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CMS
International commercial law firm with a broad UK presence and particular strengths in corporate transactions, construction, technology and real estate.
About CMS
CMS combines a substantial UK practice with an international organisation of independent law firms. Its current UK business brings together the practices of CMS Cameron McKenna, Nabarro and Olswang, which merged in 2017. The combination established a broad commercial offering encompassing corporate transactions, finance, disputes, real estate, technology and media.
Sector knowledge is central to its approach. Lawyers advise businesses on transactions and disputes alongside the regulatory, operational and technological issues affecting their industries. Its UK training locations give applicants a choice between London and several regional markets, while international connections support matters involving clients and assets across jurisdictions.
The two-year training contract typically comprises four six-month seats, providing experience in at least three distinct practice areas. Trainees receive support from supervisors, the Emerging Talent team and a trainee representative committee, alongside technical workshops and other formal training. Client secondments, international placements and experience in another CMS office may be available, depending on business needs.
Successful applicants also attend the two-week CMS Academy after receiving their training contract offer. This combines an introduction to the business of law with experience in the chosen office, helping future trainees understand clients, working practices and the firm before joining.
For the England and Wales route, CMS sponsors the PGDL where required and SQE studies. Published maintenance grants are £15,000 for study in London and £13,000 outside London. In Scotland, CMS funds the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and provides a £13,000 maintenance grant.
Practice areas & rankings
CMS has 102 ranked departments in Chambers UK 2026. Its London rankings include Band 1 recognition for contentious construction, corporate/M&A transactions worth £100 million to £800 million, and information technology and outsourcing. Real estate transactions worth £150 million and above are ranked Band 2.
Recent awards include IP Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2026, shared with the other firms involved in the winning matter; Pensions Lawyers of the Year at the UK Pensions Awards 2026; and Cyber Law Firm of the Year at the Cyber Insurance Awards Europe 2026.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 1 for Construction: Contentious in London in Chambers UK 2026, CMS handles domestic disputes and international arbitration involving major construction projects. Energy, infrastructure and real estate are particular strengths. Its experience includes disputes concerning hospitals, waste-to-energy facilities and other projects delivered through private finance arrangements.
Ranked Band 1 for Corporate/M&A: £100–800 million in London in Chambers UK 2026, the practice advises on acquisitions and other corporate transactions across energy, infrastructure, technology, media and financial services. Its international connections are particularly useful for transactions involving Central and Eastern Europe.
Ranked Band 1 for Information Technology & Outsourcing in London in Chambers UK 2027, CMS advises technology suppliers and major customers on outsourcing, cloud services, software liability and digital transformation. It has particular experience in regulated industries, including financial services, healthcare, life sciences and utilities, and also handles technology disputes.
Ranked Band 2 for Real Estate: £150 million and above in London in Chambers UK 2026, CMS advises developers, investment funds and overseas investors on substantial property transactions. Its work includes mixed-use developments, hotels, commercial portfolios and major landlord and tenant matters.
Awards
Europe Law Firm of the YearChambers Europe Awards 2025
The headline European award at the 2025 ceremony.
CEE Firm of the YearChambers Europe Awards 2025
One of two regional wins alongside the headline Europe award.
Poland Firm of the YearChambers Europe Awards 2025
Won at the same ceremony as Europe Law Firm of the Year.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Apply online for a training contract in your chosen location. The published application deadline is 22 November 2026 for England and 10 January 2027 for Scotland. CMS may hold assessment centres before the closing date, so allow time to prepare and submit a considered application.
The form covers your education, experience and motivation for joining CMS. Legal work experience is not essential. Examples from employment, volunteering, university activities or other responsibilities can demonstrate your suitability. Academic results are considered in context, and applicants can explain mitigating circumstances.
Explain why CMS’s work, clients and sectors interest you, and connect those interests to your chosen office. Support your answers with specific examples showing your contribution, the outcome and what you learned. CMS looks for commercial awareness, clear communication, resilience, collaboration and curiosity about technology.
The current route leads directly to a training contract offer. The Academy follows that offer, so applicants should research the training contract and office rather than frame their application around securing a vacation scheme.
CMS: 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.
When are the CMS application deadlines?
CMS has more than one deadline in the 2026/27 cycle: the training contract closes on 22 Nov and the training contract closes on 10 Jan. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does CMS take on?
CMS takes on around 80 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does CMS use in its applications?
Candidates who progress complete an online critical thinking test. This assesses analytical reasoning and problem-solving rather than prior legal knowledge. CMS provides access to practice material. Prepare by practising careful reading and distinguishing what a passage establishes from what merely seems plausible. Base each answer on the information supplied, follow the test instructions closely and use the practice material to become familiar with the format.
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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