CV Drafting, an important missing piece in a Ghanaian Lawyer or law student tool box

A curriculum vitae (CV), is often the first interaction a prospective firm has with you. It demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail, and capability. A poorly written CV can disqualify an otherwise competent candidate. Conversely, a polished CV signals to employers that you are serious about your career and the role you’re applying for.

Despite its importance, many lawyers especially newly qualified lawyers in Ghana struggle with drafting effective CVs. Over the past five years, more than three thousand lawyers have been called to the Bar, with junior lawyers forming over 50 percent of the Ghana Bar Association. Due to limited spaces in law firms, many struggle to secure pupilage positions or employment opportunities. Lawyers who want to transition into in-house work are also confronted to draft a CV to the attention of a Human Resource Officer who is not a lawyer but understands the importance of CV. 

Compounding this issue is the fact that CV drafting is not a core component of legal education in Ghana. The focus of legal training is on “pure law,” leaving little room to develop the soft skills necessary for professional applications.

In this competitive legal market, a well-crafted CV is a crucial tool for lawyers and law students to secure opportunities. This document serves as your professional introduction, highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievements in a concise and impactful way. A strong CV can set you apart and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Things to Note Before Drafting:

• Refresh your memory of all your educational, professional history. 
• Resist the temptation to put on your CV, unnecessary works and over complicated language. 
• Avoid putting your photograph, hometown, date of birth, nationality – or your social media profiles unless specified. 
• Try to avoid any gaps in your work experience or employment history on the CV.
• Insist on Simplicity

Components of an Excellent CV:

A standard CV should have the following components. The goal is to make it sucking and ensure that it does not exceed two pages. 

1. Personal Information: This is often the commencement of every standard CV. It should include your name, contact details (email and phone), and a LinkedIn profile if relevant. There is a need to avoid unnecessary details such as marital status or a photograph unless explicitly requested.
2. Professional Summary: Provide a brief overview of your qualifications, areas of expertise, and career aspirations. Example: "A diligent and detail-oriented legal professional with expertise in commercial litigation and contract negotiation. Seeking to leverage strong analytical and advocacy skills in a dynamic legal environment."
3. Educational Background: Proceed to List institutions attended, degrees obtained, and any academic honours (e.g., First Class Honours in your LLB and Law School Awards, etc). You may highlight relevant coursework or projects, especially during your LLB thesis.
4. Professional Experience: This will cover detail internships, pupilage, and employment history in reverse chronological order. Try and use bullet points to describe roles and achievements, focusing on measurable outcomes.  Example: "Drafted and reviewed over 50 commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards." Furthermore, consider splitting experience into categories such as "Legal Experience" and "Other Professional Experience" for clarity.
5. Skills: Highlight technical skills (e.g., legal research, drafting) and software proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office, legal research tools like DennisLaw) and include IT proficiencies, listing specific software or tools relevant to legal practice, such as document management systems.
6. Certifications and Memberships: It is important to add Bar membership and any other relevant certifications to your CV as reference memberships with professional bodies and qualifications that enhance credibility.
7. Interests and Activities: The lawyer is also a human being. Mention hobbies or activities that demonstrate transferable skills or a well-rounded personality, such as debating or volunteering. Do well to include activities that align with legal skills, such as participation in moot courts or community legal clinics.
8. Referees: You may state two strong referees as your references or you can write ‘references available on request’.  In case a request is made, you should be able and willing to quickly provide referees’ details before the interview. If possible your current or most recent employer will act as your first reference.

Formatting Tips

Drafting the resume cannot be completed without proper formatting. It is important to note that without a proper formatting the CV will look very unappealing to the eye and a Managing Partner may not peruse its content. The following formatting tips would ensure that the resume becomes appealing. 

• Font and Size: Use professional fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, sized 11 or 12.
• Length: Aim for two pages, but no longer than three for experienced professionals.
• Alignment: Use consistent margins and alignment for a clean appearance.
• Software: Microsoft Word or Google Docs for drafting, and Canva for subtle design enhancements if appropriate.

Conclusion

Times have changed. A lawyer, especially junior members of the Bar, needs a well-planned and laid out resume that not only communicate his professional competence but also reflects his dedication to excellence, which is a crucial quality in the legal field.