Young lawyers at CMS Kluge

Interview with Pål Trovatn Abrahamsen

Senior Associate in the Corporate department, Stavanger

What do you work on at CMS Kluge and what is best about this job?
I work in the Stavanger office's Corporate department with legal matters regarding corporate law and M&A. The best thing about the job has to be that the work assignments are so varied and I get to work with capable colleagues who make time for professional discussions.

Why did you choose to start your career at CMS Kluge?
The fact that CMS Kluge has its head office in Stavanger and the historical connection with the oil capital appealed to me.

What is a typical workday for you at CMS Kluge?
A day at work can proceed in so many different ways that it is difficult to find a clear common feature. The days may consist in part of formulating contractual provisions, corporate documents and memoranda regarding various corporate law questions, as well as client meetings and due diligence reviews.

Can you tell us about the social environment at work?
The social environment at work is very good and bears the mark of a healthy combination of personalities. A number of large and small social events are arranged throughout the year, which means that we get to know each other in a more informal setting. It is also worth mentioning that the associates at CMS Kluge meet for regular courses across the office locations during the year.

What advice would you give to students who want to work as associates?
Don't be afraid of applying for student schemes such as internships, scholarships, etc. at the various law firms. In that way you become familiar with several law firms and the path to a job offer is often shorter when you first have a foot in the door.

Interview with Ane H. Sæter

Senior Associate in the Employment department, Bergen

What do you work on at CMS Kluge and what is best about this job?
As an associate I work on a broad range of matters and get to try my hand at many different things. Nonetheless, I work mostly on employment law assignments, and I enjoy that a great deal. The best thing about the job of associate at CMS Kluge is that I get to work in a highly professional environment, on many interesting issues and thus have the opportunity to develop as a lawyer. In addition, there is a wonderful group of people at the office, who I now consider my friends just as much as colleagues.

Why did you choose to start your career at CMS Kluge?
CMS Kluge has a good reputation among students because of the focus on both professional competence and job satisfaction. I considered myself privileged to have the opportunity to work with so many smart people and, after having had a scholarship at the Bergen office, there was no doubt that I would be happy there. In addition, CMS Kluge has a stated philosophy that employees are to have a fulfilling life alongside the job, which is also important for me.

What is a typical workday for you at CMS Kluge?
The day starts with morning coffee and planning the day's tasks. The assignments vary so much that it is difficult to describe a typical workday, but it is not uncommon that it involves some time for writing letters and other case documents, which are then sent for review by the advocate responsible for the case.

Can you tell us about the social environment at work?
I will say that the social environment in the office is exceptionally good. The professional hierarchy is not noticed socially and everyone is given space and encouragement to be themselves. We do a lot of fun things together, both training-related and social events. CMS Kluge stresses that to enjoy your workday you have to enjoy being with your colleagues, therefore the firm arranges for us to become well-acquainted with each other.

What advice would you give to students who want to work as an associate?
As a student I would advise spending time on finding out what you would like to work on and which workplace best suits you. As a new associate I would advise being open and honest, accept responsibility and not least – say YES!

Interview with Thea Killengreen

Senior Associate in the Corporate department, Oslo

What do you work on at CMS Kluge and what is best about this job?
During my initial time at CMS Kluge, I've been able to try my hand at a number of different assignments in both dispute resolution and advising. The areas I work on most are financial market law and finance, but I have had a go at a number of different areas in the department as well. At times I have also had assignments across departments. The best thing about this job is that I get to work with so many professionally competent people and interesting assignments. CMS Kluge is good at giving the associates a great deal of trust and early responsibility, so the learning curve is very steep. I also get good follow-up and the door is always open for questions or guidance from the senior members of the firm. The fact that I get to collaborate with several of the senior members also means that I gain insight into different experiences and styles, something I perceive as very educational. The combination of accommodating colleagues and varied assignments means that I always look forward to coming to work.

Why did you choose to start your career at CMS Kluge?
In the spring of 2017 I was an intern at CMS Kluge and got a very good impression early on of both the assignments and the people there. Even as an intern, I was able to see how much experience and good follow-up the associates and the younger lawyers at CMS Kluge were given. The good atmosphere and the knowledge among the employees made the choice easy for me. For me, it was obvious that CMS Kluge was a fine place to start my career.

What is a typical workday for you at CMS Kluge?
My workday is quite varied and each day is different. Some days I have short deadlines and several minor assignments, whereas other days I work mainly on one assignment which stretches over a longer period. A typical day will nevertheless start at the coffee machine before I review with my team leader the assignments and deadlines I have over the coming week. Even though the workday can be hectic, I always take time to join the other employees for lunch in the canteen. This is important not only to get a break from the work, but also to talk to colleagues about what they are currently busy with.

Can you tell us about the social environment at work?
CMS Kluge has a very good social environment. Various social and sports events and activities are regularly arranged. Enjoying the company of colleagues is important for me, and I greatly appreciate the fact that this is a major focus at CMS Kluge. The flat structure in the firm contributes to a good atmosphere across both positions and ages. Irrespective of whether there are stressful periods or not, in my experience there is always time to have a chat in the hallway or by the coffee machine.

What advice would you give to students who want to work as an associate?
Working as an associate and lawyer involves a great deal more than just practising law. The occupation of lawyer is, to a large extent, a service occupation and I therefore believe it is an advantage to demonstrate commitment and initiative. In addition, I recommend trying out the working life of an associate by being an intern at a law firm before starting. My biggest recommendation is, of course, to apply for an internship at CMS Kluge.