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  • Home
  • Meet The Team
  • CV Clinic
  • LawInColour X SOAS
  • Law LLB Subject Revision
  • Join Us
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CV SUPPORT

CV's the bane of mankind, let's break it down (our way)

Class Is In session ...

Here's the structure...

1. Profile

SKIP TO HERE

2. Education

SKIP TO HERE

3. Work Experience

SKIP TO HERE

4. Other (Hobbies/ Interests and Skills )

SKIP TO HERE

Have a look at our exemplar CV FIRST

Download PDF

Tailor Every Application (Detective-Mode)

Top firms aren’t looking for generic “aspiring commercial lawyers.” They want candidates who understand their business, sectors, clients, and direction of travel and who can reflect that in their  Profile, Education highlights, Work Experience (OWL) and Other sections. Treat each firm like a case file:


Your five-source research loop

  1. Chambers Student – read the True Picture for training, selection, and practice strengths.
     
  2. Legal Cheek – scan firm profiles for footprint, trainee insight, office mix, recent financials and culture.
     
  3. Firm website – confirm sector priorities, innovation themes, recent deals, and press releases (partner laterals, office changes).
     
  4. YouTube & podcasts – hear partners/trainees explain current matters in plain English; lift language and examples.
     
  5. The news/press – partner hires, office openings/closures, revenue moves: check press rooms and reputable outlets (FT, Reuters, The Lawyer).
     

Then mirror what matters: use the firm’s sectors and client problems to frame your Outcome–Work–Learning (OWL) bullet points and your 3–4 line Profile. Slow feet don’t eat!

1. PROFILE

This is the opening pitch , your “elevated summary” in 3–4 lines. It should capture your academic foundation, legal ambition, and standout traits.

 

🔑 Tips for students applying to top firms:


  • Be clear and confident: State your degree, university, and legal ambition (e.g., aspiring commercial lawyer with interest in [X practice area]).
     
  • Add a unique hook: Show something that differentiates you — international outlook, tech focus, or social mobility passion.
     
  • Keep it professional and tailored: Avoid clichés like “hardworking” or “team player”. Instead, demonstrate ambition and direction.
     

💡 Example:


“I am a recent Law graduate from SOAS University of London with ambitions to qualify as a commercial solicitor specialising in legal technology. Having gained experience across leading firms including Clifford Chance and Foot Anstey, I have developed strong skills in research, client engagement, and commercial awareness. I am particularly motivated by bridging the gap between innovation and law, and I am eager to contribute this perspective to a global firm.”

2. Education

This section highlights your academic achievements. Magic Circle and Silver Circle recruiters care about excellence, consistency, and intellectual rigour.

🔑  Tips:

  • Always list degrees in reverse order (most recent first).
     
  • Include grades, notable modules, and scholarships/awards.
     
  • Keep it succinct — don’t list every module, only top or relevant ones (e.g., Contract, Corporate, IP, International Law).
     
  • Add extra qualifications (LPC, SQE, Bar, NY Bar) where relevant.
     

💡 Example:


LLB Law, SOAS University of London (2021–2024)


  • Achieved Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)
     
  • Notable Modules: Commercial Law (72), International Business Law (68), Intellectual Property (70)
     
  • Vice President, Law In Colour Society
     

A-Levels, [College Name] (Year–Year)


  • AAB (Law, Politics, History)

3. Work experience

This is the core of a law CV. Recruiters want to see legal exposure, transferable skills, and progression.

🔑 Tips:

  • Always lead with legal experience (internships, vacation schemes, mini-pupillages).
     
  • Show what you did + what you learned — don’t just list duties, highlight results (e.g., “analysed contracts, strengthening my drafting skills”).
     
  • Include non-legal roles but frame them to show relevant skills: leadership, client-facing, commercial awareness.
     
  • Be concise: 2–3 Work experiences only tailored to the firm.


  • Follow the OWL method below ---


 

How to Write Work Experience Using OWL


🔑 Structure:

  1. Outcome – What was achieved / the impact of your contribution.
     
  2. Work – What tasks you actually did.
     
  3. Learning – What skills or insights you developed.
     

💡 Example Entries Using OWL


Vacation Scheme, Foot Anstey (April 2024)


  • Outcome: Contributed to the successful preparation of a commercial dispute, ensuring the team had concise case analysis to support client strategy.
     
  • Work: Drafted case summaries, conducted legal research on contract law issues, and attended client meetings with associates.
     
  • Learning: Strengthened analytical skills and developed a clearer understanding of how research feeds into dispute resolution strategy.


== "Contributed to the successful preparation of a commercial dispute, ensuring the team had concise case analysis to support client strategy. Drafted case summaries, conducted legal research on contract law issues, and attended client meetings with associates. Strengthened analytical skills and developed a clearer understanding of how research feeds into dispute resolution strategy. "


 

✅ Tips:


When you write about work experience:


  • Don’t just list tasks → “Drafted contracts, attended meetings.”
     
  • Show impact → “Contributed to client strategy by drafting contracts and case summaries.”
     
  • Show growth → “Developed commercial awareness and attention to detail.”
     

That’s what makes your CV stand out to recruiters who only skim for results and reflection. 


But pleaase, remember to tailor your choice of work experience to the firm you are applying for!


4. Other (Hobbies/ Interests and Skills )

This section shows personality and well-roundedness, firms look for culture fit as much as academics.

🔑 Tips:


  • Highlight interests that show discipline, teamwork, or leadership (sports, music, volunteering).
     
  • Include skills relevant to law: languages, IT proficiency (LexisNexis, Westlaw, Microsoft Office).
     
  • Keep it authentic — don’t add generic hobbies like “reading” unless you make it specific (e.g., legal blogs, geopolitics).
     

💡 Example:


  • Languages: Fluent in Urdu and conversational in French.
     
  • IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Westlaw, LexisNexis.
     
  • Interests: Passionate baker and entrepreneur; founder of Bakes by Nyra . Regularly play tennis and volunteer at outreach programmes supporting aspiring law students.
     

✅ Final Notes for Students:


  • Stick to one page (450–600 words max).
     
  • Keep formatting clean: same font, consistent spacing, aligned margins.
     
  • Tailor your CV for each application — highlight commercial awareness and global outlook for Magic Circle, sector focus and client awareness for Silver Circle.


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