Lawyer CV Example — How to Write a Great CV
A compelling lawyer CV demonstrates your legal expertise, case outcomes, and analytical skills. Highlight your specializations, bar admissions, and measurable achievements to stand out in the competitive legal field.
About the role
Lawyers represent clients, provide legal counsel, and navigate complex legal systems across various practice areas. Legal employers seek candidates with strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, proven case results, and deep knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
Key skills
CV example
Profile summary
“Experienced corporate lawyer with 8+ years specializing in mergers & acquisitions and commercial litigation. Successfully managed over 150 M&A transactions worth $2.8B total value while maintaining 95% client satisfaction rate. Admitted to practice in New York and California, with expertise in securities law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance across technology and healthcare sectors.”
Work experience
Senior Associate
Baker McKenzie LLP · 2020-2024
- •Led 45+ M&A transactions valued at $1.2B, reducing average deal completion time by 18% through streamlined due diligence processes
- •Achieved 88% success rate in commercial litigation cases, securing favorable settlements averaging $2.3M for corporate clients
- •Mentored 6 junior associates and developed training programs that improved team billable hour efficiency by 22%
Associate Attorney
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati · 2017-2020
- •Represented 30+ technology startups in venture capital funding rounds, facilitating $85M in total investments
- •Drafted and negotiated 200+ commercial contracts, reducing client legal disputes by 35% through comprehensive risk mitigation
- •Conducted legal research and analysis for complex IP litigation, contributing to 12 successful patent infringement defenses
Education tips
Emphasize your law degree (JD) with honors, class rank, or notable achievements like Law Review. Include bar admissions, relevant certifications, and any specialized legal training or continuing education that aligns with your practice areas.
Do this
- ✓Quantify your legal achievements with case values, success rates, and client outcomes
- ✓Highlight bar admissions, specialized certifications, and relevant practice areas
- ✓Include specific legal software proficiency (LexisNexis, Westlaw, document management systems)
- ✓Showcase leadership roles in professional organizations or pro bono work
Avoid this
- ✗Breach client confidentiality by naming specific clients or sensitive case details
- ✗Use overly technical legal jargon that HR professionals might not understand
- ✗Include undergraduate GPA unless you're a recent law school graduate
- ✗Forget to tailor your experience to match the specific legal practice area of the target role
FAQ
Should I include my law school GPA on my lawyer CV?+
How do I describe legal cases without violating client confidentiality?+
What legal skills should I emphasize on my CV?+
How long should a lawyer CV be?+
Create your CV with AI
Choose from 21 professional templates. AI helps you write the text.
Get started free →No credit card required