When applying for a legal position, your CV is your first opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and suitability for the role. Legal recruiters and hiring managers often review dozens of applications, so ensuring your CV stands out for all the right reasons is crucial. Making a CV stand out can seem daunting at first, but here are some handy tips to give you the best chance at securing an interview.
Before drafting your CV, carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Use these insights to tailor your CV, ensuring you emphasise relevant experience, legal expertise, and accomplishments that align with the role. No two roles are the same, and organising your key skills and experience towards the top of your CV can make all the difference in attracting employers to your CV.
For example, if the job highlights commercial law experience, prominently feature your work in this area. Customising your CV demonstrates your understanding of the role and shows the effort you have put into applying for this firm, and hopefully will showcase your interest in working specifically for this firm.
Legal recruiters prioritise experience, so your professional history should be present throughout your CV. Use a reverse chronological format, starting with your most recent role, and include the following details for each position:
· Job title
· Employer’s name and location
· Dates of employment
· Key responsibilities and achievements
· Reason for leaving
Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments so that they are clear to see if the reader is scanning your CV, and make sure you link all of these back to the job description of the role you are recruiting for if possible. Focus on results and outcomes and quantifying your achievements wherever possible.
Example:
· Drafted and negotiated over 50 commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and achieving favourable terms for clients.
· Led due diligence for a $10 million acquisition, identifying potential risks and advising stakeholders on mitigation strategies.
Highlight Education and Qualifications
Your legal education is a fundamental part of your CV, especially if your industry experience is limited, or you are applying for your first role in a law firm. List the institution, dates of study, and your degree classification, if applicable. If you are applying for your first legal role, you can use your education section to showcase your experience, expertise and achievements. You could talk about work experience you have done, any pro-bono work you might have worked on and the transferable skills you have got from working on these projects.
Example:
· Master of Laws (LLM), International Commercial Law – University of Oxford (Distinction)
· Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – University of London (First Class Honors)
If you’ve completed any additional certifications, such as specialist training or work experience, include these in a separate section underneath your qualifications.
When applying for a legal role, specific skills are often sought after, such as legal research, drafting, advocacy, and negotiation. Create a skills section highlighting your expertise and experience in these areas, particularly if mentioned in the job description.
Example Skills:
· Contract drafting and negotiation
· Legal research and analysis
· Litigation and dispute resolution
· Regulatory compliance
· Client relationship management
Below the section for your key legal skills, include a variety of skills you have developed outside of the legal sector, such as through extracurricular activities and groups. However, you must link these skills back to your professional development in law for employers to value them.
While not part of the CV itself, a cover letter complements your application and allows you to expand on your suitability for the role. Use the cover letter to explain your interest in the position and highlight specific achievements that make you the ideal candidate. Remember, it is key to keep the cover letter concise and to the point. Otherwise, employers may lose interest and disregard your CV.
A well-crafted CV is essential for securing a legal role. You can make a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers by tailoring your application, emphasising relevant experience, and presenting your skills and achievements clearly.
Remember, do not be afraid to write about your personal achievements and skills. Your CV is your personal marketing document, so make it count!
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