Student Review

I worked in the Banking and Corporate Recovery seat during my vacation scheme. However, we were also scheduled to present a topic of interest in the legal sector. I found that the work itself was really enjoyable. Banking Law itself is very engaging and diverse. During my time, I engaged in complex legal research but also got to work with deals going on in the department. When working on the presentation with the other scheme students, we also got to engage and theorise about what the legal market could look like in 5-10 years. Overall, I felt really engaged and intellectually challenged throughout my time.

I felt very valued in my department. One of the partners came to me to research a legal question so that he could get back to his client with advice. I felt like I was really making a difference with the work I was doing. It was very hands-on and I felt like I was part of the team and not just a vacation-scheme student.

My supervisor was always happy to help when I had any questions. We had coffee every few days to talk about Banking Law in general as well. Every other solicitor on the team was also happy to help and explain the work they did. They always made time to talk and it created a really great atmosphere.

Actually, the skills developed during my vacation scheme have already been useful this year! I know about a lot of the different things we are learning about in Property Law as a result of my vacation scheme. I can also navigate those necessary websites (i.e. Companies House) that you need for Commercial Law. Apart from that, I believed it help me develop professionally. You have to learn a certain way of writing and speaking when you become a solicitor. I got to experience that on my scheme. So, I think that will help during the Diploma in Legal Practise and my future training cotnract.

It was very well-structured. When we first began, we knew what was going on and when. That gave my team ample time to prepare our presentation for partners.

The atmosphere was great. Everyone was very friendly and always willing to help!

The department ensured that I knew the type of work that I would be expected to complete. So, overall they did invest in training me in relevant areas of Banking Law!

I think it was very helpful. Each department presented the type of work that they do to the vacation scheme students throughout the two weeks. So, we got to learn the type of work that occurs across all the sectors. I found it really interesting to see how people progressed through the firm.

I think that was best accomplished through the lunches with current trainee solicitors. You got to hear about all the difference events that CMS sponsors! For example, one of the trainees had just come back from a charity bike-ride to Paris. Through the many discussions I had with employees of the firm, I learned that CMS supports you in all stages of life. The culture itself is supportive and nuturing so that you can become your best you while at the firm.

My vacation scheme at CMS reaffirmed my desire to work at the firm as a trainee solicitor. I really enjoyed going into work every day. After the first week, I knew that it was the right firm for me. I was excited to be a part of the Banking and Corporate Recovery team and was eager to show what I could do!

The firm also reimbursed us for train tickets to Edinburgh following a day of training!

Yes, we had at least two or three networking events each week. The first day we had the opportunity to meet all the trainees and partners at the firm in Edinburgh. It was really great to find out the type of work that everyone did and how that differed from the Glasgow location!

As already mentioned, we had the opportunity to meet with the partners in Edinburgh. We also had lunch with the Glasgow trainees in addition to a final dinner with all the vacation scheme students. I was also invited to a birthday celebration on my last day with my department!

Yes, in my interview, I discussed with the partner all the various pro bono activities that are available to people working at the firm. CMS also have a number of groups where employees can meet and discuss shared interests. I was planning on attending the women's group, but unfortunately they did not meet while I was on the vacation scheme!

Absolutely! I have already recommended the CMS vacation scheme to my entire accelerated programme! It was very enjoyable but also was reflective of the work that can be expected in a training contract.