Vacation scheme student Review

I throughly enjoyed the insight. During the 'Business of Law' week in London we were exposed to a future of law panel, a business simulation exercise, a 'Future Model of Law' presentation, corporate social responsibility events, star lawyer insights, four sector-specific insights and an MBTI session to name a few.

I felt incredibly valued during my time at the firm. I think it can be quite rare or unlikely to feel valued as a summer intern student or work experience student, however at CMS I continually felt as though my opinions and inputs were being appreciated, valued and taken seriously.

We received significant guidance and support during the insight. Throughout the first 'Business of Law' week in London and into the two-week traditional internship at my regional office everyone from partners to trainees has been incredibly helpful and willing to take the time to explain any questions or queries I might have.

The skills I developed during this three week vacation scheme will be invaluable for the future. Collaboration and teamwork in particular was focussed on during the Business of Law week, and provided me with a greater understanding of how I work in a team. The information we received, particularly from the Future of Law panel talk, will be of significant assistance in the future.

The insight was seamlessly structured. The effort that went into the planning of the insight was visible throughout. It was very effectively organised throughout the whole week, especially taking into consideration that various client meetings had to be planned, the CSR evening and a presentation from every summer student on Friday afternoon.

The atmosphere was brilliant. There was almost always a positive and upbeat atmosphere in the room. And at times when atmosphere was beginning to fade the wellbeing 15 sessions really worked to lift everyone's mood. The atmosphere within the office is very friendly and welcoming aswell, not tense and aggressive as might be imagined in a law firm.

In my opinion I don't think CMS could have actually invested more in us. The level of investment is reflective in the fact that every single placement student was given the opportunity to go on a client visit and encouraged to ask questions and interact with incredibly high profile clients.

The insight quite significantly assisted my understanding of what it would be like to have a full time role within the firm. The business of Law week really gave me a sense of the firm's culture and the two week intership has given me a taste of the work I would be undertaking as a trainee.

The insight provided me with an extremely helpful understanding of the firm's culture. By virtue of the Corporate Social Responsibility evening we were given an insight into how diverse and inclusive the firm are. CMS have a vibrant, welcoming and modern culture, and steer away from the stuffy and exclusive culture that other firms may have.

The content of the day was invaluable in helping me decide my future career path. The opportunity to gain advice from trainees and partners was incredibly helpful in cementing the career path I wish to progress down. The content of the day was also valuable in demonstrating the future of the legal services industry and how our future career paths may change.

I was paid for the insight and also reimbursed travel expenses for travelling from Scotland down to London for the first week.

There were various opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the firm. Throughout the whole process there was opportunity for networking and meeting employees of the firm. During a speed networking exercise we were given the opportunity to ask questions from roughly three or four employees of the firm- so a whole session was dedicated to networking.

The networking and social event opportunities were great. The social event we attended was a corporate social responsibility dinner so it worked well in that it tied in a social event with learning about the importance and significance of CSR initiatives. It might be contended that the networking opportunties were too much at some points, and perhaps having a table to sit down and relax at lunchtime might be preferable rather than constant networking.

I found there were a lot of activities that employees can get involved in outside or work in their spare time. In particular the involvement in pro bono work, charity days etc. I would have liked to have gained more of an understanding into sporting events or teams that employees get involved in outside of work.

I would not hesitate to recommend this insight to a friend. It was been a throughly enjoyable, rewarding and fun experience. In my opinion this insight in particular stands out from various others because of the level of investment we have all received and the amount of effort that is put into the scheme.