CV Makeovers for Law: Use AI Wisely but Keep It Human

When applying for a role in law, whether as a trainee, associate, or partner, the quality of your CV can make all the difference. Legal recruiters and firms review countless applications, and first impressions matter.

With the rise of AI tools, job seekers now have new ways to refine and polish their CVs. Used properly, AI can help you present your experience more effectively, but it should never replace the human touch that legal recruiters value.

How AI can help with legal CVs

AI tools are particularly useful for streamlining the basics. They can:

• Identify gaps or errors: Spotting formatting issues, grammar mistakes, or missing details that could weaken your CV.
• Tailor applications: Helping adjust your CV for specific roles, for example, by aligning your experience with the requirements of a training contract or a commercial law position.
• Summarise achievements: Turning lengthy descriptions into concise, professional bullet points that highlight the skills law firms look for.
• Keyword optimisation: Ensuring your CV reflects the terminology that law firms and applicant tracking systems often scan for.

For candidates applying through platforms where law firms post roles for free, AI can help you get noticed by presenting your experience in a clearer, more targeted way.

The Risks of Relying too Much on AI

While AI is powerful, overuse can strip your CV of personality. Recruiters want to see evidence of your judgement, initiative, and individuality, not a document that sounds generic or automated. A CV that is too polished or artificially generated may come across as inauthentic, particularly in law, where attention to detail and personal credibility are paramount.

Other risks include:

• Loss of nuance: AI might remove context that shows why your experience is relevant.
• Clichés and jargon: Some tools overuse buzzwords, which can dilute your message.
• Inaccuracy: Automated summaries sometimes misrepresent details, creating inconsistencies that recruiters may question.

Striking the Right Balance

Think of AI as a support, not a substitute. Start by drafting your CV in your own words, then use AI tools to refine language, cut repetition, or suggest structure. Always review the final version carefully to ensure it reflects your authentic voice and achievements.

Practical steps include:

• Personalise every CV: Even if AI helps you prepare a strong base document, adapt it for each application.
• Retain your own style: Use AI suggestions to polish wording, but don’t lose the sense of who you are.
• Focus on substance: Highlight concrete examples, such as moot court successes, internships, or deal involvement, that demonstrate your capability.

Final Thoughts

For students, graduates, or experienced professionals looking for their next career step in law, AI offers valuable tools for sharpening a CV. But in an industry built on trust, credibility, and judgement, keeping the human element at the heart of your application is essential.

Use AI wisely to enhance clarity and professionalism, but let your individuality shine through, that is what will ultimately capture a law firm’s attention.

If you are searching for your first or next job in law, take a look at our jobs page.