The main route to securing a training contract with us is through our award-winning CMS Academy programme. This is your chance to take part in a programme that represents one of the largest investments any law firm makes in nurturing its next generation of talent.
Learn the business of law. Meet clients. Work on live projects. Network with lawyers. Debate the future alongside thought leaders. All of this on a summer vacation scheme that results in, on average, 90% of participants receiving a training contract offer from us.
Your journey starts with an Open Day, where you’ll meet fellow participants and find out how best to prepare for the CMS Academy programme taking place in the summer.
Your first week focuses on learning the business of law. You will experience a series of engaging and collaborative activities designed to enhance your development and prepare you for a career in law. These include:
This is followed by a two-week internship in the CMS office you applied for. You will be assigned a supervisor, trainee buddy, and be exposed to practical work that provides real insight into life as a trainee with us.
Due to COVID restrictions, our CMS Academy programme will be conducted entirely virtually this year. Please follow us on social media to see what we get up to!
Applications for 2021 are now closed.
Register your email address with us and we will send you application reminders and information about CMS opportunities relevant to you.
Ahead of the CMS Academy in 2021, we take a look at how our innovative Business of Law programme has evolved over the years.
The CMS Academy is an innovative three-week programme, designed to build knowledge, skills, and provide insight into life at a global commercial law firm. The first week is dedicated to focusing on the business of law. The following two weeks are an internship that gives you experience of working life at CMS.
You will engage with genuine CMS clients to build your understanding of the importance of strong professional relationships.
Get real insights into our firm from the people who work here, and get their support every step of the way.
Build your contacts with invites to work and social events attended by CMS lawyers and partners.
On average, 90% of participants who complete the CMS Academy are offered a training contract.
You will receive £450 per week
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First week: |
Business of law training in London. |
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Second and third weeks: |
Internship in a UK office of your choice – Aberdeen, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow, London, or Manchester and Sheffield. An overseas posting to Dubai is also available (assuming no COVID restrictions). |
“My time on the CMS Academy has been much more than just work experience. The firm’s been generous with their time and resources, and has exceeded all my expectations. I spent two weeks sitting with the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC ) team within Construction and Infrastructure and Project Finance, where I was involved in rewarding work, with immediate and personable associate and partner feedback, and was delighted to attend the summer social, where we enjoyed a game of impromptu cricket followed by a BBQ.”
Edgar Thornton Completed CMS Academy
Successfully complete the CMS Academy and you will be offered a training contract—the final step to becoming a qualified lawyer. Before you start your training contract, we will sponsor you while you complete your Legal Practice Course (LPC). If you’re studying a non-law degree, we’ll sponsor your Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and subsequent LPC. From September 2022, we will offer the SQE as a route to qualification. We will be running our SQE programme prior to the commencement of the period of recognised training.
Find out about our training contractWe are looking for candidates with an ABB or higher at A Level (or equivalent). You should also be on course to achieve, or have already gained a 2:1 degree or higher.
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England and Wales: |
Law students in their penultimate or final year, and final year non-law students. |
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Scotland: |
Law students in their penultimate or final year. Accelerated LLB students: First or second year. Non-law and BA Scottish students are eligible to apply for programmes in an English office from their final year onwards. |
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International: |
Final year students and above. |
Interested in applying? Here’s an outline of the different stages involved.
An opportunity for us to start to get to know you, your educational background, work experience and interests and why you are interested in a career with CMS.
Designed to test your analytical reasoning and logic. Take a practice test here.
A short 15 minute interview where you will answer a series of pre-recorded questions.
Consists of a case-study, competency-based interview, a group exercise and an opportunity to meet other people from around the firm and learn more about CMS.
Take a look at our dedicated FAQs page
