CV Tips for Aspiring Criminal Lawyers

Breaking into law is competitive – and your CV is often your first opportunity to show that you understand not just the law, but the reality of criminal defence work. Chambers, firms and legal organisations are looking for more than strong academics; they want evidence of commitment, curiosity and resilience.

Whether you’re a law student, career-changer or aspiring paralegal, here’s how to build a criminal-law-focused CV – and strengthen your wider professional profile – in a way that genuinely stands out.

Tailor your CV to criminal law

A generic legal CV rarely works. Employers want to see intentional choices. Focus on:

• Criminal, evidence, human rights or procedure modules
• Mooting, advocacy or debating experience
• Any exposure to police stations, courts or custody environments
• Work involving vulnerable people, conflict or pressure

Keep your CV concise (two pages maximum), clearly structured and results-focused. Use plain English – criminal law is a practical discipline, not a corporate one.

Tip: If it doesn’t demonstrate why you want to work in criminal defence, rethink whether it belongs on the page.

Show commitment beyond the classroom

Employers in criminal law consistently look for proof that candidates understand the realities of the job – including long hours, emotional cases and high responsibility. You can demonstrate this by:

• Attending Magistrates’ and Crown Court hearings regularly
• Completing mini-pupillages, marshalling or vacation schemes
• Volunteering with legal advice centres, charities or youth organisations
• Shadowing duty solicitors or criminal practitioners

Even informal experience matters – what’s important is your ability to reflect on what you observed and explain what you learned.

Read widely – and reference it

Reading relevant publications shows intellectual curiosity and commercial awareness. It also gives you talking points for interviews and networking. Recommended reading includes:

• Broadsheet and local newspapers
• Criminal law blogs and practitioner commentary
• Sentencing Council updates
• Legal news on criminal justice reform
• Articles on policing, prisons and access to justice
• True crime podcasts and documentaries

Mention relevant reading briefly on your CV or cover letter – it signals genuine engagement with the profession.

Build a professional LinkedIn presence

LinkedIn is no longer optional for aspiring lawyers. A well-used profile can support your CV and help you access opportunities that never get advertised. To strengthen your online profile:

• Write a clear headline showing your criminal law interest
• Share or comment on criminal justice news and events
• Follow criminal law firms, chambers and professional bodies
• Connect thoughtfully with practitioners (no generic messages)

Consistency matters more than volume – thoughtful engagement goes a long way.

Network with purpose (and authenticity)

Networking within all areas of law doesn’t mean hard selling. It means listening, learning and building relationships. It is also a great way to build confidence in public speaking. Joining the CLSA is a great way to build your criminal lawyer contacts across the UK.

Attend:

• Legal careers events and open days
• Criminal law lectures and panel discussions
• Student-law-society events
• Local business networking events
• CLSA talks, workshops and conferences

Always follow up with a short, polite message – and remember that professionalism starts long before qualification.

A note on AI-written CVs: use with caution

AI tools can be helpful for structuring ideas or spotting spelling errors, but law firm employers are increasingly alert to AI-generated CVs. Generic phrasing, over-polished language and vague claims are easy to spot and often raise concerns about authenticity.

Your CV should reflect your voice, your experiences and your motivations. If you use AI at all, treat it as a light editing aid, not a replacement for genuine reflection. A simple, honest CV that shows real engagement with criminal law will always outperform something that reads impressively but says very little.

Final thoughts

A strong criminal law CV tells a story: not just of academic ability, but of motivation, resilience and informed choice. Every court visit, article read and conversation held helps shape that narrative.

Criminal law needs committed, thoughtful new practitioners. Start building your profile early – and make it clear that you’re ready for the challenge.