Solicitor Apprentice Review
at CMS
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Sheffield
Review Submitted: March 2025
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 Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a solicitor apprentice, you get placed in a different department each year for the first 4 years, then every 6 months for the last 2 years (so in total 8 seats). The department changes your daily tasks, but overall you help associates draft documents, join meetings, manage data rooms, deliver documents, call courts and so many other tasks - it really does depend on what practice area you are in. You can even go on a client secondment and work with some of our clients which is really interesting.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love it. It is the best choice I could've made in relation to my education and career. Without the apprenticeship, I don't think I would've been able to go into law, but this apprenticeship has given me so many new opportunities and freedom. I have travelled for work with the firm, and have been to places that I don't think I would've gone to if I hadn't been with them. I have been to great events, and just coming into the office daily to talk to your peers is really great. It is challenging, don't get me wrong, but the challenge is all worth it as it is so rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed skills in IT, English and maths, through using computers daily. I have also learnt how to touch-type since starting which is really helpful. I have developed new skills in a legal sense, being able to draft documents and answer emails efficiently as well as learning lots of legal jargon. Also, I have become more confident and extroverted as the environment here is so supportive.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Really well structured - I am clear on when my study day is, when my exams are and when my review meetings are. Everything just falls into place, and even if it doesn't, there is a well structured support group around you - other apprentices, your buddy, your supervisor at the firm, Emerging Talent, and skills coaches at the uni.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot. There are several networks in the firm that suit every persons needs, such as the Mental Health and wellbeing Network, so there is something for everyone. There are services to support mental health such as OneBright, and they are really understanding if you are ill and need time off. Like I said before, there is a well structured support group around you - other apprentices, your buddy, your supervisor at the firm and Emerging Talent that can help you with any problem imaginable.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I get a lot of support, I have review meetings with my skills coach every 3 months. For each module, there are 10 units - and for the majority of those units you have to submit a marked piece of work, which the lecturer marks and gives feedback on. There are also mocks and standardised assessments for each module too. There are also 2 live tutor sessions per module where you can ask any questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I am learning at uni what I am putting into practice at work so it helps me to understand what it is I am doing and why I am doing it.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes - there are too many to count. There are a lot of sport, such as netball and football, there is chess, choir, and so many others. There are also networking events often, and social activities at least once a month.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is genuinely the best place to work - the work is enjoyable, the salary and benefits are great, the people are really kind and understanding, you can learn on the job, the offices are amazing and really well maintained as well as the bonus that you don't have to pay for your degree.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS?
Make sure you are prepared to work hard. Be confident in what you do but also don't be afraid to admit if you don't understand or don't know something. Also, just be yourself.
