Lawyer CV for Switzerland
For lawyer jobs in Switzerland, Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 2 pages (tabular). A photo, the date of birth and nationality are usually included, but optional. Many CVs there end with place, date and signature.
Build a lawyer CV for SwitzerlandYour 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 German |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended | Kurzprofil |
| Bar admissions & practising certificates | Expected | Zertifikate & Zulassungen |
| Experience | Expected | Berufserfahrung |
| Education | Expected | Ausbildung |
| Practice areas & skills | Recommended | Kenntnisse |
Length: 2 pages (tabular).
Personal details in Switzerland
| What it is called | Lebenslauf (usually written in German or English) |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages (tabular) |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Tabular, dates in a left column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Numeric (MM/YYYY) |
| Photo | Usually included |
| Date of birth | Usually included |
| Nationality | Usually included |
| Marital status | Optional |
| Right to work / visa status | Optional |
| References | Leave referees off the CV; have a list ready |
| Explain gaps longer than | 3 months |
| At the end | Place, date and signature |
Key facts
- The Swiss government portal ch.ch says a CV should fit on two A4 pages at most and list contact details, age, nationality, work experience, training, language skills and computer skills. Source: ch.ch
- Foreign nationals working in Switzerland hold a permit such as L (short stay), B (residence), C (settlement) or G (cross-border commuter), issued under federal migration law. Source: sem.admin.ch
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.
- Switzerland: state your permit (L, B, C or G) if you are not Swiss; CVs may be in German, French or Italian depending on the region.
- A tabular CV with dates on the left (MM/YYYY) and the newest first is standard.
- A professional photo is still common, but no law requires one, and under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) employers may not discriminate on grounds a photo or birth date can reveal; CVs without them are widely accepted.
- End with place, date and signature.
- Instead of referees, attach references from past employers (Arbeitszeugnisse) and certificates.
- Gaps of more than 2–3 months are usually explained.
Questions
What registration do lawyers need on a CV in Switzerland?
Lawyers applying in Switzerland 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 Switzerland have a photo?
Usually, yes. A professional photo is common on a lawyer CV in Switzerland, although it is rarely required and many employers accept CVs without one. If you include it, use a recent head-and-shoulders picture with a plain, light background and business clothing, placed in the header next to your name. A professional photo is still common, but no law requires one, and under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) employers may not discriminate on grounds a photo or birth date can reveal; CVs without them are widely accepted.
How long should a lawyer CV be in Switzerland?
Aim for 2 pages, the norm in Switzerland. 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 Switzerland need?
A lawyer CV for Switzerland needs your contact details, experience, education and bar admissions and practising certificates, plus the place, date and signature at the end. In the header, include a professional photo, your date of birth and your nationality. 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 Switzerland and Law & legal services CVs in any country.
Other jobs in Switzerland: 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, Netherlands, 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.