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Higherin
CMS

Insight Programme Attendee Review

at CMS

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

London

Review Submitted: September 2024

Overall Rating

5 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Experience
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
I worked in the London office of CMS for two weeks. During the first week, I attended talks on a range of professional topics. These gave me a holistic perspective of life in a commercial law firm as well as an insight into the support available for employees. We also volunteered on a community regeneration project in east London.
During the second week, I sat in the Energy & Infrastructure team. I became familiar with legal software such as Docusign. I helped my trainee partner with tasks such as proofreading and research. I attended training seminars and webinars in my areas of interest, including climate change litigation and renewable project support schemes.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was extremely helpful. It can be difficult and overwhelming to find opportunities to see inside commercial law firms. CMS made the whole experience enjoyable and insightful. The talks in the first week were as useful as the time spent sitting in the E&I Team, providing a rounded perspective on life as a trainee. Seeing day to day life inside the firm made me even more excited to continue my journey towards qualification.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I learnt how to use legal software such as DocuSign. I practised networking and gained an insight into topics such as climate change litigation and support schemes for renewables projects.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5

Company Culture

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The atmosphere was very friendly. Everyone at every level was approachable and happy to help, including partners, associates, trainees, the Emerging Talent team and the security staff! I can't fault a single interaction I had with anyone at the firm. There was a happy and inclusive environment throughout the fortnight.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I can't overstate how much I enjoyed it. It was not only helpful and insightful, it was fun! I made some great connections and developed my commercial awareness.
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
5/5
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS
It sounds cliche but truly, be yourself! Enjoy the experience. The firm has a lot to offer and is friendly whilst doing it.
In This Review
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