How to build a Strong CV as a law student
Building a strong CV as a law student is essential for standing out in a competitive field and opening doors to internships, clerkships, and future career opportunities.
A CV or (Curriculum Vitae) or Resume is often the first thing your potential recruiter, professor, or mentor sees before they decide to meet you. In competitive spaces like internships at top chambers or legal research roles, your resume is what gets your foot in the door.
Key Elements of a Strong Law Student CV
A robust law student CV should be precise, well-organized, and tailored to the legal profession. Start by including contact details—full name, professional email, phone number, and location—for direct communication. Add a concise personal statement summarizing your legal interests, academic status, and what you aim to bring to potential employers.
Academic Achievements
List your law degree(s), relevant coursework, and any prestigious awards or scholarships. Highlighting a strong academic record (such as a good CGPA or class rank) reflects commitment to the field and demonstrates your understanding of legal principles.
Internships and Legal Experience
Internships are pivotal—they showcase how legal knowledge is applied in real-world scenarios. Describe any law firm or NGO roles, research assistantships, and paralegal positions, emphasizing responsibilities like drafting, research, and case management. Include dates, locations, and detail your contributions using action verbs and outcome-based descriptions.
Competitions and Extracurricular Activities
Participation in moot court, trial advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) competitions not only builds your CV but develops soft skills like public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Involvement in student law associations, editorial boards, and volunteer initiatives also enhances your leadership profile.
Publications and Writing
Publishing articles, legal opinions, and research papers in reputable forums establishes your interest and expertise in specific areas of law. Even blog posts or contributions to law reviews add value, signaling a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Skills Section
Identify both hard and soft competencies. Essential legal skills include research, critical thinking, drafting, case analysis, and familiarity with legal databases. Soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership are equally important. Tailor this section to each role applied for by emphasizing the most relevant skills.
Tailoring, Formatting, and Final Touches
Every law job or internship application deserves a tailored CV that aligns with the specific role, law firm, or organization. Study job descriptions, prioritize the most relevant experiences, and adjust keywords accordingly. Keep the overall document concise (ideally no longer than two pages), employ clear headings and bullet points, and use a legible font and consistent formatting throughout for maximum clarity and professionalism. Proofreading is essential—spelling or grammatical errors are rarely forgiven in legal recruitment.
Conclusion
Constructing a standout law student CV is an ongoing process requiring self-reflection and continual updating. By thoughtfully organizing achievements and experiences, tailoring applications, and maintaining meticulous attention to presentation, law students position themselves as competent, adaptable legal professionals ready to contribute meaningfully to the evolving legal landscape.
