If you’re looking to break into the legal field but don’t have any previous legal experience, don’t worry – there are still plenty of transferrable skills you can highlight on your legal CV to make yourself stand out to potential employers.

1. Research and Analytical Skills: One of the most important skills in the legal field is the ability to conduct thorough research and analyse information effectively. Even if you haven’t worked in a legal setting before, you likely have experience conducting research for academic projects, work assignments, or personal interests. Highlight any research projects you’ve completed, and your ability to analyse and interpret complex information.

2. Communication Skills: Communication is key in the legal profession, whether it’s drafting legal documents, negotiating with clients, or presenting arguments in court. If you have experience in customer service, public speaking, or writing, be sure to showcase these skills on your legal CV. Highlight any instances where you successfully communicated complex ideas to different audiences.

3. Problem-Solving Skills: Legal professionals are often faced with complex problems that require creative solutions. If you have experience in a role that required you to think critically and problem-solve, make sure to highlight these skills on your legal CV. Discuss any instances where you successfully resolved a difficult situation or implemented a creative solution.

4. Attention to Detail: In the legal field, even the smallest mistake can have significant consequences. If you have experience in a role that required meticulous attention to detail, such as data entry, proofreading, or quality control, be sure to highlight these skills on your legal CV. Mention any instances where your attention to detail helped you catch errors or improve processes.

5. Time Management: Legal professionals often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines at once. If you have experience in a role that required strong time management skills, such as project management, event planning, or multitasking, be sure to showcase these skills on your legal CV. Discuss any instances where you successfully prioritised tasks and met deadlines.

By highlighting these transferrable skills on your legal CV, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have what it takes to succeed in the legal field, even without previous legal experience.

Remember to tailor your legal CV to the specific job you’re applying for, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for the position. With the right approach, you can successfully draw out your transferrable skills and land your dream job in the legal field.

If you would like help drawing out your transferable skills for a stand out legal CV, please do get in touch with me.