Applications for legal jobs far outweigh the number of vacancies. Learn how to successfully sell your qualifications, skills and experience with our example law CV, also referred to as a legal CV
John Smith
Aspiring solicitor | LLM graduate | Legal experience
Lanchester | johnsmith@email.com | 07000000000 | LinkedIn
Personal profile
Aspiring solicitor with strong academic credentials, hands-on experience in legal clinics and vacation schemes, and a commitment to client-focused practice. Seeking a training contract to build on practical legal skills and contribute to a dynamic legal team.
Education
2024-2025 Russell University, London (LLM in Professional Legal Practice (SQE))
- Result: Commendation
- April 2025 - SQE2 passed (71%)
- January 2024 - SQE1 passed (FLK1 69%, FLK2 59%).
2021-2024 Russell University, London (LLB)
- Result: 2:1 (68%).
2019-2021 St. Mary's College, London (A-levels)
- History (A), English literature (A), French (B).
2014-2019 St Bede's High School, London (GCSEs)
- Nine GCSEs grades 8-6, including maths and English.
Legal experience
October 2023-April 2024 - Adviser, Legal Advice Clinic, Russell University (voluntary)
- Provided free legal advice to members of the public under solicitor supervision, contributing to successful resolutions in cases involving employment law, family disputes, and disability discrimination.
- Strengthened legal research and analytical skills by interpreting complex legislation and case law to draft tailored advice letters.
- Demonstrated professionalism and empathy in client interactions, helping build trust and confidence in the clinic’s services.
October 2022 - Nelson Gray Solicitors (vacation scheme)
- Shadowed solicitors handling Right to Remain, Spousal Visa, and Skilled Worker Visa applications, gaining practical insight into immigration procedures and client advocacy.
- Conducted research on immigration statutes and case law, contributing to case preparation and improving understanding of legal frameworks.
- Observed client consultations, developing awareness of how to apply legal knowledge to individual circumstances with sensitivity and precision.
June 2022 - Mitchell Howells LLP, London (vacation scheme)
- Attended client meetings and court hearings, including a summary judgment case, gaining firsthand exposure to litigation strategy and courtroom procedure.
- Drafted client correspondence under supervision, enhancing written communication skills and understanding of legal tone and structure.
- Took detailed notes during meetings, supporting solicitors in case management and client follow-up.
Non-legal experience
January 2023-April 2024 - Front of house staff, The Red Lion, London
- Delivered high-quality customer service in a fast-paced hospitality environment, consistently praised for professionalism and efficiency.
- Navigated challenging customer interactions diplomatically, applying knowledge of company policy and relevant licensing laws to resolve disputes.
- Developed strong interpersonal and teamwork skills while balancing part-time work with academic commitments.
Skills and competencies
- Advanced level spoken and written French
- Advocacy
- Case preparation
- Client interviewing
- Contract drafting
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Legal research and writing
- Lexis Library Advanced Certification (2021)
- Westlaw UK Advanced Certification (2021).
Extra-curricular activities
2023 Virtual Internship Network
Developed skills of research and commercial awareness through working on a fictitious case, producing an overview of an acquisition transaction and a comparative analysis table of the costs and benefits of litigation and arbitration.
2022 Virtual Internship with Sparrow and Co Global Law Firm
Gained a skills in commercial law through completing professional tasks including reviewing a building contract and drafting a deed of variation, drafting an email for a partner with recommendations, delivering a presentation on governing law and jurisdiction clauses.
Law Society
2022 Member of Russell University Law Society
Engaged in a range of events including the Commercial Awareness Competition and networked with law firms at the annual Careers Dinner.
Achievements
2023 Russell University Leadership Programme-Gold Level
Received for completing 70 hours of voluntary work alongside my university studies and completing the leadership module.
References will be made available following interview.
Please be aware that this is an example. Use this law CV template to help generate ideas and structure your own CV, but avoid copying and pasting. Your own document needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.
Let your name serve as the title to your law CV. A short summary/byline is optional, leave it off if you’re struggling for space. Below include your home town/city (there's no need for a full address), your email, phone number and a link to your personal LinkedIn profile if you have one.
When applying for a training contract or a position as a solicitor you'll need to:
- write as clearly and concisely as you can. Recruiters often have a large number of applications to work through and want to identify the salient points as quickly as possible
- keep the length to two sides of A4. You want to highlight what you can offer in the CV not give every last detail. You can always give further information at interview if asked
- show your best grades, wherever possible, and place your academic results at the top of your CV
- highlight relevant legal experience
- demonstrate that you're active and involved with extra-curricular activities. Legal recruiters like to see that you have interests outside of the law so round up your CV with a list of additional achievements.
Remember that law is a conservative profession, so your CV should reflect that. Including photos, using bold colours or unusual fonts is not recommended.
Find out more
- Learn more about writing a legal CV and cover letter.
- Take a look at more example CVs.