What makes a good legal CV?

Your CV plays an important part in grabbing a recruiter’s attention and building your legal career. It’s often the first interaction with a potential employer, so a well-crafted CV is needed to convey not only your skills and background but also your attention to detail, professionalism, understanding of the legal profession and how well you will fit into the firm’s culture.

Here are some of the things we look for at Harrowells when reviewing applications.

1. CV’s which are tailored to Harrowells and the role we have available

Try to avoid sending a generic CV. Law firms have different specialisms and cultures, so it’s important to tailor your CV to each application. Research our practice areas, clients, and ethos, and align your CV accordingly. Tailoring doesn’t mean fabricating; it means adjusting the description of your existing experience to make them relevant to the role you are applying for.

2. Easy to read with good formatting

Your CV should be easy to read, well-organised, and professional. We look for candidates with a keen eye for detail, so pay attention to spelling and formatting issues, such as inconsistent fonts, spacing, or alignment.

Make sure your CV is concise—ideally, we don’t want to see CVs longer than two pages, but you may want to extend this to three pages if you are more senior and have more experience.

3. A strong personal statement

A well-crafted personal statement at the top of your CV can set the tone for your application. In just a few sentences, describe who you are as a professional, what you could bring to Harrowells, and what you’re looking for in your next role. Keep it short, relevant, and focused on your strengths.

4. Clear legal qualifications

Your education section should not only list your academic achievements but also showcase any legal qualifications or certifications that are relevant to the job. If you have a law degree, list the university, dates of study, and degree classification. If applicable, mention any notable coursework, distinctions, or awards.

5. Relevant Work Experience

We want to see relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to perform legal work, whether that’s through internships, vacation schemes or paralegal roles. If you are including work experience, we also want to see what you did and what contribution you made while in post.

If you don’t have formal legal experience, highlight any transferable skills gained in other roles, such as research, communication client interaction, project management or ability to work as part of a team. Also think about the softer skills you have learnt, for instance, communication and team working. Tell us about any volunteering you do and what skills you have developed.

6. Key Skills and Competencies

This section is where you highlight the skills most relevant to the role. Common skills for legal CVs include legal research, case management, contract drafting and negotiation, client relationship management, strong written and oral communication, analytical thinking and teamwork.

Make sure the skills you list reflect both your experience and the requirements of the role you’re applying for. Be prepared to back up each skill with examples both in your CV and during the interview stage.

7. Achievements and Awards

If you’ve received any notable awards, scholarships, or recognitions, list them in a separate section or under your relevant experience or education. Whether it’s a moot court victory, a published legal article, some great client feedback or recognition for academic performance, these achievements will set you apart from other candidates.

8. Optional: Interests and Hobbies

While not essential, including a section on your interests can add a personal touch and make you more memorable. Be selective, and choose hobbies that reflect dedication, leadership, or collaboration—qualities which are valued by law firms. For instance, sports can demonstrate teamwork, while writing or blogging may show strong communication skills.

9. Proofreading and Accuracy

Finally, legal professionals must pay close attention to detail. Ensure that your CV is free from grammatical errors, typos, and inaccuracies. Double-check your dates, titles, and references to avoid any mistakes that could detract from your professionalism.

Consider asking a mentor or a colleague to review your CV before submitting it, as a fresh set of eyes can catch things you might overlook.

A good legal CV is more than a list of qualifications and experiences; it’s a tool to present yourself as the ideal candidate for the role and for the firm. By tailoring your CV, emphasising relevant experience, and demonstrating your cultural fit, you can stand out in a competitive field. Remember to keep it professional, concise, and error-free, as attention to detail is crucial in the legal profession.

Have a think about how you can match your experience, skills and knowledge to our culture, as this really helps to make your CV stand out to us!

To find out about our latest job opportunities and building your legal career with Harrowells, visit our careers page.