Crafting your CV to stand out in the competitive legal job market is a significant challenge for solicitors. Our guide offers tailored advice to enhance your document's impact, ensuring your skills and experience resonate with top law firms.
- Answer job requirements with your solicitor CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your solicitor CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
How to ensure your profile stands out with your solicitor CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your solicitor CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your solicitor CV:- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your solicitor CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
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Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a solicitor CV
- Personal statement outlining career goals specific to legal services, which is crucial as it immediately provides insight into the candidate's professional ambitions and potential fit for the firm.
- Legal work experience detailing roles and responsibilities, as a comprehensive history of legal work demonstrates practical skills and knowledge in the law sector.
- Education and qualifications including legal credentials, where thorough details of legal education and qualifications verify the solicitor's competence and specialisation.
- Key legal skills highlighting expertise in law, which are essential as they pinpoint the candidate's specific abilities that are valuable to legal practice.
- Professional memberships and associations in law, as these affiliations reflect the solicitor's commitment to staying connected and updated within the legal community.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your legal qualifications and accreditations, showcasing your academic achievements, including your LPC, and any relevant modules or specialisations. Specify if you have attained positions of responsibility, such as pro bono work or if you have been published in legal journals.
- Demonstrate your experience in legal practice by detailing your involvement in cases, emphasising any that align with the area of law the firm specialises in. Make sure to include any successful outcomes or settlements you have achieved.
- Showcase your skills in client management and case preparation by elaborating on your ability to communicate complex legal information clearly and your meticulous attention to detail. Include your experience in client liaising, negotiation, and drafting legal documents.
- Include any relevant membership with professional bodies such as the Law Society and highlight any additional roles or responsibilities you have taken within these organisations. This could range from committee positions to involvement in specific initiatives or working groups.
- Emphasise your commitment to continuous professional development by listing recent training or courses attended, particularly those that are pertinent to the solicitor role you are applying for. Include information on any legal updates or new areas of legislation you are knowledgeable about.
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Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning solicitor CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for solicitor:
- "Associate Solicitor | Commercial Law Specialist | LLB, LPC | 5 Years of Progressive Legal Experience"
- "Senior Solicitor | Expert in Family Law | Member of Resolution | 10+ Years of Advocacy"
- "Junior Solicitor | Conveyancing and Property Law Focus | Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice | 2 Years Active Practice"
- "Principal Solicitor | Corporate Law and M&A Advisor | Solicitors Regulation Authority Certified | 15+ Years Experience"
- "Solicitor | Intellectual Property and Patent Law | LLB (Hons), LLM | Chartered Legal Executive | 7 Years"
- "Partner Solicitor | Employment Law & Dispute Resolution Specialist | Accredited Mediator | Over 20 Years of Expertise"
Catching recruiters' attention with your solicitor CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your solicitor CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a solicitor job:
- Accomplished solicitor with over 12 years' experience in commercial litigation, adept at navigating complex legal frameworks and a proven track record of securing favourable outcomes in high-stakes negotiations, thereby enhancing firm reputation and client satisfaction.
- Detail-oriented legal professional with 15 years' experience, specialising in family law. Renowned for high client retention rates, exceptional negotiation skills, and leading a legal team to victory in a groundbreaking custody case that set a new legal precedent.
- Former Senior Police Officer transitioning into legal services, brings a robust understanding of criminal law from 20 years of experience in law enforcement, demonstrating exceptional analytical skills and a strong ethical compass with a passion for justice and community service.
- Experienced business consultant eager to pivot into corporate law, offering a wealth of knowledge in commercial dealings, contract negotiations, and risk management garnered from a decade of shaping strategies for multinational corporations.
- Aspiring solicitor committed to leveraging a First-Class Honours degree in Law from the University of London to contribute fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for developing expertise in legal research, case preparation, and client advocacy in a dynamic legal practice.
- Recent law school graduate poised to apply a robust academic foundation in legal studies, superior critical thinking abilities, and an ardent desire to learn from seasoned professionals while making meaningful contributions to legal cases and client relations.
Narrating the details of your solicitor CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your solicitor CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Managed a diverse caseload of family law matters, demonstrating strong prioritisation skills and maintaining a high success rate in dispute resolution and settlements.
- Drafted and reviewed a wide range of legal documents including contracts, wills, and conveyancing paperwork, ensuring compliance with UK law and minimising client risk.
- Negotiated favourable settlements in complex commercial litigation cases, demonstrating adept understanding of corporate law and strong analytical skills.
- Advised clients on regulatory compliance matters within the pharmaceutical industry, staying abreast of evolving legislation and effectively reducing exposure to legal risks.
- Conducted due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and contributing to successful transactions for the firm's corporate clients.
- Represented clients in criminal court proceedings, building persuasive cases and achieving favourable outcomes through meticulous preparation and robust advocacy.
- Led a team of junior solicitors and paralegals, providing mentorship and supervision, thereby improving team performance and client satisfaction ratings.
- Effectively managed client communications and expectations, maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive cases.
- Implemented new legal research techniques and technologies, resulting in a 20% reduction in research time and a more efficient case management process.
- Advised on over 35 high-stakes corporate mergers and acquisitions, leading to successful deals that increased client portfolios by an average of 20%.
- Developed and negotiated complex commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with UK and EU regulations and safeguarded client interests.
- Acted as a lead counsel in 50+ property disputes, with a success rate of 85%, effectively reducing client’s financial risks and securing valuable assets.
- Managed the legal research and due diligence for over 100 potential investment opportunities, streamlining the decision-making process for clients.
- Implemented a new legal case management system that improved departmental efficiency by 40% through automated workflows.
- Represented multinational corporations in complex tax litigation cases, often leading to reductions in assessments and substantial savings for clients.
- Led a cross-functional team that facilitated international trademark registrations for over 200 clients, enhancing brand protection globally.
- Pioneered the use of alternative dispute resolution techniques within the firm, cutting down resolution time by 30% and reducing litigation costs for clients.
- Successfully lobbied for amendments in intellectual property law, aligning them with technological advancements and client business strategies.
- Spearheaded the legal strategy for a landmark employment law case, setting a precedent and enhancing workers’ rights across the industry.
- Provided comprehensive risk management advice to SMEs, helping avoid potential legal pitfalls and fostering secure, sustainable business growth.
- Authored an influential legal advice column in a national newspaper, raising the firm's public profile and demonstrating thought leadership in employment law.
- Acted as the principal advisor in regulatory compliance matters for fintech startups, ensuring adherence and facilitating seamless market entry.
- Directed the successful negotiation and settlement of a £50 million commercial dispute, preserving client's financial standing and reputation.
- Launched an internal training program on evolving financial regulations, enhancing firm-wide understanding and improving service delivery to clients.
- Guided international NGOs through complex humanitarian law issues, protecting interests and enabling the delivery of aid in conflict zones.
- Instrumental in setting up a pro bono clinic that has since provided legal aid to over 500 individuals, improving community outreach and firm reputation.
- Conducted a comprehensive review and redesign of compliance protocols for charitable organizations, enhancing governance and donor confidence.
- Oversaw legal proceedings and contract negotiations for several urban development projects, contributing to the regeneration of underserved areas.
- Played a key role in the successful defense and settlement of environmental law actions, reducing potential penalties by 60% for corporate clients.
- Devised innovative legal frameworks for renewable energy projects, supporting client efforts to meet sustainability goals and receive green incentives.
- Conducted intricate legal analysis that underpinned a series of strategic patent applications for tech startups, leading to robust IP portfolios.
- Collaborated with software development firms in shaping EULA agreements, vital in protecting intellectual property while ensuring user compliance.
- Expertly negotiated multi-jurisdictional data sharing agreements for clients within the tech industry, adhering to GDPR and enhancing operational capabilities.
How to ensure your solicitor CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your solicitor CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your solicitor CV:
Legal Research
Legal Writing
Client Interviewing
Case Management
Litigation
Contract Drafting
Commercial Awareness
Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge
Intellectual Property Law
Property Law
Analytical Thinking
Problem Solving
Communication
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Negotiation
Empathy
Adaptability
Teamwork
Resilience
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If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your solicitor CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your solicitor CV:
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If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your solicitor CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
