Trialling a career in law at CMS

On March 18th nine girls had a chance to go behind the gavel at the sixth biggest international law firm in the world, CMS, as they continue to progress through the opportunities that this year’s Young Professionals' Challenges are giving them.

The Young Professionals’ Challenges give pupils the opportunity to take their first steps into the world of business, working directly with local companies that have a city-wide and even nation-wide impact with their work. Some of the companies the girls have collaborated with so far this year include property and construction company Henry Boot, and accounting and advisory organisation Grant Thornton.

The Sixth Form pupils were taken under the wing of trainee solicitors Lily and Isabel for a day of exploring the world of law at a multinational firm. A senior associate of the company gave them an exclusive overview of CMS and its global presence, as well as an introduction to getting into a legal career, and the multitude of potential career pathways for budding lawyers to choose from.

Pupils were then set the challenge of putting their new knowledge of the industry to use, by preparing the case for a mock trial of a large supermarket against a local delivery company. In two teams of prosecution and defense, they threw themselves into the case and made an opening statement, cross-examined witnesses, made their cases to the judge and finished with closing statements.

The mock trial was a unique opportunity for Sheffield Girls’ pupils to work with experts in law and see for themselves whether pursuing a legal career would be something they’d enjoy.

Beth said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the day, and it was a great experience for everyone who attended. It really opened my eyes to a career in law.”