CMS Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
by CMS
Job Details
CMS Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
Join CMS, a leading international law firm, and take the first step towards becoming a fully qualified solicitor through our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship programme. This comprehensive 36-month apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, combining practical legal work with formal study. You will work across multiple practice groups at CMS while studying part-time with the University of Law to complete your Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). With dedicated support from experienced legal professionals, mentors, and the University of Law, you will receive world-class training and development throughout your apprenticeship.
Programme Highlights:
- Earn While You Learn: Work four days a week in a fast-paced law firm environment, gaining practical experience across key legal areas, while dedicating one day a week to your studies with the University of Law.
- Comprehensive Training: Gain exposure to various legal practices such as corporate law, litigation, and finance, as well as structured training designed to develop your legal and professional skills.
- Qualifications and Support: You will receive full support from CMS and the University of Law to prepare for and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. You’ll work with experienced solicitors, legal skills coaches, subject tutors, and mentors to ensure you receive the guidance and expertise necessary to excel.
- Structured Career Development: From the outset, you’ll be guided by a dedicated supervisor, a University of Law skills coach, and a senior CMS mentor. You will also have a junior lawyer "buddy" to support you during your first few months.
- Job Security: This apprenticeship represents a long-term commitment to your future, with the clear goal of qualifying as a solicitor and beginning a rewarding legal career at CMS.
What You’ll Do:
- Gain hands-on experience working on client matters such as drafting legal documents, conducting research, and assisting in case preparation.
- Collaborate with various legal teams across practice groups to develop a broad understanding of the legal profession.
- Develop key analytical and critical thinking skills through your work at CMS and your studies with the University of Law.
- Attend client meetings, observe court proceedings, and contribute to significant legal projects.
- Pass the SQE examinations and complete your qualifying work experience with CMS to qualify as a solicitor.
Salary:
- London: £36,500
- Bristol: £31,000
- Manchester & Sheffield: £28,000
Eligibility:
- Must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 2.2 or equivalent qualification.
- Required GCSE English and Maths at Level C/4 or above (or equivalent), and 3 A-Levels at Level C/4 or above (or equivalent).
- Hold a non-law degree but must not have undertaken the GDL/PGDL, LPC, or SQE.
- Career changers and final-year non-law students are encouraged to apply.
What You’ll Need:
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A desire to build a career in law and a passion for continuous learning.
Benefits:
- 25 days of paid annual leave and access to a comprehensive benefits package.
- A fully funded path to becoming a solicitor without the need for full-time university study.
- Ongoing support and training from leading legal professionals and academics.
Application Process:
- Complete the online application form.
- Undertake a critical thinking test.
- Participate in a video interview.
- Attend an assessment day, which includes a case study, interview, and presentation exercise.
At CMS, we are dedicated to supporting your professional journey as you work towards qualifying as a solicitor. Take the next step towards an exciting and fulfilling legal career by applying for our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship today.
About CMS
CMS is a future facing firm. Whether stakeholders are big or small, they always have the firm’s full attention and expertise. In a world of ever-accelerating change where technology is increasingly important, our clear, business-focused advice helps clients of every size to face the future with confidence.
CMS is a full service law firm combining top quality sector expertise with international scale. We embrace technology and are committed to new ideas that challenge conventional ways of doing things.
CMS puts the interests of clients at the heart of everything we do across 80 offices in 40+ countries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. With more than 1,100+ partners and 5,000+ lawyers, CMS works in cross-border teams to deliver top quality, practical advice. The firm is recognised for its sector excellence and focus in consumer products; energy; financial institutions; hotels & leisure; infrastructure & projects; life sciences & healthcare; real estate; and technology, media & telecommunications.
We offer comprehensive career development, support and learning experiences across multiple practice groups within our dynamic law firm environment.
Our programme begins with targeted pre-joining events and a comprehensive induction helping to embed you into the firm from day one. You will be enrolled onto a law degree in Legal Practice and Skills (LLB) at the University of Law at a location appropriate to your apprenticeship. Following successful completion of your LLB you will be enrolled onto your Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). We will ensure that you become fully immersed into life at CMS, through gaining valuable, practical experience across many of our practice groups as well as providing you with world-class training and development opportunities.
How to apply
To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.
Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.
