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The question is designed to give you the opportunity to really demonstrate how you've researched the firm, 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.

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.
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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.

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 and deductive reasoning tests

Once your application form is in, you’ll be invited to complete an online verbal reasoning test and an online deductive reasoning test. These aptitude tests assess your ability to understand written information and evaluate arguments - vital skills for lawyers to possess. They also give you another way to demonstrate your strengths and potential.

The tests are 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 virtual assessment centres – congratulations! You’re through to the next round.

This short virtual session involves a commercially focussed interview. It allows us to find out more about your communication skills, commercial awareness and problem-solving ability. As these exercises change regularly, we'll ensure that you have all the information that you need ahead of your session. You won't need to prepare any materials in advance.

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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.
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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.

Guidance on the use of AI in our selection processes

Many of us use generative AI in our daily lives, and at Osborne Clarke we actively embrace the use of new technologies. In our selection process, however, we want to get to know you as an individual - your own abilities, judgement and motivation. During the initial application form stage, you may use AI only for light text refinement – for example, to correct spelling and grammar or to improve clarity of sentences you have already written yourself. You must not use AI to generate or suggest content, examples, motivations or full answers, or to “optimise” what you think we want to hear.

For all later stages – including psychometric tests, online assessments and virtual or video interviews – you must not use AI at all, whether to answer questions, propose solutions, script responses or provide prompts. These stages are specifically designed to assess how you personally think, communicate and perform, and using AI would undermine the integrity of the process. Overuse of AI can also mask your individuality and make it harder for you to stand out for the right reasons. Where we have reason to believe AI has been used inappropriately, your application may be subject to further scrutiny.

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