CMS is one of the largest and most prominent law firms in the UK and globally, known for its strong commercial focus and broad sector expertise. The UK branch of CMS forms a significant part of the firm’s international network, which operates across more than 40 countries worldwide. CMS UK delivers comprehensive legal services to businesses, public sector bodies, and financial institutions, with a strong presence in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Bristol, Sheffield, and Manchester.
The firm is particularly recognised for its pragmatic advice, sector-led approach, and innovative solutions, combining international reach with deep local market knowledge.
Services Offered
CMS UK offers a full-service legal practice, providing advice across core practice areas and specialist industry sectors. Its primary services include:
- Corporate and M&A: Advising on domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, and corporate governance.
- Banking and Finance: Supporting clients in areas such as structured finance, asset finance, real estate finance, and financial regulation.
- Dispute Resolution: Handling commercial litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigations, and alternative dispute resolution.
- Employment and Pensions: Advising on employment law, HR strategies, pensions law, and employee benefits.
- Energy and Infrastructure: Offering specialist advice in renewables, oil and gas, transport, and major infrastructure projects.
- Real Estate: Providing legal services for property development, investment, construction, and real estate finance.
- Intellectual Property and Technology: Assisting clients with IP protection, data privacy, IT law, and technology transactions.
- Tax: Advising on corporate, property, international, and personal tax matters.
- Construction and Engineering: Supporting clients with project delivery, procurement, risk management, and disputes.
The firm’s sector expertise covers areas such as energy, financial services, infrastructure, technology, media, telecoms, life sciences, real estate, and consumer products.
Company History
CMS originated as CMS Cameron McKenna in the UK, one of the founding members of the international CMS network, which was formed in 1999 to unite several major European law firms. The firm has grown through a series of strategic mergers and expansions, including a significant combination in 2017 when CMS Cameron McKenna merged with Nabarro and Olswang, creating one of the largest law firms in the UK by revenue and headcount.
Today, CMS UK operates as part of CMS Legal Services EEIG, a global law firm network with a consistent structure and brand. This unique model allows CMS UK to offer clients both international reach and in-depth expertise in local markets.
Awards and Recognition
CMS UK has been recognised widely for its legal expertise, innovation, and workplace culture. Some of its notable awards and recognitions include:
- Regularly ranked in Chambers UK Guide and The Legal 500 UK across multiple practice areas including corporate, banking, real estate, and disputes.
- Winner of Law Firm of the Year at the British Legal Awards (2018) following its major merger.
- Consistent recognition in the Legal Business Awards and FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Europe for client service, innovation, and strategic growth.
- Certified as a Top Employer UK for several years running, in recognition of its commitment to workplace development and employee welfare.
- Acknowledged for its leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives within the legal sector.
Client and Industry Sentiment
CMS UK enjoys a largely positive reputation among clients and industry commentators. Clients consistently highlight the firm’s commercial awareness, sector-specific expertise, and international capability as key strengths. The firm is valued for its pragmatic, business-focused advice, particularly in complex and cross-border matters.
Client feedback frequently references:
- Proactive, responsive, and collaborative service
- Deep knowledge of industry sectors, particularly in energy, infrastructure, real estate, and technology
- Strong international support network, with seamless service on multi-jurisdictional projects
- Clear, commercially driven advice tailored to client priorities
Internally, the firm is praised by employees for its dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking working environment. CMS is often described as offering high-quality work, excellent training, and a strong focus on innovation and client service.
Address:
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, 6 Queens Road, Aberdeen, AB15 4ZT, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1224 62 20 02
https://cms.law/