Trainee Lawyer Review

The business of law week was a fascinating insight into meeting clients and seeing how the world of commercial law actually operates. Meeting employees at all levels of the firm was also very welcome and all Academy participants were made to feel welcome and valued- we got good insight into the nature of the work offered to trainees.

Everyone was welcoming and went out of their way to find work for us etc. We were even offered opportunities on sports teams and at sector social events: we were very much adopted as part of the firm. When I completed a piece of work my supervisor was not only grateful but committed time to talking it through with me.

An appropriate level of support was offered. I wasn't looking to to be treated like a child and CMS struck this balance well, leaving us to get on with set work and make mistakes for ourselves. That said if I had had any concerns I would have been very comfortable discussing them.

The ability to think like a lawyer will no doubt be helpful going forward as I complete the GDL. Starting my TC in 2021 will be significantly less daunting now I feel I have an idea what is expected of trainees and how the firm operates on a day to day basis.

A very positive experience. All of the participants were enthusiastic and really enjoyed each day. The Grad Rec Team and the Mind staff were forever positive and upbeat. The firm seemed genuinely pleased to welcome us and I didn't feel like I was an inconvenience at all. In my team the relationships between employees were really encouraging.

I think this was a very powerful insight into a career as a trainee at CMS. We had a supervisor as we would when completing the TC and were given trainee level work. I also feel I got a good insight into the work life balance encouraged by the firm.

I had heard good things about the culture and the Academy only confirmed this. The sports and socials are clearly an important aspect of firm life, as is the international nature of the company. I really appreciated how everyone, at all levels, is considered vital to the smooth business of the firm.

I was paid £350 a week for completing this Academy and reimbursed travel expenses which seemed generous. If I had not had to rent in London at the same time it would have been a good earner! However, ultimately it was more about the opportunity to get a TC than the pay.

There were three evening events where we met with employees in other teams in a social environment, all of which were very useful. Grad Rec put a lot of effort into generating these opportunities and they were very much appreciated. Even playing a cricket match for the firm's team was a really good way of meeting people.

Most definitely- and I have already done so. The CMS Academy is by far the most rewarding and enjoyable bit of work experience I have done. The Grad Rec team do a fantastic job in organising a very smooth operation and at no point are you made to feel an inconvenience.