How to Build a Legal CV That Actually Gets Read (and Remembered)

Let’s be honest, writing a legal CV can feel exhausting…because it is.

In a world where recruiters spend seconds (yes, seconds) scanning an application before deciding whether to keep reading, your CV isn’t just a document, it’s your first interview.

So how do you make sure it gets read, not just skimmed? And more importantly, how do you make sure it gets remembered for the right reasons? Let’s break it down.

Common Legal CV Traps That Sink Applications

Even the most talented law graduates and paralegals fall into these and they’re all fixable.

1. Typos & sloppy formatting

   Law is about precision. One spelling mistake and your “attention to detail” claim just vanished.

2. Trying to show everything

   A CV that lists every role, skill, and society is overwhelming. Law firms value relevance, not bulk.

3. The copy-and-paste job

   Sending the same generic CV to every role is the fast lane to the rejection pile.

4. Tasks instead of outcomes

   “Did legal research” tells me nothing. “Reduced case prep time by 30%” tells me everything.

5. Buzzword overload

   “Hard-working, detail-oriented, team player” means nothing without proof.

6. Over-selling experience

   In a profession built on credibility, exaggeration isn’t just risky, it’s career-limiting.

   
   

What Law Firm Recruiters Really Want

When I’ve spoken to hiring managers both in firms and in-house — they’re unanimous on what works:

• Clean, scannable structure — headings, white space, bullet points, logical flow.

• Evidence-based achievements — results and numbers, not just duties.

• Relevant experience — paralegal work, internships, vacation schemes, training seats.

• Keyword match — mirror the language in the job description.

• Professional polish — traditional fonts, consistent formatting, 1–2 pages max for early career roles.

Tailored Tips for Law Graduates & Paralegals

1. Lead with education if you’re new

Your law degree, LPC/SQE status, standout modules, awards — all go first, followed by relevant experience.

2. Showcase your legal exposure

Detail tasks from paralegal work, training seats, or internships. The closer to the role, the better.

3. Quantify your wins

Numbers make you memorable:

“Managed 50+ case files” is stronger than “Handled case files.”

4. Be strategic with extracurriculars

Include mooting, pro bono, or society roles if they build a relevant skill set. Leave out the filler.

5. Use a skills section sparingly

Stick to high-value legal and professional skills — legal drafting, case management, research, communication.

6. Proofread like your future depends on it

Because in law, it might. Check it yourself, then get someone else to check it again.

The “CV Do’s and Don’ts” Snapshot

DO	DON’T
Tailor each CV to the role	Send the same version everywhere
Use action verbs & metrics	Use vague descriptors (“responsible for…”)
Keep it clear & professional	Use distracting colours or fonts
Show relevant legal experience	Hide practical exposure in bullet-point lists
Keep it to 1–2 pages	Waffle on — brevity is a strength
Proofread multiple times	Rely solely on spell-check
Be truthful	Inflate experience or mislead

The Bottom Line

A strong legal CV doesn’t need to be flashy. It needs to be clear, relevant, and strategically built to prove you’re ready for the realities of the role. Nail the basics, avoid the traps, and you’re already ahead of a large chunk of applicants.

Your CV is your ticket to the next stage but getting it right takes more than copying a template. It takes strategy. It takes tailoring.

And if you want some support with organising and managing your applications? Our Paralegal Pathfinder Template includes a range of tools designed specifically for law students and aspiring solicitors.

Best of luck!!