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.
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.
This developmental programme consists of a week-long Business of Law workshop and a weeks’ work experience. As a firm we feel it is important to invest in you right from the day we make a Training Contract offer and this programme represents one of the largest investments any law firm makes in nurturing its next generation of talent.
Learn the business of law. Meet our clients. Work on live matters. Network with our partners, employees and clients. Debate the future of the firm and the legal industry alongside thought leaders. All of this on two-week Academy programme, designed to embed you into the firm from day one.
Your first week focuses on learning the business of law. You will experience a series of engaging and collaborative activities designed to enhance your development and prepare you for a career in law. These include:
This is followed by a week’s work experience in the CMS office you will be a trainee solicitor in. You will be assigned a supervisor, an emerging talent buddy, and be exposed to practical work that provides real insight into life as a trainee solicitor with us.
Applications for 2024 will open on 02 October 2023 – click here to register your interest in future opportunities.
Ahead of the CMS Academy in 2024, we take a look at how our innovative Business of Law programme has evolved over the years.
The CMS Academy is an innovative two-week programme, designed to build knowledge, skills, and provide insight into life at a global commercial law firm. The first week is dedicated to focusing on the business of law. The following week is work experience that gives you an understanding of working life at CMS.
You will engage with genuine CMS clients to build your understanding of the importance of strong professional relationships.
Get real insights into our firm from the people who work here, and get their support every step of the way.
Build your contacts with invites to work and social events attended by CMS lawyers and partners.
You will receive £450 per week
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First week: |
Business of law training (hybrid approach) |
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Second week: |
Work experience in the office you will be a trainee solicitor in – Aberdeen, Bristol, Dubai, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield. |
For England based Training Contracts – Before you start your training contract, we will sponsor your studies and pay you a maintenance grant while you complete your Solicitors Qualification Examinations (SQE). If you are studying or have a non-law degree, we’ll sponsor your Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) and subsequent SQE. These will be completed prior to your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
For Scotland based Training Contracts – Before you start your training contract, we will sponsor your studies and pay you a maintenance grant while you complete your Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP).
Find out about our training contract|
England, Wales and NI |
Law students in their penultimate or final year and non-law students in their final year of study. Additionally, all graduates and candidates from a non-law career background. |
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Scotland |
Law students in their penultimate or final year. Accelerated LLB students: First or second year. Non-law and BA Scottish students are eligible to apply for programmes in an English office from their final year onwards. |
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International |
Law or non-law students in their final year; all graduates. |
Interested in applying? Here’s an outline of the different stages involved.
An opportunity for us to start to get to know you, your educational background, work experience and interests and why you are interested in a career with CMS.
Designed to test your analytical reasoning and logic.
A short 15 minute interview where you will answer a series of pre-recorded questions.
An immersive assessment experience and an opportunity to meet other people from around the firm and learn more about CMS.
Take a look at our dedicated FAQs page
