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Our training contract is designed to help you build the legal, commercial and professional skills needed to thrive as a solicitor. Through our direct route, you’ll join a firm that’s collaborative, ambitious and focused on delivering high-quality work for clients. Before you start, you’ll take part in CMS Academy – our pre-joining programme that introduces you to the business of law, our clients, our people and the way we work.
Once you start, you’ll typically complete four six-month seats over two years, gaining experience across different practice areas and working alongside lawyers at all levels. You’ll be trusted with meaningful work, expected to take ownership of your development, and supported to build the judgement, confidence and commercial awareness to make a strong contribution. Because here, your growth and the firm’s go hand in hand.
The route to securing a training contract with CMS is through an assessment day. If successful, you’ll be offered a direct Training Contract and enrolled on CMS Academy before you start. The process is designed to understand your motivation, commercial awareness, judgement and potential to contribute in a collaborative, high-performing firm. Here’s what you can expect at each stage.
Online application form
Tell us about your education, experience and motivation for applying to CMS. We’re looking for clear, considered answers that show you’ve researched the firm and understand the opportunity.
Critical thinking test
A short online test focused on analytical and problem solving skills. No legal knowledge is required, and a practice test is available.
Video interview
A 15-minute interview, where you will be asked to answer a series of pre-recorded questions.
Assessment day
An in-person half day at one of our offices, including exercises designed to explore your motivation, judgement, collaboration and potential. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet people from across the firm and learn more about life at CMS.
Before you start your training contract, we will sponsor your studies and pay you a maintenance grant while you complete your Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP). This will be completed prior to your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
Scots Law LLB students in their penultimate or final year of study
Scots Law LLB Graduates
Current accelerated Scots Law LLB students in either their first or second year
Closes todayCloses 11:59pm, 22 Oct 2026
1 day leftCloses 11:59pm, 23 Oct 2026
4 days leftCloses 11:59pm, 26 Oct 2026
Closes 11:59pm, 10 Jan 2027
