Solicitor apprentice Review

My daily routine in year three is primarily focused on legal work, with some admin tasks to fill out the gaps. I regularly draft documents and legal advice for clients (under supervision from a senior lawyer). We are given 1 working day a week to cover our uni work.

I have learned/improved many new skills including written and oral communication, researching skills, critical thinking and analysis, interviewing clients to identify their legal issues/concerns and navigating complex contracts.

I very much enjoy my programme and the role. The apprenticeship allows me to learn and improve my skills every day and carry out the practical applications of what I am learning, for me, as a predominantly kinaesthetic learner this is very helpful.

The programme at CMS is now entering its 5th year, this has allowed time for many of the issues to be worked out. Our HR team has also set up a representative meeting to improve things for apprentices. I would say it is very well stricter now and getting better.

The firm puts its money where it’s mouth is providing numerous employee benefits which to me shows it has a focus on wellness. Gym memberships and massages are heavily subsidised along with regular training and mental health resources are available for all employees.

We have regular meetings with a skills coach to ensure we’re on track with learning. Lecturers are on hand to answer questions relatively quickly. I would say it could be improved with more interactive learning rather than recorded lectures as we cannot attend lectures outside our study day.

I think the combination of theoretical and practical makes the learning much easier for me. For most people, things stick in your brain when you use them regularly not when you read them once in a book 6 years ago.

CMS is very focused on D&I, I run one of our 10 networks which regularly involves social events and client collaboration to train people on LGBT+ issues. The firm also offers various sports teams, chess clubs, debating teams and a book club.

Yes

It’s a very friendly place, the culture is unlike any firm of its size. Every other firm with that prestige of clients and size seems to be a much more tense place. But CMS seems to strike the balance between professional and welcoming.

There are too many to fit in 50 words. Instead I would recommend attending the training sessions we run on how to have a successful application!