Drafting a Curriculum Vitae as a law student is crucial. Every law student must consider this when applying for internships, moot courts, research positions, or entry-level legal roles. In the legal profession, a CV is not just a document. It reflects your clarity of thought. It shows your attention to detail and understanding of professional standards.
This comprehensive guide explains how to draft a CV as a law student in a clear, practical, and structured manner. It covers the correct format and essential sections. The guide also addresses common mistakes and customization strategies. These aspects ensure your CV is not only well-written but also legally relevant and recruiter-friendly.
- 1. How to Draft a CV as a Law Student: What Makes It Different
- 2. Ideal Length, Layout & Formatting
- 3. Header: Personal Information
- 4. Career Objective / Profile Summary
- 5. Education Section
- 6. Internships & Legal Experience
- 7. Moot Courts, ADR & Research Work
- 8. Legal & Technical Skills
- 9. Positions of Responsibility
- 10. Extra-Curricular Activities
- 11. Common CV Mistakes Law Students Make
- 12. Customizing Your CV for Different Roles
- 13. Final CV Checklist
- Conclusion
Also Read- Employer Fired Me Without Notice — Legal?
1. How to Draft a CV as a Law Student: What Makes It Different
A law student’s CV is different from a general resume because:
- The legal profession values substance over design
- Recruiters prioritize legal exposure and clarity
- Precision and structure are non-negotiable
Your CV should clearly answer:
Can this student understand legal work, communicate professionally, and take responsibility?
2. Ideal Length, Layout & Formatting
Length
- 1 page → First to third year law students
- Maximum 2 pages → Final-year students with substantial experience
Layout Rules
- Font: Times New Roman / Calibri / Garamond
- Font size: 11–12 (headings 13–14)
- Line spacing: 1.15–1.5
- File format: PDF only
File name format:
YourName_LawStudent_CV.pdf
Avoid photos, graphics, colors, icons, or decorative designs.
3. Header: Personal Information
Include:
- Full Name
- Professional Email ID
- Mobile Number
- City & State
- LinkedIn profile (optional but useful)
Do NOT Include:
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Religion
- Full residential address
Professional relevance matters more than personal details.
4. Career Objective / Profile Summary
This section is optional but useful, especially for:
- First-year students
- Students with limited internships
- Students applying to a specific field
Example:
Undergraduate law student pursuing B.A. LL.B. with a keen interest in constitutional and criminal law. Seeking internship opportunities to develop skills in legal research, drafting, and court procedures.
5. Education Section
The education section forms the foundation of your Curriculum Vitae.
Format:
- Degree
- Institution
- Duration
- CGPA / Percentage (only if respectable)
Example:
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
XYZ National Law University
2022 – Present
CGPA: 8.0/10
6. Internships & Legal Experience
This is the most important section of a law student’s CV.
For each internship, mention:
- Advocate / Firm / Organization
- Duration
- Area of law
- Specific responsibilities
Example:
Legal Intern – ABC Law Chambers
June 2024 – July 2024
- Researched bail jurisprudence under the CrPC
- Assisted in drafting legal notices and applications
- Observed trial proceedings and client consultations
When learning to draft a CV as a law student, the internships section deserves the most attention because recruiters evaluate practical legal exposure before anything else.
7. Moot Courts, ADR & Research Work
Include only relevant and verifiable activities:
- Moot court competitions
- ADR competitions
- Research papers
- Legal blogs or journals
- Seminars and conferences
8. Legal & Technical Skills
Legal Skills
- Legal research
- Case analysis
- Drafting (basic/intermediate)
- Citation (Bluebook / ILI)
Technical Skills
- MS Word
- Legal databases (SCC Online, Manupatra)
Note- List only skills you can confidently explain in an interview.
9. Positions of Responsibility
This section highlights leadership and accountability.
Examples:
- Class Representative
- Legal Aid Clinic Volunteer
- Moot Court Society Member
- Editorial Board Member
10. Extra-Curricular Activities
Mention only those that demonstrate:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Discipline
Avoid irrelevant hobbies or filler activities.
11. Common CV Mistakes Law Students Make
- Spelling or grammatical errors
- Overcrowding information
- False or exaggerated claims
- Generic CV for all applications
- Casual or unprofessional language
One poorly drafted CV can lead to instant rejection.
12. Customizing Your CV for Different Roles
Always tailor your CV based on the role:
- Litigation internships → Emphasize court exposure
- Law firms → Research, drafting, and commercial law exposure
- Judge internships → Case analysis and legal research
Customization shows seriousness and intent.
13. Final CV Checklist
✔ One page (unless final year)
✔ Professional tone
✔ Clear headings
✔ Relevant legal experience
✔ PDF format
✔ Proofread carefully
Conclusion
As a law student, understanding how to draft a CV is crucial. It helps establish a strong foundation in the legal profession. It is also essential for presenting yourself as a serious and reliable candidate. Instead, it quietly reflects your understanding of the legal profession and your readiness to grow within it.
A strong CV may not guarantee selection—but a weak one almost guarantees rejection.
Connect with us on Instagram – X – LinkedIn for daily updates, quizzes, and other materials
