In an increasingly digital and competitive legal job market, a strong CV is no longer enough. Law firms and chambers are looking for more than just grades—they want to see evidence of critical thinking, writing ability, initiative, and real engagement with the legal world. One of the best ways to demonstrate all of this is by creating a legal portfolio online.

Whether you’re applying for vacation schemes, pupillages, internships, or just beginning to shape your professional profile, a well-maintained digital portfolio can set you apart from the crowd. This blog post offers a practical guide to help law students build and maintain a compelling online legal portfolio.

A legal portfolio is a curated online collection of your academic, extracurricular, and professional work that demonstrates your legal knowledge, skills, and interests. It can include:

  • Legal research papers and essays
  • Mooting briefs or skeleton arguments
  • Blog posts or articles on legal topics
  • Case summaries or legislation analysis
  • Links to published work or student publications
  • Certificates (e.g., Westlaw training, LawTech courses)
  • CV and cover letter samples (where appropriate)

Think of it as your legal “showreel”—a place to highlight your voice, showcase your expertise, and demonstrate initiative.

Why Does It Matter?

1. Visibility

Having an online portfolio makes it easier for recruiters, mentors, and academics to find you—and see your work. You’re not just a name on a form; you're a voice in the conversation.

2. Credibility

It demonstrates that you’re serious about your career and capable of producing work beyond the classroom. It also shows a proactive, tech-savvy attitude that resonates with modern legal practice.

3. Reflective Practice

Assembling your work helps you recognise your strengths, track your development, and identify areas to improve. It’s a great tool for self-assessment.

1. Choose Your Platform

You don’t need coding skills to build a great portfolio. Try one of the following:

  • WordPress – Great for blogs and personal websites.
  • Notion – Flexible and clean; excellent for internal or invite-only portfolios.
  • Wix/Squarespace – Ideal for design-conscious users.
  • LinkedIn – Create a Featured section linking to your work, articles, or PDFs.
  • GitHub Pages or GitBook – Useful if you're merging law and tech.

Start simple. You can always upgrade as your experience grows.

2. Curate Your Content

Think quality, not quantity. Select work that reflects your:

  • Interest in specific areas (e.g., human rights, commercial law, tech regulation)
  • Legal writing ability and analytical skills
  • Commitment to extracurriculars (e.g., mooting, student journalism)
  • Academic rigour and originality

Don’t upload full essays without editing—extract key insights, write short introductions, or convert them into blog-style posts.

3. Write for a Wider Audience

Aim to make your portfolio readable for both legal professionals and non-specialists. Use plain English where possible, and include short summaries explaining:

  • The purpose of the piece
  • What legal questions were addressed
  • What you concluded or argued

A 250-word blog on “What the Online Safety Act Means for Students” can be just as effective as a 3,000-word essay—if not more so.

4. Stay Professional

  • Use your full name and a clear, concise bio.
  • Add a professional photo (optional but helpful).
  • Include contact details or links to your LinkedIn profile.
  • Avoid oversharing or uploading content that includes confidential information.

If you’re unsure whether a piece is appropriate to share, check with your university or a tutor first.

5. Update Regularly

Treat your portfolio as a living document. Add:

  • New blog posts or opinion pieces
  • Projects from internships or student societies
  • Reflections on guest lectures or conferences
  • Books or articles you've read and responded to

Even short posts—such as a 100-word take on a recent Supreme Court decision—can help keep your portfolio active and relevant.

Extra Tips

  • Custom Domain: Consider registering your own domain (e.g., yournamelegal.co.uk). It’s inexpensive and looks professional.
  • Integrate Multimedia: If you’ve spoken at an event, include a clip. Written an article? Include a link to the publication.
  • Ask for Feedback: Share your portfolio with tutors, mentors, or careers advisers for suggestions.

Building an online legal portfolio isn’t just for students who want to impress law firms—it’s a smart, strategic move for anyone who wants to reflect on their growth, connect with others in the field, and demonstrate their potential as a future legal professional.

It doesn’t need to be flashy or complex—just clear, genuine, and thoughtfully put together.

Have you started your legal portfolio? If so, what’s worked well for you—and what do you wish you’d done sooner? Let us know in the comments or get in touch if you’d like help developing yours.