Vacation Scheme Review

I truly enjoyed my time at CMS.

I was assigned challenging tasks, participated in conference calls, attended meetings and had frequent interaction with senior associates and partners.

My buddies were always willing to help, and my supervisor provided valuable insight and guidance.

I learned to be versatile and willing to tackle all kinds of legal tasks.

The vacation scheme was very well organized and structured. Human Resources did an amazing job, both on presentations and after-work activities.

The atmosphere was friendly and reasonably competitive.

I believe the firm invested a lot of time and money on my training. We had presentations, lunches, group exercises, etc. Each of us was assigned a buddy and a supervisor, which were readily willing to help. I always felt appreciated and was thanked for my work.

The vacation scheme showed me what it would be like to work as a full-time lawyer in CMS.

I have worked for other top firms, but there's something about CMS that makes it unique: its friendly atmosphere, where you are expected to work hard but without the unnecessary stress derived from zealous competition and rivalries.

I was already determined to become a corporate lawyer, so my placement didn't help much in this regard. What it did show me is the importance of tax matters when structuring a deal, as tax is the area where I worked.

I am a foreign attorney and the firm paid very little. I had to pay for my flight (the firm covered only part of it), housing, food, etc. If I hadn't had some savings, I wouldn't have been able to participate in the scheme. If the firm is interested in foreign attorneys, they will need to start making a special arrangement. Otherwise they'll lose good attorneys who are just starting out and don't have enough resources to stay two weeks in London.

Opportunities for networking are available if you are willing to take them. I interacted with other departments on a daily basis.

The social events which Human Resources organized were a lot of fun. We had one per week: a cocktail making class and a dinner at an amazing restaurant.

Employees seem to have enough time to pursue other interests or activities outside of work.

Definitely would recommend to a friend!