CMS Academy Participant Review

At the CMS Academy, you get the chance to work side-by-side with industry leading lawyers. You get a chance to delve deeply into an industry, and work on a wide range of matters designed to acquaint you with CMS’s sector focused approach. Every day, you get to work on things like newsletters, drafting documents, summarising the law or new regulations affecting certain clients, etc

I’ve certainly developed the skill of managing expectations. Everyone is willing to offer you work and additional tasks to do. What’s key is making sure you volunteer enough to get a real taste for the work you’ll do as a trainee, but not so much that you ruin your own experience, and betray their expectations.

It was a fantastic experience which affirmed my own, personal career decisions. It let me interact with a variety of lawyers working in a sector (energy) with a wide range of different technologies. Doing so taught me more about the different skills and personalities that make lawyers successful, and how their skills help them advance their own careers.

Everyone was very friendly. They’re willing to take you to coffee, or to grab a drink/food. They’re also willing to answer questions and are happy to get you involved in their work. It was a very friendly work environment.

I enjoyed the insight a lot. As I mentioned above, it affirmed my career choice. I’m now excited to continue researching my chosen industry to continue my career development.

Yes

Make the most of the firm’s breadth! Experience as much work and as many departments as you can. Get exposure as soon as possible. That way, your seat choices will be easier.