As a legal professional, your role is essential to upholding justice, advising clients, and ensuring compliance with the law. Whether you specialise in employment, commercial, family, or criminal law, your ability to interpret legislation, build strong arguments, and represent clients effectively is at the core of legal success.

To make a strong impression in the legal field, your CV should present your experience and skills in a clear and professional format. This guide will show you how to create a lawyer CV that looks the part and communicates your credentials effectively.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • CV examples designed specifically for legal roles
  • Professionally formatted templates that reflect industry standards
  • Advice on how to organise key sections like work history, qualifications, and skills
  • Tips for making your CV easy to read and ATS-friendly
  • Common mistakes to avoid when laying out your legal CV
  • Frequently asked questions about legal CVs

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    Lawyer CV sample

    Lawyer Cv Sample

    Joanna Dylan
    246A Lawrence Drive, Bradford, BD7 4PP
    Phone: 07912 345678
    Email: joanna.dylan@example-example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Employment barrister who consistently takes initiative and perseveres, even in the most elusive and trying of cases. Collaborates well with diverse clients of varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Skilled in innovative problem-solving and finding unique theories, ideas, and solutions to create effective case arguments.

    WORK HISTORY

    Employment Barrister
    Waldron’s Law Practice – Bradford
    March 2015 – Present

    • Represented clients before court in oral debates by constructing favourable and truthful narratives around presented evidence and facts.
    • Conducted interviews to assess competency and biases of prospective jurors.
    • Studied all aspects of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
    • Developed detailed litigation strategies for each case.
    • Reduced or eliminated risks by providing expert advice on the legality of business plans and operational activities.
    • Represented clients before court and presented all relevant facts and evidence in a truthful manner.

    Employment Barrister
    Lister Brady Solicitors – Bradford
    August 2010 – May 2015

    • Analysed employer policies, procedures, and work rules to verify full compliance.
    • Reviewed documents for civil class action suits.
    • Interviewed and prepared witnesses for cases.
    • Communicated effectively with corporate clients to interpret laws, rulings, and regulations that affected each case.
    • Initiated dialogue between all parties involved.
    • Retained outside counsel for companies and businesses.

    Paralegal
    Harrison Clark Rickerbys – Bradford
    May 2005 – August 2010

    • Advised clients on upcoming meetings.
    • Conducted audits on company policies.
    • Presented and summarised cases to both judges and juries.

    Key Skills

    • Great Communicator
    • Detail-Oriented
    • Legal Research
    • Negotiating Settlements
    • Court Procedures
    • Outstanding Public Speaker
    • Employment Law Knowledge
    • Employment Laws and Practices

    Education

    Graduate Diploma in Law
    University of Bradford
    2005

    Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
    University of Bradford – Civil and Family Law
    2004

    References

    Available upon request.

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    Lawyer CV templates

    Below, you’ll find a selection of CV templates designed with legal professionals in mind. Each template includes all the essential sections to highlight your legal expertise, experience, and key skills. They’re also fully ATS-friendly, helping your CV get through applicant tracking systems and into the hands of recruiters.

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    Choosing the best CV format for a legal career

    When applying for a role in the legal profession, selecting the right CV format is essential. A well-organised CV helps convey your suitability for the role, demonstrates your attention to detail, and increases your chances of being shortlisted by law firms, chambers, or in-house legal departments.

    The two most widely used CV formats in the legal field are the reverse chronological CV and the skills-based CV. Choosing the most suitable format will depend on your level of experience, the type of legal role you’re pursuing, and your career trajectory so far.

    Reverse chronological CV

    This is the most common format for legal professionals, particularly those with consistent and progressive experience in private practice, the public sector, or in-house roles. It lists your most recent position first, allowing recruiters to quickly assess your career development, responsibilities, and achievements.

    Why use this format?

    • Highlights a clear legal career path and progression
    • Emphasises practical experience in areas such as litigation, advisory work, or legal research
    • Makes it easy for recruiters to assess your suitability for the role based on previous employers and case exposure
    • Especially effective for solicitors, barristers, legal executives, and in-house counsel with a stable work history

    Skills-based CV

    This CV format focuses on your core competencies and is often preferred by those who are changing practice areas, re-entering the legal field after a break, or transitioning from other careers such as academia or compliance.

    Why it might suit you:

    • Ideal for showcasing transferable skills like legal research, negotiation, advocacy, or regulatory knowledge
    • Useful for recent law graduates or trainees who may not yet have an extensive employment history
    • Helps draw attention to capabilities gained through placements, training contracts, pro bono work, or internships

    Choosing the right format ensures your CV is tailored to the role you’re applying for and allows your most relevant strengths to stand out. A well-chosen format can be the difference between being overlooked and being invited to interview.

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    How to write an effective lawyer CV

    To create a professional CV, it’s important to know what to include and how to present your experience clearly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key sections of a lawyer CV, with practical tips and examples to help you showcase your legal expertise in the best possible way.

    Contact details first

    Start your CV by placing your contact details at the top of your CV. Include your full name, location, phone number, and email address. Make sure to double-check for any errors to ensure recruiters can easily reach you without any issues.

    Example of a contact section

    Joanna Dylan
    Bradford, BD7 4PP
    Phone: 07912 345678
    Email: joanna.dylan@example.co.uk

    Write your lawyer CV personal statement

    Your personal statement (also known as a professional summary) appears at the top of your CV, just after your contact details. It offers a brief but compelling introduction to your legal background, key strengths, and areas of expertise. This short paragraph should quickly communicate why you’re a strong candidate for the legal role you’re applying for.

    Focus on your core legal specialisms, your experience in different legal settings (such as private practice or in-house), and any particular strengths that can set you apart from other lawyers. If you have experience in a specific area of law, such as employment, family, or corporate law, be sure to mention it.

    Make sure to include:

    • Your legal specialism or areas of practice
    • Years of experience
    • Key skills such as litigation, legal research, or client representation

    Example of a lawyer’s personal statement:

    Detail-oriented solicitor with 6 years’ experience in employment and civil law. Adept at advising clients on complex legal matters, drafting legal documents, and managing cases from initial consultation through to resolution. Skilled in negotiation, legal research, and courtroom advocacy. Known for clear communication, strong client relationships, and a practical, solutions-focused approach.

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    Showcasing experience on your lawyer CV

    Your work experience section is one of the most crucial parts of your lawyer CV. It provides employers with insight into your legal expertise, case management ability, and the value you’ve brought to previous roles. Rather than simply listing duties, focus on outcomes, such as successful litigation, client retention, or key legal contributions to high-value matters. Where possible, include specific achievements and quantify your impact.

    Example of CV work experience:

    Employment Barrister
    Waldron & Co Chambers – Bradford
    January 2021 – Present

    • Represented clients in complex employment tribunal claims, securing favourable outcomes in over 80% of cases
    • Advised SMEs and large organisations on compliance, redundancy procedures, and employment contracts, reducing risk of legal disputes
    • Delivered training seminars to HR teams on legal updates, improving internal policy adherence and mitigating liability
    • Drafted and reviewed settlement agreements, ensuring clarity, compliance, and minimal exposure to legal challenges

    Paralegal – Employment Law
    Harrison Clark Rickerbys – Leeds
    June 2018 – December 2020

    • Supported senior solicitors in tribunal preparations, including research, bundling, and drafting witness statements
    • Conducted initial client consultations and case assessments, helping streamline the intake process and improve client satisfaction
    • Liaised with ACAS and opposing counsel to facilitate early conciliation and resolve disputes pre-litigation
    • Assisted with internal audits of client HR policies to ensure compliance with employment legislation

    Key skills to include on your lawyer CV

    The skills section of your lawyer CV is a chance to highlight the legal expertise and core competencies that make you a strong candidate. Law firms and in-house teams seek more than just academic credentials; they want to see practical strengths and an ability to deliver results in real-world legal contexts.

    Aim to include 8 – 10 skills, with around 70% focused on specific legal skills relevant to your practice area. The rest can highlight valuable soft skills such as communication, time management, or negotiation.

    General skills for a lawyer CV

    • Strong written and verbal communication
    • Legal research and case analysis
    • Time management and multitasking under pressure
    • Client care and professional ethics

    Specific legal skills

    • Drafting contracts, pleadings, and legal documents
    • Preparing for hearings, trials, or negotiations
    • Knowledge of procedural law (e.g. CPR, FPR, CrimPR)
    • Experience with legal databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
    • Advising on compliance, regulation, or sector-specific legal issues
    • Advocacy or representation in court (if applicable)

    The education section of your lawyer CV

    Education is a critical part of any lawyer’s CV. Unlike other careers where experience can outweigh formal training, the legal profession places significant emphasis on academic qualifications and legal certifications. Whether you’re applying for a trainee solicitor position or a senior legal role, employers will expect to see a strong educational background.

    Your education section should clearly show your progression through the required legal pathways, such as an LLB, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), Legal Practice Course (LPC), or Bar Practice Course (BPC), as well as any relevant postgraduate qualifications or continuing professional development (CPD). 

    Be sure to list:

    • Qualification name – e.g. LLB Law, LPC, GDL, BPC
    • Institution name – e.g. University of Leeds, BPP Law School
    • Completion dates – include the year of graduation or the dates attended
    • Additional certifications – e.g. Data Protection & GDPR Training, LexisNexis Certification

    Example of an education section:

    Education

    Legal Practice Course (LPC)
    BPP University, Leeds
    2020 – 2021

    LLB Law (Hons)
    University of Bradford
    2017 – 2020

    Dos and don’ts for a lawyer CV

    Below are some key dos and don’ts to help ensure your CV is well-positioned to impress recruiters, whether you’re applying to a law firm, chambers, or an in-house legal team.

    DO

    • DO tailor your CV to each legal role

      Legal roles vary widely, from employment and family law to commercial litigation or regulatory work. Customise your CV to reflect the specific skills and experience required by the firm or organisation. For example, if applying to a commercial law firm, focus on client-facing work, contract review, and negotiation. For a criminal law role, highlight courtroom experience and advocacy skills.

    • DO structure your CV clearly and professionally

      Use standard legal CV formatting with clearly marked sections: professional summary, experience, education, key skills, and optionally, publications or memberships. Keep formatting consistent and avoid unnecessary graphics or colours; professionalism is key in the legal field.

    DON’T

    • DON’T submit a CV with typos

      Attention to detail is critical in the legal profession. Errors in grammar, punctuation, or layout can seriously damage your credibility. Proofread your CV multiple times and ensure it’s clean, consistent, and professional throughout.

    • DON’T include a photograph

      In the UK, it’s not common to include a photograph on your CV, which could raise potential discrimination concerns. It’s best to focus solely on your qualifications, skills, and experience.

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    Your lawyer resume questions answered

    How can I boost my chances of securing a legal interview?

    Accompany your CV with a well-crafted cover letter that shows your passion for the firm and explains why you are the ideal fit for the role. A personalised cover letter demonstrates your genuine interest in the firm and the role, which can significantly boost your chances.

    What if I’m applying for an in-house legal role versus a law firm?

    If you’re applying for an in-house legal role, focus on your ability to support business operations, provide legal advice, and manage risk. Experience in corporate governance, compliance, or contract law will be highly relevant. For law firm roles, focus more on your litigation or advisory experience, and highlight your client-facing experience, whether that involves negotiating deals, managing cases, or representing clients in court. Tailor your CV to the specific environment and expectations of the employer to ensure it aligns with their needs.

    How can I make my legal CV stand out if I am a newly qualified lawyer?

    If you’re newly qualified, focus on your academic achievements, placements, and any internships or training contracts you’ve completed. Highlight any legal research, pro bono work, or legal advice you’ve provided, especially if it involved complex legal issues. Employers will appreciate your enthusiasm and commitment to learning, so be sure to demonstrate your passion for law. Include any additional legal qualifications, such as the LPC, and any specific legal areas you’ve studied or gained experience in. 

    Should I include references on my CV?

    It’s not necessary to include references on your CV unless explicitly requested by the employer. However, if you have strong professional relationships with senior colleagues, mentors, or clients who can speak to your legal abilities, you may wish to mention that references are available upon request.

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