Charles Russell Speechlys early careers: how to get in
Last checked 2026-10-09 against Charles Russell Speechlys's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with Charles Russell Speechlys. How we check
At a glance
- Training Contracttraining contractOpenVisa sponsorship: Sponsors7 stages
- Solicitor ApprenticeshipsapprenticeshipNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: Not published
- Placement Schemevacation schemeOpenVisa sponsorship: Not published7 stages
Training Contract
How Charles Russell Speechlys recruits
Direct training contracts, applications 1 October 2026 to 15 January 2027. 7 stages, from Charles Russell Speechlys's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Charles Russell Speechlys names them.
Stage 1: Application Form
Application form
Online form on motivation for law and the firm, and fit with the firm's four values. Rare contextual data used.
“As part of your application form, you’ll explore your motivations for a legal career and why you are applying to us as a firm. We are also keen for you to showcase how you align with our values of being Authentic, Collaborative, Committed and Forward Looking.”
Stage 2: Video Interview
Recorded video interview
One-way video on Shortlister, usually within a 5-day window: one take per question, about 30 seconds to prepare and 90 to answer. Competency, motivation and commercial questions.
- 30 seconds to prepare
- up to 90 seconds per answer
- no retakes
- text on screen
“This is not a live interview, instead you will be asked to record answers to a set of questions using your webcam or mobile device using our online platform called Shortlister. [...] For each question you can only record your answers once so there is no second chance. You get around 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to answer each of the questions unless you’ve requested extra time.”
Written task
Written exercise
Commercially focused written task, often done online before the assessment day. No legal knowledge assessed.
“The written task is part of the final stage assessment centre or placement scheme but we will often ask you to complete this in advance of the assessment day and you can complete this virtually through an online platform.”
Stage 3: Placement Scheme and / or Assessment Centre
Assessment centre
Final stage: standalone assessment centre for direct applicants, or an assessment centre built into the placement scheme.
“Our final stage is attending our Placement Scheme or standalone Assessment Centre depending on which pathway you have applied to. If you attend a Placement Scheme, your Assessment Centre will be included within your programme.”
Face-to-face interview
Partner interview
Face-to-face interview with a partner and an associate or HR member: motivational, competency and commercial questions.
- Partner and an Associate or member of HR
“You will take part in a variety of activities – a group task, a face-to-face interview with a Partner and an Associate or member of HR, and a role play exercise.”
Group task
Group exercise
Group discussion; some topics given in advance, others on the day.
“In the group exercise, you’ll be given a chance to prepare some topics for discussion in advance and some will be revealed on the day, and then work with a group on the day to discuss.”
Role play exercise
Other stage
Unprepared role play with an associate or recruiter, assessing curiosity, analysis and decision-making.
“For the role play, you’ll work with an Associate or recruitment professional to showcase your curiosity, analytical and decision-making skills.”
Placement Scheme
Same 7-stage process as the training contract above. Programme details
Visa sponsorship
Training Contract
Charles Russell Speechlys states directly in its trainee FAQ that it welcomes international candidates and supports visa sponsorship, alongside a full published salary table.
“Yes we welcome applications from international candidates and look to support with visa sponsorship.”
Solicitor Apprenticeships
Solicitor apprenticeship combining paid work with academic study.
Placement Scheme
A one week paid placement scheme with exact dates and pay in three offices; the firm's general sponsorship answer is written around the training contract rather than this scheme specifically.
“All our placement schemes are paid at £518 per week in London, and £471 per week in Cheltenham and Guildford.”
Charles Russell Speechlys on the Home Office sponsor register
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.
Common questions
- What is the Charles Russell Speechlys training contract application process?
- Charles Russell Speechlys's own careers pages describe 7 stages: Stage 1: Application Form, then Stage 2: Video Interview, then Written task, then Stage 3: Placement Scheme and / or Assessment Centre, then Face-to-face interview, then Group task, then Role play exercise.
- Does Charles Russell Speechlys use a recorded video interview?
- Yes. Charles Russell Speechlys lists a recorded video interview stage ("Stage 2: Video Interview").
- Does Charles Russell Speechlys sponsor visas for graduates?
- Charles Russell Speechlys states directly in its trainee FAQ that it welcomes international candidates and supports visa sponsorship, alongside a full published salary table.
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GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Charles Russell Speechlys. Names are used only to identify Charles Russell Speechlys's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check Charles Russell Speechlys's official careers site before applying.
Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we check this data.