Newly-combined CMS has replaced its traditional work placement with a ‘next generation vacation scheme’, which was launched on Monday. The international firm opened its doors to 63 fresh-faced students, all hoping to secure a training contract to commence in 2019.
The scheme, dubbed the CMS Academy, aims to train lawyers at all levels and is broken down into three parts. As well as offering students the opportunity to gain an insight into life as a trainee at the firm, the newly-launched vacation scheme is also designed to heighten students’ awareness of the commercial aspect of working at a law firm.
The programme is broken up as follows:
Part 1: Business of Law training. Students will spend one week networking with partners, lawyers and clients of the firm and taking part in talks from thought leaders on the issues affecting the future of law. There will also be an advanced simulation designed to challenge students’ commercial judgment.
Part 2: CMS Internship. Students will have the opportunity to work within the firm’s practice areas and experience the day-to-day reality of being a trainee at the firm. The internship will take place at one of six UK office locations (Aberdeen, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London or Sheffield).
Part 3: IMD. Candidates who are successful in obtaining a training contract following their time at the CMS Academy will be invited to take part in a unique and comprehensive induction programme at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Duncan Weston, CMS Executive for Global Development who also runs CMS’ Graduate Recruitment programme in the UK, said:
“This is a state-of-the-art programme which gives our vacation students a chance to meet with clients, network with lawyers at every level of the business, work on projects and debate with thought leaders in the legal and industry sectors’. We have taken a fresh and innovative approach to training to give our students an exciting insight into the business of law, as well as the practical side of law, and offer them an opportunity to work within our market-leading practice and sector groups and truly experience life at CMS’.