CMS Academy Participant Review

In the mornings before the day began, there were (optional) opportunities for virtual coffee networking. Then, the schedule would involve mainly presentations from employees at the firm on a range of topics – for example, CMS’ pro bono strategy, their diversity and inclusion networks, their sustainability efforts, talks from different departments, etc. Across the two weeks, we were set group presentation tasks, focussed on how to make the firm more future-facing, as well as working with teammates on client recommendations in relation to a simulated scenario. We were also set individual tasks such as working on an idea/proposal for one of CMS’ charity partners.

Yes, I think I developed skills in teamwork, group presentation skills, time management, and writing skills. The multiple networking opportunities also improved my professional networking skills. I also developed greater commercial awareness surrounding the law and what sets different law firms apart. I learnt how to use Lupl which is a piece of legal tech/online collaborative platform that CMS has been working on, which was exciting. However, to an extent, I do feel that the depth of the skills I developed were hampered by the fact that the programme involved mostly simulated work.

We attended talks from different departments like Corporate, Banking, Real Estate, and from across sectors such as Life Sciences, Energy, Healthcare, etc. It was interesting to see how the nature of work differs drastically depending on the department at CMS, and how the departments link with each other. Additionally, we were put into groups and had the opportunity to pose questions to one of CMS’ clients – this helped me to understand how CMS as a business provides added-value services for its clients.

I would say that the company culture and general atmosphere were very friendly. The graduate recruitment team was accommodating (where possible) and helpful with any potential tech issues, which was reassuring. The partners who spoke to me during my vacation scheme were very willing to answer questions and seemed interested in speaking with us. We had the opportunity to attend many networking coffee sessions and yoga sessions to help with our mental wellbeing over the course of the vacation scheme. The firm was also consistent in giving us rest breaks over the virtual programme – they even hired someone to lead breathing and stretching exercises, etc.!

I very much enjoyed the insight. I felt that the team was very welcoming, and it was clear that the graduate recruitment team put in a lot of effort to make the vacation scheme as enjoyable and interactive as they could, given the circumstances. I believe I would have likely gained a deeper insight if, like for other vacation schemes at other law firms, the work given to me was ‘real’ rather than mostly simulated, but regardless, I left the virtual vacation scheme feeling like I knew a lot more about CMS. The vacation scheme really helped to reinforce my interest in working at CMS in the future.

Yes

For the group exercise in the assessment centre, try to really listen to your team members’ ideas, and try not to (accidentally) speak over them. If you’re on a virtual assessment centre, perhaps inform your team members in advance (and the graduate recruitment team on your call) if your WiFi is lagging so that they know you’re not speaking over them on purpose. Do remember to read up on the Financial Times before the partner interview and case study exercise so that you possess and can showcase a good level of commercial awareness.