CMS Academy intern Review

I really enjoyed this placement as it was insightful of the culture here at CMS. It balanced assigning interns a lot of responsibility and meaningful work with a strong support system (trainee buddy and supervisor). There were a lot of social events to really get to know the culture of the firm.

To a high extent. The firm gave us lots of meaningful work and everyone was willing to offer us guidance and support. We were also part of the CMS CSR initiatives and were actively encouraged to feel part of the team here at CMS. The Academy also features many events to CSR and pro bono.

There was a fair amount of support. CMS have open plan in all of their offices so it's really easy to ask anyone around you for help. During the Academy, you have a trainee buddy and a supervisor but you may also be assigned work from other associates. All of whom are on hand to answer any questions.

Very much so - you are put within a department who are experts in their field. I never really had a chance to go to court of Companies House before CMS Academy. You will learn so much within a short period of time and it's many skills which I have yet to encounter having not finished my LLB yet.

The Academy is split into 2 parts - the Business of Law week and a 2 week internship at a regional office. Both aspects are incredibly well planned and CMS clearly put a lot of organisation into the placement including: guest speakers from all around the work, organising in-house client visits, CSR dinners and much more!

CMS prides itself with an open, collaborative and dynamic culture - having completed the Academy, they do exactly that. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming and does indeed feel like a place where everyone helps each other to succeed. It was made clear that the Academy was not a competition, but rather to encourage ourselves to perform to the best of our own abilities. One down side - hours can be long, but this is typical of any firm of this size and nature.

A huge extent. There are constantly CPD sessions and review sessions with the department/sector. The business of law week in London is also a huge investment and is encouraging to see a firm put so much into the first week of the placement. There are many guest speakers and exciting events unique to CMS.

Very much so. There is indeed a very open and collaborative culture here at CMS. The open plan office also really helps with this. Everyone is willing to help you out and there are tonnes of support networks - CMS have dedicated professional support lawyers, legal support units and a facilities team.

Very much so. There is indeed a very open and collaborative culture here at CMS. The open plan office also really helps with this. Everyone is willing to help you out and there are tonnes of support networks - CMS have dedicated professional support lawyers, legal support units and a facilities team.

Very much so. During the 2nd and 3rd weeks of Academy, you are in your regional office within a team. You really do get a feel for the type and quality of work the team and CMS a a whole carry out. There is also quite a good work life balance, if it looked like I was running out of time, the trainee offered to share the workload so I could leave at a reasonable time!

This included my flights to and from London for the first week as well as CMS paying my entire accommodation for the week in London. They also reimburse and pay for accommodation for the CMS Academy open day held a few months before Academy to let the participants know each other before starting in July.

Absolutely, there were many social and networking events on throughout the 3 weeks in London and the regional offices. Trainees took us to lunch, the early talent team also took us all to dinner, there was a dinner for the CSR initiatives and even drinks for us when we finished the Academy!

These were great and there were many chances to do these even prior to applying to Academy. These included the law fair, employer presentation and skill session. CMS even managed to build a networking session with the trainees within the assessment centre day. There are so many social events during the placement so you must keep your evenings free!

Absolutely, it was an exhausting 3 weeks but such an incredible experience. There were so many activities that were unique to CMS and that CMS had clearly put a lot of thought and effort into creating. I have never experienced a placement like the CMS Academy before and getting to go to London was just an absolute bonus!