Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Review
at CMS
Degree Apprenticeship
Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Legal/Law
Manchester
Review Submitted: September 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
-
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 part of the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship role, you rotate through several areas of the business, to experience different areas of law and eventually qualify as a well-rounded solicitor. Day to day, you will be fully involved with your team, which may be focused on any area of law - from corporate takeovers to media and technology. 'Contentious' roles will see you help to prepare a case and even attend court, while 'non-contentious' roles will see you help to prepare and negotiate high-stakes commercial deals.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme is very enjoyable. Whatever team you find yourself in will be welcoming and supportive of your personal development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship role trains a graduate (law or non-law) from scratch to become a qualified solicitor in England and Wales. One day a week is focused upon study, which shows the emphasis that is placed upon learning new skills. Whilst in the office, training continues through ad-hoc and organised training sessions that happen frequently.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is structured in collaboration with the University of Law, who teach you the subjects of academic law and legal practice according to a well structured timetable. The firm has learning and development leads, who help to ensure that your development stays on track.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The firm is extremely supportive and keen to see you do as well as possible in your studies.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider (University of Law) are also extremely helpful, allocating you a tutor and skills coach to help you get the best out of your tuition.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The legal training conducted is an extremely important of your development towards qualifying as a solicitor. You are often able to put your studies into practice while working in the job.
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
The firm has many extra-curricular activities, from sports and fitness to faith groups. The firm supports networking within the firm and more widely within your sector (for instance finance, or real estate).
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
CMS are a great place to train as an Apprentice or a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice. A supportive, yet high-achieving environment, it is the perfect place to begin your legal career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS?
Plan ahead - don't rush your application. Take your time to research the role you are applying for and what the firm does. Think about why you really want to apply for the role, and how you can communicate that in a persuasive way. If you can attend an insight event for the firm or something similar, do it. This will demonstrate that you are serious about the application and have done your best to prepare.
