CMS
full-service international firm known for energy, projects, and technology
About CMS
CMS is a leading full-service international law firm with 70+ offices across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The firm is headquartered in London and operates across all major commercial practice areas, with particular strength in energy and natural resources, projects and infrastructure, technology and digital markets, and real estate. CMS typically recruits around 95 trainees per year — one of the largest intakes of any firm in the UK — with training contracts available in London, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield, as well as international offices in Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong
Recruiting around 95 trainees annually, CMS offers a comprehensive four-seat training programme. Alongside core practice areas, innovation seats provide experience in using legal technology. Many trainees benefit from international or client secondments, enhancing practical experience and global understanding.
Practice areas & rankings
CMS has earned strong recognition in the UK and Europe. The firm achieved Band 1 rankings in Chambers UK 2025 for Construction: Contentious, Construction: Professional Negligence, and Real Estate Litigation. Furthermore, the firm was named Europe Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Europe Awards 2025, with additional wins for CEE Firm of the Year and Poland Firm of the Year.
Energy and natural resources
One of the firm's most prominent practices globally, advising on transactions, projects, disputes, and regulatory matters across oil and gas, renewables, nuclear, and energy transition. The energy team works across multiple CMS offices on cross-border mandates.
Projects and infrastructure
A leading projects practice advising on PPP, PFI, and major infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. Works closely with the energy team on energy infrastructure mandates.
Real estate
A large and well-regarded real estate practice covering transactions, development, planning, and real estate finance. One of the most active practice areas for trainees.
Technology, data, and digital markets
A growing practice reflecting CMS's explicit "future-facing" positioning. Covers data protection, digital regulation, technology transactions, and AI governance — areas of increasing client demand.
Corporate and M&A
A solid corporate practice advising on domestic and cross-border M&A across CMS's global network of offices.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The online application form asks about academic history, work experience, and motivation. CMS reviews applications holistically therefore prior legal work experience is not required and all experience demonstrating transferable skills is valued. Mitigating circumstances are taken into account. Non-law graduates and career changers are explicitly welcomed, with CMS typically recruiting roughly half of each intake from non-law backgrounds.
How to answer why youCMS: quick answers
How much does CMS pay trainees?
CMS pays first-year trainees £50,000, rising to £55,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at CMS earn £120,000.
How many trainees does CMS take on?
CMS takes on around ±95 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does CMS use in its applications?
CMS uses the Watson Glaser critical thinking test as part of its screening process. Candidates are invited to complete the test after submitting the application form.
What grades do you need to apply to CMS?
To apply to CMS you will generally need a 2:1 degree. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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