How to tailor your CV for a paralegal or trainee solicitor job in the UK
Legal employers look for accuracy, research skills and commercial awareness. Law firm CVs should be clean and error-free, because a single typo can end an application.
Keywords to look for in the job ad
Check the ad for these words. Use them only where your experience genuinely backs them up.
legal researchdraftingattention to detailclient careconfidentialitycase managementcommercial awarenessSQEcommunicationdeadlines
What to show
+Mention mooting, pro bono or law clinic work.
+Show careful drafting or research with a specific example.
+State your SQE or training contract plans.
A common mistake
Typos or inconsistent formatting. Proofread twice and use the same date style throughout.
Example bullet, before and after
Before
Volunteered at a law clinic.
After
Researched and summarised case law for [add: number] clients at the university law clinic, supervised by a qualified solicitor, and prepared draft advice letters.
Items in [square brackets] are for you to fill in with real figures. Never add numbers you cannot back up.
Tailor your CV to the real ad
Paste the job ad and your CV. You get a free preview, and you pay £4.99 only if you want the full rewrite, cover letter and keyword checklist.