A guide to securing a Junior Legal Counsel position in the Netherlands: CV and interview insights

If you’re aiming to secure a Junior Legal Counsel position with an in-house legal team in the Netherlands, your journey starts with a well-crafted CV and continues through a confident interview performance. Dutch employers value clarity, authenticity, and relevance at every stage of the application process.

This guide will help you prepare a CV that meets local expectations and equip you with practical strategies to excel in interviews, giving you the best chance to stand out in a competitive market.

Understanding Dutch CV norms for legal roles

In the Netherlands, a CV is typically concise: one page is ideal for early-career professionals, with a maximum of two pages if you have more experience. Dutch employers appreciate a straightforward, well-organised layout with clearly defined sections. While including a professional photo is common, it’s not mandatory; only add one if you feel comfortable. Personal details such as your name, contact information, nationality and date of birth are standard at the top of the document.

Structuring your Legal Counsel CV

Personal information

Start with your full name, address, phone number and email. It’s also typical to include your nationality and date of birth. If you choose to add a photo, ensure it is professional and recent, but remember this is optional.

Profile summary

Open with a brief summary (two to three sentences) that highlights your legal background, areas of interest and what you can contribute to an in-house legal team. This is your opportunity to set the tone and show your motivation for working in a corporate environment.

Example:
“Ambitious Junior Legal Counsel with a master’s degree in Dutch law and internship experience in corporate compliance. Eager to support business objectives by providing practical legal advice and ensuring regulatory compliance in a dynamic in-house setting.”

Work experience

List your professional experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include your job title, employer, location and dates. Focus on responsibilities and achievements that are relevant to in-house legal work, such as contract review, compliance support or risk assessment. If you have limited experience, include internships, student jobs, or volunteer roles that demonstrate transferable skills.

Education

Detail your academic qualifications, starting with the most recent. Include your degree(s), institution(s), and graduation dates. If you have completed relevant courses or certifications (e.g., compliance, data protection), mention these as well.

Skills and languages

Highlight specific skills that are valued in Dutch in-house legal teams, such as contract drafting, regulatory research or project management. Language proficiency is particularly important in the Netherlands’ international business environment: clearly state your level for Dutch, English and any other languages.

Additional information

You may wish to include sections on IT skills, professional memberships, or relevant interests. Hobbies and extracurricular activities can help show your personality and cultural fit, but keep this section concise and relevant.

Recommendations for Legal Counsel CVs in the Netherlands

When preparing your CV, focus on clarity and relevance. Dutch employers are known for their directness and appreciate candidates who get straight to the point. Avoid unnecessary detail or flowery language; instead, present your experience and skills in a factual, concise manner. Tailor your CV for each application, emphasising the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific in-house role and sector.

Formatting should be clean and professional. Use a simple font, clear headings, and enough white space to make your CV easy to scan. Dutch recruiters often review many applications quickly, so a well-organised layout can make a strong first impression.

Proofreading is essential. Spelling or grammatical errors can undermine your credibility, especially if you’re applying in English. Ask a friend or mentor to review your CV before submitting it.

Finally, remember that a tailored cover letter is usually expected alongside your CV. Use the cover letter to explain your motivation for joining the company and how your skills align with the role.

How to prepare for Legal Counsel interviews in the Netherlands

Securing an interview for a Junior Legal Counsel position is a significant achievement, but preparation is key to making a strong impression. Dutch employers value authenticity, directness, and a practical approach to problem-solving. Before your interview, take time to research the company’s business, values and recent developments. Understanding the sector, whether it’s finance, technology, manufacturing or another field, will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

Review the job description carefully and identify the core competencies required. Think about concrete examples from your studies, internships, or previous roles that demonstrate these skills. In the Netherlands, interviewers appreciate candidates who can clearly articulate their thought process and who are honest about their strengths and areas for development.

It’s also helpful to prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers. This shows your engagement and helps you assess whether the company’s culture and expectations align with your own career goals. Consider asking about the structure of the legal team, opportunities for professional development, or how legal supports the wider business.

Finally, be ready to discuss your motivation for working in-house rather than in private practice. Dutch employers often look for candidates who are eager to collaborate with colleagues from different departments and who see legal as a business partner, not just a risk manager.

See also: The STAR method interview technique

Questions to expect in Dutch in-house legal interviews

While every interview is unique, there are common themes and questions you’re likely to encounter when applying for Legal Counsel roles in the Netherlands. Many questions will focus on your practical legal knowledge, your ability to work in a business environment and your communication skills. Being able to answer competency-based questions is key to interview success.

You might be asked to describe a time when you had to interpret or apply a regulation, or to explain how you would handle a conflict between business objectives and legal requirements. Scenario-based questions are common, such as:

• “How would you approach reviewing a commercial contract for a new supplier?”
• “What steps would you take if you identified a potential compliance issue?”

Expect questions about your motivation and career ambitions, such as:

• “Why do you want to work in-house?”
• “What attracts you to our company and this sector?”
• “How do you see your legal career developing over the next few years?”

Finally, be prepared for questions about teamwork and communication, such as:

• “Can you give an example of how you explained a complex legal issue to a non-legal colleague?”
• “How do you prioritise your workload when faced with multiple deadlines?”

Taking time to reflect on your experiences and practising your answers will help you approach your interview with confidence and clarity.

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