CMS - True Picture

Firm profile:
CMS is a future facing firm. Whether stakeholders are big or small, they always have the firm’s full attention and expertise. In a world of ever-accelerating change where technology is increasingly important, their clear, business-focused advice helps clients of every size to face the future with confidence.

CMS is a full service law firm combining top quality sector expertise with international scale. They embrace technology and are committed to new ideas that challenge conventional ways of doing things. CMS puts the interests of clients at the heart of everything they do across 80 offices in 40+ countries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. With more than 1,100+ partners and 5,000+ lawyers, CMS works in cross-border teams to deliver top quality, practical advice. The firm is recognised for its sector excellence and focus in consumer products; energy; financial institutions; hotels & leisure; infrastructure & projects; life sciences & healthcare; real estate; and technology, media & telecommunications.

When it comes to what they’re looking for, keen intellect is vital, but CMS are looking for much more than academic qualifications. Whether applicants are law students, non-law students or career changers, the skills required include personal effectiveness, professional communication, drive for achievement and having a future facing outlook.

The main route to a training contract at CMS is by successfully completing the CMS Academy programme. Their two-year training contracts feature four six-month seats or national, international or client secondments. CMS also offers insight to the firm through their First Steps programme, apprenticeships, widening participation work experience and scholarship opportunities, and the newly launched Business Development & Marketing Graduate Programme.

Main areas of work:
CMS always strives to put their clients at the centre of what they do. As well as their industry sector focus, they are also a full service law firm working across banking and finance, commercial, competition and EU, consumer products, corporate, dispute resolution, employment and pensions, hotels and leisure, infrastructure and project finance, insurance and funds, intellectual property, private equity, real estate and construction and tax.

Training opportunities:
The main route to a training contract at CMS is by successfully completing the CMS Academy programme. Our two-year training contracts feature four six-month seats or national, international or client secondments. CMS also offers early insight to the firm through our First Steps programme, apprenticeships, widening participation work experience and scholarship opportunities, and the Business Development & Marketing Graduate Programme.

Vacation scheme:
The CMS Academy is an innovative three-week programme, designed to build knowledge, skills, and provide insight into life at a global commercial law firm. The first week is dedicated to focusing on the business of law. The following two weeks are an internship that gives you experience of working life at CMS.

There will be a range of activities and events for you to get involved with, which will prepare you for a career in law. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with clients, network with lawyers at all levels, work on projects and debate with thought leaders in the legal and industry sectors.

A supervisor and trainee buddy will be your main point of contact and will provide high quality work which will give you an accurate insight into the work of a trainee solicitor.

After completing the programme, successful candidates will be offered a training contract.

Each student is paid £450 per week to attend the programme.

Eligibility criteria for programmes can be found on the website: https://www.cmsearlytalent.com

First-year opportunities:
If you are interested in a career in law and want to know what life is really like at a future facing global law firm, researching online is one thing. However, trying it for yourself is completely different – and that’s the purpose of First Steps.

Whatever your background, the programme’s blend of practical work experience, skills sessions, trainee shadowing, and networking will build your knowledge and your contacts in equal measure. You will be invited to social events, lunches, and coffee networking where you’ll get to meet representatives from across the firm.

Successfully complete the week-long programme and you will be fast-tracked to an assessment day for our CMS Academy.

Each student is paid £450 to attend the programme for the week.

Eligibility criteria for programmes can be found on the website: https://www.cmsearlytalent.com

Other benefits: 
Gym membership/subsidiary of up to 50% of gym fees, life insurance, pension scheme, private medical insurance, season ticket loan, cycle scheme, eye and dental care and 25 days holiday plus Holiday Purchase Scheme (5 days).