Solicitor CV Template
Solicitors provide legal advice and representation across practice areas from commercial law to family law. UK law firms look for qualified solicitors with strong academic credentials, practical experience, and excellent client management skills. Your CV should demonstrate legal expertise, commercial awareness, and a track record of successful matter handling.
How to write a Solicitor CV
A Solicitor CV in the UK follows conventions that are distinct from other professions. Your header should state your practice area (commercial property, corporate M&A, family, employment), your PQE (post-qualification experience) level, and your SRA practising certificate status. Law firms filter first by practice area and PQE, so these must be instantly visible.
Your personal statement should name the firm type you have worked in (Magic Circle, Silver Circle, regional, boutique, in-house), the clients you advise (corporates, PE funds, HNW individuals, public bodies), and the value of matters you have handled. "4 PQE Commercial Property Solicitor at a top-50 UK firm, advising institutional investors and developers on acquisitions, lettings, and development agreements with a caseload valued at £80M+" immediately positions you.
In the experience section, present matters by type, value, and complexity without breaching client confidentiality. Use anonymised descriptions: "Advised a FTSE 250 company on a £30M acquisition of a healthcare provider, including SPA negotiation, CMA filing, and completion mechanics." A mistake many solicitors make is describing their role as "assisted on transactions" without specifics — hiring partners want evidence of your personal contribution, not the team's work.
Academic credentials still carry weight in UK law. Include your university, degree classification, GDL/LPC or SQE results, and training contract details. For experienced solicitors, move education below experience but keep it detailed. List your law society memberships, any specialist accreditations (STEP, SFE, AvMA), and relevant CPD. The legal profession values precision in language — proofread your CV to an exacting standard, because any error implies a lack of the attention to detail that clients pay for. Two pages is standard up to 10 PQE.
What recruiters look for in a Solicitor CV
- SRA practising certificate and qualifying law degree or GDL/SQE route
- Clearly defined practice area(s) with depth of experience
- Matter examples showing complexity, value, and client type
- Strong academics — law firms still value degree classification and institution
- Business development and client relationship management skills
- Evidence of commercial awareness beyond purely legal expertise
Key skills for a Solicitor CV
Example experience bullets for a Solicitor
Use these as inspiration — always tailor bullets to your own experience and achievements.
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Tailor my CV nowFrequently asked questions
How should I present my legal qualifications on a Solicitor CV?
List your qualifying route clearly: LLB (with classification and university), LPC or SQE (with distinction/commendation if achieved), and training contract details. For experienced solicitors, move education below experience but keep it detailed. Always include your SRA practising certificate status and PQE (post-qualification experience) level.
Should I list specific matters on my Solicitor CV?
Yes, but maintain client confidentiality. Describe matters by type, value, and complexity: 'Advised private equity fund on £25M acquisition of healthcare provider, including SPA negotiation and CMA filing.' Don't name clients unless the matter is publicly known. Senior solicitors should include a 'Key Matters' section highlighting their most significant work.
How long should a Solicitor CV be?
Two pages is standard for solicitors up to 10 PQE. Senior solicitors or partners may extend to three pages if they have significant matter experience and business development achievements to present. Trainee and NQ solicitors should aim for one page. Focus on quality over quantity — every line should earn its place.