Graduate Solicitor Apprentice Review
at CMS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
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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, my days are varied and engaging. Some typical tasks include conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing documents, and attending client meetings. The firm also actively facilitates our learning and development by regularly organising training sessions to help us develop our skills, and knowledge. Furthermore, I have one dedicated study day per week, to give me time to do my university reading, online learning, attend live lecture sessions and complete my end of module tests.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
So far I am really enjoying the programme. The work is very complex and interesting and the whole CMS team have been really supportive, making time to help answer any question I may have which has really helped me to settle in.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I’ve definitely developed both new and existing skills during my time at CMS. In particular, my organisational skills have improved a lot as I’ve helped on multiple projects involving several internal and external teams. With lots of different documents and workstreams to manage, it’s been important to stay on top of progress and keep track of inputs from all parties. I’ve also strengthened my drafting skills by working on a range of documents.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured. Before I started in September I attended a two week academy where I had the opportunity to meet with other new starters and get a feel for the firm. Then when I began my role we had a very structured induction with the whole cohort before then having department specific training. In a more general sense, we are able to experience a variety of departments during our programme as we spend a year in our first seat before then rotating departments every 6 months for the final two years.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
They’ve been very supportive throughout my apprenticeship. I have regular check‑ins with my supervisor, which are really helpful for guidance, feedback and development. I also receive ongoing support from the Emerging Talent team, who are always approachable and happy to help with any questions or concerns.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have weekly live lecture with the university of law, which provides an opportunity to ask any questions on module content. I also have regular catch up meetings with my skills coach to assess my progress and keep me on track with my learning.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I’m currently working towards my qualification, and it does help me perform better in my role by giving me useful background context and a strong foundation of legal knowledge. It’s helpful for understanding core principles and the reasoning behind the work we do. However, I feel that a lot of the practical, day‑to‑day skills are developed on the job through hands‑on experience. Being involved in real matters and learning from colleagues has been where most of my practical learning has come from so far.
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
There are lots of social networks at CMS which everyone is encouraged to get involved in, such as the women's network which I have recently joined. There are also lots of sports teams to get involved with at CMS such as football, badminton and netball teams.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I’d really recommend applying to CMS because it’s a genuinely great place to learn and grow. The training has been excellent, both formally through structured sessions and informally through day‑to‑day support from the people around you. Everyone is friendly, approachable and happy to help, which makes a big difference, especially early on. The work itself is really interesting and varied, so no two days feel the same, and you’re trusted with real responsibility. Overall, it’s a supportive environment where you can build strong skills while enjoying the work you do.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS?
When applying for the CMS Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, do your homework on the firm and really get to grips with the application process on our website. Knowing what CMS stands for will help your answers feel genuine. Small details matter, so take your time and proofread!
