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 20XXLLM in International Law
University College London (UCL), London
Graduated: July 20XXLLB (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
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.