Graduate Solicitor Apprentice Review
at CMS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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 Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
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
My role includes bi-annual rotations in various teams around the firm. I have a particular interest in finance and have been able to have all four seats centred around this. I am currently a fourth seat Graduate Solicitor Apprentice (Trainee) in the Restructuring and Insolvency team. Day-to-day, I am drafting agreements for large, complex transactions, researching and preparing for litigation cases for ponzi schemes and getting involved with the organisations of high-level, multi-jurisdictional deals.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
My programme has been an excellent introduction to the various types of law, business and opportunities in this type of industry. If I had never joined the programme, I never would have realised I enjoyed finance so much - the trajectory of my career has changed. I have been able to learn on the job and work through my SQE qualification at the same time. Through this programme, qualifying can be even faster than an SQE year and training contract.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt how to network and communicate with colleagues, clients and potential clients through various networking opportunities (such a Fintech breakfast mornings) and direct client contact in all teams I have worked in (Pensions, Corporate and Leveraged Finance, Capital Markets and Derivatives and Restructuring and Insolvency).
Learning how to manage time, take initiative, draft and produce high-level work is a key component and expectation of the firm, which has increased massively for me since starting. I've grown my confidence through the responsibility and support given to me by all of my supervisors and now take on associate-level work where I can.
Learning how to manage time, take initiative, draft and produce high-level work is a key component and expectation of the firm, which has increased massively for me since starting. I've grown my confidence through the responsibility and support given to me by all of my supervisors and now take on associate-level work where I can.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
You receive a year planner from your University for your course and Emerging Talent schedule meetings to check-in, run through how your rotations work and how/when the qualification process starts. This structure from both your University and CMS provide you with a roadmap of your training time at the firm.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received incredible support throughout my training contract. When faced with significant personal difficulties, both my university and Emerging Talent stepped in to provide a plan to support me. There are regular check-ins and an open door policy to approach the team at any point you may have difficulties or questions.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My university offers regular check ins with my skills coach to go through my progress studying and working through my portfolio. Closer to exam periods, my skills coach has been on hand to support me at all points, event the afternoon before my exam.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Whilst the qualification (SQE) is not always relevant to my role as it covers so many topics, the balance of studying, absorbing new information and applying it is.
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 many opportunities to get involved with at CMS. I am involved heavily in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee. Here, we run flagship events on suicide prevention, wellbeing, imposter syndrome and much more. We focus on a rotation of topics and anyone can contribute ideas. For sports, I am also involved with the clay pigeon shooting and football networks. With football, CMS runs an annual tournament, all around the world!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The level of support, friendships and network I have gained in just a year and a half are incredible. This is a firm that can support you and encourage you to take other extra-curricular opportunities on whilst challenging you in preparation of qualifying as a solicitor.
Being in law is a huge commitment in both time and dedication, being in a firm of people you enjoy working with makes a significant difference in your enjoyment and sustainability, and CMS is one of these places.
Being in law is a huge commitment in both time and dedication, being in a firm of people you enjoy working with makes a significant difference in your enjoyment and sustainability, and CMS is one of these places.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS?
Be yourself - CMS is a leading relationship law firm and prides itself on having a collaborative approach. Be engaged, collaborative and supportive of others during your interview.
Almost all work experience can be transferable in some way, not just legal work experience. Having a range of experiences can help pull out the various skills that CMS and other law firms look for in applications.
Almost all work experience can be transferable in some way, not just legal work experience. Having a range of experiences can help pull out the various skills that CMS and other law firms look for in applications.
