Help us change the face of law

Bring your voice, your ideas, your energy and your open mind to a firm that's confident about what's next. Here, your growth and ours go hand in hand – and we promise to give you every opportunity to make the most of yours.

Who we are

CMS is an international organisation of independent law firms, pushing boundaries in an ever-changing world. With offices across the globe, we combine deep local market understanding with a global perspective – so we can not only see what's coming, but help shape it.

We see ourselves as more than legal advisers. We're here to partner with our clients: to resolve the issues in front of them, anticipate the ones ahead, and find the ideas that move them forward. And because we believe growth is a shared endeavour, the relationships we build – with clients and with each other – are where the best opportunities come from.

More than a career

For us, the future of law isn't only about what we can do for our clients. It's about what we do for each other. The support here has a purpose: it gives you the confidence to share ideas, learn from colleagues and shape where the firm goes next. Show us you can deliver, and we'll be behind you all the way.

It's all about relationships: ours with you, yours with us, and the ones we build with clients and the communities around us. When we invest in each other, we all grow. That means working together, being open to ideas, acting with purpose, embracing challenges, and seeking out different ways of thinking and doing.

Looking ahead

We're innovators, determined to change the face of law by delivering new solutions that help our clients. It's our in-depth knowledge of the areas we work in that makes the difference. That expertise lets us anticipate trends, so we can advise and inspire clients whose success depends on lawyers and business partners with the vision, intelligence and confidence to see what's around the corner.

That's why we look for people with those attributes – and why we train and mentor them to keep developing throughout their careers with us.

A place where you can grow

The future is full of possibility. The best way to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead is to bring together the most diverse perspectives and the freshest, most original ideas.

When you join CMS, you'll be an integral part of the team. Your views will be respected and your ideas will be heard. Most importantly, from the moment you first apply and at every stage of your journey with us, we'll encourage and empower you to be yourself.

Our emerging talent programmes are designed to help you build a rewarding career in law. We believe in empowering our next generation to become our future leaders. Through our programmes, we'll nurture your skills, fuel your ambition and help you grow into a career with limitless possibilities.

Wherever you're starting from, there's room to grow here.

Find out more about our Emerging Talent programmes here.

We offer a unique two-week insight programme. This provides participants with a unique blend of skills sessions and networking opportunities, alongside a one-week internship in one of our offices.

The insight programme offers the first step on a path to a rewarding future here at CMS. If successful, you may be fast-tracked to an assessment day for our training contract.

Applications for our insight programme open on 4 December 2023 and close on 2 February 2024.

The typical recruitment process for our programmes is an online application form, critical thinking test, video interview and final stage assessment.

For further information on your eligibility and to find out more, please visit our emerging talent website: CMS Emerging Talent · Be the future of law.

The route to securing a training contract with us is through an assessment day. Upon successful completion of our assessment day you will be offered a direct training contract plus be enrolled on our award-winning CMS Academy programme.

Typically, you will complete four six-month long seats across a two year period, working across different practice groups. We also provide alternative qualification routes, such as part-time training contracts, which are offered on a case-by-case basis. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique and are proud to offer flexible training contracts promoting inclusivity to all.

Applications for our training contracts open on 2 October 2023 and close on 4 December 2023.

Any trainees joining CMS will be required to complete the SQE, assuming they haven't already completed the LPC.

Earn while you learn, gaining valuable experience from day one with no university or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) fees to pay, on our Solicitor Apprenticeship. We also offer apprenticeships in Business Administration. 

As a future facing law firm, we’re looking forward to the day when we don’t need to talk about diversity and inclusion (D&I) – when it will be the norm. Until then, it’s high on our agenda.

Find out more about D&I at CMS by visiting our website: Diversity| United Kingdom | International law firm CMS.

Sponsorship may be available for your PGDL and SQE for England and Wales qualifying trainees and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.

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