CMS is a future facing firm. Whether stakeholders are big or small, they always have the firm’s full attention and expertise.

The pace at which the world is changing is staggering and a slowdown is nowhere in sight. Technology is expanding the boundaries of what is possible, opening up new markets, sectors and opportunities. To make the most of these, CMS provides sound business strategies to clients, supporting development and implementation.

CMS is a full service law firm combining top quality sector expertise with international scale. CMS puts the interests of clients at the heart of everything they do across 80 offices in over 40 countries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. With more than 1,250 partners and 5,800+ lawyers, CMS works in cross-border teams to deliver top quality, practical advice. The firm is recognised for its sector excellence and focus in consumer products; energy; financial institutions; hotels and leisure; infrastructure and projects; life sciences and healthcare; real estate; and technology, media and telecommunications.

When it comes to what they’re looking for, keen intellect is vital, but they are looking for much more than academic qualifications. Whether applicants are law students, non-law students, graduates, or career changers, there are several qualities sought in their future employees. These include personal effectiveness, professional communication, drive for achievement, having a future facing outlook, leading self and others, an ability to build relationships and commercial awareness.

The route to a training contract at CMS is by completing an assessment day. Upon successful completion of an assessment day, candidates will be offered a direct training contract and be enrolled on their award-winning CMS Academy programme. The two-year training contract features four six-month seats, with possibilities for national, international or client secondments.

CMS also offers insight to the firm through various paid work experience programmes, in addition to offering a solicitor apprenticeship programme.

We offer a unique two-week insight programme. This provides participants with a unique blend of skills sessions and networking opportunities, alongside a one-week internship in one of our offices.

The insight programme offers the first step on a path to a rewarding future here at CMS. If successful, you may be fast-tracked to an assessment day for our training contract.

Applications for our insight programme open on 4 December 2023 and close on 2 February 2024.

The typical recruitment process for our programmes is an online application form, critical thinking test, video interview and final stage assessment.

For further information on your eligibility and to find out more, please visit our emerging talent website: CMS Emerging Talent · Be the future of law.

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.

Typically, you will complete four six-month long seats across a two year period, working across different practice groups. We also provide alternative qualification routes, such as part-time training contracts, which are offered on a case-by-case basis. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique and are proud to offer flexible training contracts promoting inclusivity to all.

Applications for our training contracts open on 2 October 2023 and close on 4 December 2023.

Any trainees joining CMS will be required to complete the SQE, assuming they haven't already completed the LPC.

As a future facing law firm, we’re looking forward to the day when we don’t need to talk about diversity and inclusion (D&I) – when it will be the norm. Until then, it’s high on our agenda.

Find out more about D&I at CMS by visiting our website: Diversity| United Kingdom | International law firm CMS.

Sponsorship may be available for your PGDL and SQE for England and Wales qualifying trainees and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.

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