totallylegal

CV Guidelines

Make an impression and win an interview

Imagine the scene. Your CV hits the desk of a potential employer or recruiter and you have exactly two minutes (if you’re lucky) to create that all-important, interview-winning impression.

That is what a CV is all about – getting your name on the interview shortlist. This is the only part of the job-seeking process that you can control, so give it your best shot. Make sure your CV is accurate, easy to read and has no spelling mistakes. Present a clear and concise document that encourages the reader to take a closer look at your skills, experience and key achievements, and paints you in the best possible light.

Sample CV for a qualified lawyer

A LAWYER

Personal

Address:	2 Tree Court, London, NW4 5PT
Telephone:	020 8634 2780
Email:	alawyer@yahoo.com
Nationality:	British

Education and qualifications

College of Law, Store Street London CPE with commendation), LPC (with merit)

University of Manchester BA (Hons) History 2:1

Tree Secondary School, Manchester 3 A Levels: History (A), English (B), French (B)

Employment history

Current Employment

Leadinglaw & Partners
Assistant Solicitor – Construction (contentious and non-contentious)

Experience includes:

Contentious

• Acted on a £10 million claim defending the main contractor regarding payment for additional works and a counterclaim for over-payment. Advised on settlement negotiation strategy and drafted the security for costs application.
• Acted on a £6 million claim in arbitration for the main contractor concerning additional works in respect of a leisure centre. Advised on the presentation of the claim and settlement negotiation. Managed the disclosure and discovery process and instructed senior and junior counsel. Assisted with preparation of witness statements and experts' reports and attended the arbitration. Advised on the final settlement negotiation.
• Acted on a £5 million claim for additional works regarding construction of a major road. Led disclosure and discovery and assisted with the preparation of witness statements and experts' reports. Attended the arbitration and advised the client on the final settlement negotiations.
• Acted for a number of sub-contractors in several adjudications. Prepared claims and managed all the procedural steps to award.

Non-contentious

• Drafted construction contracts for a variety of clients. Advised on collateral warranties, performance bonds and parent company guarantees.
• Advised the owner on a waste to energy project in the UK including the drafting of construction contracts.
• Drafted construction contracts for a series of cybercentres to be built throughout western Europe.
• Advised the lenders to a retail development.

Interests

• Cross-country skiing
• Photography
• Theatre
• Entertaining

Sample CV for a legal secretary

JANET JOBSEEKER

Personal

Address:	987 Elmtree Avenue, Bucks
Telephone:	01923 9830978
Email:	jjobseeker@anemaildomain.com
Nationality:	British

Education and qualifications

RSA I and II Secretarial Course, Manchester

Janet School, Manchester 8 GCSEs including English and Mathematics at Grade C and above.

A Levels: History B; English C; French D

Employment History

The Law Firm, City of London
Working in close partnership with two partners within this top ten City firm.

• Providing a confidential, highly responsive PA service, involving the organisation and planning of busy global schedules.
• Co-ordinating weekly business meetings including international video-conferencing.
• Managing extensive international travel itineraries including the planning of an annual global conference for over 200 delegates.
• Extensive liaising with partners and senior management throughout the UK and Europe, promoting positive relations at every level.
• Continually meeting tight deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Supervising three secretaries within the department; delivering 1:1 induction training and meeting ongoing development needs.

London Law, West End, London
Legal Secretary

• Supporting a team of three senior managers in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Ensuring timely and accurate production of all legal documentation.
• Collating detailed case reports involving extensive cross-departmental communication.
• Managing complicated diary planning across the team.

Interests

• Sailing
• Theatre, particularly musicals
• Entertaining