How to write a legal CV

A legal CV must demonstrate accuracy, clarity and professionalism. Law firms and legal employers expect well-structured documents that reflect attention to detail, strong communication skills and relevant legal experience.

This guide explains how to write a legal CV for solicitors, paralegals, trainees and other legal professionals in the UK.

What Makes a Legal CV Different?

Legal CVs are assessed closely. Employers look for:

• strong academic background

• relevant legal experience

• clear written communication

• evidence of professionalism and ethics

Formatting, spelling and structure matter more here than in many other sectors.

Key Sections of a Legal CV

Professional Profile

Your summary should outline:

• your legal qualification or career stage

• areas of law you’ve worked in or are targeting

• the type of role you’re seeking

Keep this factual and concise rather than promotional.
For general structuring advice, see our CV Writing Tips resource.

Education and Legal Qualifications

This section is critical. Include:

• degrees and classifications

• LPC / SQE / BPTC details

• relevant training or certifications

List information clearly and consistently.

Legal Experience

Focus on:

• legal tasks performed

• exposure to specific areas of law

• responsibility level

Avoid vague statements — specificity demonstrates competence.

Tailoring a Legal CV to the Role

A CV for a commercial law firm will differ from one aimed at:

• legal aid organisations

• in-house legal teams

• public sector roles

Tailoring shows awareness of the employer’s focus and expectations.
Examples across roles can be found in our Industry-Specific CV Guides.

Common Legal CV Mistakes

• Poor formatting or spelling errors

• Overly generic summaries

• Failing to explain legal responsibilities clearly

• Including irrelevant experience without context

FAQs

How long should a legal CV be?
Two pages is standard for most legal roles in the UK.

Should I include A-level results on a legal CV?
Often yes, particularly for trainee and early-career legal roles.

Is work experience important if I’m newly qualified?
Yes. Legal placements, internships and relevant voluntary work add significant value.