Summer Academy Participant Review
at CMS
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: August 2022
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Experience
3.8/5
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Skills Development
2.8/5
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Company Culture
4/5
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Overall Experience
3/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
For the first week of the Academy Scheme, this was the Business of Law week. This included various different activities and sessions on a daily basis. I collaborated a lot with different teams (other interns) on simulation tasks, group presentations and even feedback sessions. During the second and third week, this was spent in the London office in person. I worked with my designated team on several live deals under the supervision of my trainer and alongside my trainee buddies.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
During the Business of Law week, we had the ability to speak and network effectively with various partners, associates and even the managing partner. This was highly beneficial because it provided significant and valuable insight into understanding the wider business. Regarding the potential roles, I understood and learnt about these most whilst speaking to individuals at the firm. Having a trainee buddy helped most in this regard and it was an invaluable learning experience definitely.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
4/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
3/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
My team working skills have definitely been enhanced as a result of the CMS Academy Scheme. There was a strong focus on collaboration during the three weeks. This was effective especially because the London office had around 60-70 different interns, thus allowing networking and collaboration very possible. I was also put into a legal team of which I had no prior experience. As a result of this, I developed a breadth of legal skills in the latter two weeks.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
4/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
3/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
3/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture was extremely friendly. I particularly liked the fact that the London office which I was based in for the latter two weeks (out of three weeks) had an open desk format. This was highly beneficial because it meant that everyone at the firm leases effectively with each other and it also means you can reach out with any questions you have whenever needed. Everyone at the firm is willing to answer questions.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
3/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
3/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
2/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I enjoyed the three weeks of the Summer Academy Scheme a lot, particularly because it was structured very differently to other vacation schemes I have done with other law firms. The Business of Law week was particularly enjoyable and enhanced a lot of my soft skills. Although it was virtual, I still felt very involved. The latter two weeks were very enjoyable too and I definitely felt as though I learnt a lot during it.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
4/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at CMS
3/5
Would you recommend CMS to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CMS
I would definitely advise other individuals to network with employees at the firm as much as possible in advance of doing any applications. There are so many people that will be willing to provide advice and help explain questions regarding the firm and its intricate operations. This helped me in advance of my application. I would also say boost your commercial awareness as this was constantly tested during my work with the firm over the three weeks.
