Osborne Clarke LLP |

Osborne Clarke is an international commercial law firm known for combining legal excellence with innovation, collaboration, and a drive to stay ahead of change. The firm handles work across tech, IP, corporate, real estate, regulatory, projects & disputes, and more. From day one, you’d be part of a culture that values trust, respect, diversity, and authenticity — there is no single “OC-shaped” lawyer.

Insight Scheme

• A two-day programme (over the Easter break) aimed at first‐year law students and second-year non-law students.
• Mixture of virtual and in-person sessions in Bristol, London, Reading.
• You’ll get exposure to what life in a commercial law firm is like: legal research, expert talks, interaction with partners, trainees and the recruitment team. Also useful advice for Vacation Scheme applications.

Vacation Scheme

• A two-week summer placement for final-year and penultimate-year students (law and non-law), and for graduates or career changers.
• Real client work, shadowing, knowledge sessions with partners, mentoring, social and networking events.
• Very high conversion: over 90% of vacation scheme participants accept offers to train with the firm after the scheme.

Training & Development

• Osborne Clarke’s training contract is bespoke: two years of rotations/placements across practice areas, shaped to your interests and growth.
• Support throughout: development managers, supervisors, mentors, peer networks; regular reviews to guide your progress.
• Flexibility: part-time training contracts are possible; working arrangements are flexible.
• Secondments are available (either client-based or international) to broaden experience.

What	Opens	Closes	When you'll hear / next steps
Insight Scheme applications	1 October 2025	28 February 2026	Sessions over the Easter break; interviews / decisions after deadline.
Vacation Scheme & Training Contract applications	1 October 2025	15 January 2026	Assessment centres / interviews in February-March 2026. Placements in summer 2026.

Also:

• You need to check which scheme matches your year of study (first year, penultimate, final year, or graduate / career changer).
• For Training Contract, there is both a route via Vacation Scheme + then contract, or direct application.

To succeed in the applications & throughout early career-schemes, Osborne Clarke tends to assess for:

• Strong academic performance (though not always only law; law/non-law students considered) and commercial awareness.
• Problem solving, ability to think critically, to adapt and learn.
• Communication skills: clarity, both written and oral. Being able to explain ideas and engage with others.
• Teamwork, collaboration, openness to feedback.
• Curiosity, initiative, authenticity: showing that you’re not simply following a script, but can bring your own perspective.

• Real responsibility from early on: you won’t just observe; you’ll be involved in live matters under supervision.
• A supportive environment: mentoring, regular feedback & review, peer networks, dedicated development managers and supervisors.
• Flexibility (e.g. part-time training contract options) and care for wellbeing (through “OC Mind and Body” etc.).
• Exposure to a wide variety of practice areas, international work (secondments), and involvement in innovation & legal tech.
• Meaningful culture: inclusive, open, diverse. You’ll be encouraged to be yourself.

• Do your research: understand what Osborne Clarke does in sectors that interest you, follow recent deals/news. (Demonstrated commercial awareness helps.)
• Be clear about why Osborne Clarke: what appeals — the culture, the type of work, the training philosophy? Show this in your application.
• Use concrete examples: where have you shown initiative, solved problems, worked in teams, communicated clearly.
• Prepare well for assessment centre elements: written exercises, group tasks, partner interviews. Despite typical structure, the firm values personality, drive & potential.
• Be authentic: you’ll be assessed not just on credentials but on how you’d fit into the culture (which values diversity of thought, collaboration, innovation).
• Make sure you’re available for interviews/assessment centres in February–March, and for placements in June/July. These are fixed times.

If you want a training environment that challenges you, gives you exposure to real work (not just shadowing), supports your personal development, values innovation and flexible working, and where your voice matters, Osborne Clarke is a strong choice. You’ll join a firm aiming to stay ahead through creativity, different perspectives and a sense of purpose — not just for clients, but in how the firm works and how people grow.