First Steps Review
at CMS
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: November 2021
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.
I networked with other scheme attendees. I attended presentations on the company and its various practice areas and internal networks. I was part of a competitive business simulation game where we learned valuable knowledge about decisions businesses must make. I learned commercial skills. We had an online escape room and watched a magician perform.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was useful to learn more about roles at CMS. We spoke to trainees, associates and members of graduate recruitment to learn more about career trajectories at the firm.
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 developed skills in commercial awareness. For example, we advised an imaginary client interested in the soft drinks industry. I considered competitors, business strategies, and advertising in my advice for the client. It was a valuable experience to learn more about the role of a commercial lawyer.
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 culture was very welcoming and friendly. Every person was kind and interested in the work they were speaking about. Other scheme attendees were also friendly and chatty.
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 enjoyed the insight scheme immensely. I enjoyed meeting lawyers and trainees from the firm and learning more about the world of commercial law. Moreover, I valued my First Steps mentor, who I met with monthly until November. It was very helpful to have a connection with my mentor.
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
For the online application form, I would recommend the STAR technique when discussing work experience: Situation, Task, Action, Result. For the application questions, I would advise people to consider what the question is really asking. Also, i would not use difficult or complicated language. Being a lawyer involves communicating difficult information effectively and without confusion.
For the interview, I would recommend being yourself and asking questions at the end.
For the interview, I would recommend being yourself and asking questions at the end.
