Tell us a bit about yourself
I spent most of my life growing up in Malaysia and pursued a degree in Sociology at the University of Bristol. Throughout my degree, I explored various subjects relating to how different institutions affect us as individuals and as society as a whole, such as politics and cultural studies.
Outside work, I enjoy going for long walks at a park, going for spin classes and trying out new recipes.
Why did you go into law?
Whilst at university, I joined various societies and completed work experience at different types of companies. Throughout these experiences, I learnt that I enjoy project management, drafting and working collaboratively in a team. With those elements in mind, I wanted to find a career which would best suit my interests and skill set.
I went for my university’s career fair and various open days. In 2021, I was successful in obtaining a place on the CMS Academy. During the Academy, we were asked to discuss and think about how different commercial events both globally and within UK affected the firm and its clients. This element of the vacation scheme deepened my interest in commercial law and CMS as it showed me how a legal career can be incredibly dynamic and fast-paced. There were also various tasks on the scheme where teamwork and being solution-focussed were critical. This part of the scheme also contributed to my interest in commercial law as it showed me how collaboration and a diversity of thought are valued in this career.
Tell us a bit about your experience at CMS/working in law?
Working in law has taught me a lot about being in a client-facing industry. The training contract has taught me how to speak with clients and how today’s market affects the type of transactions the firm works on.
Currently I am on a client secondment and have completed seats in Energy, Infrastructure, Project & Asset Finance (EIPAF) and Corporate & Leveraged Finance. Throughout both seats at the firm, I was provided with extensive training on how to use the systems efficiently, best practice tips and sector-specific knowledge sessions which I found very beneficial to my professional and personal development. The firm also provides a wide range of client and international secondments which allows trainees to explore what it is like to either work abroad or work within a client's business, which is very valuable for the formative stage of your career.
What is the culture like at the firm?
The culture at CMS is growth-oriented in that the firm places an emphasis on its people’s personal and professional development. Throughout both of my seats, the Emerging Talent team provided regular catch-ups which were important for me in discussing my interests and which secondments and practice groups would be most suitable for me. Before every rotation, there are also seat and secondment fairs where you get to speak with trainees and associates in those practice groups.
Being a sector-focussed firm, this also means that the firm has expertise in various industries. Therefore, as a trainee, I have learnt that throughout a transaction, you are able to speak with people from different groups within the firm. This aspect of the firm makes for a very collaborative culture.
What essential piece of advice have you learnt whilst working at CMS?
Network! With the range of seats in CMS, I found that speaking with people from around the firm was incredibly valuable in learning about what each group does on a day-to-day basis.