Frequently asked questions

If you have studied or are currently studying outside of the UK, you will need to tell us the grades you have achieved in your application form. It helps us if you can provide as much information as possible in regards to your international qualification.

If you require a work permit and are offered a training contract with CMS, we will endeavour to support your application for a work permit. Please note that offers of employment are conditional on obtaining and maintaining applicable work authorisations, and this may at times fall outside of our control.

If you are applying for our solicitor apprenticeship, please note that we cannot provide visa sponsorship for this programme.

Yes, we welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age and/or previous experience.

We want to recruit the brightest and best future lawyers. We review applications holistically and want to learn more about you as an individual – your interests, experience to date and approach to the three motivational questions asked. We will review your academic achievements in the context that they have been achieved, supported by RARE’s contextualised recruitment system.

We welcome applications from non-law students and law students. As a company that values everyone’s individual strengths and skills, previous legal work experience is not essential. Remember to highlight transferrable skills from any experience you do have, as this is just as important as legal experience.

Yes. If you have mitigating circumstances, please provide details on your application form and they will be taken into consideration. A member of the team reviews each and every application on an individual basis and any information stated will be treated confidentially.

Yes, we can accommodate all types of adjustments. We openly welcome applications from everyone, so please get in touch with us at EmergingTalent@cms-cmno.com and we will contact you to discuss how we can help make the process work for you.

We are here to support you in your applications and we are happy to investigate payment options to cover these costs. Please contact us at EmergingTalent@cms-cmno.com and we will discuss on a case by case basis support options available.

Yes, all applications need to be completed online. We are unable to accept CVs and cover letters that are emailed directly to us. If you require the application form in a different format, please email EmergingTalent@cms-cmno.com.

We aim to process your application and move you through the stages as soon as possible. In certain instances, we will hold assessment days before the deadline.

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to give feedback at application form stage or following the online test or video interview. For those who attend an assessment day we will however arrange a telephone call to discuss feedback on your performance during the assessment day.

Typically, we aim to recruit roughly half of those on our programmes from a law background and half from a non-law background.

Yes, we understand that people’s circumstances may change so please feel free to reapply.

No – if you are successful in obtaining a CMS Training Contract, you will be invited to attend the CMS Academy programme.

Yes, you can take a practice test here

You will undertake four six-month seats over the two-year programme, learning about and experiencing different areas of our firm, and how business development and marketing drives their success and that of our clients.

We’ve carefully selected four seats to give you the best overview of business development and marketing at CMS. During the programme, you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from experts working in other areas of the firm.

The CMS Business Development and Marketing Graduate Programme will stand you in good stead for the future, even if you decide not to pursue a career in the legal sector. Our programme content will give you experiences and help you develop skills that are transferable across  global professional services industries.