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CMS is a future facing, global law firm well equipped to help clients confront challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. CMS put the interests of clients at the heart of everything they do across their 70+ offices in 40+ countries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. With more than 1,000 partners and 4,500 lawyers, CMS work in cross-border teams to deliver top quality, practical advice no matter how complex the situation.

The firm is recognised for its sector excellence and focus in consumer products; energy; financial services; hotels & leisure, infrastructure & project finance; life sciences & healthcare; real estate; and technology, media & communications. Their legal expertise is therefore matched by real world, commercial understanding of the markets in which their clients operate. 

As a future facing firm, they embrace technology and are committed to new ideas that challenge conventional ways of doing things if a better solution for clients can be found. Their aim is to anticipate and create sustainable and rewarding futures for their clients, people, and communities.

CMS Academy

The CMS Academy is CMS’s next generation vacation scheme starting with innovative leadership development training in London. This comprises panel discussions with clients, case studies, work simulation exercises and client visits amongst other things. It is an intense but fully rewarding week where you will experience first-hand the commitment from the firm to make you the best lawyer for the future.

The second part of the programme includes an internship within one of our UK offices. Participants gain real experience in a commercial environment and develop skills needed to succeed as a trainee solicitor at a future facing law firm. 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.

Each student is paid £375 to attend the programme for one week.

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

First Steps

Our First Steps programme offers an introduction to commercial law and working in a global law firm. The one-week programme comprises an introduction to CMS, skills sessions and an opportunity to shadow our fee earners. A presentation and social events will both enhance your technical skills, interpersonal skills and networking skills. Participants gain real experience in a commercial environment and develop skills needed to succeed as a trainee solicitor at a future facing law firm. 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.

Attending our First Steps programme will put you in a strong position to apply for our CMS Academy. Each student is paid £375 to attend the programme for one week.

Solicitor Apprenticeship

At CMS we are proud to offer an exciting 6-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme. This provides you with the opportunity to become a qualified solicitor, whilst learning on the job and being paid a salary!

We are looking for a new generation of talented school and college leavers to join our future facing law firm. You will gain experience in a commercial environment and develop the skills needed to thrive as a successful solicitor, whilst studying for a law degree and your professional qualifications.

Your supervisor will provide you with high quality work from the start, which will develop your learning and help you to reach your full potential.

After completing your first four years and successfully obtaining an LLB in Legal Practice & Skills, you will complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) parts 1 & 2, enabling you to practise as a solicitor.

At CMS, you will join us to embrace and create sustainable and rewarding futures for our clients, people and communities and will also be supported fully to develop your future.

CMS trainee solicitors embark on a two-year training contract in London, Bristol, Sheffield, Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow.

During the training contract, our trainees undertake four six-month seats across the various practice areas and given responsibility within high-profile transactions and cases. There are also secondment opportunities, which include secondments to one of the firm’s clients or to one of its UK or international offices.

LPC and GDL fees are paid plus a maintenance grant.

• Infrastructure & project finance
• Corporate & leveraged finance
• Corporate recovery
• Banking litigation
• Technology & commercial litigation
• EU competition
• Financial services
• Insurance
• Employment
• Pensions
• Corporate
• Tax
• Energy
• Disputes & construction
• Projects
• Real estate
• Planning
• Real estate disputes

• Corporate & Commercial
• General Commercial

• Aberdeen
• Bristol
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Sheffield
• London

• A4ID
• Disability Law Service
• Islington Law Centre
• LawWorks
• PILnet (Public Interest Law)
• The Manuel Bravo Project
• The National Pro Bono Centre
• The Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau

• AccessProfessions
• Bright Network
• Law Society Diversity Access Scheme
• MyPlus Consulting
• PRIME
• Rare Recruitment
• Sutton Trust