Get to know CMS Kluge better
What is the working day of an associate like at CMS Kluge? What kind of tasks will you be responsible for? How do you become a competent lawyer?
Here we offer you an insight into what it’s like to work for us.
Interview with Henrik
How is a typical day for you as an associate?
My tasks primarily comprise typical “lawyer” tasks, such as drafting writs of summons and defence pleadings, preparing litigation and offering ongoing consultation to clients. I often take charge of large cases myself, and maintain dialogue with clients, opposing sides and the court. Even though I am given a great deal of responsibility, there is always close follow-up by the lawyer/partner in charge. We discuss legal issues and tactics on an ongoing basis and jointly arrive at the most optimal solutions.
What is the greatest difference between what you believed an associate’s working day would be as a student and how it is now you are actually an associate?
The responsibility and trust I receive. One of the first cases I worked on when I started was a dispute involving construction costs in excess of NOK 100 million, in which the parties were in dispute over tens of millions of kroner. I was part of creating a strategy for the case, and quality assuring all factual and legal submissions together with the partner.
Only two months after becoming an associate I had my first solo meeting with the client and the opposing side. I have now drafted a writ of summons for the case, various pleadings, and have participated in a planning meeting, all of which were obviously thoroughly quality assured by the partner. During the trial I will act as counsel, with the partner as my legal assistant.
Interview with Ingrid
Why is labour law an exciting field in which to work?
Because it offers so much variety. We are engaged in everything from hiring to temporary placement to restructuring processes, personnel cases and whistleblowing cases. We primarily assist the employer side and our clients stem from various sectors, so I’ve become well acquainted with business life. As well as providing ongoing consultation services, I’m also involved in dispute resolution. Even though most cases can be resolved before the commencement of legal proceedings, some cases still end up going to court.
This autumn a colleague and I had two main hearings. We worked closely together during both the preparation and implementation phase and one of my responsibilities was the opening arguments. Earlier this autumn the department held a full day seminar and three of us will be having a breakfast seminar next month. It’s great to also be able to share knowledge in this way.
What has been most important for your own development?
It’s been crucial to be able to work closely with experienced colleagues. Even though we generally work in teams and engage in close dialogue, I am still responsible for my own tasks in the relevant case. It’s a steep learning curve and I received my licence to practice law and was offered a position as a lawyer after two years as an associate. To take on challenging tasks is both an educational and a rewarding experience. It’s also good to know that everyone in the adjacent offices is available for questions.
Interview with Jonas
Why do you enjoy working for CMS Kluge?
I could mention several things. I appreciate the broad range of tasks. I work a lot with IT contracts and data privacy, but also with dispute resolution within multiple fields.
It is a major plus that associates are given a lot of responsibility and client interaction. This means my working day is varied and I am constantly challenged.
The working environment is also a crucial factor. We are a large group of associates; everyone knows each other and enjoys a sense of community.
“Young forum” and “Kluge school” are some of the arenas in which we frequently meet. The purpose of the arenas is knowledge exchange and professional development, combined with a bit of fun.
In 2021 we became a part of CMS. How did this change your working day?
CMS has offices all over the world and my department closely cooperates with offices in Great Britain, Germany and France. My work often involves consultation services for large foreign companies that either have or would like to have a presence in the Norwegian market. It is very educational to see how such large-scale legal consultation is organised on a practical level, often as part of larger, multi-national projects.
Interview with Alida
What are your most important learning arenas?
I learn a great deal from my experienced colleagues. I work closely with professionally competent individuals who are interested in sharing their expertise, but who are also curious about my own knowledge. We also conduct more formal fora for knowledge exchange, such as the Kluge school, “Young Forum”, as well as monthly meetings.
I work, for example, with competition law, and I am part of CMS’ international group for young associates working with competition law (CMS Competition Associates). The group exchanges knowledge and forms bonds across national borders. In connection with this I had an opportunity to travel to Brussels for a seminar. This really boosted my knowledge and I enjoyed a guided tour of the European Parliament and the opportunity to get to know colleagues from other countries working in the same field as me.
How would you describe our work culture?
Our work culture is characterised by a flat structure with colleagues who are curious about law and cases. I have received a lot of trust and responsibility from the outset, while being aware that I have always had a supervisor and colleagues who help me and encourage me. A short while ago I had my first court mediation. I really enjoyed having sole responsibility, while also receiving support from colleagues during the entire process.
Interview with Mariken
How would you describe your work as a lawyer in the property department?
I primarily work on the acquisition/sale and rental of properties. My work involves the drafting and negotiation of contracts, consultation and dispute resolution. Being a lawyer involves a lot of trust and responsibility and you get to manage various processes. I particularly enjoy the contractual negotiation process; it brings you close to clients and you learn a lot about different sectors. For example, a while ago my colleague Matias and I negotiated a hotel agreement here in Oslo, and it was a really enjoyable experience.
How would you describe the social environment?
It’s really great! We are a large firm, yet everybody knows each other. There are also many enjoyable activities outside work, ranging from Friday events to company trips. This weekend there’s the Holmenkollen Relay Race. There’s always a great atmosphere both during the race itself and at the banquet afterwards.
