Insight Scheme Student Review
at CMS
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
Bristol
Review Submitted: September 2024
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
3.8/5
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Skills Development
4.5/5
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Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
4/5
-
Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
During the work shadowing week, I sat with the Real Estate Transactions team with my mentor. I received work from my mentor and her supervisor. We also received a task which was due at the end of the week which we could work on whenever we were quiet. I attended some meetings with my mentor and gained a well-rounded insight into what working at CMS was really like. We also attended some social events which I really enjoyed and gave a broader insight into life at CMS.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
I found learning about the business of law in the first week really interesting and unique as it's not something that is offered at other law firms. This, alongside the shadowing week provided me with a wider understanding of CMS and the different roles within the firm.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
4/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I wouldn't say I learnt any new skills but I developed some skills I previously struggled with. For example, I found the networking and presentation workshops really helpful, especially because our assessment on the last day of the placement included presenting to a partner and member of the early careers team. I am usually really nervous about presenting but found that I was able to apply the skills I had learnt in the workshop which made the presentation an enjoyable experience overall.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
4/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
3/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Everyone was really friendly which I was surprised about as CMS is such a large and prestigious law firm. The company culture seemed relaxed and really down to earth. Even when we went to visit the London office I found everyone who worked there really friendly and keen to tell us about the company and the benefits they offer. I really got along with my mentor and she was very patient and determined to make sure I got the most out of my short time at the firm.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
4/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the insight scheme in general!
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at CMS
4/5
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS
Make sure you do your research on the firm! It's important to consider what office you want to apply to, not just because of the location but also because of the differing social culture, work/life balance and training contract seats between the offices. Be yourself at interview and make sure to ask lots of questions!
