Are you gearing up to apply for an LL.M. program? One of the most crucial components of your application package is your resumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV). This document offers admissions committees a snapshot of your academic achievements, professional experiences and extracurricular activities.
To stand out in a competitive pool of LL.M. applicants, follow these steps to craft a competitive CV that highlights your strengths and accomplishments.
Begin your CV with your name, contact information and a professional-sounding email address. Make sure your name stands out, perhaps by using a slightly larger font or bolding it.
Follow your header with a brief personal statement or objective. Use this space to succinctly summarize your career goals, academic interests and what makes you a unique candidate. Tailor this section to each specific program you’re applying to.
Then, list your educational background in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the institution’s name, location, degree earned and graduation date. If you’re still pursuing your degree, mention your expected graduation date.
Showcase relevant academic achievements
Under your education section, include any academic honors, awards, scholarships or relevant coursework that demonstrate your commitment to law as a field of study. Be selective and focus on accomplishments that are directly relevant to the LL.M program you’re applying to.
More broadly, is it critical for students to tailor their CV to align with the specific requirements or focus areas of the LL.M. programs they wish to attend.
“This may sound obvious, but research the program,” says Adam Nguyen, founder and CEO of Ivy Link, an admissions consulting firm. “Research each program’s curriculum, faculty expertise, and specializations. Then identify key themes like international law, intellectual property, human rights and corporate law. Tailor your CV to highlight experiences relevant to these themes, showcasing your expertise and interest.”
Detail your professional experience
From there, you’ll want to provide a comprehensive overview of your work history, emphasizing positions that are relevant to law, or your desired LL.M. specialization.
Include the name of the organization, your job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs that describe specific behaviors – such as “achieved”, “led” or “created” – and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
One question is how LL.M. applicants should address any employment gaps or non-legal work experience on their CV. “Provide a brief and honest explanation for any gaps in employment, such as pursuing further education, taking time off for personal reasons, or exploring other career opportunities,” says Nguyen. “Applicants can be strategic without being dishonest.”
If you have non-legal work experience, Nguyen says you should stress the transferable skills and competencies that are relevant to your LL.M. application. “For example, if you worked in a non-legal role that involved research, writing, critical thinking, or problem-solving skills, highlight these experiences and how they have prepared you for advanced legal studies,” he explains.
Include extracurricular activities and leadership roles
LL.M. admissions committees are interested in well-rounded candidates who contribute to their communities. Highlight any leadership positions, volunteer work, student organizations, or relevant extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
“We always evaluate candidates holistically and we consider all the ways in which they can add value to our community,” says Diego Peña Zulueta, senior manager of admissions and enrollment at IE Law School in Spain.
“This means that we take into account not just professional experience, but also academic performance, extracurricular activities, interests, motivation and soft skills demonstrated in the admissions process.”
He adds that, because IE follows a multidisciplinary approach, the law school values LL.M. candidates with training in other disciplines, who also show skills such as teamwork, resilience, adaptability and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Highlight legal internships and experiences
If you have completed internships, clerkships or legal research projects, dedicate a section to these experiences. Describe the tasks you performed, the skills you developed, and any noteworthy outcomes. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your passion for the law and your potential as a future LL.M. student.
Fluency in multiple languages can also be a valuable asset in the legal profession, especially for international LL.M. programs. If you’re proficient in languages other than English, create a separate section to showcase your language skills and specify your level of proficiency (fluent, proficient or basic).
If you belong to any professional associations, such as bar associations or legal societies, include this information in your CV. Mention any committees you’ve served on, events you’ve organized, or publications you’ve contributed to within these organizations.
Once you‘ve compiled all the necessary information, carefully proofread your CV for spelling and grammatical errors. Ask a trusted friend, mentor or colleague to review your CV and provide feedback. Consider formatting carefully.
“The CV is a true reflection of the candidate and their eligibility for an LL.M. program,” says Peña Zulueta. “Therefore, the CV should be clear, well-structured, easy to read and visually appealing. In addition, it is important to choose a simple and professional layout in which achievements are highlighted.”
