Legal CV examples

Many smaller firms, and some of the larger firms, require you to apply for traineeships via CV and cover letter. Speculative application via targeted CV and cover letter is the only way some smaller firms recruit. NOTE: Give details of your qualifications, with dates. Reverse your chronology put your most recent qualification first LLB or Diploma in Legal Practice. Larger commercial law firms want details of all your marks in your degree. Smaller firms are likely to be more interested in your experience and commitment to their area of the profession, so just highlight the most relevant courses, or your dissertation. You can also mention any prizes and scholarships. There is usually no need to go further back in your qualifications than highers or AS levels. You could briefly mention the number of standard grades or GCSEs you achieved, though there is no need to list them all. Mature students dont normally need to list all of their school qualifications. If you are at all unsure, check with a Careers Adviser. The content of your CV needs to be targeted at the job/course you are applying to. It provides an opportunity to show that you are an ideal match in terms of education, work experience and skills for the job/course.

CV Sample 1
Stirling University, Stirling FK9 4LA Tel: 01768 467070 Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:careers@stir.ac.uk" careers@stir.ac.uk EDUCATION 2010-11 2005-09 University of Stirling Diploma in Legal Practice University of Stirling LLB Scots Law: 2(i) Honours Courses: Punishment and Society (B) Comparative Criminal Procedure (B), Gender and Justice (B), Evidence (B), Family (A). Dissertation on Comparative Criminal Procedure and Evidence Passed all professional courses at first sitting Wallace High School, Stirling 6 Highers: Art & Design (A), Maths (A), Biology (A), Chemistry (A), English (A), Religious Moral & Philosophical Studies (B). 9 Standard grades, all at Level 1

LUCY SMITH

1999-05

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE July 2010 Defence and Defence Lawyers, Stirling 4-week placement shadowing all aspects of criminal defence work Observed the work of a busy criminal law firm and teamwork essential for success, assisting with administrative tasks. Researched points of law and presented findings to solicitors. Attended client meetings and took clear and concise attendance notes Accompanied solicitors and clients in court. Observed the work of advocates, judges and solicitors in a busy courtroom setting. Read and commented on case files. Stirling Sheriff and High Court Witness Service Volunteer Responsible for supporting witnesses by providing practical information, emotional and in-court support. Organise and conduct court familiarisation visits to ensure witnesses understand court procedure and practice before they attend, to help minimise concerns. Received thorough training in supporting witnesses effectively. 2007-08 Edinburgh Citizens Advice Bureau Trainee Advisor Completed a ten week course of training which included topics such as how to conduct a confidential and impartial client interview.

2009to date

Enhanced my problem solving skills through addressing clients questions (including legally and benefits related questions) via the telephone. Developed excellent interpersonal skills, and gained valuable administrative experience OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE 2005-08 Variety of restaurants/bars Waiting and bar staff (Employers included Park Bar, Ruby Lounge and The Bank Hotel) Developed strong customer focus and team-working skills working in busy bars and restaurants. Ability to work effectively under pressure in busy establishments important for good customer service. Good time management essential for combining part time work with studies and social commitments. ACHIEVEMENTS AND INTERESTS Public Speaking Member of University Mooting Society. Developed team work, time-management, communication and persuasive skills through taking part in mooting competitions. Represented Edinburgh City Council in the final of the Scottish Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition on Accident Prevention during my final school year, as well as taking part in several in-school events. Sport Member of badminton club. Enjoy social, competitive and tactical aspect of game. Cycle as a means of transport and to keep fit Travel Planned and organised independent backpacking tour of Eastern Europe and experienced many different cultures. Art Passionate about contemporary art and photography. Visit exhibitions in Edinburgh and beyond as often as possible. REFERENCES Available on Request

Matthew Smith
Education and Qualifications 2009-10 2005-09 University of Stirling Diploma in Legal Practice University of Stirling LLB Hons, High 2:1 Honours courses included: Commercial Law (2:1); Property Law (2:1); E.C. Law (2:2); International Private Law (2:1); Company Law (2:1) Ordinary courses included: Commercial Law (C); Delict (B); Jurisprudence (B); Property (C); Taxation & Social Security (C); Civil Law (B); Contract Law (C); Constitutional Law (A); Criminal Law (C); Family Law (B); Scottish Legal System (B) (Passed all courses at first sitting)

Easter 2008 Vacation Course Insight into Management 1999-05 St Marys School, Edinburgh SCE Advanced Highers French (B): English (C) SCE Highers English (A), French (A), Geog (A), Art (A), Maths (A), Physics (B)

Legal Experience Summer 2008 Dodds Mackay, Solicitor, Edinburgh summer placement Gained valuable experience working as part of a busy office team. Responsible for accurate completion of individual assignments to time. Experienced client contact in conjunction with qualified solicitors. Responsible for proof-reading documents and researching aspects of property law for partner. Other Work Experience 2003-2008 Hilton, Dunblane Hydro Part time silver service waitress Used organisational and interpersonal skills to effectively manage a small staff team and maintain a positive working environment. Attention to detail essential for accurate and timely payment of bills. Teamwork was essential to provide a friendly and efficient service for our customers. Ensuring customer satisfaction in a busy hotel environment required the ability to think effectively on ones feet, and to remain calm and courteous under pressure. Effective time management essential for combining work, studies and sporting activities

Awards and Positions of Responsibility University President of University Netball Club 2006-08 Used initiative to investigate fund-raising activities and improve club funds from a deficit of 500 to a surplus of 700 Played for university team 2005-06 School Netball captain 2003-05. Won first place in the Scottish under-18 finals in 2004 Young Enterprise Company Accountant. Responsible for managing finances of a company marketing Christmas cards. Made profit of 350.00 for charity. Senior prefect with special responsibility for supervising the lower school over the lunch period. Skills Computer skills Competent in use of word processing, spreadsheet and database packages in office and academic environment. Presentation skills Developed through presenting course work and acting as president of university netball club Interests Sport Active interest in many sports, particularly netball Hill Walking Walk in the Highlands as often as possible, and recently completed the West Highland Way Enjoy travelling extensively in Europe with family and friends, and also independently. Organised interailing trip through Europe, experiencing many different cultures. References

Available on Request

CV Sample 3

Sarah Rogers
Stirling University, Stirling, FK9 4LA e: HYPERLINK "mailto:careers@stir.ac.uk" careers@stir.ac.uk t: 01768 467070 m: 0000 000 000

OBJECTIVE

A motivated 2nd year Law Student with a good combination of legal and commercial skills and experience seeking a career in intellectual property law. Anticipating a 2.1

EDUCATION Univeristy of Stirling BA (Hons) LLB Law, anticipated 2.1 2006 2009 Relevant modules: First year: introduction to law (distinction); legal process (merit); constitutional and administrative law (merit); and obligations I (distinction) Second year: criminal law; company law; obligations II; property law; and intellectual property.

Achievements: Awarded law prize for the highest recorded grade for a criminal law essay. Won the UK university-wide team debating championship. Elected chair of the universitys Law Society at the start of my second year. Abbeyfield School A-levels: English A, Philosophy B, French B AS-level: Spanish C GCSES: 7 As, 3 Bs including Maths and English 2000 2005

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE Legal Adviser Citisens Advice Bearaux, Denny Sept 2009 - Present Using excellent communication skills to ascertain client needs and to extract all relevant information. Explain complex legal information to clients in a flexible manner to ensure understanding. Legal Work Experience Blake Lapthorn, Stirling June 2008- July 2008 Shadowed Solicitors practicing in the areas of personal Injury, residential property, employment advice and clinical negligence. Read case files and discussed points of law with senior partners. Observed case work and gained an excellent insight into the Law Attended court hearings OTHER EMPLOYMENT Sales Assistant Topshop, Stirling 2006 Present Provided excellent customer service to customers Maintained the shop floor, checked and accepted deliveries, handled money

Sales Assistant

One Stop Newsagents, Stirling

2005 2006

Served customers, ensured the shop was stocked and tidy Demonstrated reliability and enthusiasm during early morning shifts VOLUNTEERING Stirling Volunteer Centre Community Lunch Club 2007 present Engaged elderly visitors in lively conversation Local fundraising activities, including marketing for events Catering and other household duties

RELEVANT SKILLS

Communication
Assured communication skills both written and oral. Confidence in addressing individuals and large groups in a clear and concise manner at Law Society functions and academic presentations. Accustomed to dealing with people involved in stressful situations with confidence and courtesy through my experience at the Community Lunch Club.

Commercial Awareness
A good appreciation of business transactions and financial administrative systems through work at Topshop.

Information
Can assimilate and analyse information, concepts and ideas quickly and accurately. Enjoy coming up with simple solutions to complex problems. Well-versed in the sourcing and interpretation of a wide range of data. IT Skills Expert user of Microsoft Office packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint Adept at using internet search engines for research purposes Expert user of carious email packages including Microsoft Outlook and GroupWise INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Social Secretary University of Stirling, Law Society Responsible for organising 3 evening events each year including the Law Society Christmas Ball For each event responsibilities were to access suitable venues, select sample menus and entertainment options and present back to the social committee Booking and being the point of contact for all event bookings, negotiating discounts and paying monies The Law Society Christmas Ball sold 250 tickets this year an increase of 25% on previous years Running: Keen interest in running and have completed several races for charity. The most recent of which being the Great South Run which I completed for Book Worm a charity involved with promoting reading to underprivileged children. REFERENCES Available on request

HYPERLINK "http://www.careers.stir.ac.uk" www.careers.stir.ac.uk

Sample CV 2

Stirling University, Stirling FK9 4LA 01786 467070 careers@stir.ac.uk