How to Construct and Structure a Legal CV

Crafting a legal CV as a law student can be challenging, but it is one of the most critical tools in your journey toward securing a legal position. Your CV acts as a comprehensive snapshot of your skills, qualifications and experiences, showcasing your suitability for the roles you apply for. A well-structured and polished CV can set you apart from other candidates, leaving a lasting impression on prospective employers. This article will guide you through essential tips and strategies to create an effective CV that enhances your applications.

What should be included in the Legal CV?

1. Contact information:

Your contact information must be included in a legal CV; ensure this is clearly displayed at the top of your CV. Use a professional font, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, in a legible size (11 or 12 points).

Key details to include:

Your full name: position it prominently at the top of your CV. Consider using bold text for emphasis. 

Phone number: include a professional voicemail message in case an employer calls while you are unavailable.

Email address: Use a professional email address, ideally one that includes your name (e.g., [email protected]). Avoid using casual or unprofessional email addresses.

Home Address: While optional, adding your address can clarify your location and proximity to potential employers.

2. Education and qualifications:

GCSEs and A-Levels

List your GSCEs and A-Level grades if achieved: For GSCEs, If space is limited, mention the total number of GCSEs achieved (e.g., "10 GCSEs, grades A*-B, including English and Mathematics"). For A-Levels, Include the subjects you studied and the grades you achieved (e.g., "A-Level: History (A), Law (B), English Literature (B)").

Undergraduate Education

Include the name of your university, the course title, and your degree classification. You could also mention any key modules of subjects that are particularly relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as contract law, criminal law or corporate law.

Advanced Legal Qualifications

If you have completed any advanced legal courses, such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), provide full details. For example:

• "Legal Practice Course (LPC), BPP University, Distinction."

• "Bar Training Course (BTC), The Inns of Court College of Advocacy, Competent."

For aspiring barristers, mention your pupillage or any relevant training you've undertaken.

Other Qualifications: Include any additional certifications that enhance your application, such as:

• Mediation Training

• Legal Technology Certifications (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw)

• Languages relevant to international law

3. Work Experience

Your work experience is an important part of your CV. It demonstrates your practical experience, skills and ability to meet the demands of a legal role. To make this section stand out, ensure it is well organised and follows a chronological order.

How to structure this section

1. Basic details for each role include:

• Organisation name: where you worked. 

• Job title: the role you held

• Location: the city or country of organisation

• Dates of employment: clearly state the start and end dates (e.g. June 2022- August 2023)

2. Description of responsibilities and achievements 

• Provide a concise description of your key responsibilities

• Use action verbs to describe your tasks ( e.g. “drafted legal documents”)

• Highlight any significant achievements or outcomes

Consider categorising your roles into legal, commercial and voluntary work especially if you have diverse experience

When writing your CV, aim to be concise, as professionals reviewing applications often have limited time. Focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications, experiences, and achievements in a structured format that is easy to read. We hope this article has provided you with valuable tips and guidance on how to structure and construct a CV that stands out effectively.