications or certificates.

• Proofread your CV thoroughly for spelling and grammar errors.

Next steps?

If you need to improve your legal writing skills, reach out to our CV Writing Services. We’re here to answer all your pressing questions. For further inspiration, explore our CV examples to guide yourself in structuring and writing your CV concisely. Once you're done with your CV, see how to start a cover letter and submit an application with no worries.

Explore our blog article on the highest-paying jobs in the UK for more information on career prospects and average salaries based on your experience.

FAQ

What should a lawyer CV look like?

It should include core sections such as personal details, work experience, education, and skills. Use clear section headings, and a professional font (no less than 10 points), and maintain consistent fonts, sizes, and layout. Lastly, while listing your achievements or awards, utilise bullet points and appropriate spacing to enhance readability.

Are lawyers solicitors?

In the UK, the term "lawyer" is a broad term used to describe anyone who is a legal practitioner qualified to offer legal advice or representation in one or two branches of law. In England and Wales, solicitors and barristers fall under the category of lawyers. Solicitors handle personal legal matters such as divorces, wills, and employment claims, whereas barristers are involved in higher court cases. On the other hand, in the US, the legal profession is not divided into two, and individuals practising law are commonly referred to as 'Attorneys'.

How do I write a good CV for a legal internship?

A CV for a legal internship includes your personal details, relevant work experience, education, extracurricular activities or achievements related to the world of law. Emphasise your legal research and writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team. Highlight any relevant coursework, volunteer work, or participation in law-related organisations.

See our school leaver for more guidance.

What is the best format for a legal CV?

We recommend you use a reverse chronological format, starting with your most experienced and working your way backwards. Most hiring managers expect candidates to have that, so it’s better to be on the safe side in this case. If you have little to no experience, or are seeking a career change, consider creating a skills-based CV which lists your skills types and achievements instead of focusing on work history. Lastly, use a consistent font and professional template that aligns with the company’s culture.

How do I write a CV for a law student?

Start with including your personal details, education, relevant coursework, and any legal internships or apprenticeships you might have taken. Since you don’t have much experience as a student, we suggest using a skills-based approach and focusing on transferable skills from your studies. Highlight your academic achievements, legal research abilities, and participation in law-related activities or organisations. Show your passion for law and commitment to professional growth. Lastly, create a degree description to show how your education and expertise can contribute to your target industry.

What are the most in-demand lawyer jobs in the UK?

• Solicitor

• Barrister

• Conveyancer

• Property lawyer

• Paralegal

• Arbitrator

• Chartered legal executive

• Registered foreign lawyer.

How to tailor your lawyer CV to a specific job?

Just as lawyers build cases in court, crafting a CV involves strategic planning. Start by analysing the job description and researching the industry. Understanding what hiring managers seek can help you narrow down your research and highlight the key skills and experiences. Showcase your strengths and align them with the job's requirements.

See the article on writing master and job-specific CVs.

Can I use AI to write my legal CV?

Yes, AI tools like ChatGPT can help you create a strong legal CV, essential in a competitive field that demands expertise in UK law. While AI can craft a solid foundation, be sure to tailor your CV to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Leveraging AI can give you an edge in the high-demand legal job market.

What are the key areas for law for a CV in the UK?

• Employment law

• Corporate law

• Clinical negligence law

• Family law

• Tax law

• Criminal law

• Environmental law

• Human rights law

• International law.