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Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

Solicitor CV Template (Text Format)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Dedicated and results-driven solicitor with 4+ years of experience in corporate law, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, securities, and general corporate matters. Seeking to leverage extensive drafting and negotiation skills in a challenging Associate Solicitor role, where I can contribute to high-stakes transactions and provide exceptional client service.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Associate Solicitor
Barkes and Parker, Watford | January 20XX – Present

  • Assist in the execution of sophisticated mergers and acquisitions, providing strategic legal advice to corporate clients
  • Draft and negotiate complex transaction documents, including share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, and shareholder agreements
  • Advise clients on securities regulation compliance, including SEC filings and corporate governance matters
  • Manage client relationships, serving as the primary contact for corporate clients during transaction processes
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth deal execution, while mentoring junior associates

Trainee Solicitor
Mills and Reeve, Birmingham| January 20XX – December 20XX

  • Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including agreements, enquiries, and applications, under the supervision of senior solicitors
  • Conducted legal research to support client cases, providing insights and recommendations based on findings
  • Participated in client meetings and interviews, contributing to the preparation and strategy of legal case
  • Provided administrative and legal support, managing client files and ensuring all documentation was up-to-date and compliant

EDUCATION

Legal Practice Course (LPC) | BPP University Law School | 20XX – 20XX
LLB Law | University of Bristol | 20XX – 20XX

KEY SKILLS

  • Mergers & acquisitions
  • Legal drafting & negotiation
  • Client relationship management
  • Legal research
  • Regulatory compliance

How to write a solicitor CV

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.

Your solicitor CV needs to show employers that you have a sharp legal mind, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly. Here’s how to build a solicitor CV that catches the attention of hiring managers:

1. Start with a sharp and focused personal statement

The personal statement on your CV should highlight your legal specialisation, years of experience, and key achievements so employers can quickly identify those key details. You should also mention your professional accreditation (e.g., Solicitor with SRA registration) and specify how your skills align with the needs of the law firm you’re applying to.

Example solicitor CV personal statement

Qualified solicitor with 7+ years in corporate law, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to achieve successful outcomes in complex cases while aligning legal strategies with business needs. SRA-accredited and committed to continuous development, I’m eager to contribute my skills to support the team at Parker & Bowles.

2. Showcase key responsibilities and wins in your work experience

Your work experience section should emphasise your ability to manage the essential tasks of a solicitor, from legal research to client representation. So mention any achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle complex cases.

Use hard numbers to quantify your achievements in the legal field and give employers a clear idea of your impact. For example, ‘Provided comprehensive legal advice in a £2 million commercial dispute, resulting in a favourable settlement.’

Example work experience entry for a solicitor CV

Solicitor
Burges Salmon LLP, Bristol | Jan 20XX – Present

  • Provide legal advice in high-stakes contract law disputes, achieving a 95% success rate in litigation cases
  • Conduct legal research to support litigation strategies, reducing case preparation times by 5 days
  • Draft and review over 50 contracts annually, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and reducing legal risks
  • Collaborated with senior partners to negotiate settlements, securing favourable outcomes for clients in complex commercial disputes

3. Highlight your legal qualifications and commitment to continuous learning

In the education section of your solicitor CV, list your degrees and legal training in reverse chronological order so employers see your highest degree first.

Highlight recent, relevant qualifications like the LPC, BPTC, or LLM, and include any additional certifications or specialised training. This shows both your legal expertise and your commitment to continuous professional development.

Example education section on a solicitor’s CV

LPC (Legal Practice Course)
BPP University 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, 2:1

4. Feature relevant legal skills to showcase your expertise

Organise your skills section by focusing on technical skills that are relevant to the specific solicitor position you’re applying for, like contract drafting, legal research, or client management. Then, be sure to demonstrate these skills with specific examples from your work experience.

Solicitor skills for a CV

  • Legal research and analysis
  • Contract drafting and review
  • Litigation and dispute resolution
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Client relationship management
  • Negotiation skills
  • Case management
  • Risk assessment
  • Strong communication and advocacy
Need more ideas?

Our library of CV examples has hundreds of tailored CVs you can use to fine-tune your job application and stand out from other applicants.

Solicitor job outlook in 2024 — things to know

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), solicitors in the UK earn an average annual salary of £64,087.

You can find information about the gender pay gap for solicitors on the ONS’ website.

Data source: The Office for National Statistics, an agency of His Majesty’s Government. The information contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 and reflects the ONS’s most recent salary (1/11/2023), gender pay gap (4/2023), and skills shortage data (6/2022).


Ida Pettersson
Written by

Ida Pettersson

After graduating from New College of Florida with a BA in Philosophy and Chinese Language and Culture, Ida moved to Hong Kong to begin her own career journey and finally settled in Taiwan. Her insights on CV writing, interview strategies, and career development have been featured on websites such as LawCareers.net, Digital Marketer, and SheCanCode.