CMS

About the firm

CMS lawyers work across sectors and borders in more than 40 countries worldwide, delivering expert, pragmatic, business-focused advice and innovative, industry-shaping solutions that help you move forward with confidence.

We see ourselves as more than just legal advisers. We’re your business partners, here to resolve current issues, anticipate future challenges and innovate with you to meet them.

Qualify as a solicitor through our six-year apprenticeship programme. You will earn while you learn, gaining valuable experience from day one with no university fees to pay.

Types of apprenticeship: Level 7 degree-level solicitor apprenticeship programme.

For further information, see the apprenticeship section of CMS’ website: www.cmsearlytalent.com.

For queries about the apprenticeship programme, please email the early talent acquisition team: earlytalentacquisition@cms-cmno.com.

THE APPRENTICESHIP

We offer comprehensive career development, support and learning experiences across multiple practice groups within our dynamic law firm environment.

Our programme begins with targeted pre-joining events and a comprehensive induction helping to embed you into the firm from day one. You will be enrolled onto a law degree in Legal Practice and Skills (LLB) at the University of Law at a location appropriate to your apprenticeship. Following successful completion of your LLB you will be enrolled onto your Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). We will ensure that you become fully immersed into life at CMS, through gaining valuable, practical experience across many of our practice groups as well as providing you with world-class training and development opportunities.

You will have the opportunity to learn and work at the same time on your path to becoming a fully qualified solicitor with us. Each week you will be given one day set aside for your studies.

THE WORK

Our solicitor apprenticeships include one day off per week to study. You’ll be immersed in a legal team from the outset, providing the best possible start to your legal career at CMS. We’ll ease you into the role starting with a wide range of legal administrative tasks while you find your feet, including:

• Attending client meetings and taking notes;
• Managing data/records including opening, progressing and closing legal files;
• Collating bundles for court;
• Understanding and utilising basic financial data.

As you progress, you’ll take on responsibility for tasks such as carrying out legal research, preparing sensitive documents for a transaction or drafting a letter to a client. Once you’ve learned the basics, you will experience different areas of the firm and increase your level of responsibility, becoming an integral part of our legal team. You can expect to quickly become instrumental in enabling solicitors to deal with their legal matters in a timely and efficient way, ensuring we provide excellent client service.

THE ACADEMICS

SCHOOL LEAVERS

GCSEs: Grades 4 or above are essential (A to C under the old system); at least a 6 (Grade B) in Maths and English
A-Levels (or equivalent): Grades ABB (or on track to get these).

CAREER CHANGERS

Will need to meet the above criteria.

NON-LAW GRADUATES

Non-law graduates who have obtained a minimum of a 2(1) and have no legal work experience.

Unfortunately, if you already have a law degree you will not be eligible to apply, as the first four years of the programme require the completion of an LLB in Legal Practice and Skills.

Diversity and inclusion