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Charles Russell Speechlys

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

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 - London Open Day - 8 December 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Applications open: 2026-09-15
  • Closing date: 2026-11-12 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: London: Tuesday 8 December 2026.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: London: Tuesday 8 December 2026.
  • Who can apply: University students and graduates.
  • Application process: Application review Event place Online application or registration
  • Progression: Improved preparation for future CRS applications.
  • Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses are covered and lunch is provided for in-person open days.
  • Travel support: Reasonable travel expenses are covered for in-person open days.
  • 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 - London Open Day - 8 December 2026 official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Career Start

Type: Access Programme

Location: United Kingdom

  • Applications open: 2026-10-07
  • Application timing: Applications for the 2027 programme opened 7 October 2026. No closing date is published.
  • Programme dates: Five-year programme beginning in 2027; individual mentoring and work-experience dates are provided to participants.
  • Duration: Programme-specific
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications for the 2027 programme opened 7 October 2026. No closing date is published.
  • Programme: Five-year programme beginning in 2027; individual mentoring and work-experience dates are provided to participants.
  • 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)

United Kingdom - Virtual Open Day - 11 December 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

  • Applications open: 2026-09-15
  • Closing date: 2026-11-12 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: Virtual: Friday 11 December 2026.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: Virtual: Friday 11 December 2026.
  • 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 - Virtual Open Day - 11 December 2026 official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Cheltenham

  • Applications open: 2026-10-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-15 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: Training contract begins in September 2029.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Approximately 5 annually
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: Training contract begins in September 2029.
  • 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

  • Applications open: 2026-10-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-15 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: One-week Placement Scheme in London, Cheltenham or Guildford.
  • Duration: 1 week
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: One-week Placement Scheme in London, Cheltenham or Guildford.
  • 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 not published.
  • Duration: Six years
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future start date not published.
  • 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 - Cheltenham Open Day - 3 December 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Cheltenham

  • Application timing: Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: Cheltenham: Thursday 3 December 2026.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: Cheltenham: Thursday 3 December 2026.
  • Who can apply: University students and graduates.
  • Application process: Application review Event place Online application or registration
  • Progression: Improved preparation for future CRS applications.
  • Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses are covered and lunch is provided for in-person open days.
  • Travel support: Reasonable travel expenses are covered for in-person open days.
  • 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 - Cheltenham Open Day - 3 December 2026 official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Guildford

  • Applications open: 2026-10-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-15 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: Training contract begins in September 2029.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Approximately 5 annually
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: Training contract begins in September 2029.
  • 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

  • Applications open: 2026-10-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-15 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: One-week Placement Scheme in London, Cheltenham or Guildford.
  • Duration: 1 week
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: One-week Placement Scheme in London, Cheltenham or Guildford.
  • Who can apply: Eligible university students and graduates applying to Cheltenham.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must be penultimate- or final-year law students, final-year non-law students or graduates. Mitigating circumstances are considered.
  • 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. Sponsorship is 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

  • Applications open: 2026-09-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-04 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 1 September 2026 and close 4 January 2027 at midday UK time.
  • Programme dates: Scheme 1: 7–18 June 2027. Scheme 2: 21 June–2 July 2027. Scheme 3: 5–16 July 2027.
  • Duration: Scheme-specific
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 1 September 2026 and close 4 January 2027 at midday UK time.
  • Programme: Scheme 1: 7–18 June 2027. Scheme 2: 21 June–2 July 2027. Scheme 3: 5–16 July 2027.
  • 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 - Guildford Open Day - 1 December 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Guildford

  • Applications open: 2026-09-15
  • Closing date: 2026-11-12 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: Guildford: Tuesday 1 December 2026.
  • Duration: One day
  • Places: Not published
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 12 November 2026. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: Guildford: Tuesday 1 December 2026.
  • Who can apply: University students and graduates.
  • Application process: Application review Event place Online application or registration
  • Progression: Improved preparation for future CRS applications.
  • Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses are covered and lunch is provided for in-person open days.
  • Travel support: Reasonable travel expenses are covered for in-person open days.
  • 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 - Guildford Open Day - 1 December 2026 official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Applications open: 2026-10-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-15 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: Training contract begins in September 2029.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Approximately 15 annually
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: Training contract begins in September 2029.
  • 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 Placement Scheme and Training Contract 2028/29

Type: Training Contract

Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong

  • Applications open: 2026-09-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-04 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications opened 1 September 2026 and close at 12:00 UK time on 4 January 2027.
  • Programme dates: Placement schemes run 7–18 June, 21 June–2 July and 5–16 July 2027. Training contracts begin in 2028 or 2029.
  • Duration: Two years
  • Places: Charles Russell Speechlys offers one or two Hong Kong training contracts each year.
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications opened 1 September 2026 and close at 12:00 UK time on 4 January 2027.
  • Programme: Placement schemes run 7–18 June, 21 June–2 July and 5–16 July 2027. Training contracts begin in 2028 or 2029.
  • Who can apply: Applicants ideally fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese with strong written English and Chinese.
  • Eligibility: Applicants should have strong English and Chinese skills, ideally including English, Mandarin and Cantonese, must have the right to work in Hong Kong and must complete the PCLL before their training contract begins.
  • Academic requirements: Applicants should be on track for or have achieved a 2:1 degree or equivalent.
  • Application process: Submit the English-language application form, followed by a video interview, bilingual written task and the paid placement scheme with assessment activities.
  • Assessments: Application form, video interview including a Chinese question, bilingual written task, face-to-face interview and placement-scheme exercises.
  • 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 Placement Scheme and Training Contract 2028/29 official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom: Guildford

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

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Future start date not published.
  • 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 - Placement Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Applications open: 2026-10-01
  • Closing date: 2027-01-15 12:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme dates: One-week Placement Scheme in London, Cheltenham or Guildford.
  • Duration: 1 week
  • Status: open

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 1 October 2026 and close at midday on 15 January 2027. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Programme: One-week Placement Scheme in London, Cheltenham or Guildford.
  • 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.