Charles Russell Speechlys 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.

1. 1

   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.”

   Source
2. 2

   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.”

   SourcePractise this video interviewHow to prepare for a one-way video interview
3. 3

   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.”

   Source
4. 4

   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.”

   Source
5. 5

   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.”

   SourcePractise this interview
6. 6

   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.”

   Source
7. 7

   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.”

   Source