Legal CV Template (Text Format)
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished and results-driven corporate solicitor with 6+ years of experience, specialising in commercial, corporate, and real estate sectors. Adept at providing legal insights to small and large businesses. Hold a solid background in legal research and administrative management. A competent negotiator with an 85% settlement rate. Seeking a position as your next junior barrister at [Firm Name].
WORK EXPERIENCE
Smith and Downey Solicitors, Cardiff
Junior Corporate Solicitor
December 20XX–Present
- Provide legal advice to 50+ business entities that are engaging in litigation
- Coordinate with all parties involved in corporate disputes, resulting in a current 85% settlement rate with an average settlement amount of £500K
- Administer legal and compliance matters such as employment policies, standard legal affairs of businesses, government contracting, and audits
Barner’s Solicitors, Cardiff
Trainee Corporate Solicitor
May 20XX–November 20XX
- Managed caseload of business clients, including 30+ SMEs and 10+ large corporations
- Dealt with 18 cases of default judgments and post-judgment litigation in favour of the clients
- Responded to 50+ clients every week for solicitors in the firm by promptly answering clients’ questions and solving minor problems, resulting in saving 80% of the firm’s time
- Reviewed and fact-checked all legal documentation prepared for the senior partners
KEY SKILLS
- Legal procedure
- Legal research
- Employment law
- Finance knowledge
- Settlement
- Litigation
- Negotiation
- Presentation skills
- Critical thinking
- TimeSolv
- Clio
- LEAP
EDUCATION
Cardiff University
Legal Practice Course (LLM)
20XX–20XX
University of South Wales
LLB (Hons) Law, 2:1
20XX–20XX
How to write a legal CV
Legal CV examples by job title
For your CV to make a strong first impression on your target legal firm, it’s important to be specific. These sample CVs demonstrate how to adapt your legal CV for the type of legal role that you want to take on.
Trainee Solicitor CV
A great CV for a trainee solicitor position should reflect a strong academic background and a clear interest in the area of law practised by the firm.
Legal Advisor CV
For legal advisor roles, employers look for evidence that you can explain complex information clearly. Experience providing guidance, drafting documents, or supporting decision-making will be helpful, whether through a private practice or in-house position.
Legal Counsel CV
If you’re applying for an in-house legal counsel position, your CV should balance technical legal skills and an understanding of business needs. Employers will be looking for someone who can deliver legally sound advice while offering practical, business-oriented solutions.
Legal Secretary CV
Attention to detail and organisation are strong selling points on a legal secretary CV. Emphasise your administrative skills and, if possible, mention any legal software or case management systems you’re familiar with (e.g, Leap).
How to write a legal CV
In law, precision and accuracy are top priorities, so your legal CV should demonstrate your best qualities in a professional manner.
Your CV is the introduction to the story of your career. It should highlight your specialist knowledge, skills, and experience so that anyone reading can clearly understand your achievements. – Paul McGinn, Talent Acquisition Consultant at Irwin Mitchell
Here’s how to write a CV for a legal role:
- Start with your contant details: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, and email address at the top of your CV in a clean, consistent format
- Introduce yourself in 2–4 sentences: Your personal statement should summarise your legal interests, experience level, and career ambitions
- Lay out your legal experience: Present your most relevant legal experience in reverse, whether from training contracts, internships, pro bono work, or paralegal roles — describe your work experience by writing bullet points detailing your responsibilities and achievements
- List non-legal experience in a separate section: If you’re early in your legal career or switching into law, add other professional experience that shows your transferable skills
- Outline your education: Include your law degree and any other important qualifications (e.g., your LPC if you’re a solicitor)
- Highlight your legal skills: Include a bullet-point list of core legal skills such as legal research, case analysis, drafting, advocacy, or negotiation
Remember to follow up your CV with a legal cover letter.
Writing a cover letter is a valuable opportunity for you to give context to your most impressive achievements, highlight your communication skills, and show employers what motivates you.
Legal CV formatting tips
Knowing how to format a field-appropriate CV will help you emphasise your professionalism and make a strong first impression on employers.
Bear these formatting tips in mind when you write your CV:
- Keep it concise: Aim for no more than two pages, and trim any unnecessary detail to keep your content focused
- Use a conservative, stripped-back design: Stick to a clean layout with clear headings and an easy-to-read font
- Leave off references: There’s no need to list references on your CV as employers will ask for them later if needed
Make your legal CV
Craft a legal CV that meets the standards of the profession. Use sector-appropriate templates and consistent formatting to present your qualifications with clarity and focus.
Generate personal statements and skill highlights that reflect the expectations of legal employers.
Skip the writer’s block and make a CV in minutes with our AI software.
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