Solicitor apprentice Review
at CMS
Degree 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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
I am a solicitor apprentice sitting in the LAIE team which stands for Litigation, Arbitration, Insurance (and Reinsurance) and Employment. My role is semi contentious meaning i work across advisory advice and some transactional work while having some contentious matters. Currently, I'm on a 'matter' meaning workstream that involves preparing our client for an arbitration so I'm updating our indexes and collating bundles while attending internal meetings to note down the actions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
CMS offers one of the most unique programmes in the sense that you are guaranteed annual rotations while being able to attend international secondments (which are plentiful at the global firm) from years 4 onwards. There are quite a lot of client events that you can attend to really gain exposure early into your career and a lot of training modules available to assist your development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my application to knowledge skills particularly analysing research that I've done by way of background and picking out information that would apply to the client.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is really well organised and the structure of the programme is set out in detail during your induction week. We have check ins with both our university mentor and supervisor who monitor your progress and ensure you have enough support to meet expectations.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I am really lucky to have supportive supervisors who prioritise your wellbeing above all else. They are rally helpful in guiding you when you're unsure about a matter or require extensions or if you're unwell they're quick to send you home!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I am supported regularly by the University (should i need it) and they're available when I have any queries or absences.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think the readings set out in the university assignments prepares you for application of knowledge especially skills like learning how to write well and read a lot of information and explain your reasoning. I think so far Tort has been the most helpful in assisting me in my role since I am advising clients verbally in my assignments just as how I would do in my current role.
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
Certainly! I'm currently involved in the women's football team and the cyber team where I am a 'trainee' in assisting my team with new ways to use AI. I am a member of the Muslim Network and recently planned a firm wide iftar and hosted a quiz for clients. There has also been an abundance of Insurance related stakeholder events and evening networking sessions where I have attended and built a rapport with clients.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is such a supportive and inclusive place to work where people are both brilliant in their sector groups while being really keen to help you when needed! There's always matters to assist with and friendly members to do it with!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS?
I would say let your creative side shine through! It is really clear when someone has a passion/ hobbies and people love working with passionate people! Be true to yourself and let your personality shine through.
