Lawyer CV examples

A Lawyer CV needs to demonstrate more than just your qualifications – it’s your opportunity to show recruiters that you have the expertise and experience to navigate the complexities of the legal world. Whether you’re a seasoned solicitor or this is your first CV, recruiters want to see your ability to deliver results and manage cases effectively.

This useful guide will show you how to write a CV that proves your legal acumen, highlights your achievements, and positions you as the go-to candidate for the role.

Think of your CV structure as your opening statement to the recruiter – convincing, to the point, and with no objections allowed. A clear layout ensures recruiters can quickly spot why you’re the best candidate for the role.

Here’s how to structure your Lawyer CV:

• Name and contact information – Place your contact details at the top of your CV so prospective recruiters can get in touch. Including a picture of yourself is entirely optional.
• Profile – Kick off with a concise summary of your legal expertise, key skills, and career highlights.
• Core skills – Using bullet points, concisely highlight your key abilities like case management, contract negotiation, and legal research.
• Work experience – Detail your professional history in reverse chronological order, focusing on key responsibilities and outcomes.
• Education – Go through the academic qualifications, bar certifications, and any relevant training that underpin your expertise, alongside any impressive awards.
• Additional info – You can optionally add hobbies or activities here that reflect your enthusiasm for the field.

Your CV format should reflect the precision and professionalism you bring to your legal work. Remember: Formatting mistakes can undermine even the strongest case for your candidacy.

Here’s how to format your Lawyer CV:

• Bullet points – Use these to break down responsibilities and achievements into concise, skimmable sections.
• Divide sections – Clear headings make it easy for recruiters to find key information.
• Use a clean font – Choose a professional and readable font that mirrors your attention to detail.
• Keep it the right length – No more than 2 pages, providing enough detail and length to highlight your expertise while keeping the recruiter engaged.

Your profile is your chance to prove to recruiters you’re not just another name on the docket – you’re the legal expert they’ve been waiting for. A good CV gives recruiters a compelling opening argument about your legal expertise and achievements.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Lawyer CV profile:

• Where you’ve worked – Make a note of the sorts of law firms, in-house legal teams, or public sector organisations you’ve done legal work for.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight your degree in law, bar membership, or other relevant certifications.
• Key skills – Make sure to specifically name the abilities like litigation, contract drafting, and client advocacy in your CV profile.
• Types of cases you’ve handled – Reference areas like corporate law, family law, or criminal defence.
• Stakeholders you’ve worked with – Mention clients, government bodies, or internal teams.

Your CV skills section is like your opening statement – it gives recruiters a clear snapshot of your abilities and specialisations.

For Lawyers, this section should focus on technical expertise, legal research, and client management. Tailor it to the specific role or practice area you’re applying for.

Your work experience section is where you prove your ability to handle legal responsibilities and deliver results. Highlight your contributions to major cases, successful negotiations, and client outcomes.

List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on key responsibilities and measurable results. If you’re low on experience, list whatever might show you’ve got the required skills and values – never leave a section blank.

• Outline – Give the recruiter an overview of the firm, your role, and the types of cases you handled.
• Responsibilities – List tasks like drafting legal documents, representing clients, or managing disputes. Use action verbs like “negotiated,” “advised,” or “represented.”
• Achievements – Showcase measurable results, such as successful case outcomes, cost savings, or client satisfaction. Include figures wherever possible to add impact.

The education section is essential for Lawyers, as it demonstrates your foundational legal knowledge and qualifications. Include degrees, certifications, and any additional legal training.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.