Graduate Legal Analyst CV Template Example
The role of a Graduate Legal Analyst is an exciting and important first step into the world of law, legal research, and corporate advisory work. As a Graduate Legal Analyst, you will be responsible for conducting in-depth legal research, drafting documents, analysing case law, preparing briefs, and supporting senior solicitors or barristers with ongoing client cases. The position is often the foundation of a promising career in law, compliance, or corporate governance. In the UK, the average salary for a Graduate Legal Analyst typically ranges between £25,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on the size of the firm, its location, and your academic background. For graduates with ambition, the role not only offers excellent career prospects but also the opportunity to develop strong professional foundations in the legal sector.
Why a Strong Graduate Legal Analyst CV Matters
A well-crafted CV can make the difference between landing that all-important interview and being overlooked. In today’s competitive graduate legal market, where hundreds of applicants often apply for a single vacancy, you need a CV that instantly demonstrates your legal knowledge, analytical skills, attention to detail, and potential to add value to an employer’s team. A CV for a Graduate Legal Analyst must strike the perfect balance between academic achievements, practical experience, transferable skills, and a professional presentation that reflects your ability to work in a structured, precise environment.
As a career coach with over 25 years of experience helping candidates in the legal, financial, and corporate sectors secure their dream roles, I’ve worked with thousands of graduates just like you. I know exactly what law firms, in-house legal departments, and consultancy firms are looking for when reviewing applications. Let me guide you through creating an interview-winning CV template example tailored to Graduate Legal Analyst positions.
Key Sections of a Graduate Legal Analyst CV
When preparing your CV, structure and clarity are everything. Below are the most important sections to include in your CV, along with practical tips for what each section should contain.
Contact Information
Keep this section professional and simple. Include your full name, phone number, email address (professional email, not a nickname), and LinkedIn profile link. If you have a personal website or portfolio showcasing published legal articles, research, or relevant work, include it here.
Professional Profile / Personal Statement
This short, impactful paragraph at the top of your CV should summarise who you are, your academic credentials, and what you aim to contribute to a legal team. For a Graduate Legal Analyst, focus on your degree (law, legal studies, business law, or a related field), analytical ability, and commitment to excellence. Use keywords like “legal research,” “case analysis,” “compliance support,” and “contract review” to match applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Example:
“A highly motivated Law graduate with strong analytical skills, proven experience in legal research, and a passion for supporting corporate legal teams. Adept at drafting legal documents, conducting case analysis, and assisting senior lawyers with high-value cases. Seeking to contribute academic excellence and attention to detail to a dynamic Graduate Legal Analyst role.”
Key Skills Section
Highlight the skills employers value most in a Graduate Legal Analyst. These may include:
Legal research and analysis
Drafting and reviewing documents
Case preparation and briefing
Attention to detail
Knowledge of legal terminology
Strong written and verbal communication
Ability to work under pressure
Time management and organisation
Familiarity with legal databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw
Education
For graduates, education is often your strongest selling point. Highlight your law degree or related qualification, university name, graduation year, and key achievements. Mention relevant modules such as contract law, corporate governance, employment law, or compliance. If you achieved a strong classification (2:1 or above), state it clearly.
Work Experience
This section should include legal internships, placements, part-time work in legal settings, and relevant non-legal experience that demonstrates transferable skills. Structure each entry with your job title, employer, dates, and bullet points outlining responsibilities and achievements. Use active verbs such as “analysed,” “drafted,” “prepared,” and “supported.”
Achievements
Where possible, highlight specific accomplishments, e.g.:
Drafted legal research summaries that supported successful litigation outcomes.
Assisted in preparing contracts and compliance documents for corporate clients.
Conducted research on case law to support barristers during court proceedings.
Additional Sections
If you have space, include sections on professional memberships (e.g., The Law Society), extracurricular activities (such as university legal clinics, debate teams, or mooting competitions), or languages if relevant.
Graduate CV Structure Example
Contact Details
Personal Statement
Key Skills
Education
Work Experience
Achievements
Additional Sections
Advice for Graduates
As a graduate entering the legal profession, remember that employers know you may not yet have years of legal work experience. What matters most is your potential, motivation, and ability to learn. Use your CV to emphasise your academic achievements, relevant projects, and any experience that showcases transferable skills like communication, teamwork, or problem-solving. Employers also want to see evidence of your commitment to the legal field, so if you’ve taken part in pro bono legal work, volunteered in a legal clinic, or attended legal conferences, include these.
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
If you are not a graduate but looking to move into a Legal Analyst role from a related field, your CV should place more emphasis on your professional experience than education. Highlight leadership, project management, and strategic contributions you’ve made in your previous roles. Employers at this level want to see that you can handle complex legal analysis, manage cases, and add value through your depth of knowledge. Tailor your CV to demonstrate commercial awareness and the ability to advise senior stakeholders.
General CV Writing Tips
Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. Recruiters and hiring managers spend on average 6–8 seconds on an initial scan, so make sure your key skills and qualifications are immediately clear.
Use a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts and spacing. Avoid unnecessary graphics or over-designed templates.
Write in a confident, positive tone but avoid jargon or overly complex language.
Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., “researched case law that contributed to a settlement saving the client £250,000”).
Tailor your CV for each application by adjusting keywords to match the job description.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Graduate Legal Analyst CV
Do:
Do include relevant legal keywords for ATS optimisation.
Do proofread thoroughly — legal employers expect precision.
Do show enthusiasm for the legal profession through your extracurriculars and career ambitions.
Do highlight transferable skills gained from non-legal work such as retail, hospitality, or student leadership roles.
Don’t:
Don’t use casual email addresses. Create a professional one if needed.
Don’t include irrelevant personal details such as age, marital status, or a photo (unless specifically required).
Don’t exaggerate or lie — legal employers value integrity.
Don’t clutter your CV with unnecessary detail; be concise and focused.
Conclusion
Creating an interview-winning Graduate Legal Analyst CV template example is about more than listing your education and work experience — it’s about strategically showcasing your potential, skills, and commitment to a legal career. With a strong structure, the right use of keywords, and a professional presentation, your CV can stand out in a competitive graduate job market.
If you’d like expert, tailored support in perfecting your CV and LinkedIn profile for Graduate Legal Analyst roles or any other legal career path, I’d be delighted to help. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward securing your dream role: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
