CMS reports growth and sets direction for next phase

CMS has announced revenues of 2.173 billion euros for the financial year January–December 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 4.8%.

Pierre-Sébastien Thill, CMS Chairman, said: “Our continued growth reflects the trust placed in CMS by our clients and the commitment of our people. Their expertise and focus on high-quality service delivery are central to the value we provide. The steady increase in total revenues confirms that our approach continues to meet the evolving needs of the market. Above all, this performance is underpinned by the strength of our client relationships: understanding their businesses, working closely with them and supporting them through complex challenges.”

The Corporate/M&A practice was the biggest contributor to revenue growth in 2025. Other areas with strong performances included dispute resolution, tax, employment and banking and finance.

In 2025, CMS reviewed its strategy to set its direction for the years ahead. Stephen Millar, Executive Partner at CMS, said: “The pace of change in the legal market makes it essential that we keep looking ahead. In 2025, we took the opportunity to review our strategy and define the next stage of CMS’s development. Our focus is on strengthening the way we work with clients and building lasting relationships. We have a clear direction, strong momentum and a renewed focus on what matters most to our clients.”

Expanding into new markets

In 2025, INDUSLAW, one of India’s leading full-service law firms, became a CMS member firm. In line with the CMS model, CMS INDUSLAW remains an independent Indian law firm under the CMS brand umbrella. CMS INDUSLAW has a presence across India’s principal commercial hubs, including Bengaluru, Delhi & NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.

Strengthening leadership

CMS lawyers work in cross-border groups structured around the industries in which their clients operate and in 2025, CMS appointed new heads and co-heads for six of its nineteen groups:

• Daniela Karollus-Bruner (CMS Austria) and Guy Pendell (CMS UK) – CMS Dispute Resolution Group
• Amanda Howard (CMS UK) – CMS Financial Institutions and Institutional Investor Cluster
• Darren Stolzenberg (CMS UK) – CMS Funds Group
• Javier Colino (CMS Spain) – CMS Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Group
• Tristan Hall (CMS UK) – CMS Insurance Group
• Narinder Jugpal (CMS UK) – CMS Private Equity Group.

In 2025, CMS announced 56 new partners across the organisation. They are based in 28 cities in 18 countries, reflecting CMS’s international strength and depth. Women accounted for 48% of the promotions.

Hubertus Kolster, CMS Vice-Chairman, said: “At CMS, our people are what make the difference. We work continually on creating an environment that is inclusive and collaborative, and where everyone can do their best work. By combining technical excellence with commercial advice, curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset, our people help CMS continue to improve, grow and meet the needs of our clients.”

Investing in the future

CMS first introduced leading GenAI platform Harvey in 2024 and in 2025 announced a firmwide rollout. This extends access to Harvey across CMS member firms in more than 50 countries and to more than 7,000 CMS lawyers and business support professionals.

Isabel Scholes, CMS Executive Director, said: “At CMS, we see GenAI as a way to enhance and support the knowledge and skills of our people. We are constantly challenging how legal services are delivered, with a clear focus on using technology to create value for our clients. Our global partnership with Harvey is a strong example of this approach, helping our teams work in new ways while keeping client needs firmly at the centre.”