Solicitor CV Example
For qualified solicitors seeking positions in private practice, in-house, or public sector roles. Presents your post-qualification experience, practice specialisms, and notable matters handled throughout your career.
Recommended template: ProfessionalPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- State your PQE level, SRA ID, and current practising certificate status at the top of your CV.
- Organise your career history to highlight your specialism while showing breadth of legal knowledge.
- Include billing targets met, fee income generated, or client origination figures where appropriate.
- Highlight any professional achievements such as Legal 500 or Chambers rankings and client testimonials.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Solicitor CV
A solicitor CV is your professional calling card and must present your qualifications, practice expertise, and career achievements in a format that commands respect. Whether you are applying to a law firm, an in-house role, or a public sector position, employers need to quickly assess your PQE level, practice area, and the quality of work you handle. Your CV should demonstrate technical excellence, commercial awareness, and the professional standards expected of a regulated solicitor.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with your SRA ID, PQE level, and practising certificate status listed at the top of your CV. Include a focused profile, followed by your career history, education, and skills. Each role should describe the firm, your practice area, and the types of matters you handled, with values and outcomes where appropriate. Include your training contract with brief descriptions of each seat. Keep your CV to two pages.
CV Format
Choose an elegant, authoritative template that reflects the professionalism of the legal sector. Your CV must be impeccably formatted and free from errors, as it represents the quality of your written work. Use consistent fonts, headings, and spacing throughout. Save as a PDF to ensure the formatting is preserved when viewed on different devices.
CV Profile Examples
Private Practice Solicitor
Qualified solicitor with seven years of PQE in commercial property, handling acquisitions, disposals, leases, and development work for corporate and private clients at a Top 100 firm. Manages a personal caseload of 40 active matters with transaction values from £200,000 to £12M. Achieved fee income of £380,000 in the last financial year and is recognised in Legal 500 as a recommended lawyer for commercial property in the West Midlands.
In-House Solicitor
In-house solicitor with nine years of PQE, including five years within the legal team at a FTSE 250 retail company. Advises on commercial contracts, consumer law, employment matters, and data protection compliance across UK and European operations. Manages an annual external legal spend of £600,000 and provides day-to-day legal support to the commercial, marketing, and HR functions.
Newly Qualified Solicitor
Newly qualified solicitor admitted in September 2025 following completion of a two-year training contract at a leading national firm. Qualified into the dispute resolution department with experience across commercial litigation, debt recovery, and professional negligence. Achieved a distinction on the LPC and received commendation from the training principal for outstanding performance during the training contract.
State your PQE level, practice area, the type and size of firm or organisation you work in, and your key achievements. Include legal directory rankings, fee income figures, or notable matters if appropriate. Avoid generic claims and focus on specific, verifiable accomplishments.
Key Skills for Your Solicitor CV
Legal Advisory
Providing clear, accurate legal advice to clients on their rights, obligations, and options, tailored to their specific circumstances and objectives.
Transaction Management
Managing legal transactions from instruction to completion, coordinating with all parties and ensuring deadlines are met.
Litigation Conduct
Managing the conduct of litigation from pre-action through to trial and enforcement, in accordance with court rules and professional obligations.
Client Care
Maintaining high standards of client care, providing regular updates, managing expectations, and ensuring client satisfaction.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring personal and firm-wide compliance with SRA regulations, professional conduct rules, and anti-money laundering requirements.
Fee Earning
Generating revenue through billable work, meeting or exceeding annual billing targets, and contributing to firm profitability.
Trainee Supervision
Supervising and developing trainee solicitors during their training seats, reviewing their work and supporting their progression to qualification.
Business Development
Contributing to firm growth through client relationship management, networking, seminar delivery, and thought leadership activities.
SRA Compliance
Adhering to the SRA Standards and Regulations including the Code of Conduct for Solicitors and the Accounts Rules.
Work Experience Examples
For each role, describe the firm, your practice area, and the types of matters you handled with values and complexity indicators. Include supervisory responsibilities, billing performance, and business development contributions. Quantify your achievements with fee income, target performance, and client origination figures. Mention any awards, rankings, or promotions received.
Solicitor — Commercial Property
Woodford & Lane LLP
Advised corporate and private clients on the acquisition, disposal, leasing, and development of commercial and residential property across the West Midlands.
Responsibilities
- Managed a personal caseload of 40 active matters including commercial acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, and development site purchases with values up to £12M.
- Drafted and negotiated agreements for lease, licences, options, and overage provisions for commercial and residential development projects.
- Conducted title investigation and due diligence, reporting to clients and mortgage lenders on title matters and potential risks.
- Advised landlords and tenants on lease renewals, rent reviews, and Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 proceedings.
- Supervised two trainee solicitors during their property seats, reviewing work product and guiding their professional development.
Achievements
- Managed the property aspects of a £12M mixed-use development acquisition, coordinating with planning, construction, and corporate colleagues to complete within the client's accelerated timetable.
- Achieved fee income of £380,000, exceeding the annual billing target of £320,000 by 19%.
- Recognised in Legal 500 2025/26 as a recommended lawyer for commercial property in the West Midlands region.
Trainee Solicitor
Woodford & Lane LLP
Completed a two-year training contract with seats in commercial property, dispute resolution, corporate, and private client departments.
Responsibilities
- Drafted legal documents, conducted research, and attended client meetings across all four training seats.
- Managed a personal caseload of lower-value residential conveyancing matters during the property seat.
- Prepared witness statements, conducted disclosure reviews, and attended court hearings during the dispute resolution seat.
- Completed the Professional Skills Course with distinction and all required competency assessments.
Achievements
- Offered a newly qualified position in the commercial property department based on outstanding performance and client feedback during the property seat.
- Received the firm's Trainee of the Year award for demonstrating exceptional legal ability and professional commitment.
Education & Qualifications
List your route to qualification — LPC/SQE, law degree or GDL — with institutions and classifications. Include your SRA admission date, SRA ID, and any specialist accreditations. Note continuing professional development activities and any additional qualifications relevant to your practice area.
Solicitor (SRA Admitted)
Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, with a current practising certificate.
Legal Practice Course (LPC) / SQE
The vocational qualification required for solicitor admission, covering practical legal skills and professional conduct.
Law Degree (LLB) / GDL
The academic legal qualification providing the foundations for solicitor or barrister qualification.
Specialist Accreditation
Law Society specialist accreditations recognising expertise in specific practice areas such as personal injury, family, or immigration law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I present my PQE on a solicitor CV?
Should I include my SRA ID on my CV?
How important are billing figures on a solicitor CV?
Should I mention legal directory rankings?
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