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Higherin

Vacation Scheme Student Review

at CMS

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/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 - 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.
A series of engaging presentations designed to help Academy students strengthen their understanding of the business of law. We were given the opportunity to discuss and share ideas which was very inspiring. We also completed a number of innovation-focused projects, where we used our creativity to come up with ideas to support the firm in its strategy of becoming "the relationship law firm".
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was insightful to hear from the early development team and current trainees about the kind of work trainees get involved in, particularly on the business side of law. Furthermore, the opportunity to speak with clients helped frame my understanding of the importance of understanding the client's business and the industry environment which they operate in.
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 strengthened my commercial awareness skills and understanding of the business side of law. I developed my ability to communicate effectively not only with clients (client care skills), but with also other Academy students. I grew confidence in my ability to present and speak in front of a large number of people. I was also grateful to learn how to work effectively in a team environment and navigate through unexpected issues to reach our goal.
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?
From the very beginning of the scheme, I felt welcomed by the firm. They openly spoke about their collaborate culture and I immediately got the sense that they valued every single one of us. Academy participants were also given the opportunity to speak with trainees who are actively involved in diversity initiatives as well as firm social events which was also very inspiring.
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?
It was very clear each task given was designed to enhance our development and understanding of the firm and qualities of a successful commercial lawyer. Each person I came across was open, friendly and more than happy to answer any questions. For this reason, it exceeded my expectations. I would love to do the programme again if I could as I learned so much speaking with clients and completing innovation-focused projects in teams.
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
When it comes to the interviews and assessment centre, I think it's important to just be the best version of yourself as that is all the firm want from you. It's completely normal to be nervous as everyone is in the same boat so it's best just to enjoy the experience.
In This Review
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