How long should a law graduate CV be?

Two sides of A4 at most, and one page is often enough for a recent graduate. Law firms value concision and accuracy, so cut anything that does not support the application.

Do I still need a training contract to qualify as a solicitor?

Since September 2021 the SRA's Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route has replaced the LPC route for new entrants. You need to pass SQE1 and SQE2 and complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). Many firms still call their two-year programme a training contract or solicitor apprenticeship, and it usually counts as QWE.

Should I put my A-level grades on a law CV?

Yes. Many commercial firms screen on academics, including A-levels (or equivalent) and module grades. List them clearly and honestly; if there were mitigating circumstances, most firms let you explain them in the application form.

Is a CV used for pupillage applications?

Most pupillage applications go through the Pupillage Gateway or a chambers' own form, not a CV. A well-organised CV still helps you complete forms consistently and is often requested for mini-pupillages.

Law graduate CV

Law Graduate CV: UK Example and Tips

Last updated 13 October 2026

Legal recruiters read CVs looking for three things: strong academics, real evidence of commercial or legal interest, and flawless attention to detail. This guide shows how to structure a UK law graduate CV for training contracts, vacation schemes, paralegal roles and mini-pupillages.

Know which route you're applying for

Solicitors. Since 1 September 2021, new entrants qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination: pass SQE1 and SQE2, hold a degree (in any subject) or equivalent, complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) and pass the SRA's character and suitability checks. QWE can be gained with up to four organisations, including paralegal work, so relevant roles on your CV now matter more than ever.

Barristers. You complete academic study, the vocational Bar course and pupillage (normally 12 months). Most pupillage applications run through the Pupillage Gateway, so tailor your evidence to each chambers' selection criteria.

Timing. Large commercial firms often recruit trainees around two years ahead of the start date, and vacation schemes are a common route in — check each firm's deadlines early.

How to structure a law graduate CV

Contact details — name, phone, professional email, city and LinkedIn. No photo, date of birth or marital status.
Short profile (2–3 lines) — the route you're pursuing and your strongest evidence.
Education — degree, classification (or predicted), relevant module grades, dissertation, SQE/GDL/Bar course status, then A-levels with grades.
Legal experience — vacation schemes, paralegal work, pro bono clinics, mini-pupillages, open days.
Other work experience — part-time and customer-facing jobs show reliability and client skills.
Achievements and positions of responsibility — mooting, negotiation competitions, society roles, scholarships.
Skills and languages — only the ones you can evidence.

Law graduate CV example

Fictional example for illustration only.

Hannah Clarke

London · 07700 900123 · hannah.clarke@email.com

LLB Law graduate (2:1) preparing for SQE1, seeking a training contract in a commercial firm. Experience from a vacation scheme, a university pro bono clinic and three years of part-time client-facing work.

Education

LLB Law, 2:1 — University of Birmingham (2022–2025). Contract Law 72, Company Law 68.
Dissertation: "Directors' duties and climate risk under the Companies Act 2006" (70).
A-levels: History A*, English Literature A, Economics A.

Legal experience

Vacation scheme, corporate seat (2 weeks): drafted a research note on share-purchase warranties reviewed by a senior associate.
Student adviser, Law School Pro Bono Clinic: interviewed clients on tenancy issues and prepared supervised advice letters.

Achievements

Semi-finalist, internal mooting competition (out of 32 teams).
Treasurer, Law Society: managed a £4,500 budget and secured two firm sponsorships.

Why this works

Academics are complete and easy to scan — exactly what screening teams check first.
Legal experience shows what she produced, not just where she was.
The commercial dissertation and sponsorship role support a commercial-firm application.

Tips that make a law CV stand out

Zero typos. Attention to detail is a core legal skill, and one error can end an application. Proofread aloud and check formatting consistency.
Show commercial awareness. Mention a deal, case or sector development you followed in your own work — then expand on it in your cover letter.
Turn non-legal jobs into legal skills. Retail and hospitality show client care, working under pressure and handling complaints.
Use outcomes and figures you can stand behind. Budget managed, clients helped, competition results — interviewers will ask.
Tailor to the firm. Match practice areas, values and the competencies listed in their graduate recruitment pages.
Keep it plain and selectable. Standard headings and real text parse reliably in applicant tracking systems.

Common law CV mistakes

Listing modules without grades, or hiding A-levels.
Vague claims such as "excellent communication skills" with no example.
Describing duties ("attended meetings") instead of contributions.
One generic CV sent to every firm and chambers.
Overstating responsibility on a vacation scheme — firms can verify it.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Regulatory details are summarised from the SRA and Bar Standards Board; always check their sites for current requirements.

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