Despite the widespread use of application forms, the CV is still a vital tool in the recruitment process. This Step guides you through the process of constructing a legal CV and writing a successful covering letter.
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Writing Legal CVs and Covering Letters
The curriculum vitae (CV) is the traditional method of application and is widely used throughout the legal profession. You will still need a CV, even if you are applying to organisations that use application forms, for two main reasons.
- The information on your CV forms the basis of many of the answers you will need to give on application forms
- Having an up-to-date law CV is useful when applying for work experience or to give information to a useful contact.
Before you start drafting
Think about the type of organisation or specific organisation you are applying to. What are they likely to be looking for in a candidate? See your work from Step 1 and 4.
Know what skills and experience you have to offer a prospective employer. See your work from Step 2.
Know what you want to use the CV for. Is it to apply for work experience or a speculative application? See your work from Step 2 and 3.
Tips for a good law CV
- Target your legal CV – you need to adapt your CV to each individual recruiter so that they are able to see how you could fit in with their organisation.
- Length – keep it to no more than two sides of A4 paper.
- Make it easy to read – create a clear structure, leave enough white space and make use of formatting like headings.
- Look professional – use plain white paper, a size 11 standard font like Arial or Calibri, and avoid photos and exclamation marks.
- Correct spelling and grammar is essential – don’t rely on spellcheck; proofread several times to make sure your CV is error free.
- Be honest whilst ensuring you are making the most of what you have to offer.
- Focus on your cover letter as much as your CV.
Legal CV structure and layout
There is no single correct way to lay out a law CV and you will have to try different structures to see which one works best for you.
A traditional structure contains the following information:
Personal details
Include your name and contact details such as address, email address and phone number as a heading. You don’t need to put the words ‘Curriculum Vitae’ on your CV.
Education and training
Arrange your education in reverse chronological order, with your most recent example displayed first. Include the name of the institution, subjects, dates and your grades. Detail any professional legal qualification you have such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Don’t forget to mention the areas of law that you studied and state your dissertation title if relevant.
Employment and work experience
Depending on how much experience you have, you might want to separate out and highlight any legal, commercial or voluntary experience. Describe your key tasks and responsibilities, mentioning the positive results of your actions. Apply your law work experience to demonstrate your passion and part-time or voluntary work to show your transferable skills such as teamwork and communication.
Additional skills
A brief mention of other relevant skills you have such as the languages you speak, a proficiency in software packages or technical skills such as programming languages.
Extracurricular activities
Mention things you do outside of work and the classroom such as sports and clubs. Experiences such as membership in the Law Society or starting a new club at the University will help you stand out.
Referees
Stating ‘references available on request’ will usually suffice.
Legal Covering letter tips
- Aim for a professional and personable tone
- Fonts and formatting – maximum of one side of white A4 paper, with the same font as your legal CV. Proofread carefully to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Find out who you are addressing – find out the name of the recipient if possible and sign off ‘Yours sincerely’. Try to avoid using Dear Sir or Madam, but if you do remember to use ‘Yours faithfully’ instead.
- Signing off – be polite, say thank you and that you look forward to hearing from them.
Legal Covering letter structure and layout
The purpose of your application
Talk about the opportunity you are applying for and where you saw it.
Why are you applying to them?
Explain why you are interested in their organisation.
Why should they pick you?
Explain what you have to offer that is relevant to them and the opportunity. This could be your performance on your degree, recent work experience with a similar organisation or experience in their area of practice.
Activity – CV Makeover
In this activity, you can practise applying your knowledge of CV writing as you try to improve the legal CV of a fictitious student named Georgina Berry.
Download CV Makeover Activity ➔
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m making speculative applications. Who do I address the covering letter to?
Call the firm you’re targeting, explain that you’d like to send your CV in as a speculative application and ask who to best address the letter to.
If you’re unable to get a specific name, use “Dear Sir/Madam” and you’ll need to sign off as “Yours faithfully”.
I spoke to someone at a law fair recently. Should I mention this in my cover letter?
Definitely mention that you spoke to a representative from the organisation, and give the name of the event. This is evidence to back up your interest in the organisation and shows that you have done your research.
It is a useful tip to write down the name of whoever you speak to as soon as possible. Usually exhibitors wear name badges but if not, politely ask if you can take their name at the end of your discussion.
I have a substantial previous career. Is it important to fit it all on 2 sides of A4?
It is important to keep to the two page limit, so you will need to work out a way of cutting down the content without losing your key selling points.
If you’ve accepted your place or are currently studying with us, seek advice from our careers advisers.
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