Vacation student Review

I did enjoy the vacation scheme very much, and relative to the others I have had it has been the best one.

I feel the firm meets this criteria well and I was made aware that the work I was conducting was contributing to an overall project.

If there was every a problem/misunderstanding or confusion, at all times my supervisor, trainee buddy or senior associate sitting close by would help either on the spot or take me into a quite room so they could explain uninterrupted.

The information I was exposed to during my vacation scheme will be of help later on - I think the most useful information centred on the role of a lawyer in action, the type of work one would be exposed to and the benefits and sacrifices this comes with this profession. Ultimately, it is of use in being able to answer whether or not, for oneself, law is the right career path.

I thought the insight had a very nice structure to it - I particularly liked the fact that we remained in the same department for two weeks. At the same time, the diverse sector area presentations we had gave everyone a nice flavour of the type of work conducted throughout the firm.

I really enjoyed all the socials and the environment inevitably brings all the vacation scheme students together which is always great. Equally so everyone else at the firm always conducted themselves in a friendly manner, which helped diffuse any anxiety anyone may of had.

I definitely think through the different presentations we were offered there was scope to gain knowledge of the different sectors and the manner in which they operate. It is, however, important to remain pragmatic when considering this question because this is a two week only placement and the question the firm is trying to answer this whole is indeed whether or not they should invest in you.

The insight made it very clear what it was like to have a full role at CMS - I was able to observe both a trainee, 1 PQ Lawyer and a senior associate.

It can be difficult sometimes to differentiate between law firms from research on the internet, but being here in person you can definitely make a comparison and gain a better understanding - especially if you have precedents you can compare to - of the company culture.

I'm not sure there is much more any scheme can do in regards to allowing the vacation scheme student to gain a better understanding of this profession - during these two weeks you gain an insight into the manner of the work, the culture, the hours and the people that work at the firm.

Yes, the open floor layout makes the place very much open to communication and many trainees were very friendly and introduced themselves without being prompted.

Definitely very good, and most of the time you tend to pick up very useful skills and insights from them.

Yes, CSR is a key feature of life here at CMS and the firm is very proud of its record.