Training Contract

From the moment you accept a training contract offer, you’ll begin a structured development journey with Osborne Clarke. Alongside your SQE preparation and examinations with BPP, you’ll be invited to join our 'Ready for Success' programme – a two year pre joining programme designed to keep you connected with the firm, build your commercial awareness and help you transition smoothly into life as a trainee. Through a mix of touchpoints such as firm events, skills sessions and regular contact with our Future Lawyer team, you’ll start to get to know our people, our work and the opportunities available.

When you join the firm, you’ll embark on two years of placements across our different practice areas. We structure your training so that you gain broad experience across the full range of work we do, with an expectation that you will complete at least one seat in each of the following areas: transactional, disputes and regulatory. This will ensure that you build the foundations you’ll need as a future OC associate. You will be able to express your seat preferences as you progress through your training, and we encourage you to be as open as possible about the areas that interest you.

You will also receive regular reviews throughout your period of training. These conversations give you the chance to reflect on what you’ve enjoyed, discuss what comes next and understand what you need to do to get there. By the time you reach qualification, you’ll have experienced a variety of work, understood where your strengths lie and be prepared – and inspired – to take the next step in your career.

And it doesn’t stop at qualification. Unlike many training programmes, ours extends into your first year as a qualified associate. You’ll continue to receive support to develop your technical and client skills, grow your internal and external networks and, where possible, experience opportunities such as secondments. Our aim is to give you a clear, structured framework for your development, while still leaving room for you to shape your own path within the firm.

Everything you need to know:

• We have 30 training contract vacancies available to start in September 2029: 13 in London, 14 in Bristol and 3 in Reading.

• The application process will open on 1 October 2026.

• Deadline for applications is 23:59 on 15 January 2027.

• Assessment centres will run throughout February and March 2027. Please ensure that you are available on the proposed dates as unfortunately we are unable to provide any alternatives. If you are invited to attend an in-person session please note that we are unable to provide a virtual alternative due to the nature of the exercises undertaken.

Salary:

Bristol: First Year Trainee - £50,500

London: First Year Trainee - £57,000

Reading: First Year Trainee - £51,300