{"id":14582,"date":"2026-08-19T10:21:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T10:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=14582"},"modified":"2026-09-23T09:02:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T09:02:08","slug":"charles-russell-speechlys","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/charles-russell-speechlys\/","title":{"rendered":"Charles Russell Speechlys"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[828],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-14582","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2026-27"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"lex-profile-list-intro\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Charles Russell Speechlys<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/charles-russell-speechlys-2024.jpg\" alt=\"Charles Russell Speechlys law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/charles-russell-speechlys-2024.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 5 Fleet Place, London EC4M 7RD<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: early.talent@crsblaw.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7203 5000<\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/charles-russell-speechlys\/mycompany\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/crstrainees\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Charles Russell Speechlys is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 4 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-happy-at-your-law-firm\/' target='_blank'> Happiness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-would-you-recommend-your-firm-as-an-employer\/' target='_blank'> Good employer<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com\/en\/careers\/trainee-recruitment\/\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/charlesrussellspeechlys.app.candidats.io\/roles\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><span class=\"profile-link\">View Profile<\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"below_title":"<div class=\"letterhead\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Charles Russell Speechlys<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/charles-russell-speechlys-2024.jpg\" alt=\"Charles Russell Speechlys law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/charles-russell-speechlys-2024.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 5 Fleet Place, London EC4M 7RD<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: early.talent@crsblaw.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7203 5000<\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/charles-russell-speechlys\/mycompany\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/crstrainees\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Charles Russell Speechlys is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 4 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-happy-at-your-law-firm\/' target='_blank'> Happiness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-would-you-recommend-your-firm-as-an-employer\/' target='_blank'> Good employer<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com\/en\/careers\/trainee-recruitment\/\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/charlesrussellspeechlys.app.candidats.io\/roles\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><\/div><div class=\"survey-scores\"><h2 style=\"color: #111;\">Trainee Feedback<\/h2>\r\n<ul style=\"list-type:none; color: #111;\">\r\n<li style=\"width:83.1%\">83.1<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:89.1%\">89.1<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">92.0<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:82.1%\">82.1<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:88.6%\">88.6<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-14582\" class=\"post-14582 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2026-27\">\n\t\n\t<header class=\"entry-header\">\n\t\t\n\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<div class=\"survey-results tab-listing\">  \n   \n        \n<h2>Survey Results - Trainee feedback on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Charles Russell Speechlys<\/span><\/h2>\n\n           <style>\n#chartdiv {\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 800px;\n}\n\n<\/style>\n            \n  <!-- Resources -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/core.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/charts.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/themes\/animated.js\"><\/script>\n            \n<!-- HTML -->\n<div id=\"chartdiv\"><\/div>\n        \n<!-- Chart code -->\n<script>\n\/\/ Themes begin\nam4core.useTheme(am4themes_animated);\n\/\/ Themes end\n\n\/\/ Create chart instance\nvar chart = am4core.create(\"chartdiv\", am4charts.XYChart3D);\n\n\/\/ Add data\nchart.data = [{\n  \"question\": \"Satisfaction\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your overall job satisfaction?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Expectations\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How far has the firm lived up to your expectations?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work quality\",\n  \"result\": \"83.1\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"89.1\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"92.0\",\n  \"explanation\": \"If you did a vacation scheme with your firm, how would you rate it?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Confidence\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How confident are you that you will be kept on at the end of your training contract?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Remuneration\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"82.1\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"88.6\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How approachable are your supervisors?\" \n}];\n\n\/\/ Create axes\nvar categoryAxis = chart.yAxes.push(new am4charts.CategoryAxis());\ncategoryAxis.dataFields.category = \"question\";\ncategoryAxis.numberFormatter.numberFormat = \"#\";\ncategoryAxis.renderer.inversed = true;\n\nvar valueAxis = chart.xAxes.push(new am4charts.ValueAxis()); \n\nvalueAxis.title.text = \"Survey Score (\/100)\";\nvalueAxis.min = 0;\nvalueAxis.max = 100;\n\n\/\/ Create series\nvar series = chart.series.push(new am4charts.ColumnSeries3D());\nseries.dataFields.valueX = \"result\";\nseries.dataFields.categoryY = \"question\";\nseries.name = \"Income\";\nseries.columns.template.propertyFields.fill = \"color\";\nseries.columns.template.tooltipText = \"{explanation} {valueX}\";\nseries.columns.template.column3D.stroke = am4core.color(\"#fff\");\nseries.columns.template.column3D.strokeOpacity = 0.2;\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/div>        \n        \n           \n\t\t\n\t\t    <h2 class=\"tab-listing\">The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Charles Russell Speechlys<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose to join this firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Small trainee cohort, high-quality work and level of responsibility, good training programme, wide spread of practice areas\u2019, \u2018private client focus (particular interest in family and private client), friendly environment and approachable culture, international offices and secondment opportunities, pro bono is highly encouraged\u2019, \u2018I knew people at CRS, and it had an esteemed reputation as a full-service international firm\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s\u00a0the best thing about your firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018The supportive culture (especially of junior associates) and the wide variety of practice areas\u2019,\u00a0\u2018quality of work, lots of client contact, structured and tailored training, balance of responsibility and support,\u00a0good work-life balance\u2019,\u00a0\u2018Our cohort is\u00a0very close\u00a0knit and social and\u00a0its\u00a0size means that in teams there are often only one or two trainees. As a result, there are often opportunities to directly work with partners and clients, which\u00a0creates\u00a0a feeling that you play\u00a0an important role\u00a0in the team\u2019,\u00a0\u2018work-life balance,\u00a0good quality\u00a0work, not crazy hours\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What could your firm do to improve?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Less favouritism with seat allocations and potentially implementing a points system like other firms\u2019, \u2018more organised, team-specific tasks\u2019, \u2018increase pay and benefits for both trainees and qualified solicitors&#8217;, &#8216;Increase the SQE grants for future trainees to enable those from socially mobile backgrounds to complete the demanding exams\u2019, \u2018a fairer seat allocation system\u2019, \u2018some teams in the firm could provide more diverse and interesting trainee tasks\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the best moment?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Being trusted to run my own matters during the first few months of my first seat (under supervision)\u2019, \u2018attending client meetings\u2019, \u2018completing on deals and the camaraderie from colleagues in the buildup\u2019, \u2018drafting an advice note to a client on the effects of a possible event. That event then became a reality, and it was rewarding to see the advice be tested and put into action\u2019, \u2018leading on a client call and supporting with successful litigation\u2019, \u2018the moment when everything clicked, and I became able to run multiple matters by myself\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the most challenging moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Working very late to produce a report after a client requested this be done by tomorrow morning whilst tying up my other matters before a holiday &#8211; this was a test of endurance, but the partner thanked me and appreciated my hard work\u2019, \u2018when I found out I got a non-choice for my second seat. It was disappointing, but I am already really enjoying it\u2019, \u2018preparation for a court case\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Charles Russell Speechlys<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Charles Russell Speechlys\u2019 private client pedigree is a major draw. But trainees are equally enthusiastic about the chance to \u2018try a real variety of seats\u2019 across the firm, which offers training contracts in London, Guildford and Cheltenham. Alongside its highly-rated private wealth work, CRS offers strong exposure to commercial, disputes, real estate and family matters, making it an \u2018ideal fit&#8217; for \u2018open-minded trainees who have yet to decide where they want to qualify\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Recruits praise the \u2018perfect balance of interesting international work, a decent salary and a genuinely warm and welcoming culture\u2019. As for the people, they are \u2018the best thing about CRS\u2019; colleagues are \u2018incredibly friendly\u2019 and genuinely invested in trainees\u2019 learning. Fee earners at every level, \u2018including partners\u2019, are said to be \u2018very giving with their time\u2019, creating an environment where juniors feel respected and supported.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Responsibility arrives early too. Trainees are often trusted to run matters under supervision, lead client calls, attend mediations and injunction hearings, and work directly with partners and clients. This level of exposure \u2018aids development immeasurably\u2019, while the firm\u2019s emphasis on pro bono also gives juniors the chance to \u2018use our legal knowledge to make a difference\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The challenges are familiar ones: workload peaks, seat\u00a0changes\u00a0and qualification uncertainty. Some\u00a0respondents\u00a0report\u00a0being \u2018thrown into the deep end with limited instructions\u2019,\u00a0while others would like greater fairness and transparency in\u00a0how seats are\u00a0allocated. Pay and benefits are also recurring improvement points, with calls for \u2018higher salaries\u2019,\u00a0\u2018more benefits\u2019 and stronger SQE support\u00a0not uncommon.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For aspiring solicitors seeking excellent client exposure, meaningful responsibility and a genuinely collegiate culture at a firm with a \u2018stellar\u2019 private wealth reputation and a broad commercial offering, Charles Russell Speechlys is a compelling choice.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">A day in the life of... Leigh Stimpson, Associate<\/h2>\n\t\t <p>\t\t <p><strong>Departments to date:<\/strong> Banking and finance; Construction, engineering and projects; Corporate client secondment; Financial services and funds<\/p>         \n\t\t \t\t <p><strong>University: <\/strong>\n\t\t \t\t University of Law\t\t \t\t <\/p>\n\t\t         \n\t\t <p><strong>Degree:<\/strong> Law<\/p>    <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><p><strong>9.00am<\/strong>: I arrive at the office, get a cup of tea from the kitchen on our floor and then log on and check my emails and diary for the day. Trainees are required to be in the office at least three days a week which means there are ample opportunities to work with others and check in on any small\/silly questions! I\u2019m checking to see if there is anything that has come in overnight which is likely to be discussed in the team meeting this morning that I should be aware of. Some of the team will start a bit later but I like to get in and feel prepared for the day ahead.<\/p>\n<p><strong>9.30am<\/strong>: We have a team meeting in one of our board rooms so that we can use the technology facilities for Luxembourg colleagues to join in. We also are joined by the funds team and a corporate partner who work closely alongside the financial services team. In the meeting we go around the table for each person to discuss any new business, networking opportunities they are aware of or have attended in the last week, current industry issues and any learning from the last week.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10.00am<\/strong>: After the meeting a few of us grab an iced coffee from the canteen and catch up on what we did at the weekend. It is a great informal way of getting to know team members better and to ask questions about anything discussed in the meeting that I\u2019m not sure about. My supervisor and an associate are there, and we also use the time to catch up on a matter that we are all currently working on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10.30am<\/strong>: I have been asked to help draft certain sections of a legal opinion for a client and I need to conduct some research on the relevant legislation and how this interacts with the FCA\u2019s Handbook rules. Once I have read and understood this, I summarise the legal position into a style that is sufficiently accurate but also succinct for the client to be able to read and understand. I have a reasonable deadline to return this to the partner by, but I prefer to get more technical work done in the mornings and know that I have calls scheduled in afternoon.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1.00pm<\/strong>: I head up to the canteen (\u2018Charlies\u2019) to meet a few of the other trainees for lunch and we decide to sit outside on the roof terrace to get some fresh air.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2.00pm<\/strong>: My supervisor and I have a call with a client. They are a client of the commercial team and have asked for a contract to be reviewed that has regulatory aspects to it, so we are providing input on these. I have already set out comments in the contract to respond to the client\u2019s queries and we explain these on the call. I take some brief notes and send a follow up email after the call to my supervisor and the commercial team partner so that we have a record of the agreed actions and next steps.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2.30pm<\/strong>: I continue working on the legal opinion and take a short break to read through some current awareness articles that have come into my inbox during the day. I am particularly looking out for articles in relation to the financial promotion of crypto assets as I am delivering a presentation to the team on this topic in a few weeks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3.30pm<\/strong>: We have a very high-profile ongoing matter where there are daily calls with the regulator. The partner of our team has asked me to join all the calls and take accurate minutes, so the client has a record of what has been said and is free to focus on participating in the meetings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4.15pm<\/strong>: I respond to emails that have come in during the day and I start pulling together the information for my presentation. I am asked by the partner of the team to look into a query that a client has emailed to him concerning whether an FCA-authorised firm must keep recordings of internal telephone conversations as well as those with external customers relating to investments. The partnerneeds the answer before he has a call with the client at 5.30pm so I do some research online and have a quick call with one of the associates on the team who I know has previously done some work on this topic. I then set out the answer in an email and go and discuss this with the partner once I have sent it to check whether they need anything else.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5.30pm<\/strong>: I finish responding to emails and saving the work I was doing during the afternoon. I start updating tomorrow\u2019s to-do list and check my calendar for any meetings\/events tomorrow to ensure I have done anything required in preparation for these.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6.30pm<\/strong>: I log my billable hours for the day against the relevant clients and catch up with a few members of the banking and finance team to confirm plans for tomorrow morning when we are attending an external breakfast networking event.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7.00pm<\/strong>: I leave the office and head home to get to gym class. There is usually at least one team holding a social event or drinks on any given evening, including the trainees organising to meet up and opportunities to join any early talent team events that are going on.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>The firm<\/strong>: Charles Russell Speechlys is an international law firm with a focus on private capital, at the intersection of personal, family and business. We are based in London, Guildford and Cheltenham in the UK with international offices in Europe, the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong and the US<\/p>\n<p><strong>The clients<\/strong>: Bellway; Central Bank of Bahrain; Derwent; Howard de Walden; Stonegate; NIKE; Caffe Nero; FarFetch; Ascent Capital Africa.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The deals<\/strong>: We advised Marcus Rashford MBE on a range of commercial and brand protection matters, alongside aspects of his high-profile campaign to tackle child food poverty in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>Our expertise includes advising global brands such as Nike and its subsidiary Converse across sponsorship, sports marketing, ecommerce, digital media, advertising, employment and data protection matters.<\/p>\n<p>We have represented a number of high-profile individuals in the phone hacking litigation against News Group Newspapers, securing settlements and public apologies relating to the unlawful gathering of private information.<br \/>\nMore recently, we acted on the acquisition of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and Hillsborough Stadium, helping secure the future of one of England&#8217;s oldest and most historic football clubs.<\/p>\n<p>We also worked alongside Derwent London on the landmark 50 Baker Street development, one of the largest regeneration projects currently underway in central London.<\/p>\n<p>Our corporate team advised Puma Growth Partners on its \u00a311 million investment into MOTH, one of the UK&#8217;s fastest-growing premium drinks brands.<\/p>\n<p>Other recent work includes advising Myriad Group on its acquisition of Parklands Care Homes and supporting SPS in its acquisition of Cleardata.<\/p>\n<p>This breadth of work means our lawyers work with everyone from global brands and high-profile individuals to entrepreneurs, investors, developers and sports clubs across the UK and internationally.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Senior partner<\/strong>: Bart Peerless<\/p>\n<p><strong>Managing partner<\/strong>: Simon Ridpath<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other offices<\/strong>: London, Cheltenham, Guildford, Doha, Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, Milan, Luxembourg, Manama, Paris, Zurich, Singapore, New York and Connecticut<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who we are<\/strong>: Our ability to understand people makes us who we are. Our firm is built on establishing trusted, personal relationships with our clients. Relationships that matter. We are an international law firm with a focus on private capital, at the intersection of personal, family and business.<\/p>\n<p>We offer legal services across the private capital space and a broad range of integrated advisory, transactional and contentious services. The results are deep and trusted relationships that deliver meaningful value.<\/p>\n<p>We are here to guide our clients through their most pressing challenges and rewarding opportunities. We do this by getting to the heart of their needs to bring them the best-fit solutions.<\/p>\n<p>Our firm is headquartered in London with offices across the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>What we do: We offer a broad range of work so as a trainee, you\u2019ll be able to experience a variety of types of clients and sectors across your programme.<br \/>\nBusiness advisory and transaction services: In our \u2018business advisory and transaction services\u2019 practice we work with a range of individuals and clients from early stage, entrepreneurial businesses, to established, international operations.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Our corporate team advises on corporate and private equity deals, fundraising from the capital markets, and offers ongoing corporate advisory services.<\/li>\n<li>Our commercial team provides legal and commercial advice to UK and international clients across a variety of sectors with a particular specialism in technology, retail and financial services. This could involve commercial contracts work, supporting in-house teams through deal structure planning, leading on negotiations to advising on implementation and operational issues.<\/li>\n<li>Our financial services and funds team advises both authorised and unauthorised funds both on and offshore, as well as working with a range of banks, lenders and investment funds.<\/li>\n<li>Our banking team advises both corporate entities and private clients on domestic and cross-border financing transactions and restructuring, working closely with other CRS departments such as corporate, real estate and construction.<\/li>\n<li>The employment team advises individuals and employers from a broad range of sectors on how to manage and mitigate employment law risks, covering issues arising in the day-to-day operation of a business, in the course of corporate transactions and in the context of disputes.<\/li>\n<li>The immigration team provides advice for private individuals and employers. Individual advice often ties in with other disciplines such as international tax, family and private client. Immigration advice for employers focuses on sponsor licence compliance and international hires, dovetailing well with the firm\u2019s employment and corporate disciplines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Private client: Our \u2018private client\u2019 group is a dynamic division, spanning a wide range of practice areas including tax and estate planning, family and relationships, property and philanthropy. Our expertise is bolstered by being a full-service city firm, with a strong regional and international presence. Consistently ranked as a leading private client group, the team is trusted by a diverse global client base \u2013 whose stories are often as interesting as the work!<br \/>\nConstruction, real estate and disputes: In our \u2018construction, real estate and disputes\u2019 practice, we support across large and small-scale projects both in the UK and internationally.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Our construction team represents both suppliers and purchasers (including employers, major contractors, specialists and leading engineering consultancies) to provide the full range of construction services including procurement, transactional, project advisory services and disputes advice.<\/li>\n<li>Our real estate and disputes team spans transactional and contentious work over a range of development, planning, environmental, regeneration and investment specialisms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Litigation and dispute resolution: Our \u2018litigation and dispute resolution\u2019 division works on diverse mandates \u2013 ranging from commercial disputes, contentious insolvency and fraud, right the way through to private wealth disputes (including contested estates and arts and heritage), healthcare and regulatory issues, and IP litigation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we&#8217;re looking for<\/strong>: We look for candidates to achieve ideally a minimum of AAB at A-level (or equivalent studies) and a 2(1) in their degree as well as showcasing how you align with our values of being authentic, collaborative, committed and forward looking. We also look for other key attributes, such as being client centric, committed to driving high standards, commercially minded, and mindful of your own personal impact and growth.<br \/>\nIf you have mitigating circumstances, we encourage you to add details of these so we can take this into account when reviewing your application. There is a specific section within the application to share these. Once you have submitted your application, our panel of reviewers will review all applications.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll do:<\/strong> We offer training contracts in our London, Cheltenham and Guildford offices. Our preference is for candidates to undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Exam going forward; however, our training contract will also support those who have already commenced or completed the LPC. Please note, we will only sponsor the SQE going forward.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll undertake the new Solicitor\u2019s Qualifying Exam (SQE) route, unless you have already started or completed the LPC at point of offer.<\/p>\n<p><em>If you haven\u2019t studied a law degree<\/em>: If you have studied a non-law degree, we\u2019ll sponsor you through a Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). Usually this takes 9 months to study full-time, but we appreciate that this isn\u2019t feasible for everyone, so we also offer a 20-month part-time option too. If you prefer to study part-time, you\u2019ll be able to choose the approach that works best for you from a range of weekend or evening plus online options.<\/p>\n<p><em>SQE Course and Exams<\/em>: In order to support you through the SQE exams, we have partnered with the University of Law to provide comprehensive courses focused on SQE 1 and SQE2. Alongside studying for SQE 1 and SQE 2, our programme with The University of Law includes the SQE Plus Programme. You\u2019ll choose modules from our CRS Elective list to study in more detail. This will prepare you well for practice at the firm by focusing on our areas of specialism, alongside developing practical legal skills. The SQE 1, SQE 2 and SQE Plus programme combines together so you\u2019ll be studying for a Masters in Legal Practice (LLM).<\/p>\n<p><em>\u2018Qualifying work experience\u2019<\/em>: Once you\u2019ve passed your SQE LLM (including your SQE 1 and SQE 2 exams), you\u2019ll join us at the firm for two years of \u2018qualifying work experience\u2019. This will consist of four six-month seats, giving you the opportunity to experience a range of different practice areas and get involved in high-level work with both private and commercial clients. We provide a practical learning environment where emphasis is given to early responsibility and supervised client contact.<\/p>\n<p>We actively encourage our trainees to go on either a client or international secondment. These opportunities help you build a wider skillset and see things from a client\u2019s perspective or enhance your international outlook by gaining exposure to work in a different jurisdiction. Secondments vary depending on business need, but our current client secondments include a private equity fund manager, a commercial bank, and an in-house commercial team for one of our large construction clients. Our international secondment opportunities include private client in our Swiss offices, or a mixture of practice areas in our Hong Kong, Dubai, Luxembourg or Paris offices.<\/p>\n<p>We also expect you to get involved beyond the day-to-day work through our Responsible Business activities, whether that\u2019s through our pro bono practice, volunteering with our CRS Foundation, or getting involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives. We place a strong emphasis on pro bono work during your training contract, and you\u2019ll have the opportunity to support our social housing, family or employment pro bono clinics alongside our other programmes such as disability benefits appeals. You can find out more in our Responsible Business reports on our website.<\/p>\n<p>Russell Up is our award-winning pioneering innovation scheme for trainees and apprentices, aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and empowering our Early Talent to drive change. The programme requires our future lawyers to take the lead on projects that harness the latest legal technology \u2013 from AI to document and process automation, application building to data visualisation. Each trainee or apprentice is tasked with delivering a project that challenges the status quo, working closely with our legal technology experts and knowledge development lawyers. Providing a supportive environment for innovative thinking, these projects culminate in practical solutions which trainees share with their practice groups demonstrating tangible value to our firm and clients. To support this drive for innovation and change, the firm has established innovation committees across various disciplines.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the training contract there are regular catchups and reviews between trainees and supervisors to support your development and ensure you are continuing to receive a broad range of quality work. You\u2019ll also have broader career conversations with our early talent team to support your wider development as you consider your longer-term qualification options.<\/p>\n<p>Your legal training will also be supplemented by our CRS Business School which has specific development programmes for each stage of your career, including the Ignite programme which is designed for trainees to build professional and commercial skills.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, as part of our sports and social committee offering, you could get involved with a range of additional activities from football or netball to yoga or tennis. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or a pro, it doesn\u2019t matter \u2013 it\u2019s about connecting with your colleagues and taking part.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Perks<\/strong>: Private medical care, group income protection, life assurance, gym discounts, volunteering leave (up to 21 hours) employee assistance programme, virtual GP access, expenses towards eye care tests, give as you earn scheme, cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, dress for your day policy.<\/p>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\">Diversity and Inclusion<\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><p>We are committed to ensuring we offer an inclusive work environment where equal opportunities are available to all, everyone is assessed on their own abilities and that we maintain a culture of mutual respect; where everyone can bring their whole self to work and where our differences are welcomed and celebrated.<\/p>\n<p>This commitment is driven from the top by our dedicated Future Firm Group (FFG), co-chaired by our managing partner and senior partner and supported by senior operational leads, D&amp;I partners and other key roles to ensure D&amp;I is embedded in the firm\u2019s business strategy and weaved into all elements of our business. We also have a dedicated D&amp;I team and five active employee networks that focus on specific strands of diversity, who meet regularly to identify initiatives, changes to policies and processes, training, events and other ways to raise awareness, support and promote an inclusive work environment. Each network has a dedicated D&amp;I partner or senior associate who acts as a champion\/ambassador.<\/p>\n<p>The firm\u2019s focus networks include:<\/p>\n<p><strong>LGBTQ+ Network<\/strong>: It is important to us that we provide an inclusive environment where everyone within our organisation can feel comfortable being who they are. Our LGBTQ+ and Allies Network plays an active role to help ensure we offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for our LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients. Our initiatives and engagement to support the LGBTQ+ communities saw us secure a space in the Top 100 Employers in the last Stonewall Equality Index, ranking 53rd overall, 11th in the legal sector and achieving both a Gold Award and Highly Commended Network Award.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gender Network<\/strong>: The Gender Network helps to support our \u2018Achieving Balance\u2019 programme as part of our Gender Action Plan which specifically looks at different initiatives to support an increase in our gender balance in partnership and leadership roles. The network is also focused on identifying other initiatives to achieve greater engagement from underrepresented genders, for example promoting shared parental leave.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Religion, Belief and Ethnicity Network<\/strong>: The Religion, Belief and Ethnicity (RBE) Network plays a key role in supporting our \u2018Race Action\u2019 initiative which is specifically focused on improving our ethnic diversity within the firm and in encouraging a greater representation within the profession. It also focuses on raising awareness and helping to identify ways in which the firm can better support colleagues from different religious, racial and ethnic communities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Disability and Neurodiversity Network<\/strong>: We do not see disability as barrier to an individual\u2019s success. As a signatory to the Valuable 500 we are committed to ensuring disability inclusion remains on the agenda and actions\/initiatives are undertaken to provide better support, inclusion and awareness for colleagues, candidates and clients who are living with a disability.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Working Parents and Carers Network<\/strong>: Our working parents and carers network serves as a dedicated forum where members can come together to share lived experiences, challenges and triumphs associated with balancing the professional responsibilities with parenting or caregiving duties.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mental Health and Wellbeing Network<\/strong>: Mental health and wellbeing is a major focus for our firm, particularly as the difficulty of recent years has shed light on the strains suffered by many. We have over 60 trained mental health champions and first aiders in place. We continue to promote training and initiatives to raise awareness, encourage conversation and to ensure everyone knows where and how to access the appropriate support. For example, we offer a reverse mentoring programme to help foster an inclusive culture and share different lived experiences. As a signatory to the Mindful Business Charter, we are committed to removing unnecessary workplaces stresses and promoting best working practices.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Social Mobility Network<\/strong>: Our flagship social mobility initiative, the Career Start Talent Pipeline Programme, provides five years\u2019 contact and support to Year 12 students who receive both mentoring and work experience in their first year on the programme, followed by relevant workshops throughout their academic and career journeys. During the five-year period the firm hosts various skills sessions, employability events, networking and other informative events at key milestones in the student\u2019s academic and career journey. In addition, we also partner with the Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP) to deliver a week-long skills and insights programme, where our students get the opportunity to experience a day at four different high-profile organisations with the fifth day provided by a professional sports club delivering the SMBP Resilience Day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n            \n      \n            \n                 \n            \n              \n       \n                 \n        \t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-## --><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-2\">   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"profile-contents\">\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Contents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"contents\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#verdict\">The verdict<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#ditl\">A day in the life of...<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>  <li><a href=\"#diversity\">Diversity and Inclusion<\/a><\/li>          \r\n<li><a href=\"#facts\">Facts and figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n        \r\n<\/div> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"application-process\">\r\n \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Application process for Charles Russell Speechlys<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>How<\/strong>: Online application form.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What&#8217;s involved in application<\/strong>: Application form, video interview, written task, assessment centre.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Person in charge of recruitment<\/strong>: Joanna Stevens, Senior Early Talent Manager.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When:<\/strong> By 15 January 2027 When: \r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div id=\"vacation-schemes\">\r\n  \r\n <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Vacation schemes at Charles Russell Speechlys<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Spring:<\/strong> London Placement Scheme: 5-9 April 2027 Guildford Placement Scheme: 12-16 April 2027 (apply by 15 January 2027)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>Summer:<\/strong> London Placement Scheme: 7 \u2013 11 June 2027 Cheltenham Placement Scheme 14 \u2013 18 June 2027 (apply by 15 January 2027)<\/p>\r\n  \r\n    \r\n    \r\n<div id=\"salary\"> \r\n \r\n  <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Salary at Charles Russell Speechlys<\/h2>\r\n  <p><strong>First year salary:<\/strong> \u00a352,000 (London); \u00a342,000 (Guildford); \u00a341,000 (Cheltenham)<\/p>  <p><strong>Second year salary:<\/strong> \u00a355,000 (London); \u00a3 45,000 (Guildford); \u00a344,000(Cheltenham)<\/p>  <p><strong>Newly qualified salary:<\/strong> \u00a393,000 (London); \u00a367,500 (Guildford); \u00a366,000(Cheltenham)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n <div id=\"facts-figures\">\r\n \r\n  <h2 id=\"facts\" class=\"widget-title\">Facts and figures<\/h2>\r\n  <p><p><strong>Total partners<\/strong>: 200+ with 170 in the UK<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other fee-earners<\/strong>: 500<\/p>\n<p><strong>Total trainees<\/strong>: 50 UK Trainees<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trainee places available for 2029<\/strong>: 25<\/p>\n<p><strong>Turnover of the firm in 2025<\/strong>: \u00a3266.5 million,<br \/>\n(10% firmwide revenue increase)<\/p>\n<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\t  \r\n\r\n    \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">If  were a fictional character it would be\u2026<\/h2>\r\n        \t\t\r\n<br><\/br>\r\n<br><\/br> -->\r\n\r\n   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"videos\">\r\n\r\n       \r\n\r\n        \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- <div id=\"twitter-feed\">\r\n<a class=\"twitter-timeline\" data-height=\"550\" data-theme=\"light\" href=\"\"><\/a><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\r\n<\/div>  -->\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\t\r\n<\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles\/14582","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/profiles"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14582"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"jurisdictions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jurisdictions?post=14582"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=14582"},{"taxonomy":"cities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cities?post=14582"},{"taxonomy":"firms_companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/firms_companies?post=14582"},{"taxonomy":"universities_colleges","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/universities_colleges?post=14582"},{"taxonomy":"lex_survey_questions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/lex_survey_questions?post=14582"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publications?post=14582"},{"taxonomy":"tc_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tc_location?post=14582"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}