LEAD (Legal Empowerment and Development)

What is LEAD? (Legal Empowerment and Development)

In 2026, we are launching a new mentoring programme with Aspiring Solicitors called LEAD (Legal Empowerment and Development).

Our LEAD programme is 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 assessment centre;
• 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 now closed.

If you are interested in this opportunity, we would recommend signing up to become a member of Aspiring Solicitors and registering your interest in our programmes here. We will share when the programme re-opens on our Instagram (@crstrainees).