The main route to a training contract at CMS is by successfully completing the CMS Academy programme. Our two-year training contracts feature four six-month seats or national, international or client secondments. CMS also offers early insight to the firm through our First Steps programme, apprenticeships, widening participation work experience and scholarship opportunities, and the newly launched Business Development & Marketing Graduate Programme.

Vacation Scheme

The CMS Academy is our next generation vacation scheme and the main route to a training contract at CMS.

The programme runs for two weeks and is focused on the development of future trainees.

After completing the programme, successful candidates will be offered a training contract

Each participant is paid £450 per week to attend the programme.

First Year Opportunities

CMS runs an Insight Programme for non-law students in England.

Each student is paid £450 to attend the programme for the week.

Apprenticeships

Join our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship programme and start your journey to becoming a fully qualified solicitor today. You can earn while you learn and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having job security and working for a Top 10 Global Law Firm. At the start of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Law Degree (LLB) in Legal Practice and Skills at the University of Law.

You will be immersed into the firm right from the very start of your apprenticeship, providing you with the opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of practice areas from Banking & Finance to Litigation & Arbitration. Once you’ve completed your law degree, you will prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) Parts 1 and 2. Having passed all your assessments, you will become a fully qualified solicitor.