CMS launches ‘next generation’ vacation scheme which sends future trainees on induction course at prestigious business school in Switzerland

International law firm CMS has launched its ‘next generation’ vacation scheme as part of its CMS Academy programme.

The firm, which recently merged with Olswang and Nabarro to create a giant in the sector, welcomed 63 vacation scheme students to its London Cannon Place office this week. The new vacation scheme programme is divided into three parts:

• Part 1 – business law and training. Students spend an intensive week being trained in the business of law, with the chance to learn from CMS partners and clients, as well as leading figures from the worlds of business and academia.
• Part 2 – CMS internship. This stage is much like a traditional vacation scheme, where students spend a two-week placement working in one of the firm’s six UK offices.
• Part 3 – IMD. In a first among law firms, students who successfully participate in the scheme and receive training contract offers will complete a comprehensive induction programme at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Duncan Weston, executive for global development at CMS and head of the firm’s UK graduate recruitment programme, commented: “This is a state-of-the-art programme which gives our vacation students a chance to meet with clients, network with lawyers at every level of the business, work on projects and debate with thought leaders in the legal and industry sectors. We have taken a fresh and innovative approach to training to give our students an exciting insight into the business of law, as well as the practical side of law, and offer them an opportunity to work within our market-leading practice and sector groups, and truly experience life at CMS.”