For transactional lawyers, deal experience is often the most important part of a CV. However, listing deals alone is not enough. Law firms and hiring managers want to know your actual role in each transaction. Doing so demonstrates expertise, impact, and differentiates you from other candidates.
Why Listing Deals Isn’t Enough
Simply listing transactions tells recruiters you were involved, but not what you did:
- $500M cross-border M&A, Company A & Company B
It indicates exposure to high-value work but not your contribution. Think of it like this:
- Listing deals = I was at the party
- Showcasing your role = I organised the party, managed logistics, and ensured it ran smoothly
The latter shows responsibility, skill, and measurable impact.
Benefits of Showcasing Your Role
- Shows Responsibility and Impact
Indicates whether you supported the deal or led key parts of it. - Highlights Skills
Drafting, negotiating, and coordinating due diligence show relevant competencies. - Supports Recruitment and Promotion
Clear contributions demonstrate readiness for senior roles. - Allows Targeted Positioning
Tailor your experience to the firm or practice area.
How to Showcase Your Role
- Use Action Verbs
Such as: Drafted, Negotiated, Led, Coordinated, Advised, Managed. - Specify Contribution
What you actually did:- Drafted share purchase agreement and ancillary documents for $200M M&A
- Coordinated multi-jurisdictional due diligence across five countries
- Quantify Where Relevant
Deal size, number of parties, jurisdictions, or sectors. - Distinguish Responsibility Level
- Junior: Supported drafting agreements
- Mid/Senior: Led negotiation and execution; managed clients and teams
- Maintain Confidentiality
Use ‘undisclosed client’ or ‘private financing round’ for sensitive transactions.
The Deal Sheet
A deal sheet is a separate document that provides more detail than your CV. It allows you to:
- Show depth and breadth of experience without making your CV long
- Prepare for interviews or client discussions
Key elements:
- Deal name (or anonymised)
- Completion date
- Deal size
- Your role/contribution
- Practice area
- Jurisdictions
Many firms now expect a deal sheet alongside a CV, especially for mid- to senior-level hires.
Best Practices
- Keep descriptions concise and focused on your role
- Update regularly with recent transactions
- Tailor to the firm or role
- Be accurate; overclaiming can damage credibility
Contact Us
Need CV advice or a career chat? Get in touch: email alex.hepworth@wearebuchanan.com