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CMS is a future facing, global law firm that puts 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, South America and Africa. 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, CMS embraces technology and are committed to new ideas that challenge conventional ways of doing things. By investing in their people and encouraging a culture of innovation, their aim is to anticipate and create sustainable and rewarding futures for their clients, people, and communities. Join CMS and you’ll be part of one of the Top 10 Global law firms providing you with access to expertise, experience and opportunities to help shape your future career.

CMS Academy

The CMS Academy is the main route to a training contract at CMS. It offers you the chance to gain real work experience and the skills you need to succeed. The innovative three-week programme is split into two parts: ·

- One week of training on the business of law in our London office.

- A two-week internship in the CMS office of your choice. There will be a range of innovative 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.

Each student is paid £400 to attend the programme for one week.

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

First Steps

First Steps is a one-week programme which offers an insight into a career in law. If you’ve just started university and are considering a career in law, this programme is designed specifically for you.

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 £400 to attend the programme for one week.

Solicitor apprenticeship

At CMS we are proud to offer an exciting six-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 and 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.

The main route to a training contract at CMS is by successfully completing the CMS Academy programme. Prior to starting a two-year training contract, trainees complete a comprehensive induction programme.

Our training contracts feature four six-month seats or secondments nationally, internationally or client based. You’ll have the opportunity to work across different practice groups covering at least three distinct areas of law.

Sponsorship may be available for your GDL and LPC for England and Wales qualifying trainees and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland

• Banking & finance
• Commercial
• Competition & EU
• Consumer products
• Corporate/M&A
• Dispute resolution
• Employment & pensions
• Energy
• Funds
• Hotels & leisure
• Infrastructure & projects
• Insurance
• Intellectual property
• Life sciences
• Private equity
• Public procurement
• Real estate & construction
• Tax
• Technology media & communications

• Corporate & Commercial
• General Commercial

• Aberdeen
• Bristol
• Dubai
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Manchester
• London
• Sheffield

• 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

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