Lawyer CV for the Netherlands
For lawyer jobs in the Netherlands, Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 1–2 pages.
Build a lawyer CV for the NetherlandsYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important | Heading in Dutch |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended | Profiel |
| Bar admissions & practising certificates | Expected | Certificaten & registraties |
| Experience | Expected | Werkervaring |
| Education | Expected | Opleiding |
| Practice areas & skills | Recommended | Vaardigheden |
Length: 1–2 pages.
Personal details in the Netherlands
| What it is called | Curriculum Vitae (usually written in Dutch or English) |
|---|---|
| Length | 1–2 pages |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Single column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Optional |
| Date of birth | Optional |
| Nationality | Optional |
| Marital status | Optional |
| Right to work / visa status | Optional |
| References | “References available on request” is fine |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
Key facts
- In the Netherlands, professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists must be in the BIG register to use their protected professional title. Source: bigregister.nl
- The Dutch Equal Treatment Act prohibits discrimination on grounds including religion, belief, political opinion, race, sex, nationality, sexual orientation and civil status. Source: wetten.overheid.nl
- Employers in the Netherlands can hire non-EU professionals through the IND highly skilled migrant scheme, which has its own salary thresholds. Source: ind.nl
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- State admissions (jurisdiction, year) and practising status first.
- Describe practice areas, notable matters (anonymised) and deal values.
- Education carries weight: class of degree, honours, moots.
- Direct, factual tone; a short profile and clear bullet points.
- A photo is optional; date of birth and nationality are optional.
- Mention languages with levels (CEFR A1–C2); multilingualism matters here.
Questions
What registration do lawyers need on a CV in the Netherlands?
Lawyers applying in the Netherlands should show their admission to practise (jurisdiction and year) and practising status near the top of the CV, with the issuing body, number and status. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress”. Put it in its own section, above your experience. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the regulator before you apply.
Should a lawyer CV for the Netherlands have a photo?
It’s optional. A lawyer CV for the Netherlands works with or without a photo, and most employers decide on your experience and qualifications. If you add one, keep it professional: a recent head-and-shoulders picture on a plain, light background. Leave it out if the job advert or application form says not to include one. A photo is optional; date of birth and nationality are optional.
How long should a lawyer CV be in the Netherlands?
Aim for 1–2 pages, the norm in the Netherlands. Put your registration and most recent roles on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two each, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field usually check your registration first. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a lawyer CV for the Netherlands need?
A lawyer CV for the Netherlands needs your contact details, experience, education and bar admissions and practising certificates. A photo and date of birth are optional there, so add them only if you are comfortable doing so. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for the Netherlands and Law & legal services CVs in any country.
Other jobs in the Netherlands: Doctor, Nurse, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Accountant, Electrician and trades, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker, Software engineer.
Lawyer CVs for other countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Sweden, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your lawyer CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.