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Charles Russell Speechlys

International law firm focused on private capital, at the intersection of personal, family and business.

London, United KingdomUK rank #34Official website (opens in new tab)

Firm overview

At a glance

A clear starting point for understanding the firm, its opportunities and the information students should check before applying.

Head office London, United Kingdom
Locations 32 office records
Practice areas 11 listed

Available routes

How can students join?

Student opportunities

Opportunities

Vacation schemes, training contracts, apprenticeships, insight programmes, work experience and other application routes.

United Kingdom - Open Day

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Programme dates: Future dates TBC.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: University students and graduates.
  • Application process: Application review Event place Online application or registration
  • Progression: Improved preparation for future CRS applications.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Open Day official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Career Start

Type: Access Programme

Location: United Kingdom

  • Application timing: Applications for the 2026 Career Start programme are open; the firm has not published a closing date.
  • Duration: Programme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: unknown

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications for the 2026 Career Start programme are open; the firm has not published a closing date.
  • Who can apply: Year 12 students from non-selective state schools meeting socio-economic criteria.
  • Eligibility: positive action: true
  • Application process: Official application or support route Apply or request support through the official CRS route where applicable
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Career Start official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

Virtual Open Day

Type: Open Day / Event

  • Programme dates: Future dates TBC.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: University students and graduates.
  • Application process: Application review Event place Online application or registration
  • Progression: Improved preparation for future CRS applications.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View Virtual Open Day official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Legal Empowerment and Development Programme

Type: Mentoring

Location: United Kingdom

  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: unknown
  • Who can apply: Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi candidates.
  • Eligibility: positive action: true
  • Application process: Official application or support route Apply or request support through the official CRS route where applicable
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Legal Empowerment and Development Programme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Cheltenham

  • Programme dates: Future application window opens October 2026.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Approximately 5 annually
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future application window opens October 2026.
  • Who can apply: Law and non-law students, graduates and career changers applying to Cheltenham.
  • Eligibility: contextual recruitment: Rare Contextual Recruitment System degree: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent for Placement Schemes and Training Contracts mitigating circumstances: Considered through the application form
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent; full application and mitigating circumstances are considered.
  • Application process: Rare Candid online application form Online assessment Video interview or recorded assessment where used Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Solicitor qualification in England and Wales, subject to regulatory requirements.
  • Funding: PGDL and SQE LLM fees are funded with the University of Law; SQE exam costs and necessary exam travel/hotel are covered. Maintenance grants are £10,000 in London and £8,500 outside London or online. maintenance london gbp: 10000 maintenance outside london or online gbp: 8500 pgdl: Full fees funded where required sqe llm: Full fees and SQE exam costs funded
  • Expenses: Necessary SQE exam travel and hotel costs are covered.
  • Right to work: Applicants must meet UK work and immigration requirements. uk sponsorship: Available for eligible Placement Scheme and Training Contract candidates
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Placement Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Guildford

  • Programme dates: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Duration: Scheme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: Eligible university students and graduates applying to Guildford.
  • Eligibility: contextual recruitment: Rare Contextual Recruitment System degree: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent for Placement Schemes and Training Contracts mitigating circumstances: Considered through the application form
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent; mitigating circumstances are considered.
  • Application process: Rare Candid online application form Online assessment Video interview or recorded assessment where used Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Direct Training Contract consideration may follow, but a Placement Scheme is not required for a direct Training Contract application.
  • Right to work: Applicants must meet UK work and immigration requirements. uk sponsorship: Available for eligible Placement Scheme candidates
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Placement Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Programme dates: Future start date TBC.
  • Duration: Six years
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future start date TBC.
  • Who can apply: Year 13 applicants and eligible school leavers applying to London.
  • Eligibility: a levels: Ideally BBB; minimum CCC may be considered gcses: Ideally eight grades 9-4 including English and Maths; minimum five grade 4/C including English and Maths
  • Academic requirements: Ideally BBB at A level and eight GCSEs grades 9-4 including English and Maths; minimum University of Law requirements may still permit consideration at CCC.
  • Application process: Application form Assessment stages Offer Rare Candid application Online assessment Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Solicitor qualification in England and Wales.
  • Funding: All study and assessment fees are paid by CRS. study and assessment fees: Paid in full
  • Right to work: CRS cannot sponsor visas for the Solicitor Apprenticeship.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Open Day

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Cheltenham

  • Programme dates: Future dates TBC.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: University students and graduates.
  • Application process: Application review Event place Online application or registration
  • Progression: Improved preparation for future CRS applications.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Open Day official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Guildford

  • Programme dates: Future application window opens October 2026.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Approximately 5 annually
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future application window opens October 2026.
  • Who can apply: Law and non-law students, graduates and career changers applying to Guildford.
  • Eligibility: contextual recruitment: Rare Contextual Recruitment System degree: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent for Placement Schemes and Training Contracts mitigating circumstances: Considered through the application form
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent; full application and mitigating circumstances are considered.
  • Application process: Rare Candid online application form Online assessment Video interview or recorded assessment where used Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Solicitor qualification in England and Wales, subject to regulatory requirements.
  • Funding: PGDL and SQE LLM fees are funded with the University of Law; SQE exam costs and necessary exam travel/hotel are covered. Maintenance grants are £10,000 in London and £8,500 outside London or online. maintenance london gbp: 10000 maintenance outside london or online gbp: 8500 pgdl: Full fees funded where required sqe llm: Full fees and SQE exam costs funded
  • Expenses: Necessary SQE exam travel and hotel costs are covered.
  • Right to work: Applicants must meet UK work and immigration requirements. uk sponsorship: Available for eligible Placement Scheme and Training Contract candidates
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Placement Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Cheltenham

  • Programme dates: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Duration: Scheme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: Eligible university students and graduates applying to Cheltenham.
  • Eligibility: contextual recruitment: Rare Contextual Recruitment System degree: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent for Placement Schemes and Training Contracts mitigating circumstances: Considered through the application form
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent; mitigating circumstances are considered.
  • Application process: Rare Candid online application form Online assessment Video interview or recorded assessment where used Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Direct Training Contract consideration may follow, but a Placement Scheme is not required for a direct Training Contract application.
  • Right to work: Applicants must meet UK work and immigration requirements. uk sponsorship: Available for eligible Placement Scheme candidates
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Placement Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

Hong Kong - Hong Kong Placement Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong

  • Programme dates: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Duration: Scheme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: Applicants for the Hong Kong trainee route.
  • Eligibility: right to work: Required in Hong Kong
  • Academic requirements: Eligibility follows the Hong Kong trainee route, including Hong Kong work eligibility.
  • Application process: Application review Assessment stages Offer Online application through the official portal Hong Kong recruitment assessments Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation Written communication Commercial awareness
  • Progression: Potential progression to the Hong Kong Training Contract.
  • Right to work: Right to Work in Hong Kong is required.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View Hong Kong - Hong Kong Placement Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Open Day

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Guildford

  • Programme dates: Future dates TBC.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: University students and graduates.
  • Application process: Application review Event place Online application or registration
  • Progression: Improved preparation for future CRS applications.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Open Day official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Programme dates: Future application window opens October 2026.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Approximately 15 annually
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future application window opens October 2026.
  • Who can apply: Law and non-law students, graduates and career changers applying to London.
  • Eligibility: contextual recruitment: Rare Contextual Recruitment System degree: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent for Placement Schemes and Training Contracts mitigating circumstances: Considered through the application form
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent; full application and mitigating circumstances are considered.
  • Application process: Rare Candid online application form Online assessment Video interview or recorded assessment where used Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Solicitor qualification in England and Wales, subject to regulatory requirements.
  • Funding: PGDL and SQE LLM fees are funded with the University of Law; SQE exam costs and necessary exam travel/hotel are covered. Maintenance grants are £10,000 in London and £8,500 outside London or online. maintenance london gbp: 10000 maintenance outside london or online gbp: 8500 pgdl: Full fees funded where required sqe llm: Full fees and SQE exam costs funded
  • Expenses: Necessary SQE exam travel and hotel costs are covered.
  • Right to work: Applicants must meet UK work and immigration requirements. uk sponsorship: Available for eligible Placement Scheme and Training Contract candidates
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

Hong Kong - Hong Kong Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong

  • Programme dates: Future intake dates TBC.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future intake dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: Applicants ideally fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese with strong written English and Chinese.
  • Eligibility: degree: Ideally 2:1 or equivalent languages: Ideally English, Mandarin and Cantonese right to work: Required in Hong Kong
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent and Right to Work in Hong Kong.
  • Application process: Application review Assessment stages published on the official Hong Kong application-process page Offer Online application Hong Kong recruitment assessments Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values Written and spoken communication Commercial and legal potential
  • Progression: Hong Kong trainee solicitor qualification route.
  • Right to work: Right to Work in Hong Kong is required.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View Hong Kong - Hong Kong Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Career in Law Work Experience Days

Type: Work Experience

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Application timing: Applications open in October 2026; the exact day and deadline have not been published.
  • Programme dates: Work Experience Days are scheduled by office; exact 2026/27 dates have not yet been published.
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open in October 2026; the exact day and deadline have not been published.
  • Programme: Work Experience Days are scheduled by office; exact 2026/27 dates have not yet been published.
  • Who can apply: Students aged 16-18 in full-time education.
  • Application process: Official application or support route Apply or request support through the official CRS route where applicable
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Career in Law Work Experience Days official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom: Guildford

  • Programme dates: Future start date TBC.
  • Duration: Six years
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future start date TBC.
  • Who can apply: Year 13 applicants and eligible school leavers applying to Guildford.
  • Eligibility: a levels: Ideally BBB; minimum CCC may be considered gcses: Ideally eight grades 9-4 including English and Maths; minimum five grade 4/C including English and Maths
  • Academic requirements: Ideally BBB at A level and eight GCSEs grades 9-4 including English and Maths; minimum University of Law requirements may still permit consideration at CCC.
  • Application process: Application form Assessment stages Offer Rare Candid application Online assessment Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Solicitor qualification in England and Wales.
  • Funding: All study and assessment fees are paid by CRS. study and assessment fees: Paid in full
  • Right to work: CRS cannot sponsor visas for the Solicitor Apprenticeship.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Construction, Real Estate & Disputes Academy

Type: Insight Programme

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Applications open: 2026-06-29
  • Closing date: 2026-07-27 12:00:00
  • Programme dates: 29 September, 20 October and 17 November 2026
  • Duration: Three sessions
  • Places: 20
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-06-29; Close 2026-07-27 at 12:00:00
  • Programme: 29 September, 20 October and 17 November 2026
  • Who can apply: Undergraduates, postgraduates and graduates interested in property, construction and disputes.
  • Eligibility: degree subject: Any international grades: Accepted study stage: Any university year, postgraduate or graduate
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or on track for a 2:1; mitigating circumstances considered.
  • Application process: Application form Written motivation questions Offer Candid application form Two written questions Application review Offer
  • Assessments: Sector motivation Attention to detail Written reasoning
  • Progression: Participants may later apply for Placement Schemes or Training Contracts.
  • Travel support: Reasonable travel expenses are covered.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Construction, Real Estate & Disputes Academy official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Career Start work experience

Type: Work Experience

Location: United Kingdom

  • Duration: Programme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: unknown
  • Who can apply: Selected Career Start participants.
  • Eligibility: positive action: true
  • Application process: Official application or support route Apply or request support through the official CRS route where applicable
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Career Start work experience official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Education-related financial support

Type: Scholarship / Bursary

Location: United Kingdom

  • Duration: Programme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: unknown
  • Who can apply: Career Start participants accepted to university.
  • Eligibility: positive action: true
  • Application process: Official application or support route Apply or request support through the official CRS route where applicable
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Education-related financial support official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Placement Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Programme dates: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Duration: Scheme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future scheme dates TBC.
  • Who can apply: Eligible university students and graduates applying to London.
  • Eligibility: contextual recruitment: Rare Contextual Recruitment System degree: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent for Placement Schemes and Training Contracts mitigating circumstances: Considered through the application form
  • Academic requirements: Ideally a 2:1 or equivalent; mitigating circumstances are considered.
  • Application process: Rare Candid online application form Online assessment Video interview or recorded assessment where used Assessment centre Offer
  • Assessments: Motivation and values questions Contextual review through Rare Written or analytical exercise Interview Group or individual assessment activity
  • Progression: Direct Training Contract consideration may follow, but a Placement Scheme is not required for a direct Training Contract application.
  • Right to work: Applicants must meet UK work and immigration requirements. uk sponsorship: Available for eligible Placement Scheme candidates
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments may include accessible documents, additional time, accessible interview locations and other disability- or health-related support. Candidates should contact the Early Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Placement Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom support

UK Visa and Funding

UK qualification funding, maintenance support and published visa-sponsorship or right-to-work information for joining the firm in the United Kingdom.

Areas of work

Practice areas

The legal services and capabilities listed by the firm.

Banking and Finance

Commercial Dispute Resolution

Construction, Engineering and Projects

Corporate

Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency

Employment, Pensions and Immigration

Family

Private Capital

The firm's core focus, at the intersection of personal, family and business

Private Wealth Disputes

Real Estate

Tax, Trusts and Successions

Offices

Locations

Office locations and the student opportunities available in each location where confirmed.

Career paths

Roles

Early-career routes, legal careers, knowledge and innovation roles, legal support and specialist leadership titles.

Barrister

Confirmed via a named individual — Robert Avis, a Partner in Geneva who is admitted to practise as a barrister in England and Wales

Access and inclusion

EDI

Recruitment adjustments, disability support, disability-specific programmes, mentoring, networks, partnerships and wider inclusion work.

Community and legal access

Pro bono

The firm’s published pro bono work, community projects, access-to-justice programmes and official partnerships.

Verified information for this section is being checked.

Firm research

Firm highlights

Published awards, sectors, notable work, clients and other information that helps students understand the firm.

Verified information for this section is being checked.