CMS named among most innovative law firms in Europe by the FT

CMS has been recognised across three categories in this year’s FT innovative Lawyers Europe report, demonstrating the firm’s deep focus on tech and innovation, as well as inclusion.

CMS equIP – CMS was commended by the FT for the international expansion of its award-winning “CMS equIP” programme, which this year saw the programme roll out to 20 countries worldwide. equIP is the only international programme driven by a law firm that is focused on the development and nurturing of tech start-ups across the world. This unique initiative offers members access to discounted legal advice, training, mentoring, and access to investors and networking opportunities, including an active peer network. Since 2015, equIP has served well over 100 companies including Sonalytic, Appyparking, BorrowmyDoggy, Akoni and Passle – and overseen four successful exits and over 60 fundraisings for equIP members.

#hacks – CMS was commended for the launch of its online portal #hacks built on the Crowdicity platform (also a member of equIP), which is used to collect and gamify the generation of ideas to encourage innovation in the firm. So far over 1,500 people have joined the platform, and close to 200 ideas have been generated. Ideas include a new client portal, document automation products and using cryptocurrency as a reward system.

The firm was also announced the overall winner in the FT’s diversity & inclusion category for its role in creating the Reignite Academy.

The Reignite Academy- CMS was recognised alongside other founding members - Macfarlanes, Orrick, Reed Smith, Sidley Austin and White & Case – for the creation of the Reignite Academy. The Reignite Academy helps female lawyers return to corporate law firms after an extended career break, with the collaboration enabling firms to bring a scaled response to the challenge of retaining mid-career women in the legal workforce. Five candidates started their placements with CMS in January this year.