How to Write a Law Student CV + Example (UK Format)

Crafting a CV as a law student can seem as intricate as preparing for a moot court competition. However, by breaking down the CV components and understanding what potential employers seek, you'll be ready to present a compelling case for your employment. In the lines below, we divulge top tips and examples for creating a standout law student CV, ensuring you’re armed with the best information to kickstart your legal career.

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Law student CV example

How to write a law student CV 

Follow our guide to ensure every section of your law student CV, from education to extracurricular activities, adds to a compelling narrative positioning you as the ideal candidate.

• Personal statement:

Develop a striking law student personal statement that delineates your experiences, key projects, significant achievements, and career goals, emphasizing what you can bring to the table.

• Job description:

Tailor your work history to spotlight your specialisation, accomplishments, and pertinent experience. Structure this section with bullet points under major headings where your role titles and employers are clearly stated. For those charting new career paths or working independently, a skills-focused CV might be more appropriate.

• Education:

Bolster your law student CV with an education section that exhibits relevant academic credentials in the format: [Class of Degree] [Name of Degree] (Year of Graduation) at [Name of University]. In situations where hands-on experience is sparse, augment with a list of accomplishments, extracurricular involvements, and your strong suits.

“Interns and students should focus on highlighting any academic achievements when crafting their first professional CV. This includes involvement in student societies, extracurricular activities, workshops, student government, scholarships, and notable grades. They should also list any additional courses they've completed and detail projects undertaken both during and outside their studies. These elements demonstrate initiative, skills, and a proactive approach to learning and development”.

• Skills:

Aggregate a skills section tailored to the law student role, listing soft skills and professional competencies that mirror what is sought by employers. Qualities expected from law students include problem-solving, legal analysis, legal research, effective communication, and negotiation.

• Additional sections:

Augment your standard law student CV template with optional sections to provide further depth. Incorporating awards, certifications, or language proficiency can underscore your adaptability and relevance, whereas details such as unrelated hobbies or interests should be omitted to keep the focus on what’s essential.

• Cover letter:

Enhance your application with a tailored cover letter that articulates your distinct qualifications and sincere eagerness for the role. Start with a brief introduction that spotlights your experience and why you're the top fit. Add depth with a paragraph detailing your core strengths and contributions. Conclude your letter by expressing your interest in the organisation and a strong call to action, encouraging them to consider your portfolio and application.

• Format:

Revise your law student CV format to ensure ease of reading by selecting the appropriate font and maintaining sufficient whitespace. Also, check for compatibility with applicant tracking systems, opting for PDF format unless *.doc is expressly requested, as some systems may not parse PDFs effectively.

Now that you've got a blueprint for your law student CV, it's time to get drafting! Remember, your CV is an opportunity to present not just your qualifications but also your unique story and ambition. With careful attention and customization, you’re well on your way to a career in law.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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Considering other positions? See CV examples for different jobs:

• Legal CV sample
• Solicitor CV sample
• CV for a part-time job
• CV for the first job
• CV for PhD applications
• Academic CV
• Internship CV

Thank you for reading! Feel free to use the comment section for any questions or feedback. How has this guide helped in structuring your law student CV?

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.