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CV tips for: lawyers

Keep in mind that unless you are employed by the government as a public defender or prosecutor, you are paid by a private sector firm and their principal interest is not goodwill to all mankind! It’s how much profit they can make.

Or, if you are employed as a in-house lawyer or one working for a contingency fee-based law firm, how you can contribute to profit.

There are five things a lawyer should particularly bear in mind when writing a CV:

1) Avoid being outdated.

Many experienced professionals dish up CVs from their past with their most recent employment details bolted on. It would be far better to re-write your CV from scratch.

If you're applying to a small firm where any ongoing training is likely to be limited, you might wish to emphasize your interest in keeping abreast of developments in the field, mentioning relevant reading material etc.

Conversely, if you’re applying to a large international firm, it would be better to stress your thirst for knowledge.

2) Tailor your CV for each application:

Different types of law firms will have different priorities, and you may be applying for job roles with more than one type of focus.

Don’t pre-suppose that one CV is apt for all employers. Make sure that for each CV submission you highlight your strengths for that particular firm. It’s unlikely your CV will be read for longer than six minutes!

For some firms, qualifications will be paramount. For example, if you are applying to a large law firm, they tend to be more interested than smaller ones in academic achievements, including grades and class ranking.

If you graduated at the top of the class or from a recognised best in class college, make this stand out and place the information at the front of the CV.

Alternatively, if your experience and achievements are your most significant strengths, these should be put at the front.

If you are a recent graduate your education is probably best placed at the front of the CV. And take note of our tips for graduate and junior job seekers.

Consider the size and nature of the law firm to which you are applying. For example, working for a big law firm is NOT a nine-to-five job, so you might want to mention your willingness to work long hours, and perhaps that it’s not unusual for you to work 60-80 hours a week.

And if you’re applying to work for a small firm you might wish to stress your flexibility. Often lawyers in small firms are expected to do their own paperwork and sometimes work weekends, given occasional peaks in case load.

3) Specialisations:

Draw attention to your areas of specialisation, such as contract disputes, entertainment, family law, intellectual property rights, international operations, M&As, share transfers, trading rights, tax etc…

And spotlight your specific in-depth knowledge of particular vertical markets such as finance or pharmaceutical.

If you think it adds value give details of any noteworthy cases you have won and list any participation in legal associations or groups, or perhaps presentations or lectures you have given.

If you are a niche expert and/or working for a firm recognised as being the best in its field, accentuate this.

4) Focus on your achievements and transferable value:

Draw attention to your abilities as a ‘rainmaker’ and ideally substantiate this with examples, such as your having introduced prestigious or high spend clients.

Emphasise your fee-earning record, for example, increasing monthly billings by 30 per cent.

If you have managed substantial caseloads, bring this to light with facts and figures.

And if you’re a practice manager:

• Highlight the success of your department’s billings.
• Point out initiatives you have been responsible for which have improved process or increased efficiency, and therefore billings and profitability.
• If you have increased the number of billable hours per head, mention it.
• If you have set up new practices, say so.

Lawyer candidates are particularly judged on their ability to craft words, so give excruciating attention to detail and be adept at explaining complex issues in simple terms!

Make sure you get your CV checked for any grammatical or spelling faults, otherwise your case is likely to be dismissed.