CMS
CMS is a global law firm with over 70 offices and 8,000+ staff worldwide, helping people and businesses solve problems and plan for the future. In Sheffield, the team includes not just lawyers, but also people working in IT, marketing, HR, and finance. Whether you like organising, analysing or advising, there’s a wide range of career paths in a professional and supportive environment — with opportunities to grow both locally and globally.
Employer fact file
Sector
Business and Enterprise
Employees
26 in Sheffield, 8,000 globally
Top jobs
Business Services Apprentice
As a Business Services Apprentice, you would learn how to support a major law firm by working in areas such as IT, HR, facilities, finance or business development. Apprenticeships are offered at several levels — from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) up to Level 6 or 7 (equivalent to degree level). You would receive practical training while working alongside experienced professionals, and you would complete qualifications as you progress. This is a great route for people at any stage of their career who want to build skills in a supportive and professional environment.
Business Services Roles
In a Business Services role, you would help the law firm run smoothly behind the scenes. You could work in teams such as IT, HR, finance, facilities or marketing. Your work would support the lawyers by making sure the business systems and office environment are running efficiently. You would need to be well-organised, tech-savvy and a good communicator. Many of these roles are open to school leavers, and CMS offers apprenticeships or training for those starting out — whether you are interested in managing projects, handling payroll or creating campaigns.
CMS Law Scholar
As a CMS Law Scholar, you would receive financial support, mentoring and paid work experience to help you study law at university. You would get guidance through your UCAS applications and continued support through your degree. This opportunity is for Year 12 students in England and Wales who are planning to study law at university. It is especially helpful for young people from backgrounds underrepresented in law, giving you early insight and support to kickstart your legal career.
Solicitor Apprentice
As a Solicitor Apprentice, you would work full time at CMS while studying for a law degree one day a week with the University of Law. You would then prepare for and take your Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) — the final step to becoming a solicitor. This six-year programme gives you paid experience and a qualification, all without university fees. You would need five GCSEs (including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above) and at least three A Levels at grade C or above. This route is great for school leavers who want to work, learn and earn at the same time.
Trainee Solicitor
As a Trainee Solicitor, you would start a two-year training programme designed to build your skills in different areas of law. You would rotate through various departments, gaining experience in everything from property to corporate law. You would work with expert lawyers on real cases while learning how to advise clients and write legal documents. This opportunity is open to university graduates (law or non-law degrees), postgraduates or career changers who want to train as a solicitor. You would be supported throughout your training and work toward becoming a fully qualified solicitor.
Fun fact: CMS has offices in more than 40 countries with employees working everywhere from Sheffield to Singapore!