Interview with Amelia Mah: Trainee Solicitor at CMS and Founder of See Through Law

Hi Amelia! Could you please introduce yourself and briefly explain your legal journey thus far?

I attended the University of Dundee in 2016 and studied a dual‑qualifying Scots and English Law LLB, which means I can work in either Scotland or England. After graduating, I completed the Scottish version of the Legal Practice Course, known as the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

In my penultimate year, I applied for the CMS Academy vacation scheme and was offered a training contract in the summer of 2019. I began my training contract in August 2021. I am currently a trainee solicitor in the litigation team and will be going on secondment to NatWest for my next seat.

Why did you decide to complete your training contract at CMS?

CMS suited me for several reasons. It is one of the world's largest international commercial law firms, which means excellent opportunities to work on high‑quality international matters while remaining in Scotland. I have a particular interest in dispute resolution, including litigation and arbitration, and The Legal 500 ranks CMS band one in commercial litigation. The work and clients aligned closely with my interests.

I was also a CMS brand ambassador at university, which gave me deep insight into the firm's culture, strengths, and initiatives. During the CMS Academy, I received meaningful work rather than administrative tasks, and the training and support were exceptional. CMS also offers client and international secondments, which are attractive opportunities to broaden your experience.

Ultimately, the combination of work, culture, support, and high-quality training led me to apply and accept the offer. CMS recruits trainees through the CMS Academy, so that is the starting point for anyone interested.

How did you use your previous experiences to your advantage when applying for training contracts and during your training contract?

You can leverage any achievement or hobby in an application. Even without legal experience, roles in sports clubs, societies, student unions, retail or hospitality can demonstrate transferable skills. For example, hospitality work involves constant communication with customers, which shows client focus. If you do have legal experience, highlight the areas you worked in and how they shaped your interests.

In my application, I emphasised academic achievements and a mix of legal and non‑legal experience. Being well‑rounded is positive. Sports can demonstrate determination, perseverance and teamwork. Strong academics can show attention to detail, ability to work under time pressure, and the capacity to produce high‑quality work.

You can draw a lot from your experiences, and they don't always need to be legal.

What has been a highlight of your training contract so far?

I am very interested in contentious work, and the pinnacle of any dispute is the trial. Many cases settle, mediate, or are dropped before reaching trial, so attending one is less common than people think.

I was fortunate to attend an in‑person trial during this seat. Being in a courtroom is mesmerising. Being part of a team on a high‑profile case, doing all the preparation, knowing the documents and witnesses inside out, and then seeing everything come together at trial was incredibly exciting.

How have you found remote working, and do you have any tips for other trainees?

It depends on your previous experience. I completed the final semester of my undergraduate degree and my diploma online, so remote working felt normal. When I started at CMS in August, everything was still online, so it felt familiar. Good IT support makes a huge difference, and CMS has a dedicated 24‑hour helpline.

Despite working from home, the litigation team has regular check‑ins, and people are always happy to discuss work, so you never feel isolated. As restrictions eased, I began going into the office a few times a week.

I have written about staying motivated during lockdown on my blog, See Through Law. My advice includes a good desk setup, a routine, and regular breaks. Preferences vary. Some people prefer a clear desk with only a laptop and notepad. I like having multiple folders or screens open to cross‑reference documents. It may take time to find what works for you, so do not be discouraged.

Commercial awareness is important for students. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing law firms at the moment?

Commercial awareness is understanding how different factors affect a business, including law firms. Obvious issues include inflation, environmental concerns, and Brexit.

A newer and very topical challenge is recruitment and retention. Many junior lawyers have left their firms or the sector entirely. Despite the pandemic, many firms saw increased demand for legal services. Combined with remote working, this has affected mental and physical health and well‑being.

The positive news is that firms are recognising this. At CMS, we have many mental health and well‑being committees that run events to raise awareness.

You launched See Through Law in 2019. Why did you decide to set it up, and what have you gained from running it?

When I started applying for vacation schemes, so much information was available that I didn't know where to start. I was fortunate to secure a training contract in my first application cycle, so I wanted to share my tips. After I posted about my training contract, people asked for advice, so I created a blog. It has been running since 2019 and keeps growing. I have added a trainee diary series where I blog about my time as a trainee.

The best part is when people message me to say they secured a vacation scheme or training contract and that my blog helped them. I am glad it supports others in their legal journey.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone applying for vacation schemes or training contracts, what would it be?

Reach out and make connections. Find a mentor to guide you through the process. Many resources are available, including my blog, which covers every stage of the vacation scheme and training contract process.

Attend open days to speak to graduate recruiters and trainees. Use LinkedIn to connect with trainees at firms you are interested in. Start reaching out, whether through open days, LinkedIn or mentoring. Making connections will lead you to helpful information you can use in your applications.

Good luck!