Early Talent

At Charles Russell Speechlys, we look to grow our own and support you to build your career with us.

We offer a range of graduate and apprenticeship opportunities across our offices that aim to nurture and develop our talent, whether you are are finishing college, a graduate or ‘career changer’.

We are looking for talented individuals who are aligned with our values of being Authentic, Collaborative, Committed and Forward Looking, helping us to unlock and grow value for our clients. An important part of this is championing our inclusive culture and focus on being a sustainable business.

Training with us

Training with us means you’ll not only get a breadth of experience but high quality work and a high level of responsibility, regardless of which programme or location you join. You’ll have support through your supervisor, wider team and Early Talent Team, and be encouraged to own your development as part of our structured review processes alongside the support of the CRS Business School. 

We also expect you to get involved beyond the day to day work through our Responsible Business activities, whether that’s through our pro-bono practice, volunteering with our CRS Foundation, or getting involved in Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. You can find out more in our Annual Review.

As part of any Early Talent programme, you’ll also join our CRS Business School Ignite programme, which is specifically designed to support this stage of your career, focusing on your wider development around interpersonal and organisational skills, alongside understanding how we operate commercially as a business. As you progress, you’ll undertake further development programmes at each stage of career. 

You may also be keen to explore our range of secondment opportunities if you are applying for a Solicitor Apprenticeship or Training Contract – they will help you build a wider skillset and see things from a client’s perspective, or will enhance your international outlook by gaining exposure to work in a different jurisdiction.

UK Apprenticeships

We offer our 6-year Solicitor Apprenticeship programme in our London and Guildford offices. You’ll undertake a Law degree and complete your Solicitor’s Qualifying Exam alongside rotating around our different divisions. To apply, you’ll need to be in your final year of sixth form or college or have already completed your A levels or equivalent exams.

UK and Hong Kong Placement Schemes and Training Contracts

We offer Training Contracts and Placement Schemes in our London, Cheltenham, Guildford and Hong Kong offices. You’ll need to be in your final year of a non-law degree, or penultimate or final year of a law degree, or have already graduated to apply. We will support you with your remaining post-graduate legal studies, as well as your 2 years training at the firm. 

UK Open Days

For those who are keen to find out more about our Firm, one of our UK in person or virtual open days will help you understand what we do, meet our people and soak up our culture as a firm. Our Open Days are for those who are at any stage of their university studies or have already graduated.

Career Start Talent Pipeline

The Career Start Talent Programme provides training, support, and guidance to students from underrepresented backgrounds over a five-year period. Year 12 students are eligible to apply when applications are open in the Autumn. Successful candidates can look forward to spending quality time with business professionals throughout the Firm, through mentoring and work experience.  

Career in Law Work Experience Days

We are launching ‘Career in Law Work Experience Days’ from February 2025 for those age 16-18 and in full time education.

This will involve an insight day at our London office where you’ll learn about different roles within a law firm, understand what it takes to get into the legal sector, and develop your skills through practical and collaborative workshops.