Law CV example
Applications for legal jobs far outweigh the number of vacancies. Learn how to successfully sell your qualifications, skills and experience with our example law CV, also referred to as a legal CV
John Smith 94 Beech Road, Lanchester, LA1 9TZ johnsmith@email.com 07000000000
Education
2023-2024 Russell University, London (LLM in Professional Legal Practice (SQE))
- Result: Commendation
- April 2024 - SQE2 passed (71%)
- January 2024 - SQE1 passed (FLK1 69%, FLK2 59%)
2020-2023 Russell University, London (LLB)
- Result: 2:1 (68%)
2018-2020 St. Mary's College, London (A-levels)
- History (A), English literature (A), French (B)
2013-2018 St Bede's High School, London (GCSEs)
- Nine GCSEs grades 8-6, including maths and English
Legal experience
October 22-April 2023 Adviser, Legal Advice Clinic, Russell University
Voluntary role offering free legal advice to the public under a solicitor's supervision.
- Developed skills of legal research and drafting letters of advice on issues including employment law, family disputes and disability discrimination.
October 2021 Nelson Gray Solicitors
One week work experience placement with an immigration law firm.
- Shadowed solicitors dealing with matters ranging from Right to Remain, Spousal Visa and Skilled Worker Visa applications.
- Gained insight into the sector through researching relevant statutes, legal articles, case law and case summaries.
- Observed how client meetings are conducted and an understanding of which laws would apply to individual cases.
June 2021 Mitchell Howells LLP, London
One week work experience placement shadowing members of the commercial litigation team.
- Observed meetings with clients and made notes to share with solicitors.
- Drafted letters to clients, providing updates on their cases including commercial disputes and breaches of contract.
- Attended a court hearing of a summary judgement, gaining insight into how a case is presented.
Non-legal experience
January 2022-April 2023 Front of house staff, The Red Lion, London
Part-time work alongside degree.
- Responsible for taking orders and serving food and drinks in a busy public house.
- Developed excellent customer service skills and the ability to deal diplomatically with challenging customers, requiring knowledge of company policy and the law.
Additional skills
- Advanced level spoken and written French
- Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Lexis Library Advanced Certification (2021)
- Westlaw UK Advanced Certification (2021)
- Full UK Driving Licence
Extra-curricular activities and achievements
Virtual internships
2022 Virtual Internship Network
Developed skills of research and commercial awareness through working on a fictitious case, producing an overview of an acquisition transaction and a comparative analysis table of the costs and benefits of litigation and arbitration.
2021 Virtual Internship with Sparrow and Co Global Law Firm
Gained a range of skills in commercial law through completing professional tasks including reviewing a building contract and drafting a deed of variation, drafting an email for a partner with recommendations, delivering a presentation on governing law and jurisdiction clauses.
Law Society
2021 Member of Russell University Law Society
Engaged in a range of events including the Commercial Awareness Competition and networked with law firms at the annual Careers Dinner.
Achievements
2022 Russell University Leadership Programme-Gold Level
Received for completing 70 hours of voluntary work alongside my university studies and completing the leadership module.
2019 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
Completed a range of activities including volunteering in a conservation project and a 50-mile cycle, developing skills of problem-solving, team working and communication.
References available on request
Please be aware that this is an example. Use it as a template to help generate ideas and structure your own CV but avoid copying and pasting. Your own CV needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.
When applying for a training contract or a position as a solicitor you'll need to:
- write as clearly and concisely as you can. Recruiters often have a large number of applications to work through and want to identify the salient points as quickly as possible
- keep the length to two sides of A4. You want to highlight what you can offer in the CV not give every last detail. You can always give further information at interview if asked
- show your best grades, wherever possible, and place your academic results at the top of your CV
- highlight relevant legal experience
- demonstrate that you're active and involved with extra-curricular activities. Legal recruiters like to see that you have interests outside of the law so round up your CV with a list of additional achievements.
Remember that law is a conservative profession, so your CV should reflect that. Including photos, using colours or unusual fonts is not recommended.
Find out more
- Learn more about writing a legal CV and cover letter.
- Take a look at more example CVs.
- Discover how to avoid the top 7 CV mistakes.