CMS Insight Programme Review
at CMS
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law, Legal/Law
Manchester
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
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
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Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The placement was split into two separate weeks.
The first week focused on networking, developing our knowledge of the firm and developing the sort of skills required of a junior solicitor. It was relaxed and engaging.
The second week involved shadowing a trainee solicitor as they worked in one practice area. This week was varied and flexible - it may include drafting documents, joining meetings and client calls, attending training sessions, and many other things.
The first week focused on networking, developing our knowledge of the firm and developing the sort of skills required of a junior solicitor. It was relaxed and engaging.
The second week involved shadowing a trainee solicitor as they worked in one practice area. This week was varied and flexible - it may include drafting documents, joining meetings and client calls, attending training sessions, and many other things.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
CMS offered thorough information briefs discussing the firm, its history, future and opportunities available in the business.
Particularly interesting was the discussion of legal technology, and the roles available for junior solicitors working in this area, to ensure that the firm remains as innovative as possible.
Also discussed was secondments - there are many opportunities for trainees and associates to be seconded to firms in the UK and overseas.
Particularly interesting was the discussion of legal technology, and the roles available for junior solicitors working in this area, to ensure that the firm remains as innovative as possible.
Also discussed was secondments - there are many opportunities for trainees and associates to be seconded to firms in the UK and overseas.
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?
The insight scheme included several very engaging training sessions. These focused on areas such as how to network effectively, how to understand commercial problems, how to deal with stress and maximise well being.
Away from formal training sessions, exposure to the work of law offered plenty of opportunities to learn new skills. My time working in the Real Estate team gave me legal problem solving skills that I could immediately apply to my legal studies.
Away from formal training sessions, exposure to the work of law offered plenty of opportunities to learn new skills. My time working in the Real Estate team gave me legal problem solving skills that I could immediately apply to my legal studies.
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 company culture was extremely welcoming and open. Employees - senior and junior - were keen to meet the insight scheme attendees and offer their support.
In the CMS Manchester office I found a friendly ‘regional’ feeling alongside an ultra professional ‘big law’ atmosphere. To me, this is the best of both worlds.
In the CMS Manchester office I found a friendly ‘regional’ feeling alongside an ultra professional ‘big law’ atmosphere. To me, this is the best of both worlds.
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 greatly enjoyed the insight, and left the experience keen to pursue employment at CMS.
The other insight scheme attendees were fantastic, and it will be a pleasure to stay in touch with them.
The other insight scheme attendees were fantastic, and it will be a pleasure to stay in touch with them.
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
Understand what the firm is looking for in a trainee. Research the firm, what they are focused on, what recent achievements they have celebrated, and who their main clients are.
Think about what value you can offer. Why would you be an effective trainee now, and why would you be a great lawyer in the future?
Network as much as you can, to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible at interview, and on an experience like this.
Think about what value you can offer. Why would you be an effective trainee now, and why would you be a great lawyer in the future?
Network as much as you can, to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible at interview, and on an experience like this.
