FAQs
What qualifications do I need?
Do you insist on an LL M. or a similar degree?
How about a doctorate?
If you offer me a job, are there realistic prospects of becoming a partner?
Will I get the opportunity to specialise?
I would like to start a family. Is that compatible with becoming a partner?
Can I also work part-time for CMS?
In many large firms, the workload is very high. Does that also apply to CMS?
CMS is an international firm. Will it be possible to spend an extended period in another country?
What will my salary be?
What qualifications do I need?
We assume that an honour’s degree is a fair indication of your professional ability. More important for us, however, is how you relate to us on a personal level. At CMS, the hiring decision is based on far more than the level of qualification.
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Do you insist on an LL M. or a similar degree?
No, although such a degree does of course indicate an international outlook. But you may be able to provide us with evidence of this in another way, such as by displaying knowledge of foreign languages.
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How about a doctorate?
A doctorate is not an entry requirement, but nor is it a bar to joining our firm. However, we would prefer it if you have already finished your thesis or are likely to have finished it in the foreseeable future when you start working for us. Alternatively, we may be able to offer you the option of working for us part-time until you finish your thesis.
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If you offer me a job, are there realistic prospects of becoming a partner?
A partnership is a realistic objective and will remain so in the future. Indeed, it is because we are convinced of your ability to become a partner that we employ you in the first place. All associates of the firm are systematically guided toward this goal and mentored by an experienced partner. We hold regular discussions to provide you with the feedback you need in terms of your personal and professional profile.
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Will I get the opportunity to specialise?
After a general orientation phase, we will develop with you a specialism that matches your wishes and abilities and that will be actively supported via targeted in-house training.
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I would like to start a family. Is that compatible with becoming a partner?
We take equal opportunities extremely seriously. For example, half the associates we employ are female. It is perfectly possible to combine maternity, partnership status, and part-time work at CMS.
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Can I also work part-time for CMS?
We have various part-time models, which can be agreed with you individually. This type of personal arrangement is particularly important where project-related consultancy work is concerned.
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In many large firms, the workload is very high. Does that also apply to CMS?
We work hard. But we also recognise that you need sufficient leisure time to recharge your batteries. That is why excessively long working hours and weekend work are the exception rather than the rule at CMS.
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CMS is an international firm. Will it be possible to spend an extended period in another country?
After about 3-4 years, we arrange for our young lawyers to spend at least six months abroad in an associated CMS firm or in another foreign law firm with whom we have close ties.
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What will my salary be?
There is little variation in salary among the large law firms. Our salaries are in line with the industry standard, and will be regularly adjusted during your time as an associate.
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