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Awards & Rankings

CMS are in business to help your business. So we are proud to accept market recognition for our performance as a welcome indicator that we are succeeding in our efforts to provide you with the highest quality of service and advice.

CMS was named Law Firm of the Year 2018 at British Legal Awards.

CMS is in the top 5 within London (Legal 500 Tier 1 Ranking) and 43 CMS Partners have been named in The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame.

Our full list of awards

2021
Awarding BodyAwardShortlisted/Won
European Pensions Awards 2021European Pensions Law Firm of the YearWon
Pensions Age Awards 2021Pensions Lawyers of the Year 2021Won
GSA UK Awards 2021Law Firm of the YearWon
GSA UK Awards 2021Social Programme of the YearWon
IFN Deals of the Year AwardsM&A, Equity & IPO Deal of the YearWon
IIRSM Risk Excellence Awards 2021International Risk Initiative of the YearShortlisted
Legal Cheek Best Law Firm for WFH 2021Won
Legal Cheek Best Law Firm for Eco-Friendliness 2021Shortlisted
Legal Cheek Legal Cheek Trainee and Junior Lawyer Firm of the Year 2021Shortlisted
Legal Cheek Best Law Firm for Training 2021Shortlisted
Legal Cheek Best Law Firm for Partner Approachability 2021Shortlisted
Legal Cheek Best Law Firm for Legal Tech 2021Shortlisted
National Undergraduate Employability AwardsBest Virtual Internship AwardWon
Women in Influence, Power & the LawInnovative LeaderHighly Commended
   
2020
Awarding BodyAwardShortlisted/Won
Asian Legal Business Hong Kong Awards2020 Employer of Choice in Hong KongWon
Asian Legal Business Hong Kong AwardsIntellectual Property Firm of the YearShortlisted
Asian Legal Business Hong Kong AwardsMaritime Firm of the YearShortlisted
Asian Legal Business Hong Kong AwardsRising Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsCompetition/Regulatory Team of the YearCommended
British Legal AwardsEnergy & Infrastructure Team of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsLitigation & Dispute Resolution Team of the Year - InternationalCommended
British Legal AwardsPrivate Equity Rising Stars (Legal Week)Won
British Legal AwardsRising Stars - Private Practice Shortlisted
British LGBT Awards 2020Diversity HeroShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardCzech Republic - Deal of the Year Won
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardBulgaria - Deal of the YearWon
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardLatvia - Deal of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardUkraine - Deal of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardSlovenia - Deal of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardRomania - Deal of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardNorth Macedonia - Deal of the YearWon
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardMontenegro - Deal of the YearWon
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardMoldova - Deal of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardHungary - Deal of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters for Deal of the Year AwardCEE Deal of the Year 2019Won
Chambers Europe Awards 2020CEE-wide Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Chambers Europe Awards 2020Czech Republic Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Chambers Europe Awards 2020Germany Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Chambers Europe Awards 2020Hungary Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Chambers Europe Awards 2020Poland Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
CIR Risk Management AwardsRisk Management Champion AwardWon
Clean City AwardsPlatinum AwardWon
Client Choice AwardClient favourite - Munir Hassan - Energy & Natural Resources, United KingdomWon
Client Choice AwardClient favourite - Iain Stansfield - Commercial/Media & Entertainment, United KingdomWon
Client Choice AwardClient favourite - Edward Foss - Insurance, United KingdomWon
Client Choice AwardClient favourite - Rolando Cevasco - Corporate Tax, Peru Won
Client Choice AwardClient favourite - Olivier Marquet - Banking, MonacoWon
Crypto AM Awards 2020Service Provider of the Year awardWon
FT Innovative Lawyers EuropeInnovation in the practice of law Shortlisted
FT Innovative Lawyers EuropeMost innovative law firm in Europe Shortlisted
Law Society Excellence AwardsSolicitor of the Year - Private PracticeShortlisted
Legal Business AwardsReal Estate Shortlisted
Legal Business AwardsCompetitionWon
Partnership Awards 2020Legal Adviser of the Year 2020Shortlisted
Pension and Investor Provider AwardsPensions Law Firm of the YearWon
Private Equity AwardsPan-European Adviser of the YearShortlisted
Professional Pensions Rising Star AwardsAward for Supporting DevelopmentWon
Professional Pensions UK Pensions Awards Pensions Lawyers of the YearWon
Rzeczpospolita 2020 Law Firms Ranking reportInternal organisation of work during the COVID-19 pandemicWon
Scottish Legal AwardsLaw Firm of the YearShortlisted
Scottish Legal AwardsCommunity Contribution Award  Shortlisted
Scottish Legal AwardsRising Star of the Year - Emma BoffeyShortlisted
Security Tokens Realised (STR) AwardsMost Progressive Legal FirmWon
The Global Regulatory AwardsBest Regulatory Law Firm of the YearWon
The Lawyer AwardsEnergy & Infrastructure Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsFunds Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsReal Estate Team of the YearShortlisted
The Partnerships Awards 2020Legal Adviser of the YearWon
Times Top 50 Employers for WomenTimes Top 50 Employers for WomenRecognised
Women in Law AwardsLaw Firm Leader the YearWon
Women in Law AwardsDeal Maker of the YearShortlisted
Women in Law AwardsMale Diversity Champion of the YearShortlisted
   
2019
Awarding BodyAwardShortlisted/Won
Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards 2019TMT Law Firm of the YearWon
British Legal AwardsReal Estate Team of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsCompetition Team of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsTMT Team of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters Awards7 x Awards including CEE Deal of the YearWon
Central and East Dealmakers Awards 2019Deal of the Year (above £10m) Shortlisted
Education Investor AwardsLegal Advisors – deal makingShortlisted
EG AwardsLegal Adviser of the YearShortlisted
European Pensions AwardsEuropean Pensions Law Firm of the YearWon
FT European Innovative Lawyers AwardsDiversity & Inclusion - Reignite AcademyWon
FT European Innovative Lawyers AwardsNew Products and Services - CMS equIPCommended
FT European Innovative Lawyers AwardsStrategy and changing behaviours - #hacksCommended
HERoes Future Leaders List 2019Katia Ramo namedRecognised
IFLR Middle East Awards.Oman Law Firm of the Year Shortlisted
Legal 500 AwardsPenelope Warne - Outstanding Achievement Won
Legal 500 AwardsCathy Pitt - Investment Fund Formation and management Individual Won
Legal Business Awards 2019Insurance Team of the YearShortlisted
Legal Week’s Commercial Litigation & Arbitration Awards 2019 Rising Star of the Year Award - David Bridge Shortlisted
Legal Week’s Commercial Litigation & Arbitration Awards 2019 Corporate/Commercial Litigation Team of the Year - SISWon
Pension and Investment Provider Awards (PIPA) 2019Pensions Law Firm of the YearWon
Scottish Legal AwardsCommercial Real Estate Team of the Year Won
Student Accommodation Awards 2019 Professional Team of the YearShortlisted
The Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS) UK Chapter AwardsBest eDiscovery Team (Law Firm)Won
The Herald Law Awards of ScotlandLaw Firm of the YearWon
The Herald Law Awards of ScotlandYoung Solicitor of the Year - Emma BoffeyWon
The Lawyer AwardsFunds Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsCorporate Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsLitigation Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsExcellence in Diversity & InclusionShortlisted
The Lawyer Hot 100Selina PotterRanked
The Lawyer Hot 100Clare ThomasRanked
The Yurydychna Praktyka Legal Awards 2019Best International Law Firm Won
The Yurydychna Praktyka Legal Awards 2019Best Energy Lawyer - Vitaliy RadchenkoWon
Times Top 50 Employers for WomenTimes Top 50 Employers for WomenRecognised
TMT Finance M&A Awards TMT Legal Adviser of the YearWon
UKBAA Angel Investment Awards 2019Best Legal Team for Early Stage DealsWon
Who's Who Legal AwardsMedia and Entertainment Team of the YearWon
   
2018
Awarding BodyAwardShortlisted/Won
ALB Southeast Asia Law Awards Energy and Resources Firm of the YearShortlisted
ALB Southeast Asia Law Awards TMT Firm of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsLaw Firm of the Year Won
British Legal AwardsBest Use of TechnologyWon
British Legal AwardsProperty Team of the YearShortlisted
CEE Legal Matters Deal of the Year AwardsBulgaria - Hugo Pfohe GmbH competitive tender to sell Bulgaria's Moto-Pfohe Group to the Sumitomo Corporation Won
CEE Legal Matters Deal of the Year AwardsPoland - Mid Europa Partners sale of Zabka Polska to funds advised by CVC Capital PartnersWon
CEE Legal Matters Deal of the Year AwardsSlovenia - Trigano purchase of Adria Mobil, the Slovenia-based caravan and motor home manufacturerWon
Chambers Europe AwardsHungary Law Firm of the YearWon
Chambers Europe AwardsPoland Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Chambers Europe AwardsPoland - Mid Europa Partners sale of Zabka Polska to funds advised by CVC Capital PartnersShortlisted
Chambers Europe AwardsCEE Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
EG AwardsLaw Firm of the YearShortlisted
FT Innovative Lawyers Asia AwardsCyber defence and compliance taskforceCommended
Global Arbitration Review AwardsRanked 16th - up from 34th positionRanked
GSA Global Awards 2018Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
GSA UKTop UK Performer - 2018Recognised
GSA UKGSA UK AwardsShortlisted
Insider Dealmakers Awards 2018 - Sheffield City RegionMid-market deal of the yearWon
Insider Dealmakers Awards 2018 - Sheffield City RegionDeal of the YearWon
Latin Lawyer 250Latin Lawyer 250 law firmRecognised
Legal Business Awards 2018Restructuring Team of the Year - Hoover RestructuringWon
Legal Business Awards 2018TMT Team of the YearShortlisted 
Mergermarket M&A AwardsUK Team of the YearShortlisted
Mergermarket M&A AwardsCEE Team of the YearShortlisted
Mergermarket Middle East M&A AwardsEnergy, Mining & Utilities Law Firm of the YearWon
National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) AwardsUK's Second Best Undergraduate Employer Named
Pink Awards 2018Corporate Role Model Award - Alex VowinckelWon
Private Equity Awards (Real Deals) Pan-European Legal Adviser of the YearShortlisted
Scottish Diversity AwardsDiversity Star Performer 250+ employees' Shortlisted
Stonewall Top 100Stonewall Top 100 firmRecognised
The Herald Law Awards of ScotlandBanking & Finance Team of the YearShortlisted
The Herald Law Awards of ScotlandCR Team of the YearWon
The Lawyer AwardsReal Estate Team of the Year - Circle Square, ManchesterWon
The Lawyer AwardsBusiness Services Team of the Year Won
The Lawyer AwardsLaw Firm of the YearHighly commended
The Lawyer AwardsExcellence in Diversity & InclusionHighly commended
The Lawyer AwardsIT/TMT Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsEnergy & Infrastructure Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsBest collaborationShortlisted
The Lawyer Hot 100Penelope Warne - ManagementRanked
The Lawyer Hot 100Victoria Gaskell - MediaRanked
The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2018-19Moved up 10 spots in rankingRanked
Times Top 50 Employers for WomenTimes Top 50 Employers for WomenRecognised
World Trademark Review 2018 Awarded GoldWon
   
2017
Awarding BodyAwardShortlisted/Win
AI Innovation Awards‘AI contribution - Industry Analysis or Strategy’ Shortlisted
Asian Legal Business2017 IP Rankings.
International: Patents – Tier 2 and International:
Copyright/Trademark – Tier 2
Recognised
Bloomberg 2017 Deal RankingsRanked No 1 for M&A in UK (Up to $500m)Ranked
Bloomberg 2017 Deal RankingsRanked No 1 for M&A in CEERanked
Bloomberg 2017 Deal RankingsRanked No 1 for M&A in EuropeRanked
British Legal AwardsLaw Firm Leader of the YearWon
British Legal AwardsTMT Team of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsEnergy & Infrastructure Team of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsCommercial Team of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsProperty Team of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsLaw Firm of the YearShortlisted
British Legal AwardsPenelope Warne - Managing Partner/ Senior Partner of the YearWon
Chambers Europe AwardsUK Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Chambers Europe AwardsCEE Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Chambers Europe AwardsPoland Client Services Team of the YearWon
China Business Law AwardsInternational law firm for Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Lifesciences and TaxationRecognised
CIJ Awards Hungary 2017Best Real Estate Law FirmWon
Client Choice AwardsInternational Client Choice Winner - TMCWon
EuropaProperty.com / CEO Manufacturing MagazineManufacturing Excellence Award 2017 Won
European Diversity Awards. Employee Network and Social MobilityShortlisted
FT Innovative Asia-Pacific Innovative Lawyer AwardsBusiness of Law - collaborative networksShortlisted
FT Innovative Lawyers Europe ‘Innovation in legal expertise: Driving value’ -
advising Electronic Sports League in the creation of a new governing body, the World eSports Association
Won
FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Most Innovative Law Firm in EuropeShortlisted
InfraDealsNo 1 Globally for Social InfraRecognised
InfraDealsNo 1 Europe for Social InfraRecognised
InfraDealsNo 1 in UK for PPPRecognised
InfraDealsNo 1 in UK OverallRecognised
Latin Lawyer 250Latin Lawyer 250 law firmRecognised
Law Society Excellence AwardsExcellence in Diversity & Inclusion AwardHighly Commended
Legal 500 Awards 2018Dispute ResolutionWon
Legal 500 Awards 2018FinanceShortlisted
Legal 500 Awards 2018Human ResourcesShortlisted
Legal 500 Awards 2018InsuranceShortlisted
Legal 500 Awards 2018Projects, Energy and Natural ResourcesShortlisted
Legal 500 Awards 2018Projects, Energy and Natural Resources (Infrastructure (including PFI and PPP))Shortlisted
Legal 500 Awards 2018Real EstateShortlisted
Legal 500 Awards 2018Risk Advisory (Reputation Management)Shortlisted
Legal 500 Awards 2018TMT Shortlisted
Legal Business AwardsEnergy Team of the YearWon
Legal Business AwardsFinance Team of the YearShortlisted
Legal Business AwardsCSR Team of the YearShortlisted
Mergermarket Top ranking - CEE League tableTop ranked
Mergermarket European M&A AwardsEuropean Private Equity Legal Adviser of Year Won
NOA AwardsLaw Firm Adviser of the Year - Emma BurnettShortlisted
Property insider Awards 2017Property Law Firm of the year 2017 - ManchesterWon
Real Deals (Private Equity Awards)Pan European Law Firm of the YearShortlisted
Stonewall Top 100Stonewall Top 100 firmRecognised
The Law Awards of Scotland 2017Real Estate Team of the YearWon
The Lawyer AwardsLaw Firm of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer AwardsEnergy Team of the YearWon
The Lawyer AwardsFinance Team of the YearShortlisted
The Lawyer Hot 100Duncan WestonRecognised
The Lawyer Hot 100Danielle Drummond-BrassingtonRecognised
The TimesThe Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2017Named
Times Top 50 Employers for WomenTimes Top 50 Employers for WomenRecognised
Whos Who Legal AwardsTMT: Media and Telecoms Firm of the YearWon
Whos Who Legal AwardsTMT: Media and Telecoms Lawyer of the Year: Chris WatsonWon