Student Review

Loved my placement at CMS. Everyone was very friendly and I got to get involved in a lot of interesting work from different people. Great insight into a commercial firm.

I felt valued at CMS. Although it was very busy, everyone found time to chat to me and asked me to do things, which I liked. Also, all of my questions were answered, which I appreciated.

My buddy, Abi, was so helpful! She gave me lots of support and guidance when I needed it, but equally she let me get on with work. I also found other staff, such as IT and receptionists very helpful with other smaller issues I had.

I think I developed my communication skills, as I was constantly working with someone on a task. This varied from actual speech to emailing and using IM. I also improved my reading and attention to detail.

It was very structured. Before the placement even started we got plenty of details and key dates to put in our diary. On our induction day, we got talks on the IT system which was helpful, and also what kind of work we would be involved in. On my first day in the Aberdeen office, I met my buddy - who had work ready for me to do. Social events, such as lunches, were also planned.

Everyone was friendly and supportive. This ranged from the people on my floor, to the people in other offices. Work at CMS is very collaborative. Although solicitors are very busy, there was always times when the mood was lightened. I was never afraid to ask questions.

I felt I was encouraged to do work. I was given a significant amount of responsibility and I was relied on to get real work done. I was given plenty feedback on my work too, which was very useful. Trainees also explained their personal training and develpoment, which sounded encouraging.

I really got to know the culture of CMS. I saw that CMS really is a modern law firm and the extent of new technology they use is high. I spoke to many full time staff and asked how they found their job, and asked for advantages/disadvantages.

CMS' culture is very prominent. Everyone is collaborative, supportive, and definitely put the client first!

Very helpful. Saw solicitors working on real cases and how they balance work and personal life.

£350 per week. I was also reimbursed for travel expenses to the induction day.

The offices are all open plan so it is easy to network and meet other people from different departments. Also, at lunch time, everyone sits together which is nice, and there are often informal team meetings to update staff.

Within the office there was numerous opportunities to network, everyone was very approachable. Also, through the social events planned it was easier to chat to different people.

CMS has a huge CSR policy, there were a couple of events being planned whilst I was at the firm. Furthermore the CMS World Cup is taking place in a couple weeks, so staff were attended regular training for that too.

Definitely. Very enjoyable placement. Lots of different 'real' work to involved in. Great insight into a busy commercial firm and what sort of cases they have worked on/are working on at the moment. I got to see what the everyday life of a solicitor was like and how it is to work in a legal environment.