Apply
It’s time to make your move.
Which scheme should I apply for?
To find out which opportunities are available to you, select your degree type and year of study below.
First year
Insight scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Penultimate year
Vacation Scheme
An exciting opportunity to soak up the culture at Osborne Clarke via a two-week placement where you’ll do real work with expert supervision.
Training Contract
If you're not able to spend time with us over the summer you can apply through the direct Training Contract route.
Final year
Vacation Scheme
An exciting opportunity to soak up the culture at Osborne Clarke via a two-week placement where you’ll do real work with expert supervision.
Training Contract
If you're not able to spend time with us over the summer you can apply through the direct Training Contract route.
Graduate or Career Changer
Vacation Scheme
An exciting opportunity to soak up the culture at Osborne Clarke via a two-week placement where you’ll do real work with expert supervision.
Training Contract
If you're not able to spend time with us over the summer you can apply through the direct Training Contract route.
- First year - Insight scheme
- Penultimate year - Insight scheme
- Final year - Vacation scheme or training contract
See details on the application process
First year
Insight scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Penultimate year
Insight scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Final year
Vacation Scheme
An exciting opportunity to soak up the culture at Osborne Clarke via a two-week placement where you’ll do real work with expert supervision.
Training Contract
If you're not able to spend time with us over the summer you can apply through the direct Training Contract route.
Graduate or Career Changer
Vacation Scheme
An exciting opportunity to soak up the culture at Osborne Clarke via a two-week placement where you’ll do real work with expert supervision.
Training Contract
If you're not able to spend time with us over the summer you can apply through the direct Training Contract route.
- First year - Insight scheme
- Penultimate year - Insight scheme
- Final year - Vacation scheme or training contract
See details on the application process
First year
Insight scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Penultimate year
Insight scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Final year
Vacation Scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
- First year - Insight scheme
- Penultimate year - Insight scheme
- Final year - Vacation scheme or training contract
See details on the application process
First year
Insight scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Penultimate year
Insight scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Final year
Vacation Scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
Graduate or Career Changer
Vacation Scheme
An enjoyable glimpse into life at a commercial law firm, and a chance to learn more about Osborne Clarke.
- First year - Insight scheme
- Penultimate year - Insight scheme
- Final year - Vacation scheme or training contract
See details on the application process
Step 1: The application form
The first step in the process is an online application form. Your chance to tell us about yourself, and why you’d like to join Osborne Clarke.
The questions have been designed to give you the opportunity to really demonstrate not only your commercial understanding, but also showcase your skills and give us some insight into your motivations. We’ll be looking out for signs that you have all the qualities that make a great Osborne Clarke lawyer, so think about how you can evidence things like the ability to listen, learn and collaborate; a passion for client service; a genuine interest in the business environment; a problem-solving approach; and – of course - the drive and motivation to succeed.
You’ll be asked about your work experience – and this doesn’t only mean legal work experience. You will have developed different personal skills and attributes no matter the job or sector you’ve worked in, and we’re interested in how you think you would apply these to becoming a successful lawyer.
We’ll ask about your academic achievements, and strongly encourage you to opt into completing the Rare Contextual System to allow added appreciation of the context in which these have been gained. You can read more about CRS here. There’s also space for you to explain any mitigating circumstances you’ve experienced, so please do share anything you feel to be important.
Completing a successful application will take time and a lot of research so give yourself enough space and don’t rush it.
You’ll be asked about your work experience – and this doesn’t only mean legal work experience. You will have developed different personal skills and attributes no matter the job or sector you’ve worked in, and we’re interested in how you think you would apply these to becoming a successful lawyer.
We’ll ask about your academic achievements, and strongly encourage you to opt into completing the Rare Contextual System to allow added appreciation of the context in which these have been gained. You can read more about CRS here. There’s also space for you to explain any mitigating circumstances you’ve experienced, so please do share anything you feel to be important.
Completing a successful application will take time and a lot of research so give yourself enough space and don’t rush it.
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Tips
Our tips for submitting a strong application.
Think about the bigger picture
What makes you a great candidate, and how can you make that come across in your application form? Look beyond academia and work experience and make sure that you include information about your interests and hobbies – these are what make you an individual and will help you to stand out from the crowd. We want to get to know the person behind the application form.
Why us?
We want to know what it is about Osborne Clarke that has encouraged you to apply, so do your research and use it to tailor your answers and bring your application to life.
Get the basics right
It sounds simple, but make sure that you complete all sections of the form. And use continuous prose throughout to show your writing style, tone, and fluency
Keep it short and avoid cliché
Be succinct and use short sentences to ensure that your points are clear. Use straightforward language and avoid using buzzwords and overused phrases such as ‘relish the opportunity’
Check, check again
Attention to detail is key, so remember to double (or even triple) check your application before you submit it. Even better, get a fresh pair of eyes in the form of a friend or family member to read through your submission - they’re much more likely to spot any small mistakes.
Step 2: Verbal reasoning test
Once your application form is in, you’ll be invited to complete an online verbal reasoning test. This aptitude test assesses your ability to understand written information and evaluate arguments based on this - a vital skill for lawyers to possess.
The test is provided by SHL, and you can find more information and try out some practice tests here.
The test is provided by SHL, and you can find more information and try out some practice tests here.
Step 3: Virtual assessment centre
If you’ve applied for a vacation scheme or training contract and been invited to attend one of our assessment centres – congratulations! You’re through to the next round.
This half-day session runs virtually and involves a commercial research and presentation exercise. These exercises allow us to find out more about your communication skills, commercial understanding and problem-solving ability. All the information that you need will be provided to you on the day, so you do not need to prepare anything ahead of your session.
Step 4: In-person assessment centre
The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview, and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability). There’s also a lot of opportunity to network with current trainees and hear their experiences. All of this in combination will allow us to find out more about you, giving us insight on your commercial awareness and understanding, communication skills, ability to work in a team and your understanding of Osborne Clarke.
Be prepared
The more prepared you are, the calmer you’ll be – and the more you’ll enjoy and get something out of the day. So, we suggest reviewing your application submission and getting up to date on recent developments in the news. That said, try to avoid being ‘over-prepared’ – we also want you to show your ability to think on your feet. We would strongly recommend that you practice the Watson Glaser test ahead of your assessment day. You can try a practice test here.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself
The assessment day provides an excellent opportunity to network, ask questions and get to know Osborne Clarke and your potential colleagues. Bring your curiosity, stay open-minded and remember to enjoy it too.
We are committed to providing an environment where you can perform to the best of your abilities at every stage of your recruitment experience and beyond. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or live with a condition that may impact any aspect of our recruitment process, we will support you with the adjustments you need. As a first step please contact us to tell us what you need and how we can support you. Everything you share with us will be treated as confidential and only disclosed on a need-to-know basis.
We are committed to providing an environment where you can perform to the best of your abilities at every stage of your recruitment experience and beyond. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or live with a condition that may impact any aspect of our recruitment process, we will support you with the adjustments you need. As a first step please contact us to tell us what you need and how we can support you. Everything you share with us will be treated as confidential and only disclosed on a need-to-know basis.
Ready to make
your move?
your move?
