Employer profile: CMS, an international law firm
What it’s like to work at a global law firm
Corporate law firms advise clients of their rights, responsibilities, and duties under the law. But what's it really like to work for one? In this guide, you’ll learn all about working at CMS, what apprenticeship opportunities are available, and how to apply.
| Founded | 1999 |
| Locations | 80 offices in 40+ countries |
| Employees | Over 8,000 people worldwide |
| Sectors | Law, business, and marketing |
| Great for | People who have a professional attitude and enjoy working in a more corporate work environment |
| Not for | People who are not interested in pursuing a career related to law |
Ella Adlard, who is an Early Talent Acquisition Advisor, tells us what it’s really like to work for the company.
What does CMS do?
CMS is a global law firm with offices and teams across the world. We focus on commercial law which means that we work with a wide variety of clients - from companies that sell goods or services, to individuals. CMS lawyers are experts in their field and they offer legal advice on things like tax, purchasing new companies, and dispute resolution.
Some of our clients include household names such as Amazon, WH Smiths, and House of Fraser.
Where is CMS based?
We have over 80 offices in 40+ countries, from Brazil to Beijing! In the UK we have offices in London, Bristol, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
London is our biggest office with over 1,000 employees while Aberdeen is our smallest with around 45 employees. All our offices are modern, bright, and open planned.
We work flexibly which means that many of our colleagues split their working hours between the office and home, and this split varies depending on when we have in-person meetings with clients.
What is the work environment like?
It’s a friendly environment with lots of support initiatives. We have reflexology and sports massage, wellbeing webinars on topics like yoga and mindfulness, and lots of employee networks for support like our social mobility, family and carers, and women’s networks. We also have regular social events like five-a-side football, quiz and cheese nights, as well as lots of opportunities to volunteer. For example, our staff regularly get involved in supporting local soup-kitchens or delivering outreach events in schools.
How does CMS meet the needs of employees with additional requirements?
CMS is a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are part of a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain those identifying as disabled and people with health conditions. To make sure we are as inclusive as possible, we have several diversity and inclusion networks such as our ‘Enable network’ which has been created to better support colleagues who identify as having a disability. We also host an annual career development workshop for employees living with a disability and/or health condition and have Wellbeing Ambassadors to support staff at all levels of the organisation.
What are some of the most common roles at CMS?
We have over 5,000 lawyers here at CMS, ranging from apprentices and trainees up to more senior lawyers known as partners.
However, you don’t have to be a lawyer to work here! We have over 3,000 business service professionals working in departments which include human resources, business development, marketing, and innovation. We also have a Responsible Business and Social Impact department which works on sustainability, education, and community-based programmes here at CMS.
What kind of apprenticeship or training opportunities are there?
If you want to qualify as a lawyer, we have two main entry routes. These are our solicitor apprenticeships and training contracts. Solicitor apprentices tend to join us after their A levels for six years of on-the-job training. They spend one day a week at university and four days a week in the office. Annual starting salaries range from £21,000 in Sheffield to £25,000 in London, and our apprentices receive a salary increase after each year of the programme.
After successful completion, our apprentices are fully qualified lawyers!
Our training contract programme is for university graduates. Successful individuals complete a two-year programme of on-the-job training called a ‘training contract' where they rotate around four different practice groups or ‘seats’ before qualifying as a solicitor. Salaries for our trainees range from £28,000 in Scotland up to £50,000 in London.
What are the entry requirements for these roles?
For the solicitor apprenticeship programme, you’ll need five GCSEs at grades 4 or above with at least a grade 6 in maths and English. You’ll also need an ABB at A level (or equivalent).
For our graduate programmes, we accept applications from students with a degree in any subject, and there are no minimum grade requirements.
What skills does CMS look for in applicants?
Whilst a keen intellect is vital, we look for much more than academic qualifications. Whether applicants are law students, non-law students, or people looking to change their career - we’re looking for well-rounded individuals with strong professional communication skills; a drive to achieve; an ability to lead themselves and others; a future facing approach; and strong relationship-building skills.
We also look for people with a good commercial awareness, which means that you can understand business and how the law relates to it.
Related Unifrog skills:
- Communication
- Planning / Aiming high
- Leadership
- Adaptability / Personal effectiveness
- Networking
What is a top tip to help an entry level applicant succeed at CMS?
Be the best version of yourself! Put yourself in the strongest possible position when it comes to applying by starting to build your CV now. Think about what experiences or skills you’re missing and make a plan to gain experience in that area. For example, you could look at doing relevant volunteering, or attending law-based virtual experiences or courses.
Most importantly, always do your research!
What work experience or internship opportunities are there at CMS?
You can apply to the CMS Connect programme if you are in Year 12 or S5. This is a week-long paid experience where you’ll learn how our legal practice works, plus you’ll get the chance to shadow one of our lawyers and receive advice on different pathways into law.
We also offer scholarships for students who wish to go to university. Students can apply to our scholarship programme in Year 12 or S5, and we offer £2,500 a year for each year of university.
To apply, you must be currently attending a state school. Check out our early talent website for more information.
What opportunities are there to progress at CMS?
Progression is expected as a lawyer – you can move from a trainee, to a newly qualified lawyer, to an associate, to a partner! It usually takes around 15 years to fully progress all the way from trainee to partner, but there are a lot of opportunities along the way.
There are also lots of ways to progress as part of our business if you’re interested in pursuing a non-law based role.
