CV Review for a Newcastle University Law Graduate
Name, address, mobile (with international prefix) and email address
Linked In website link
Nationality: British
The first thing to point out is the reference to an international prefix for the mobile. Does this mean you are based overseas or looking overseas? In either event are you aiming to stop in the UK or have you got plans to relocate overseas? As an employer I would wonder..
EDUCATION
Newcastle University Law School, Newcastle, United Kingdom October 2015 – August 2016
LL.M International Business Law
Law School Final Year Dissertation in Litigation and Dispute Resolutions, Law of World Trade Organisation, Corporate Governance, Law of International Sales of Goods, Corporate Finance, International Commercial Arbitration.
Award: Newcastle University Postgraduate Scholarship.
Strange decision unless you have a plan to go with this – why complete an LLB undergraduate degree and then do an LLM and not the LPC? You have not included your result for either qualification – does this mean that they were not very good? I am not sure this is correct because you have included information on two awards. Very unusual for someone not to include their results for their degrees..
University of Northumbria, Newcastle, United Kingdom September 2012 – June 2015 LL.B. (Hons) Law with International Business.
Contract Law, Business Processes & Systems, International Business Environment, Business Law, Global & International Business Contexts, Competition Law of the EU and the UK, International Law, Strategic Management & Leadership, Property Law, Employment Law, Business Ethics, Tort Law, Markets & Customers.
Award: Bond Dickinson Law Firm Honor Roll 2013 (Academic Achievement: Top 10%).
Harton 6th Form College, Newcastle, United Kingdom September 2010 – June 2012
A-Levels: Law, Business, Sports.
No A Level grades. Why not? You must have got relatively good ones to get into Newcastle University and the University of Northumbria..
EXPERIENCE
This is the section where your CV lets you down (and your efforts to date if you are looking for a training contract or to progress in law). You have no real legal work experience. Why not? It is absolutely vital – there are over 200 law firms within 25 miles of Newcastle – have you tried contacting them all?
FDI Moot, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2016
Researching and Advocacy in Foreign Direct Investment Moot Competition
• Conducted extensive legal research on investment law and the effect of an arbitration clause in commercial contracts.
• Drafted a memorial outlining the different legal points we presented before the tribunal in Argentina.
• Acted as the lead advocate for the oral submission of the memorial.
This looks great but you also need legal work experience.
Newcastle University Award+ Project, Newcastle, United Kingdom 2015 – 2016
Business Development Work Experience
• Researched and produced a detailed memorandum on ways firms could improve their recruitment process.
• Acted as the team leader throughout the project and planned team strategies.
Again this is great, but not as great as work experience as a solicitors firm in Newcastle. Why not get some?
ISFIN, Brussels, Belgium 2014 – 2015
Business Analyst and Consultant Intern
• Drafted and negotiated new contracts on behalf of the firm.
• Represented the firm at networking events and prospected new clients.
• Launched new marketing campaign for the firm.
Citizen Advice, Newcastle, United Kingdom 2014
Legal Advisor
• Conducted interviews and gathered further information to help build clients legal cases.
• Provided legal and financial advice.
• Negotiated legal arrangements on behalf of clients.
Misspelling – are you sure you worked for Citizen Advice? Haven’t heard of that organisation. How long were you there for? What types of cases were you covering? What types of legal arrangements did you negotiate?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Language Skills: English (Native), French (Fluent).
• Extracurricular Activities: Charity Fundraiser, University Course Ambassador, Debating Society.
• Interests and Hobbies: Football Player, Running, Trading.
• IT Skills: Windows Package (including Words, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, OneNote).
This needs more information – you haven’t really elaborated on your interest as a football player – who do you play for and how often? What running races have you completed? What do you trade – Forex?
The CV lets you down. It needs a lot more information to stand you in good stead. At the moment it is really lacking in key areas and you seem to have a lot more to offer. Search for articles on Legal Work Experience on our website – there is lots of advice on how to get it.
