At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the LEAD programme for mentoring and workshops to boost your legal career.
- Company: Charles Russell Speechlys, committed to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
- Benefits: One-to-one mentoring, skill development workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Applications open from 20th July to 8th August 2026.
- Why this job: Gain insights into the legal field and enhance your application skills with expert guidance.
- Qualifications: Must be an Aspiring Solicitors member and meet academic criteria.
LEAD (Legal Empowerment and Development) is a mentoring programme launching in 2026 with Aspiring Solicitors, designed for 10 – 15 candidates from Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage backgrounds. Successful candidates will gain insights into the firm, build their skills and networks, and receive further support from Aspiring Solicitors when applying to our Training Contract.
What does the programme involve?
The scheme involves an in-person launch event, followed by a series of 2-hour virtual interactive workshops designed to strengthen your commercial awareness, applications and interview skills. Throughout the programme, you'll gain valuable insight into the firm's culture, practice areas and commitment to fostering an inclusive legal profession. Participants will be matched with a Charles Russell Speechlys lawyer for one-to-one mentoring.
The programme structure will be as follows:
- Launch Event – 21 September 2026: The launch will be in person at our London office – 5 Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7RD. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered, and refreshments will be provided. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we recommend where possible for candidates to travel via public transport.
- Workshop 1 – (DATE TBC)
- Workshop 2 – (DATE TBC)
- Workshop 3 – (DATE TBC)
Workshop themes will be announced nearer the time, as we are keen to ensure the sessions reflect topics that will be most beneficial to candidates. As part of the application form, we are asking candidates to select workshop subjects you are most interested in.
Why apply?
- This is a unique opportunity to:
- Receive one-to-one mentoring from a Charles Russell Speechlys lawyer.
- Develop stronger application and interview skills through dedicated workshops.
- Build your commercial awareness and understanding of the legal profession.
- Expand your professional network and learn from experienced legal professionals.
- Gain first-hand insight into Charles Russell Speechlys, its culture and its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Who is it for?
- To apply for this opportunity, you must:
- Be an Aspiring Solicitors member;
- Be either a current law or non-law undergraduate student or graduate (career changers welcome);
- Have secured AAB at A-Level and are on track to receive or have obtained a 2.1 in your degree (considering mitigating circumstances);
- Not have previously participated in a CRS work placement or training contract interview;
- Have a strong interest in becoming a commercial lawyer with an international law firm; and
- Not have accepted a training contract with any law firm or legal team.
Application Process
Applications are open from 20th July 2026 until 8th August 2026, at 5pm (UK time). You’ll submit an application form through the Aspiring Solicitors’ website. For more information please contact our Early Talent team who will be happy to assist.
LEAD Programme in London employer: Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the firm offers comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a flexible hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Joining our team means being part of a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LEAD Programme in London
✨Hit Up Legal Career Fairs
Get yourself to legal career fairs and networking events in your area. These are gold mines for snagging internships, as many firms like to meet potential candidates face-to-face. Keep an eye out for universities or legal associations hosting these events!
✨Leverage Your School's Resources
Tap into your university's career services or law department—they often have connections with firms looking for interns. Plus, you might find exclusive internship postings or workshops that can make you stand out!
✨Get Involved in Legal Clinics
Participate in legal aid clinics or pro bono work; it’s a stellar way to gain hands-on experience and beef up your CV. Being directly involved in community legal projects shows your commitment and can impress potential employers!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don't forget to check out Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s careers page for internship opportunities. It’s a smart move to apply directly through our website; we love seeing applications come in from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace LEAD Programme in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When we’re looking at applications for a legal internship, we want to see that you're not just passionate about the law, but that you’ve got a solid grasp of key concepts too. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on, and don't forget to mention specific areas of law you're interested in—this shows us your focus and ambition!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you’re eager to intern at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Talk about how this internship aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn from the experience. Be sure to showcase your analytical skills and any relevant experiences, whether they’re from university assignments, extra-curriculars, or volunteer work.
Include Relevant Experiences:Alongside your education, it's great to include any experiences that show your dedication to the legal field—this could be volunteer work at legal aid clinics or participation in law-related societies. Such experiences really highlight your commitment and willingness to learn, which is exactly what we want to see in an intern!
Proof Your Skills with Writing Samples:Don't just tell us you're a great writer—show us! If you've written any essays, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics, consider attaching a couple of writing samples with your application. This gives us a taste of your analytical ability and how clearly you can express complex legal ideas, which is crucial in law!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
✨Know Your Legal Basics
Brush up on fundamental legal concepts relevant to the position. We want to be able to discuss basic legal principles confidently, especially if there's a chance they might ask about case studies or legal reasoning during your interview at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
As an intern in the legal field, you'll be expected to do a lot of research. Come prepared to discuss how you’ve tackled legal research in the past or share examples of how you’ve used databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute right from the start!
✨Prepare for Role-Specific Scenarios
It’s a good idea to consider hypothetical legal scenarios that might be thrown at you during your interview. Think through how you would approach a case or handle a compliance issue, and make sure to ask insightful questions about the type of cases handled at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
✨Highlight Your Learning Potential
Since this is an internship, employers like Charles Russell Speechlys LLP are looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Talk about why you're interested in law and how this internship aligns with your career goals. Emphasise how you can grow through this opportunity!
