Understanding the Basics of a Law Student CV

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a detailed document that outlines your educational background, professional experiences and skills. Unlike a resume, which is often brief, a CV provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications. A well-structured CV is crucial for landing a law internship for law students. 

Formatting Your Law Student CV

• Keep it concise (1 to 2 pages max)
• Use a clean, professional font (Times New Roman/Garamond)
• Ensure proper spacing and bullet points for readability.
• Maintain a logical order: Education, Internship Experiences and Additional Sections.

Essential Sections of  a Law Student CV

1. Personal Details: Start with your basic personal information i.e. Name, Contact Number, Email Address, Linkedin Url.
   
   
2. Educational Qualifications: List your academic background in chronological order for eg: II Semester, I Year, Course Name, XYZ Law University and CGPA. After mentioning the College details add the School details in the order of Senior Secondary and Higher Secondary order.
   
   
3. Internship Experiences: Internships are the most crucial part of a law student’s CV. Mention them in reverse chronological order (i.e. starting from the ongoing or forthcoming internship to the previous internships) : Name of the Firm and Duration (mention in weeks) and below it mention all the key responsibilities and tasks completed in the Internship. Pro Tip: Use action verbs like “researched,” “drafted,” “analyzed,” “assisted” to describe key responsibilities.
   
   
4. Moot Court Competitions and Debates: Participation in moot courts and debates demonstrates legal acumen and advocacy skills. Mention the Name of the Competition, Year and Achievements.
   Pro Tip– Highlight the achievement, like Semi- Finalists, Best Delegate etc.
   
   
5. Research Papers and Publications: If you have authored articles, research papers, or case commentaries, include them. Write all the important information such as Title of Publication, Journal/ Website Name, Date of Publication, Brief Description and Link of the Publication. Pro Tip: Highlight any awards, recognition, or conference presentations.
   
   
6. Courses and Certifications: If you have completed any certifications or courses, mention them. Example Certificate Course on Mergers & Acquisitions Law by XYZ Organization, 2025.
   
   
7. Extra Curricular Activities: Include roles that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and initiative such as Member of the Legal Aid Committee, Volunteer at Legal Aid Clinic etc.
   
   
8. References: If any, you may include references from professors or previous internship supervisors in the format of Name, Designation and Contact information. 

Tips for Drafting an Impressive Law CV for Law Students  

1. Keep it Concise – Ideally, your CV should not exceed one page.
2. Use Bullet Points – This enhances readability.
3. Use Professional Formatting – Stick to a simple font (e.g., Times New Roman/ Garamond) and maintain consistent spacing.
4. Avoid Grammatical Errors – Proofread thoroughly before submission.
5. Customize for Each Internship – Tailor your CV based on the specific firm’s practice areas.
6. Take Reviews: You can ask for Expert Reviews from Your Professors, Seniors, etc. If you want a detailed analysis and review of your CV, you can mail us at contact@fawyerz.in 
   

CV for Law Students with No Experience

If you have no prior internship or legal work experience, focus on the following:

• Academic achievements: Highlight strong grades, relevant coursework and honors.
• Extracurricular activities: Mention moot courts, debates and legal societies.
• Research and writing experience: Showcase legal articles, blog posts, or research papers.
• Skills section: Emphasize transferable skills such as legal research, writing, communication and analytical thinking.
• Volunteering and pro bono work: If you’ve worked with NGOs, legal aid clinics, or student-led initiatives, include them.
• Certifications and online courses: Mention any legal courses or training programs you’ve completed.

Now you are ready to create your CV! You can download the customizable CV template from the link below.

FAQs

1. Can I include non-legal work experience?
Yes, if it demonstrates transferable skills such as leadership, communication, research, or problem-solving, which are valuable in the legal profession. You can include major achievements if they are significant, but as you gain more legal experience, replace them with law school-related accomplishments.

2. What should I include in my CV if I don’t have legal experience?

You can include your education, any leadership roles, academic achievements, debate or moot court participation, certificate courses, research skills, volunteer work and relevant extracurricular activities. 

3. How long should my CV be as a first-year law student?

Your CV should ideally be one page long, focusing on your academic background, skills and any early legal exposure.

4. What kind of internships can a first-year law student apply for?

First-year law students can apply for internships at NGOs, legal aid organizations, district courts and with independent advocates to gain basic legal exposure.

5. How often should I update my CV?

Regularly update your CV whenever you gain new experiences, internships, certifications or achievements.

6. Do I need a CV as a first-year law student?

Yes! Even if you are just starting, having a well-structured CV helps you apply for internships, legal research opportunities and networking events.