Solicitor CV Example
A solicitor CV is built on clearly showing your practice area (commercial, employment, criminal, property), your litigation/contract experience and your admission to practise. Law firms and in-house teams filter candidates by these areas, so make them easy to find. Keep it one page, ATS-friendly and free of photos or personal details.
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James Whitfield
Solicitor (Commercial & Contracts)
London, UK
Summary
6 years of legal practice, focused on commercial law and contracts. Advised companies on contract management and dispute handling; strong record of resolving disputes through negotiation. Admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales.
Experience
Solicitor · Law Firm
Mar 2020 – Present- ›Drafted and negotiated 200+ commercial contracts for corporate clients.
- ›Resolved 70% of commercial disputes through negotiation, before litigation.
- ›Acted for employers in employment law matters.
Trainee Solicitor · Law Firm
Sep 2018 – Feb 2020- ›Assisted with the preparation and management of case files.
- ›Gained experience drafting legal opinions and court documents.
Skills
Education
LLB Law · University of Bristol (2013 – 2018)
What to Highlight in a Solicitor CV
- ✓State your practice area clearly (commercial, employment, criminal, property, IP).
- ✓List your admission (e.g. solicitor of England and Wales) and any relevant languages or specialist qualifications.
- ✓Show your litigation/contract experience by volume ("200+ contracts").
- ✓Make clear whether you work in-house or in private practice.
Technical Skills
- •Litigation
- •Contract management
- •Legal drafting & opinions
- •Negotiation
- •Regulatory tracking
- •Languages (if any)
Soft Skills
- •Analytical thinking
- •Persuasion
- •Attention to detail
- •Professional ethics
Common Mistakes
- ✕Not stating your practice area — firms and companies search by it.
- ✕Leaving experience abstract (no litigation/contract volume).
- ✕Omitting your admission status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a practice area essential on a solicitor CV?
Yes — areas like commercial, employment and criminal law are decisive. Lead with the area that matches the role you are applying for.
I am newly qualified with little experience. What should I write?
Highlight your training seat experience, the types of matters you worked on, languages and any specialist courses.
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