Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.
Lawyer CV Template (Copy-and-Paste)
PERSONAL PROFILE
(Write a concise paragraph summarising your legal expertise, areas of specialisation, and key achievements. Emphasise strengths such as your ability to advise clients, conduct legal research, and represent clients in court.)
Example:
“A results-driven and meticulous solicitor with over (X) years of experience specialising in (area of specialisation, e.g., commercial law, family law, property law). Highly skilled in providing comprehensive legal advice, drafting complex contracts, and achieving favourable outcomes for clients in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Dedicated to delivering high-quality legal services with a strong focus on client satisfaction.”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
(Job Title)
(Company/Organisation Name), (Location)
(Dates of Employment)
Key Responsibilities:
- (Responsibility 1: Example: Provided legal advice and representation in commercial litigation cases.)
- (Responsibility 2: Example: Drafted and reviewed contracts, ensuring compliance with UK regulations.)
- (Responsibility 3: Example: Represented clients in court, negotiating settlements where appropriate.)
Key Achievements:
- (Achievement 1: Example: Secured a (percentage/amount) reduction in liabilities through effective negotiation.)
- (Achievement 2: Example: Successfully resolved a complex dispute through alternative dispute resolution methods.)
(Job Title)
(Company/Organisation Name), (Location)
(Dates of Employment)
Key Responsibilities:
- (Responsibility 1)
- (Responsibility 2)
- (Responsibility 3)
Key Achievements:
- (Achievement 1)
- (Achievement 2)
EDUCATION
(Degree Name (LLB, LLM, etc.))
(University Name), (Location)
(Year of Graduation)
(Legal Practice Course (LPC) / Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC))
(Institution Name), (Location)
(Year of Completion)
QUALIFICATIONS & LICENCES
- (Qualified Solicitor/Barrister, Year)
- (Practising Certificate, Year)
- (Other relevant qualifications or certifications)
SKILLS
(Provide a short paragraph outlining your key legal and soft skills.)
Example:
“Proficient in drafting legal documents, legal research, and dispute resolution. Expertise in managing client relationships and ensuring compliance with UK legal frameworks. Strong advocacy, negotiation, and analytical skills, with the ability to handle high-pressure situations and complex caseloads.”
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- (Law Society of England and Wales)
- (Organisation Name, Membership Type)
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
- (Title of Publication or Presentation, Year)
- (Title of Publication or Presentation, Year)
LANGUAGES
- (Language 1 – Level of proficiency)
- (Language 2 – Level of proficiency)
How to write a professional lawyer CV
Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.
Legal work has towering entry barriers, requiring granular attention to detail, extensive theoretical knowledge, and strong negotiation skills.
So whether you’re pursuing a barrister or a solicitor role, you’ll need an expertly crafted CV that showcases your ability to excel in your specialisation.
This guide will help you write a lawyer’s CV that will set you apart from other applicants and maximise your chances of success.
1. Open with a compelling personal statement
Your personal statement should grab the employer’s attention by laying out your legal expertise, experience, and value proposition in a few short lines.
Begin by specifying your years of experience and legal specialisation, whether it’s commercial law, family law, or intellectual property.
If you have an essential certification for the job you’re applying for, mention it to show the employer that you meet the minimum requirements of the job (e.g., ‘solicitor with CILEx accreditation’).
Next, demonstrate why you’re a great candidate for the job by giving one or two examples of achievements that showcase the impact of your work. For example, ‘Advised multinational corporations on complex mergers and acquisitions, achieving favourable outcomes.’
Example lawyer personal statement
Commercially astute solicitor with 7+ years of experience in corporate law, specialising in mergers and acquisitions and regulatory compliance. Proven track record of securing favourable outcomes while aligning legal strategies with business objectives. Holding a CILEx accreditation, I bring a strong foundation of legal knowledge, complemented by a commitment to continuous professional development. Seeking to leverage my expertise to contribute to the continued success of Parker & Bowles.
2. Write strategic work experience bullet points
When listing your work experience the goal is to paint a clear picture of your legal capabilities and the value you brought to previous roles.
Demonstrate evidence of your legal acumen by including examples of your ability to handle complex legal work, contribute successful outcomes for clients, and add value to your previous firms. Mentioning your role in legal research, drafting critical documents, or representing clients in high-stakes negotiations can further highlight your legal expertise.
If this is the first qualified lawyer job that you’re applying for, emphasise any legal experience you have gained through training, internships, or casework.
Example work experience section on a lawyer CV
Solicitor
Burges Salmon LLP, Bristol | Jan 20XX – Present
- Provided comprehensive legal advice and representation on contract law cases, achieving a 95% success rate in civil litigation cases
- Conducted in-depth legal research and analysis, reducing case preparation time by 20% through the efficient use of legal databases
- Drafted and reviewed complex legal documents, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and avoiding any legal discrepancies
Legal Assistant
TLT LLP, Bristol | Jan 20XX – Dec 20XX
- Supported senior solicitors in preparing case files and legal documents, improving document accuracy by 15%
- Managed the scheduling and organisation of court appearances, ensuring all deadlines were met without delays
- Conducted preliminary legal research and case analysis, contributing to the successful resolution of 70% of cases
3. Lay out your relevant education
Ensure that your education section highlights both your essential qualifications and commitment to continuous learning.
Start with your most recent and highest qualification, such as your LLM (Master of Laws) or LPC (Legal Practice Course), followed by your LLB or undergraduate degree.
Example lawyer education section
Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)
BPP Law School, London
Completed: July 20XX
LLM in International Law
University College London (UCL), London
Graduated: July 20XX
LLB (Hons) Law
University of Manchester, Manchester
Graduated: July 20XX
