CV for first ever paralegal role (at a high street firm)

Note that we've included a more developed version of this CV lower down, from when the candidate applied for a subsequent role after accumulating more paralegal experience. 

[Contact details] 

Education

Studied PGDL at The University of Law – Commendation (2022 – 2023)

• Contract Law – Pass (58)
• English Legal System & Constitutional Law – Commendation (63)
• Criminal Law – Distinction (71)
• Tort Law – Commendation (66)
• Administrative & Human Rights Law – Commendation (62)
• Land Law – Commendation (60)
• Equity and Trusts – Distinction (75)
• Law of Organisations – Commendation (67)

Studied BA (Hons) Criminology at The University of Durham 2:1 (2019-2023) 

Studied at The Bedford Sixth Form (2017-2019)

• AS results: Media Studies (B) Sociology (B)
• Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma Health and Social Care (Distinction **)
• GCSE results: (A*- C) including Maths (5) and English (8)

Interships 

Shadowed Criminal Defence Barrister

• Attended GBH trial, stalking and other indictable offences as well as trials in the magistrates.
• Read case files and witnessed criminal litigation.

Shadowed Solicitor - Franklins Law

• Experienced different aspects of law such as wills and probate, conveyancing and divorce law. 
• Enhanced my communication skills, building my confidence on how to interact with legal professionals and clients.

Bright Network Commercial Law 

• Applied newly learnt concepts to create and critique a non-disclosure agreement. 
• Helped broaden my commercial awareness in law.
• Critically analysed and provided feedback on another peer’s work.

Legal experience

Family Law Advice Clinic pro bono

• Contacted clients for initial information and created summary notes of solicitor’s advice.
• Working directly with clients demonstrated my ability to provide empathetic support in a professional capacity. 

National Centre for Domestic Violence pro bono

• Completed training and assigned as a pro bono casework volunteer, this role includes calling clients, drafting applications for non-molestation orders and ensuring confidentiality and professionalism. 
• Showcased attention to detail by ensuring accuracy. 

Small Business Advice Line pro bono

• Observed legal advice being given to clients, drafted out a summary of the advice received by solicitors. 

Work Experience

Durham County Council (June 2021 – September 2023)

Youth offending volunteer

• Completed training and gained knowledge of the restorative justice system and how it works for young offenders and victims. 
• Volunteer on the youth justice board referral order panels, designing specific action plans for young offenders to prevent further offending.

Santa Pod Raceway (July 2021 – May 2023)

• Monitored and directed heavy flows of traffic into Santa Pod for their sporting events. This helped utilise my skill of working hard under pressure.

Waitress for private chef (July 2021 - Present)

Gourmand Pierre

• Waitressing for a private chef within client’s homes to ensure they have a pleasant dining experience. This experience developed my time management skills in addition to gaining a better attention to detail, this transitional skill is extremely important to have a successful legal career.

Serve Legal Auditor (November 2020 - Present)

• Ensuring discretion as an undercover auditor to check businesses are carrying out the correct procedures by test purchasing age restricted items. 
• Producing clear, detailed reports to help a range of businesses monitor and implement procedural compliance such as ‘Think 25’.

NHS Contact Tracer (March 2020 – December 2021)

Novacroft

• Exposure to various positions within NHS Contact Tracing such as making isolation calls to positive cases and contact tracing to discover who the positive cases of coronavirus have been in contact with, playing my part in reducing the spread of coronavirus.  
• Demonstrated decision making under pressure when in complex situations such as having to escalate calls where contacts are refusing to isolate. 

Waitress (November 2019 – September 2021)

The Swan Inn and Bistro

• Utilised cognitive flexibility working within a faced paced environment of 45 tables, whilst ensuring a premium product was still produced.  

Sous Chef/Waitress (August 2017 - November 2018)

The Buttery Café - Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire

• Displayed leadership skills when supervising new staff members and adaptability when moving about during shift to wherever needed help and support.

Personal interests and achievements

Reading/Attending Talks

• Most recently after reading David Wilson’s book, “My Life with Murderers”, I attended a talk of his, urging society to tackle issues in government policies which create conditions for vulnerable people to become potential victims. 

Skiing 

• Skiing yearly with my family has helped me overcome my fear of heights and gain confidence on the slopes. 

Netball 

• At university I rediscovered my love for netball and have started playing for my college competitively.
• Attended weekly training and strength and conditioning sessions allowed me to stay fit and unwind with my team.

CV for second paralegal role (at a regional firm)

[Name – redacted]

Telephone: [redacted]| E-mail: [redacted] 

A graduate from [redacted], I am pursuing a role as a paralegal within a commercial firm with a view to qualifying as a solicitor. I have gained experience from my current role as a paralegal at [redacted] and I am now seeking higher levels of client involvement and responsibility. I am driven and enjoy working as part of a team. References are available upon request. 

Education

[Redacted], Law LLB First Class Honours (2020 – 2023)

Third year modules: Competition Law, Employment Law, Evidence, Family Law, Medicine and the Law, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Law. Overall grade: 71.8.

Second year modules: Criminal Law, Equity and Trusts, General Principles of Tort, The UK and the EU: Law after Brexit. Overall grade: 69.3.

First year modules: Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Legal Institutions and Method, Land Law, Administrative and Human Rights Law. Overall grade: 65.7.

November 2020 - WestLaw UK Basic Certificate; LexisNexis Foundation Certificate.

[Redacted] (2013 – 2020)

3 A-Levels: English Language (A*), English Literature (A*), Economics (A*); Extended Project Qualification: A*; 11 GCSEs: two at grade 9, nine at grade 8.

Legal Experience

Paralegal, [redacted] (October 2023 - Present) 

A role in the Legal Services Team at [redacted], providing streamlined assistance to a variety of global teams in a Top 10 firm. Examples of experiences include:

• Carrying out a large-scale long-term document review exercise for a contentious matter;
• Note-taking on a significant pro bono matter during meetings and hearings;
• Preparing guidance documents for the wider team hub in areas of expertise;
• Handling shipping cargo claims as a P&I Secondee at [redacted] from notification to; settlement, involving ensuring documentation and records are correct;
• Confidence in time recording, DocuSign, Microsoft applications, case management systems and discrete handling of confidential information;
• Producing a bible at the end of a banking transaction with all relevant documents; 
• Emailing and liaising with clients to ensure smooth-running of transactions and maintain good relationships for the firm;
• Reviewing contracts including NDAs and proof-reading documents on banking transactions, as well as general assistance such as running redlines and updating trackers; and
• Researching and delivering a commercial awareness presentation on climate litigation.

This role has prepared me to increase my levels of responsibility and has given me the confidence and grounding to hone my skills to a more specific practice area.

[Redacted] Work Experience (20^th-24^th March 2023)

A week at [redacted] following the award of the [redacted] Tort Prize for best performance in this exam. Invaluable time spent in a commercial firm, carrying out tasks such as:

• Pitching to a fictional property client for Real Estate business;
• Producing an article on the new MEES Regulations;
• Marking up heads of terms; and
• Investigating and advising on a personal injury claim using the damages guidelines.

Kennedys Law Virtual Internship Programme (5^th-7^th November 2022)

A challenging and interesting programme, which confirmed my interest in Kennedys.

• Drafting a witness statement for litigation;
• Producing a memo advising a company on a force majeure clause;
• Preparing a client pitch presentation; and
• Leaving a client voicemail regarding details of a medical malpractice claim. 

Volunteer at [Redacted] (April 2022 – May 2023)

A recent volunteer commitment, working with [redacted] in [redacted]. A chance to give back to the community at university.

• Supporting and guiding families and witnesses through the process of an inquest;
• Liaising with court staff and those attending inquests to ensure the day runs smoothly; and
• Working flexibly to solve any problems and provide assistance alongside the other volunteers.

This role introduced me to the ways in which different organisations can be liable for harm, particularly within the sectors of medical law and local and public authorities. 

Additional Experience

Front of House Assistant, [redacted] (July 2022 – September 2023)

A part-time role, working front of house at a ‘posh pub’ serving customers, operating online bookings and check-ins, and answering telephone queries. 

• Keeping calm under pressure during busy periods and adapting with the team, especially when demand increases in the summer tourist season.

Interests and Achievements

Scholarships – one of three students to achieve the [redacted] Scholarship in first year, which required an essay submission. Also won the [redacted] Prize for Tort Law and the [redacted] prize for Contract and Tort following second year examination results. 

Hockey – played in both the school team and local club, and currently for [redacted] Medics. I captained the 1^st XI hockey team at school and enjoyed this leadership role; and was Social Secretary for Medics for two years, involving organising social events for the club, consisting of over 300 members, and liaising with venues. Currently I am treasurer for the club which requires high levels of organisation and discipline to manage the responsibilities alongside full-time work.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - completing all three awards strengthened abilities of teamwork and built resilience in dealing with challenges, as well as introducing the concept of volunteering.

CV for third paralegal role (at a large regional firm)

Note that this is a later, more developed version of the "high street firm" CV above.

[Contact details] 

Education

Studied PGDL at The University of Law – Commendation (2022 – 2023)

• Contract Law – Pass (58)
• English Legal System & Constitutional Law – Commendation (63)
• Criminal Law – Distinction (71)
• Tort Law – Commendation (66)
• Administrative & Human Rights Law – Commendation (62)
• Land Law – Commendation (60)
• Equity and Trusts – Distinction (75)
• Law of Organisations – Commendation (67)

Studied BA (Hons) Criminology at The University of Durham 2:1 (2019-2022) 

Studied at The Bedford Sixth Form (2017-2019)

• AS results: Media Studies (B) Sociology (B)
• Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma Health and Social Care (Distinction **)
• GCSE results: (A*- C) including Maths (5) and English (8)

Legal Experience

Dispute Resolution/ Commercial Litigation Paralegal at [national firm]  April 2024 – Present

• Carrying out all allotted litigation casework, promptly and efficiently as delegated by the dispute resolution Partner and solicitor.
• Accurately recording time and exceeding billing targets.
• Conducting legal research to a high standard.

Case examples:

• Assisted a Partner in respect of a client seeking injunctive relief of a court order. I was specifically tasked with writing a detailed letter of advice to the client which not only set out the criteria to obtain relief but additional remedies that could be pursued to deliver the best outcome for the client.
• Drafted a letter of advice for a leaseholder seeking a vesting order due to an absent freeholder, in particular I set out the criteria necessary to satisfy attempts made to find an absent freeholder before they could apply for a vesting order namely placing an advertisement in the local newspaper, instructing a tracing agent and sending out a letter to the freeholder’s last known address.
• I have also assisted the principal fee earner with preparing a statement of costs for a possession hearing, researching the indemnity principle in depth to make sure that it met the requirements.

Civil Litigation Paralegal at [high street firm]  July 2023 – March 2024 

• Drafting letters before claims, witness statements and draft orders.
• Assisting with trial preparation.
• Heading the firm’s debt recovery.

Case examples:

• Assisted with a case from start to negotiations, dealing with the distribution of seven properties purchased with lottery winnings and a subsequent relationship breakdown. I was tasked with having daily conduct of the matter from drafting the letter before action to preparing the bundle.
• Assisted with defending a TOLATA dispute brought by the client’s ex-wife, the case involved a deed of trust which our client claimed to have lacked capacity at the time of signing. I assisted with preparing the defence and attending the application to strike out by the claimant which we successfully set aside. 

Family Law Advice Clinic  September 2022 – June 2023

• Contacted clients for initial enquiry information and created summary notes of solicitor’s advice.
• Worked directly with clients and demonstrated my ability to provide empathetic support in a professional capacity. 

National Centre for Domestic Violence  September 2022 – June 2023

• Completed training and assigned as a pro-bono casework volunteer. This role included calling clients, drafting applications for non-molestation orders and ensuring confidentiality and professionalism. 
• Showcased attention to detail by ensuring accuracy in the orders.

Small Business Advice Line  September 2022 – June 2023

• Observed legal advice being given to clients and drafted out a summary of the advice given by solicitors. 

Internships

Shadowing - Criminal Defence Barrister Derek Johashen KCH Garden Square  July 2017

• Attended various trials including those relating to GBH, stalking and other indictable offences. 
• Examined case files and witnessed cross examination. 

Shadowing – Solicitor Steven Clews  December 2019

Franklins Law

• Experienced different aspects of law including wills and probate, conveyancing and divorce law. 
• Enhanced my communication skills by being involved in client meetings, building my confidence on how to interact with legal professionals and clients.

Bright Network Commercial Law Internship

• Applied newly learnt concepts to create and critique a non-disclosure agreement. 
• Critically analysed and provided feedback on another peer’s work.

Non-Legal Experience

Durham County Council youth offending volunteer  June 2021 – September 2023

• Completed training and gained knowledge of the restorative justice system and how it operates for young offenders and victims. 
• Volunteered on the youth justice board referral order panels, designing specific action plans for young offenders to prevent further offending.

Serve Legal Auditor  November 2020 – October 2023

• Ensured discretion as an undercover auditor to check businesses were carrying out the correct age verification procedures by test purchasing age restricted items. 
• Produced clear, detailed reports to help a range of businesses monitor and implement procedural compliance such as ‘Think 25’.  

Santa Pod Raceway  July 2021 – May 2023

• Monitored and directed heavy flows of traffic into Santa Pod for sporting events. This helped utilise my skill of working well under pressure.

Waitress for private chef  July 2021 – July 2023

Gourmand Pierre

• Waitressing for a private chef within client’s homes to ensure they have a pleasant dining experience. This experience developed my time management skills in addition to gaining a better attention to detail.

NHS Contact Tracer  March 2020 – December 2021 

Novacroft

• Gained exposure to various positions within NHS Contact Tracing including making isolation calls to positive Coronavirus cases and contact tracing to discover who positive cases of Coronavirus have been in contact with.   
• Demonstrated decision making under pressure when in complex situations such as having to escalate calls in situations where contacts were refusing to isolate.