Law Student CV Example
A law student CV demonstrates your legal knowledge, analytical abilities, and practical experience gained through mooting, pro bono work, and legal placements.
Recommended template: ClassicPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Highlight mooting competitions, law clinics, and pro bono work you have participated in.
- Include vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, or paralegal experience.
- Detail specific areas of law that interest you and relevant coursework.
- Showcase involvement in law societies, legal journals, or student publications.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Law Student CV
A law student CV must demonstrate your academic ability, practical legal experience, and commitment to a legal career. Whether you are targeting a training contract, pupillage, or paralegal role, employers want to see evidence of legal skills, commercial awareness, and the interpersonal qualities needed to succeed in the profession. Your CV should combine academic achievement with practical experience gained through mooting, pro bono work, and legal placements.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with profile, legal experience, education, and skills. Place vacation schemes and mini-pupillages prominently. Include a dedicated section for mooting, pro bono, and legal activities. Keep to two pages maximum. For pupillage applications, follow chambers-specific formatting requirements.
CV Format
Choose a conservative, professional template. Law firms and chambers expect precision and clarity. Use consistent formatting, correct legal terminology, and proofread meticulously. Save as a PDF.
CV Profile Examples
Commercial Law Student
Penultimate-year law student at the University of Bristol with a predicted first-class degree and a strong interest in commercial and corporate law. Completed vacation schemes at two City firms and participated in the university mooting competition, reaching the semi-finals. Seeking a training contract at a leading commercial law firm.
Criminal Law Student
Final-year law student at the University of Leeds with a predicted 2:1 and practical advocacy experience through the university's innocence project and two mini-pupillages at criminal law chambers. Active member of the Bar Society with a passion for criminal defence work. Targeting pupillage in criminal law chambers.
Public Interest Student
Second-year law student at SOAS University of London with a strong academic record and a commitment to human rights and public interest law. Volunteered with a legal advice centre providing pro bono immigration advice under solicitor supervision. Seeking a summer placement at a human rights organisation or legal charity.
State your degree, university, year of study, and classification. Mention your area of legal interest and most relevant experience. Specify whether you are seeking a training contract or pupillage.
Key Skills for Your Law Student CV
Legal Research
Conducting thorough research using Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal databases to identify relevant legislation and case law.
Case Analysis
Analysing judicial decisions, identifying legal principles, and applying them to factual scenarios.
Legal Writing
Drafting clear, precise legal documents including advice letters, research memoranda, and case summaries.
Mooting & Advocacy
Presenting legal arguments persuasively in simulated court proceedings and formal debate settings.
Critical Thinking
Evaluating legal arguments, identifying weaknesses, and constructing robust counter-arguments.
Negotiation
Engaging in structured negotiations to reach mutually acceptable outcomes in legal and commercial contexts.
Attention to Detail
Maintaining precision in legal drafting, citation, and document review to avoid errors with legal consequences.
Client Interviewing
Conducting professional client interviews, identifying legal issues, and building rapport with empathy and clarity.
Time Management
Managing multiple legal tasks, deadlines, and commitments effectively under pressure.
Work Experience Examples
Detail vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, and pro bono experience with specific descriptions of legal work undertaken. Mention the areas of law you were exposed to and any documents you drafted or research you conducted. Include any client-facing experience.
Vacation Scheme Student
Slaughter and May, London
Completed a two-week vacation scheme in the corporate department, attending client meetings, drafting documents, and participating in assessed exercises.
Responsibilities
- Drafted board minutes, client correspondence, and research memoranda under the supervision of associates and trainees.
- Attended a client meeting on a cross-border M&A transaction, taking notes and preparing a summary for the supervising partner.
- Completed assessed research tasks on corporate governance issues and presented findings to a panel of associates.
- Participated in networking events, practice area presentations, and a pro bono legal advice session.
Achievements
- Received positive feedback from the supervising partner for the quality of drafted board minutes and attention to technical accuracy.
- Was invited to a follow-up assessment day based on performance during the vacation scheme.
Pro Bono Legal Adviser (Supervised)
University of Bristol Law Clinic
Provided supervised legal advice to members of the public on employment and housing law matters through the university's free legal advice clinic.
Responsibilities
- Interviewed clients to identify legal issues, taking detailed notes and building case files.
- Researched relevant legislation and case law using Westlaw and LexisNexis to prepare advice letters.
- Drafted advice letters under solicitor supervision, explaining legal rights and options in accessible language.
- Attended weekly case review meetings with supervising solicitors and fellow student advisers.
Achievements
- Handled 15 client cases over two academic terms, with all advice letters approved by the supervising solicitor at first review.
- Received commendation from the clinic director for empathetic client interviewing skills and thorough legal research.
Education & Qualifications
List your degree with classification and highlight relevant modules. If you are on a non-law degree, mention GDL plans. Include A-levels with grades.
LLB (Hons) Law
A qualifying law degree providing the academic foundation for professional legal training.
GDL (Planned/Completed)
The Graduate Diploma in Law for non-law graduates seeking to qualify as a solicitor or barrister.
SQE (Planned)
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination, the new route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales.
A-Levels
Advanced-level qualifications demonstrating academic ability and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important are vacation schemes for law students?
Should I include mooting experience on my law CV?
How do I demonstrate commercial awareness as a law student?
What should a law student include in their personal statement?
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