Welcome to our comprehensive guide on CMS’s training contracts and vacation schemes. As a prominent international law firm with a substantial presence worldwide, CMS offers a dynamic and competitive path for aspiring solicitors. Whether you’re a prospective trainee seeking to understand the application process or simply curious about the prospects at CMS, this guide aims to provide you with all the essential information to navigate your journey with CMS.
Ensure that you increase your chances of success by creating a tailored CV and a perfect legal cover letter.
What is the CMS Training Contract?
The CMS Training Contract is a comprehensive two-year program designed for future solicitors. Over two years, you’ll rotate through at least three areas of law across four seats, gaining direct experience with clients and legal work. Your development will be supported by a range of educational modules and a strong support network. Check out our training contract deadlines calendar.
Trainees will experience a variety of practice groups over four six-month seats, allowing exposure to at least three areas of law. Additional learning opportunities include courses, lectures, and workshops to enhance technical skills. Support systems are in place, such as seat supervisors and a trainee committee. Opportunities may arise for client or international secondments, and pro bono work is encouraged to support social causes. The program offers flexibility, accommodating part-time contracts and various qualification routes, to promote inclusivity.
CMS Training Contract Requirements
To qualify for a CMS Training Contract, you need to fulfil certain educational criteria. The eligibility is broad, encompassing:
- Current law students in their penultimate or final year of study.
- Current non-law students in their final year of study.
- Graduates from both law and non-law subjects.
- Candidates from a non-law career background, looking for new roles in the legal industry.
- There are no specific minimum A-level requirements for applicants or the need to take A-level law.
What is the CMS Vacation Scheme
The vacation scheme at CMS, known as the CMS Insight Programme, is a dynamic two-week initiative that offers a deep dive into the life of a global law firm and can be a stepping stone to a training contract. You can expect to gain practical work experience, participate in skill sessions, and shadow trainees, enhancing both knowledge and professional connections. Social events and networking opportunities are included, allowing you to meet various firm members. Stay updated on vacation scheme deadlines with our exclusive calendar.
Eligibility extends to non-law undergraduates and graduates in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, and second-year law students in Scotland. Participants receive financial support of £450 per week. Applications for 2024 open on December 4, 2023, and close on February 2, 2024. This scheme is designed to give you a real taste of life at CMS, equipping you with invaluable insights and experience in the legal field.
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at CMS
The application process for the CMS Training Contract and Insight Programme is multi-staged and aims to assess candidates thoroughly:
- Online Application Form: You’ll begin by providing details about your educational background, work experience, interests, and motivations for a career at CMS.
- Critical Thinking Test: This evaluates your analytical reasoning and logic. Find out how to pass the Watson Glaser Test.
- Video Interview: A short interview where you respond to pre-recorded questions.
- Assessment Day: For the Training Contract application, this day includes a case study, a competency-based interview, and a group exercise. For the Insight Programme, the assessment may vary, but it’s designed to provide insight into your fit with the firm and its culture. You are likely to be assessed on your commercial awareness.
Ensure to check the specific deadlines for applications and prepare thoroughly for each stage to increase your chances of success. Also check out how to perfectly answer why this law firm and why study law application questions.
Why You Should Apply to CMS?
Applying to CMS offers several compelling benefits:
- Exposure to a Global Law Firm: As one of the world’s leading law firms, CMS provides a vast array of experiences in different legal areas.
- Comprehensive Training: Structured training programs ensure that you receive top-notch legal training and business insights.
- Diverse Opportunities: With a range of programs like the Insight Programme and Vacation Scheme, you can find the right fit for your career stage and interests.
- Competitive Compensation: CMS offers attractive salaries and benefits, along with financial support during legal studies.
- Professional Growth: The firm’s commitment to developing its trainees can lead to rapid professional advancement and opportunities for international work and secondments.
- Inclusivity and Support: CMS promotes a supportive and inclusive environment, with mentorship and networking opportunities designed to foster your career development.
History of CMS
CMS was established on December 20, 1999, as a collaborative effort by six European law firms aiming to create a multi-jurisdictional legal and tax service organization. It has since grown significantly, involving mergers with other firms, such as the Belgian CMS Lexcelis with DeBacker in 2005, and the triple merger of CMS Cameron McKenna, Nabarro, and Olswang in 2016. Today, CMS is a leading international law firm, ranked 5th globally by lawyer headcount, with 18 member firms and around 80 offices worldwide, offering comprehensive legal and tax advisory services.
What Makes CMS Stand Out
CMS stands out due to its global footprint, with 18 member firms and approximately 80 offices worldwide, allowing trainees to benefit from its expansive network. Its focus on innovation and future-facing legal services, combined with high-quality training programs like the CMS Academy, Insight Programme, and Vacation Scheme, equips candidates with a robust understanding of the business of law. Furthermore, CMS’s commitment to inclusivity, flexibility in contracts, and competitive compensation showcases its dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive and dynamic working environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the CMS training contract and vacation scheme:
How many trainees does CMS take?
CMS has become the second-highest training contract provider in the UK, offering a total of 95 trainee places for the coming recruitment year.
Who is eligible for CMS Academy?
The CMS Academy is the main route to a training contract at CMS, which upon completion, successful candidates are offered a training contract. CMS looks for candidates with a keen intellect, personal effectiveness, professional communication skills, drive for achievement, and a future-facing outlook. This indicates that they value more than just academic qualifications, seeking candidates who align with their culture and values. Applicants may include law students, non-law students, or career changers.
Is CMS a good firm to work for?
CMS offers a range of opportunities and a supportive environment for trainees. They provide comprehensive training opportunities through their CMS Academy programme, which is designed to build knowledge and skills and provide insight into life at a global commercial law firm. Successful candidates from the Academy are offered training contracts, and the firm pays each student to attend the programme. Additionally, they focus on placing clients at the center of what they do and strive for a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability.
CMS is a good firm to work for, particularly for those who value a firm that supports professional development, offers a diverse range of work experiences, and maintains a culture that embraces change and innovation.
What are the odds of getting a training contract at CMS?
The competition is fierce across the legal industry. For instance, in the last training contract application cycle, CMS received over 3,000 applications for their training contract slots. Given that CMS offers 95 trainee places, there are 31 applicants per 1 trainee spot.
Is CMS a magic circle?
No, CMS is not considered a Magic Circle law firm. The Magic Circle refers to a small group of elite London-based law firms that are known for their high revenue and prestige within the legal industry. These firms include Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May.
What is the CMS Academy?
The CMS Academy is an innovative three-week programme designed as the main route to a training contract at CMS. The first week focuses on the business of law, and the following two weeks consist of an internship that provides experience of working life at CMS. Participants engage in a range of activities, meet with clients, network with lawyers, and work on projects. A supervisor and a trainee buddy provide support, and successful completion may lead to an offer of a training contract.
Is CMS a big firm?
CMS is indeed a large international law firm, ranking as the world’s 5th largest by lawyer headcount, with approximately 4,239 attorneys, and the 21st by revenue, which was $2.065 billion. The firm operates about 80 offices globally and is comprised of 18 member firms, making it a significant player in the legal industry.
What are the academic requirements for CMS?
While CMS does not specify exact academic requirements on their public platforms, they do emphasize that they look for candidates with keen intellect and more than just academic qualifications. Skills such as personal effectiveness, professional communication, a drive for achievement, and a future-facing outlook are also important.
What does CMS specialise in?
CMS provides a full range of legal and tax advisory services, with major practice areas that include banking and finance, capital markets, fintech, corporate and mergers & acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate, and tax, pensions, and employment.
