Graduate Litigation Assistant CV Template Example
As a graduate stepping into the world of law, the role of a Litigation Assistant is one of the most exciting and rewarding entry points into a legal career. A Litigation Assistant provides crucial support to solicitors and legal teams, helping to prepare documents, conduct research, liaise with clients, and ensure that cases progress smoothly through the courts. It is a role that requires organisation, attention to detail, communication skills, and a genuine passion for the legal profession.
In terms of salary, Graduate Litigation Assistants in the UK can expect a starting range of £22,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on location and firm size, with opportunities for rapid progression as experience builds. Large city firms may offer higher starting salaries, while regional practices provide a supportive and hands-on environment. Whatever the route, this role provides an exceptional platform for graduates to gain invaluable exposure to litigation processes, case management systems, and the inner workings of legal practice.
Now let’s dive deep into creating an interview-winning Graduate Litigation Assistant CV template example that will not only highlight your skills but also help you stand out in a competitive market.
Why Your Graduate Litigation Assistant CV Matters
Your CV is often the first impression a hiring manager or HR professional will have of you. For legal roles, where precision, clarity, and professionalism are highly valued, your CV must be more than just a list of jobs and qualifications. It should present you as a motivated and capable individual who has the ability to thrive in the legal environment. Recruiters in law firms often receive hundreds of applications for each role, so the goal is to make your CV memorable, persuasive, and tailored.
As a graduate, you may not yet have years of professional legal experience, but your CV should demonstrate your academic achievements, transferable skills, internships, voluntary work, and any paralegal or administrative support roles you have undertaken. This is where structure and strategy make all the difference.
Key Skills and Qualities for a Graduate Litigation Assistant CV
Employers look for a very specific set of competencies in Litigation Assistants. Make sure your CV highlights the following skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Research and analytical ability
Strong organisational skills and time management
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Team collaboration and interpersonal skills
Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
Keen interest in litigation and dispute resolution
Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office
Even if you have not yet worked in litigation, you can demonstrate these skills through coursework, dissertation projects, voluntary work, and university activities.
How to Structure Your Graduate Litigation Assistant CV
When writing your CV, clarity and flow are crucial. A well-structured CV for a Graduate Litigation Assistant should follow this order:
Contact Details – Full name, professional email, phone number, LinkedIn link.
Personal Profile Statement – A concise summary of who you are, what you bring, and your career goals.
Key Skills – A short bullet-point section to highlight legal and transferable skills.
Education – Degree, relevant modules, dissertation, and achievements.
Legal Experience – Internships, placements, voluntary work, and paralegal duties.
Professional Experience – Any other roles that highlight transferable skills.
Additional Skills – IT, languages, certifications.
Achievements and Interests – Only if relevant to legal practice or demonstrating commitment.
References – Available upon request.
Graduate Litigation Assistant CV Template Example
Here is a simple yet effective CV template example tailored to graduates applying for Litigation Assistant roles:
Name
Phone | Email | LinkedIn
Personal Profile Statement
A highly motivated and detail-oriented Law Graduate with a strong academic background and practical legal experience gained through internships and voluntary work. Skilled in legal research, case preparation, and administrative support within litigation environments. Passionate about pursuing a career in dispute resolution and dedicated to delivering exceptional support to legal teams. Seeking an opportunity as a Graduate Litigation Assistant to contribute analytical skills, organisational ability, and a positive, proactive approach.
Key Skills
Legal research and document drafting
Case preparation and file management
Strong communication and client liaison
Team collaboration and administrative support
Attention to detail and time management
Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal databases
Education
LLB (Hons) Law – University of [Name] – [Year]
Relevant Modules: Civil Litigation, Contract Law, Evidence, Legal Research
Dissertation: The Evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the UK
Legal Experience
Paralegal Intern – [Firm Name], [Year]
Assisted solicitors in preparing court bundles and witness statements
Conducted legal research for ongoing litigation cases
Liaised with clients and third parties to collect information
Managed case files and ensured compliance with deadlines
Legal Volunteer – [Organisation Name], [Year]
Provided support in pro bono legal clinics
Drafted correspondence and assisted with client interviews
Gained exposure to civil litigation processes and case preparation
Professional Experience
Administrative Assistant – [Company], [Year]
Organised and maintained confidential records
Managed schedules, arranged meetings, and ensured deadlines were met
Enhanced strong organisational and communication skills transferable to litigation
Additional Skills
IT: Microsoft Office Suite, LexisNexis, Westlaw
Languages: Conversational Spanish
Achievements and Interests
Active member of the University Law Society
Moot Court Competition Finalist
References
Available upon request
Advice for Graduates Applying to Litigation Assistant Roles
As a graduate, you might feel that your lack of extensive experience is a disadvantage, but remember that law firms are hiring potential as much as experience. Showcase your enthusiasm for litigation, your ability to learn quickly, and your commitment to the legal profession. Focus on transferable skills gained from part-time jobs, society roles, or academic projects.
Make your CV achievement-focused rather than duty-focused. Instead of simply saying “assisted with case files,” highlight outcomes such as “organised and indexed over 50 case files, ensuring efficient retrieval by senior solicitors.”
Advice for Mid-Level and Senior Management CVs in Litigation
For those progressing beyond entry-level roles, your CV should evolve accordingly. A mid-level Litigation Assistant or Paralegal should emphasise case handling experience, leadership of junior staff, direct client management, and measurable outcomes (such as success rates, cost savings, or process improvements).
Senior management CVs, such as Litigation Managers, should focus on strategic oversight, leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and business development. Highlight your role in shaping firm success, mentoring teams, and improving litigation processes.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Litigation Assistant CV
Do’s
Tailor your CV for every application
Keep it concise (2 pages maximum)
Use professional, positive language
Quantify achievements where possible
Ensure formatting is clean, clear, and consistent
Don’ts
Never include irrelevant personal details (age, marital status, photo)
Avoid generic clichés such as “hard worker” without evidence
Don’t submit a CV with spelling or formatting errors
Don’t copy-paste job descriptions—show your unique value
Never undersell yourself—confidence is key
General Tips for Writing a Strong Litigation Assistant CV
Be specific: Use real examples of your contributions, not vague descriptions.
Use action words: “Drafted,” “researched,” “analysed,” “organised,” and “assisted” carry weight.
Focus on results: Did your work improve efficiency, save costs, or support a case win?
Tailor to each job: Use keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems.
Professional formatting: Use a clear font, plenty of white space, and logical sectioning.
Conclusion
Creating an interview-winning Graduate Litigation Assistant CV is all about showcasing your potential, demonstrating your transferable skills, and presenting your academic and practical experience in a clear and compelling way. Remember that your CV is your marketing tool—it needs to highlight not just what you’ve done, but what value you bring to a law firm.
Whether you are a graduate starting out, a mid-level professional looking to progress, or a senior candidate aiming for management, the principles remain the same: clarity, confidence, and tailoring your CV to each opportunity.
If you’d like professional support in refining your CV or LinkedIn profile, I would be delighted to help you make your application truly stand out. You can book an appointment with me today here: CV London Appointment Booking
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