2025

Describe your proudest achievement and what challenges you have had to overcome. (200 words)

My proudest achievement is my fitness journey, particularly my fat-loss in 2022. At start of 2022, I was 84kg. Concerned about my health, I prompted myself to take decisive action. I took the initiative to start going to the gym and begin a diet. Aside from the physicality, the biggest challenges I faced were conflicting information and temptation.     

The fat-loss industry is full of conflicting information, so I had to critically research the science behind fat loss. This allowed me to make informed decisions about my diet and exercise.   

The biggest challenge was temptation, especially in social situations. Food plays a key role in socialising, making it difficult to stick to healthy choices. Yet, I prioritised my long-terms goals over shot-term satisfaction and stuck to my diet.    

By the end of 2022, I had reached 68kg, improving both my physical health and mental resilience. The journey taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to make informed, long-term decisions—skills I apply in both personal and professional contexts.  

Since then, I've continued my fitness journey, focusing on building muscle. I have also advised friends and family with their own fat-loss journeys. This experience has shaped my mindset of continuous improvement. 

Describe a specific instance where you have utilised artificial intelligence (AI) or other technologies in your work or studies. How have these tools enhanced your personal development? (200 words)

In my role as Community Hub Development Officer at [LOCAL CHARITY] . I created a survey and compiled all the information into a report. The survey included open-ended questions such as: "What is your community’s greatest strength?" and "What is its biggest weakness?".  

With over 270 unique responses, sorting the feedback would have been time-consuming. Instead of analysing each response individually, I used AI to categorise them. For example, litter had its own category. The AI noted the number of times a particular category appeared.  This was better than using Excels count function, as it accounted for varied language. For example, litter was also referred to as 'rubbish' or 'waste. Using AI in this instance enhanced my productivity. It allowed me to focus on developing my Excel skills, by sorting the data into tables, generating statistics and diagrams. 

Embracing AI has made me more productive with simple tasks, freeing up time to focus on more complex ones. Thus, enhancing my personal development in, problem solving and critical analysis. I have since taken a forward-thinking approach to AI by deepening my knowledge of the subject. For example, I completed the 'Computer Science for Lawyers' course by Harvard University

When have you gone above and beyond what was expected of you and how could this support you to be successful in your role at CMS? (200 words)

As an Outdoor Adventure/General Counsellor at [US SUMMER CAMP] - an American summer camp-one of my responsibilities was serving as an archery instructor. One camper was fond of archery and picked it continuously throughout the summer. Unfortunately, he became ill during the final week and missed the last session. 

Recognising the importance of this experience for him, I organised a special archery session with his friends during my lunch break on the camp's final day. This extra effort ensured his summer ended on a positive note, and I awarded a bonus for going 'above and beyond'.  

This experience could support my success at CMS given the range of skills I developed that are required of trainee solicitors. For example, my responsibility for teaching a technical skill to individuals with varying levels of experience honed my communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. I had to tailor my teaching approach to suit each camper, ensuring clarity and understanding despite different backgrounds. 

This experience also reflects my ability to recognise individual needs. It required empathy, initiative, and problem-solving—qualities essential in providing exceptional client care. I am dedicated to ensuring clients feel valued by delivering tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. 

2024

Describe your proudest achievement and what challenges you have had to  overcome.

I take pride in my efforts with the [redacted  youth charity] where I  recognised and tackled a critical problem: the lack of sustainable career pathways  for at-risk youth in [redacted location]. I suggested organising a career fair but encountered  rejection due to funding concerns and discouragement from my internship supervisor 

who believed the project exceeded my role.

Undeterred, I incorporated a crowdfunding project into my proposal to the [redacted youth charity]  board. I recommended involving nearly 50 students from a local private school in  conducting independent campaigns to raise funds. This campaign prioritised  transparency, incorporating a newsletter and live fund tracker to keep students and  donors updated on progress. Emphasising the project’s business viability and relying  on volunteers and managerial personnel for the fair, I secured board approval. The  campaigns raised £450, and within a month the career fair became a reality. The  event drew local tradespersons offering jobs and training in plumbing, construction,  and electrical. Notably, 17 of the 45 attending youths secured immediate employment.

This success holds deep significance, fuelled by my passion for social mobility  rooted in my upbringing in [redacted Indian city] and early exposure to systemic discrimination. It  reflects my commitment to creating positive change through innovative solutions.

How could CMS use technology to help you further your legal career?

‘Innovation and Legal Tech at CMS’ evolved my perception of tech, realising its role  to empower, not replace, lawyers.

As a ghostwriter routinely conducting primary research, I valued collaboration tools.  Shared calendars streamlined interview coordination, while Notion enabled seamless  note-sharing. CMS is deeply committed to such collaborative efficiency by  thoughtfully integrating communication into tools. Exemplified by the Breach  Assistant App connecting users with lawyers efficiently and dedicated HighQ portals  enhancing tracking. Such tools will sharpen my organisational skills, support  navigating complex legal information, and refine my communication proficiency. 

AI and machine learning in Data Analysis and Research add a dimension to legal  research. Employing tools like Kira AI for HP's $1bn acquisition accelerated contract  reviews by 30%, epitomising innovation, boosting efficiency, and reducing costs.  Leveraging this technology at CMS will involve me in intellectually rewarding work,  aiding my development as a technically proficient lawyer. Enhanced client  satisfaction will also position the firm attractively for start-ups seeking forward-

thinking legal partners, offering opportunities to work with clients in emerging  industries.

Finally, the innovation seat at CMS will empower me to develop cutting-edge  technologies, positioning me at the forefront of a transformative legal landscape.  This ensures my journey remains relevant, impactful, and successful.

When have you delivered exceptional client service and how could this support  you to be a successful trainee at CMS?

As a non-profit university coach, I've consistently delivered quality client services by  tailoring advice to each student’s unique background and aspirations. A pivotal  experience was assisting a developmental economics student from a family with  generational female illiteracy. I supported her secure an internship where she  actively contributed to girl child education programs with the local council, the [redacted local council]. 

This experience shaped my view of client services, highlighting the importance of  understanding client backgrounds. CMS, with a significant competitive advantage  across diverse sectors, relies on comprehending clients’ industries. My ability to  tailor services aligns with this, positioning me to meet CMS’s high service standards.

Additionally, assisting an aspiring literature student, I’ve exercised creative freedom  and leveraged personal interests. Through my avid reading and involvement in  advanced reader projects, I connected with the student and guided him toward  enriching extracurriculars as a beta reader. My interests extend to recreational  powerlifting and inclusive communication through obtaining BSL qualifications.  Looking forward, I intend to leverage these experiences, aligning with Michael  Burke’s emphasis on authenticity at CMS Myth Busting. The firm values diverse  interests and well-rounded employees, infusing human value into services. This  aligns seamlessly with my holistic, client-focused perspective, facilitating my success  at CMS.

2024

Describe your proudest achievement and what challenges you have had to overcome. (200 words) 

My proudest achievement would be receiving full marks on my Extended Project Qualification. I completed this award during a period of serious disruption to my studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From March until June 2020, my school did not offer any online schooling provision, meaning the opportunity to receive feedback from teachers or to discuss the structure and content of my project was severely limited. As this was my first time writing an essay of this length and style, the process of completing it entirely independently was challenging.

Nonetheless, I was determined to justify my interest in my chosen topic – the adequacy of the USA’s response to the 2008 financial crisis – with a top-quality essay and presentation. I read widely and created a glossary of the unfamiliar economic jargon I encountered to develop my understanding of how the market crash occurred. I also learned more practical skills, like how to reference properly, from online resources. I think the part I’m most proud of is the fact that I was able to research and analyse a notoriously complicated event independently while possessing very limited prior knowledge. To receive full marks in recognition of these efforts was therefore especially gratifying.

How could CMS use technology to help you further your legal career? (200 words)

I believe technology will impact the legal sector, and consequently my career, in two key ways. The first is the capacity of generative AI to automate labour-intensive tasks like drafting, document review, and legal research. As partner Scott Curtis mentioned at CMS’s '"But What Do Lawyers Really Do?’ event, lawyers will be made 40% more efficient as a result. I think this will shift the impetus of trainee work to developing client-facing skills or becoming AI-literate and commercially astute. This could certainly further my legal career: by automating the more mundane tasks, I can focus on the skills that really add value for clients.

The second is the role of legal data analytics and the role it can play in revealing business trends and improving decision-making. In finance, algorithmic models are used for trading and asset pricing. My study of quantitative research methods has elucidated the potential for this in law: firms can pre-empt client demands based on historical data or choose the most advantageous dispute resolution forum through analysing the success rates of similar cases. This can further my legal career by improving the accuracy of advice given to clients, consequently improving my competency as a lawyer.

When have you delivered exceptional client service and how could this support you to be a successful solicitor apprentice at CMS? (200 words) 

I delivered exceptional client service while volunteering for [a charity]. A client called in relation to a particularly difficult subject matter that she was clearly distressed about. During our conversation, I ensured that I kept a calm and empathetic tone when drawing out the important aspects of her problem. I regularly summarised what she had previously said, allowing me to fully understand her situation as well as helping the client clarify her own thoughts. The advice I gave, having consulted my supervisor, included referrals to a number of specialist helplines as well as recommending a solicitor's office.

 My ability to actively listen to clients, sensitively probe for important information, and deliver advice tailored to their situation will be particularly useful as a solicitor apprentice, where liaising with clients and understanding their unique situations is an important part of the role. Furthermore, this experience highlights my adaptability and capacity to think on my feet; the case involved an issue I had no experience with, but I effectively managed the caller’s expectations and drew upon expert advice to provide a solution. As a solicitor apprentice, I am likely to be placed in similarly unfamiliar situations where these qualities are essential.

2023

What qualities does a future-facing, well-rounded lawyer need to be successful? (200 words) 

Future-facing lawyers are capable of anticipating and responding to future challenges. One such challenge is clients increasingly expecting lawyers to adopt cross-disciplinary approaches. This is demonstrated by the Big 4's expansion into the legal sphere: their legal provision has a compound annual growth rate of 8% when the CAGR for legal services more broadly is 4.9%. The Big 4 are attractive because they embed legal expertise into broader business practices, thus their success demonstrates clients' growing demand for lawyers who are both legal experts and commercially adept. Thus to be successful, lawyers must offer legal advice grounded in an understanding of the patterns occurring in their clients' sectors. A well-rounded lawyer thrives under these demands by possessing a thirst for knowledge and the ability to strategically adapt their learning to clients' changing business needs. 

A well-rounded lawyer is also excellent at forging relationships, an ability founded upon empathy. Understanding and appreciating another's feelings enables lawyers to fully address the concerns and frustrations of clients to provide the highest-quality service; it allows lawyers to recognize when their colleagues might be struggling and offer the appropriate support. This inspires trust between the lawyer, their clients and their colleagues. 

Focusing on one of CMS's sectors, what opportunities have arisen in the 'new ways of working' and current business climate? 

The COVID-19 pandemic creates opportunities in Real Estate and Construction. The temporary closure of non-essential retail in the UK alongside social distancing measures has reduced visits to physical retailers. Guidance to work from home where possible and the increasing use of virtual meeting software has decreased business travel, while border closures and quarantine requirements have sharply reduced hotel-occupancy rates. Thus tenants in retail, leisure and hospitality have been unable to meet their rent obligations; £6 billion in rent is unpaid as of May 2021. In response, the UK government introduced and extended a moratorium on forfeiture for non-payments of rent until March 2022. The Code of Practice for Commercial Property Regulations, proposed in November 2021 and expected to pass in March 2022, outlines the creation of a ring-fence around arrears accrued because of the pandemic and establishes a binding arbitration system to determine what happens to that ring-fenced debt. This creates opportunities for CMS's Real Estate and Planning Disputes Team to advise and support clients who engage in this arbitration process. For example, CMS could assist with devising proposals for settlement of rent arrears and, in the case of the tenant, the collation of relevant supporting evidence on viability and affordability.  

Explain one key strategy CMS is implementing to become the leading relationship law firm. 

CMS aims to be founded upon positive, productive relationships. One strategy being implemented to achieve this ambition is technology and innovation. Conversations about how technology such as CMS Collaborate and CMS Evidence can be best tailored to clients' needs builds stronger relationships because it demonstrates CMS's willingness to listen to the challenges its clients face. Moreover, CMS Collaborate facilitates synergic relationships between CMS lawyers by allowing teams in varied locations and time zones to share i'CMS by Design' exemplifies CMS's innovation. It adds value to clients by devising solutions to legal, regulatory and business challenges through a tripartite process: Identify, Design and Deliver. Each stage entails close collaboration between CMS's teams and the client, meaning resulting innovations are ultimately co-creations. This builds meaningful working relationships as CMS teams and employees of the client are working together towards a common goal. Moreover, 'CMS by Design' promotes goodwill by encouraging an exchange of knowledge, for CMS appears generous in its sharing of technological expertise. As the projects established through 'CMS by Design' are ongoing, with constant monitoring and re-evaluation to improve the product post-implementation, the relationships it forges are long-lasting and substantial.  

2022

What qualities does a future facing, well-rounded lawyer require to be successful? (200 words)

To produce reliable work that a range of perspectives has reviewed, a successful lawyer should be able to build positive working relationships. In addition, strong relationships with clients can help a lawyer better ascertain their needs and deliver advice that exceeds expectations- setting a precedent for long-term business partnerships. This is key to offering a high-value service given the diversity of clients, from tech start-ups to multinationals. As Vice President of [University] Law Society, developing relationships with both members and the executive committee was key to the society's successful launch in 2020.

To achieve clients’ goals in full, a successful lawyer should be creative. Lateral thinking can help a lawyer propose innovative solutions when faced with unfamiliar concepts - for example, niche questions of law. Particularly in the technology sector, clients may face novel legal issues, such as cryptocurrency regulation. Creativity would also allow a lawyer to ensure that their own workplace remains dynamic, by contributing ideas for more effective ways of working. As a Citizens Advice Adviser, the varying vulnerability of clients and complexity of queries – from immigration to divorce – means that creativity is required to ensure resolutions always suit the individual.

Focusing on one of CMS’s sectors, what opportunities have arisen in the ‘new ways of working’ and current business climate? (200 words)

With climate change at the top of the global agenda, a company’s failure to reduce its carbon footprint now carries risks such as reputational damage, financial loss and litigation. Particularly for energy clients, a greening of business models and practices are not only opportunities for growth but necessary for survival.

The pandemic has accelerated the energy transition through its impact on business travel and remote working culture. For oil and gas clients, this is an opportunity to alter investments and internal working practices to meet net-zero targets. CMS’s expertise – acting for all six oil and gas supermajors – means the firm is well-equipped to assist these clients in remaining competitive. As part of SSE’s pivot to low-carbon businesses, CMS recently advised on their £1.225bn divestment from Scotia Gas Networks. 

Integrating technology with renewables is another opportunity for energy clients to grow, diversify and increase operational efficiency. With over 450 lawyers, the Band 1 CMS Energy and Climate Change practice is suited to complex clean technology deals. The firm recently advised GRIDSERVE on its acquisition of the Electric Highway – part of GRIDSERVE’s drive towards net-zero transport through faster charging points, contactless payment and automatic charging capabilities.

In your own words, explain one key strategy that CMS is implementing to become the leading relationship law firm. (200 words)

One of the six areas of focus at CMS, ‘Talent’ aims towards equality and fairness in the way people at the firm are attracted, nurtured and empowered. 

Diversity and inclusion initiatives are one measure to implement this strategy. Candidates’ academic results are considered in light of the circumstances in which they were achieved, whilst schemes such as Inclusive Workplace ensure all policies apply to same-sex couples. CMS’s efforts have been highly commended for ‘Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion’ at the Law Society Excellence Awards.

Career progression and reward policies implement this strategy further. Award and promotions shortlists are reviewed by diverse panels to recognise high performing individuals irrespective of background. As a 2021 Times Top 50 Employer for Women, CMS has been recognised for best practice in this area – a reputation upheld through equality policies such as blind work allocation.

The notions of corporate social responsibility mean that collaborating with organisations that share the same values is of increasing importance to clients. Retaining a diverse array of talent encourages close relationships with clients who may identify with those they meet at the firm. Additionally, true diversity of thinking helps develop innovative and valuable solutions to clients – conducive to longer-term business relationships.

2021

What do you think will be the impact on law firms of the continuing advances in technology over the next few years? (200 words) 

There are two central impacts to law firms from technology: 

1. Improved efficiency of law firms. 

Law firms are already seizing the opportunity that new technologies bring, allowing AI and computerisation of tasks to heighten efficiency and free up lawyers to undertake more complex and nuanced tasks.

Examples of this include Slaughter & May’s ‘Luminance’, Allen & Overy’s ‘Fuse’ hub which developed the now multimillion-pound firm ‘Kira’ (now used by A&O), Simmons & Simmons’ ‘Wavelength’ (the first ever ‘legal engineering’ technology), and Clifford Chance’s ‘Create+65’. 

This collection of examples serves to illustrate how technology is becoming a necessity if law firms desire competitiveness. The technology reduces the workload on lawyers, reduces monotony of tasks, and increases the accuracy of analysis. This is needed to attract clients, and to keep the best lawyers working at the firm. 

2. Increasing opportunities as technology outstrips legislation. 

Technology breeds technology: advances are exponentially increasing resulting in more unique goods, services, and opportunities in the markets. Legislation can rarely keep up, and there are more opportunities for technology to ‘go rogue’ or for issues to occur. For law firms, this presents further opportunities and challenges to help their clients: a lucrative but intense future.

What are the key skills and attributes you will need to possess as a future facing lawyer? (200 words) 

1. Commercial Awareness 

The boundaries between nations are being blurred by globalisation with the interconnection of business, and this has ramifications for the law and jurisdictions. Commercial awareness is required to constantly be ahead of the trend of business so that your legal work is not caught out by sudden shocks. 

2. Interpersonal Communication 

Law is the business of people. Whether one is client focused or firm focused, people are at the heart of the matter. Communication between team members is vital to ensure work is carried out efficiently, accurately, and to keep morale high. Communication with the client is necessary to ensure their needs and wants are correctly identified and targeted.

3. Critical Thinking 

Problem solving is a lawyer’s ‘bread and butter’. An analytical mindset is required to understand information quickly, sift the relevant data out, and analyse it. Creativity of thought is also required to work around complex problems that do not have an easy answer. 

4. Resilience 

Being a lawyer is tough and requires attention to detail and strong commitment. In these instances, focus and resilience is needed to stay motivated and unphased. This allows for the maintaining of excellence of work and bolstering internal morale.

What do you see as the key drivers of the business of law? (200 words) 

1. Globalisation

 The US economic hegemony is long gone. The BRIC countries are now approaching sub-superpower level, 20% of the top 50 highest revenue firms are Chinese. Firms are going global, not only doing business across continents, but having their headquarters stationed in various non-native jurisdictions.

When firms go global, their legal advisers must follow suit. Globalisation and global market forces are pushing law firms to do transnational business, not just from their home office, but from abroad settlements too. Driving the business of law is this new necessity to set up international offices and capture emerging markets’ business. 

2. Consolidation 

In tandem with the above point, law firms need to become full service to deal with the larger client and matter range. Rather than wait for organic growth, law firms are feeling encouraged to merge with one another. CMS pulled off one of the largest mergers with Nabarro and Olswang, and other firms are doing similar ‘mega mergers’ to expand their practice, such as the now-BCLP’s merger in 2018. 

These mergers allow for fewer, but harder-hitting competitors. This promotes an attitude of ‘survival of the fittest’, or largest, in the legal market. The question is who can get there first.