Tell us a bit about yourself
Ross (they/them), a 5th year solicitor apprentice in our Insurance Disputes team. I’m a career changer having moved into law after doing a degree in forensic science, working as cabin crew for a large airline and joining CMS originally as a legal secretary prior to commencing my apprenticeship.
I sit on the committee of the CMS LGBT+ network and I am often involved in running events with clients including training on LGBT+ issues and identities and advising on our policies.
Why did you go into law?
Law is a unique blend of all the things I wanted in a career. I have always valued the opportunity to grow and be challenged, solving puzzles and being able to talk to people.
Law provides something new to learn every day, each claim I deal with is something new and different and I get to interact with clients and colleagues every day. In other careers I felt I learned how to do the role well and then had no way to develop further in it but I don’t think that is possible with law as there are always new issues popping up every day that give you a chance to try something new.
Tell us a bit about your experience at CMS/working in law?
My experience at CMS has been very positive, I have been at the firm for 6 years already. Shortly after joining, I agreed to sign up to a 6-year long training programme with them!
I find law to be a fascinating area to work in, it is challenging and definitely not for everyone but if you like learning and people then it’s a fantastic career.
What is the culture like at the firm?
Part of the reason I was drawn to CMS over other firms was their work with Pride in London. As a gay and non-binary person, I was concerned that stepping into a corporate space would mean having to tone myself down to not ruffle any feathers. That has never been a concern at the firm and my identity has always been celebrated. I think it is a very accepting company and they are always striving to improve on DEIB.
What essential piece of advice have you learnt whilst working at CMS?
Law is a people business; it’s not about just knowing the most things or being the smartest person. It’s important that people want to work with you and trust you. When I applied for my apprenticeship, I was fairly certain I would not be the best candidate. Having been in the career for 5 years now I see the value in the social skills that are valued at CMS and they have enabled me to progress a lot faster.