Free Entry-level immigration attorney CV (2026)

You are competing with other recent law graduates who may have courtroom or clinic exposure, so your CV must make relevant experience clear and transferable. This guide focuses on framing your internships, clinical placements, pro bono projects, and non-legal roles so employers can see your casework, client contact, and procedural knowledge.

Follow a clear order so reviewers find key information quickly. Use a one-page CV format if you have under 2 years of practical experience and keep section headings simple and consistent.

1. Header, contact details, SRA status and right-to-work
2. Profile
3. Education and professional qualifications
4. Clinical experience, internships, and relevant work
5. Skills and certifications, including languages
6. SRA status and professional affiliations
7. Publications, pro bono, and volunteering

A two to three sentence profile helps frame your candidacy when you lack full-time experience. Focus on the type of immigration work you seek in the UK, the clinics or internships you offer, and any language or client-management strengths you bring to the role.

Avoid vague claims about being a quick learner. Instead, name the UK clinics, Home Office processes, or forms you have engaged with, and state your contribution to case outcomes or client interviews when possible.

Lead with the role title, organisation, location, and dates in DD/MM/YYYY format so recruiters can scan for relevant placements. For each position, write 3 to 5 achievement-focused bullets that open with a strong action verb and quantify outcomes when you can.

If you handled client intake, drafted submissions, or prepared bundles, state the process names or UK tribunals. For example, mention Home Office submissions, asylum applications, family visa petitions, skilled worker visa applications, or First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) hearings rather than describing tasks in general terms.

When you lack many formal positions, emphasise transferable skills: client interviewing, research on the Immigration Rules, advocacy simulations, and stakeholder communication.

List your degrees and professional qualifications in reverse chronological order. Include LLB, BA Law, GDL, LLM, or equivalent, plus year and grade (e.g.

2:1). For vocational routes, note SQE status or completed routes (SQE1/SQE2 or LPC as applicable).

UK GCSEs and A-levels: include subjects and grades if you are early in your career. Mention UCAS points or tariff if relevant.

Where you studied can be highlighted (e.g. Russell Group universities).

If you are on the SQE route, include current status and expected dates. If you have studied abroad or at multiple institutions, present clearly and concisely.

Create a skills block covering legal research, case management, client communication, and any software you use (e.g. practice management systems, MS Office, e-bundling tools). List languages and proficiency (e.g.

English, native; Punjabi, conversational). Include any relevant certifications (e.g.

NLP, translation credentials) and any UK-specific legal research resources you are familiar with.

State your status with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) (e.g. Trainee Solicitor, Qualified Solicitor) and your eligibility to practise in the UK.

Mention memberships with professional bodies (e.g. Law Society, UK immigration practitioner networks) and any right-to-work arrangements (e.g.

UK citizen, settled or pre-settled status). If relevant, note any ongoing training or requirements to complete.

Include any law clinic reports, articles, or briefs you authored, plus details of pro bono immigration work and voluntary roles. Emphasise impact, client contact, and collaboration with supervisors or clinics.

If you have limited publication experience, you can reference conference presentations, case studies, or research papers related to immigration law.