Ask Osborne Clarke Anything!

[jaisrihere]

Hi Patrick (Osborne Clarke">Patrick - Osborne Clarke),
I hope you are having a good day!

I would like to know if there are any open days and virtual events that I could attend to have better insights and understanding before applying for the Vac Scheme!

As an international student who has done most of her studies outside of the UK, I would also like to know if that could be a drawback in any way, and what advice you would give as I enter my international education and work experience details in the application.

 

[Kate.maier]

Hi there, not sure if this question has been answered already but can you confirm the exact dates for the assessment centre? I want to be sure I can attend before submitting an application for your vacation scheme.

 

[nsa1]

Hi Patrick, thanks for taking the time to answer questions today, appreciate it's a busy day at the forum!
I'd love to get your thoughts on the below re: OC's application form:

1. For the work experience section, should we structure the 'details' of the work in bullet points or prose? Is it a good idea to briefly talk about the relevant skills developed through these experiences as well?

2. For the question "have you been a part of any professional services support programmes in the last 5 years?...." can we talk about open days and virtual events that we've attended? Since this could include work experience opportunities - should we talk about short-term experiences like vac schemes/internships etc or also include long-term work like paralegal or associate roles elsewhere, for example?

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick (Osborne Clarke">Patrick - Osborne Clarke),
I hope you are having a good day!

I would like to know if there are any open days and virtual events that I could attend to have better insights and understanding before applying for the Vac Scheme!

As an international student who has done most of her studies outside of the UK, I would also like to know if that could be a drawback in any way, and what advice you would give as I enter my international education and work experience details in the application.

Hi Jasiri,

Thanks for your questions and interest in OC.

We have a lot of events throughout the application period. These are a mix of in person and virtual and across all 3 of our offices. You can take a look here: https://join.osborneclarke.com/events

With regards to your second questions, absolutely not. We receive a large amount of applications from international candidates, as well as some of our trainees having completed their studies abroad. We also recognise international qualifications. You should definitely still include all your academic and professional experience, however, if you feel any need further context/explanation there is opportunity to do so!

Hope that helps!

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi there, not sure if this question has been answered already but can you confirm the exact dates for the assessment centre? I want to be sure I can attend before submitting an application for your vacation scheme.

Hi Kate,

Hope you are well.

We dont have exact dates for our ACs. However, Virtual centres usually take place around mid feb with in person centres in early to mid march.

Hopefully that will work for you!

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick, thanks for taking the time to answer questions today, appreciate it's a busy day at the forum!
I'd love to get your thoughts on the below re: OC's application form:

1. For the work experience section, should we structure the 'details' of the work in bullet points or prose? Is it a good idea to briefly talk about the relevant skills developed through these experiences as well?

2. For the question "have you been a part of any professional services support programmes in the last 5 years?...." can we talk about open days and virtual events that we've attended? Since this could include work experience opportunities - should we talk about short-term experiences like vac schemes/internships etc or also include long-term work like paralegal or associate roles elsewhere, for example?

Thanks very much in advance!

Hello,

Thanks so much for your questions.

1. In all honesty, it is up to you! We see both and this is no right or wrong way. On the second point, while all experience is great to list, not everything you do within your previous roles is relevant so really spend your time listing/explaining what the relevant parts were. I think it's great to give a brief overview as this definitely supports your application.

2. For the Professional Services Support Programmes, this would be programmes. that support certain groups get experience in a sector. Things such as open days/ virtual schemes/Paralegal would be listed in the work experience/additional sections.

Hope that helps!

 

[Bboygenz]

Hi Osborne Clarke">@Patrick - Osborne Clarke
1. What if I am stating in the application that, as an international student who needs a visa for VS, the application will automatically be rejected or likely have a lower chance to progress into AC? I graduated recently from US college as a non-law, given the harsh of Trump's administration, i'm looking into UK.


2. How is Osborne Clarke's initiative in social mobility for the underrepresented groups? I came from a low-income and first-generation college. Additionally, I am a citizen from one of the G20 in emerging Asia (not India/China). How do you respond to such a candidate, considering it might be a big potential for the firm's growth and diversity?


3. Would you take into account a candidate who has experience and has worked in Europe? I had an internship in Europe and would love to connect with recent OC deals and commercial issues in related areas with my country of origin as well.

 

[BT270_]

Hi Patrick,

I hope you’re well.
I am a current penultimate year non-law student who is 100% certain about getting into commercial law. Osborne Clarke is a firm I am greatly interested in and I wanted to ask when the Insight Scheme applications will open. The website says the 1st October but it is not yet available.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[nsa1]

Osborne Clarke" data-source="post: 218491" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Hello,

Thanks so much for your questions.

1. In all honesty, it is up to you! We see both and this is no right or wrong way. On the second point, while all experience is great to list, not everything you do within your previous roles is relevant so really spend your time listing/explaining what the relevant parts were. I think it's great to give a brief overview as this definitely supports your application.

2. For the Professional Services Support Programmes, this would be programmes. that support certain groups get experience in a sector. Things such as open days/ virtual schemes/Paralegal would be listed in the work experience/additional sections.

Hope that helps!

Thanks very much - this is helpful! I look forward to making my application

 

[jaisrihere]

Osborne Clarke" data-source="post: 218489" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Hi Jasiri,

Thanks for your questions and interest in OC.

We have a lot of events throughout the application period. These are a mix of in person and virtual and across all 3 of our offices. You can take a look here: https://join.osborneclarke.com/events

With regards to your second questions, absolutely not. We receive a large amount of applications from international candidates, as well as some of our trainees having completed their studies abroad. We also recognise international qualifications. You should definitely still include all your academic and professional experience, however, if you feel any need further context/explanation there is opportunity to do so!

Hope that helps!

Thank you for the response, Patrick. I have signed up for the London Open Evening! Looking forward to seeing you there.

However, if you could excuse my enthusiasm, I have a few follow-up questions.

Would I be sponsored for a visa if I apply for any other office other than the London One? Does the pay scale vary? And, Does the practice area, exposure to varied sectors and industries differ if I choose to train at a non-London office?

Additionally, This might be a question for broader insight, but what is the success rate for the applications made for each office?

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Osborne Clarke">@Patrick - Osborne Clarke
1. What if I am stating in the application that, as an international student who needs a visa for VS, the application will automatically be rejected or likely have a lower chance to progress into AC? I graduated recently from US college as a non-law, given the harsh of Trump's administration, i'm looking into UK.


2. How is Osborne Clarke's initiative in social mobility for the underrepresented groups? I came from a low-income and first-generation college. Additionally, I am a citizen from one of the G20 in emerging Asia (not India/China). How do you respond to such a candidate, considering it might be a big potential for the firm's growth and diversity?


3. Would you take into account a candidate who has experience and has worked in Europe? I had an internship in Europe and would love to connect with recent OC deals and commercial issues in related areas with my country of origin as well.

Hello!

1. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for our Vacation Scheme.

2. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and there is opportunity to highlight circumstances in the application form for consideration. We also have a wide range of networks in OC that are there to support those employees from differing groups including mobility, age, pride, gender and neurodiversity. They also influence the firm in pushing our inclusiveness and overall diversity forward as part of our overarching strategy.

3. All experience is very useful whether that be in the UK or from abroad so definitely include this should you make a application.

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick,

I hope you’re well.
I am a current penultimate year non-law student who is 100% certain about getting into commercial law. Osborne Clarke is a firm I am greatly interested in and I wanted to ask when the Insight Scheme applications will open. The website says the 1st October but it is not yet available.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi there,

Thanks for your question.

I have just checked and we have a couple of technical issues, this should go live over the next day. So I would check back then to make an application.

As with our other application windows, we do not recruit on a rolling basis so you have plenty of time

Thanks!!

 

[smasher]

Hi Patrick.

Just a couple of questions regarding the initial application questions;

Does the optional question (Have you been a part of any professional services support programmes) include summer internships? I completed the Fast Stream SIP last summer and I’m just wondering if that’s the sort of thing to include. I’m also using examples from my experience for the initial question, so unsure if I should repeat myself. I have an inkling it’s just a data collection question but if you could clarify that’d be great!

I’m also wondering whether the second question (What work has Osborne Clarke done recently that is of particular interest) is geared towards a specific case focused answer or if it’s a bit more general.


Thanks in advance, no worries if you can’t specify in too much depth!

 

[Olivia1234]

Osborne Clarke" data-source="post: 218460" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Hi Everyone,

I thought it would be a good idea just to introduce myself first.

I am a Recruiter for Osborne Clarke. I am based in our Bristol office and focus on Graduate recruitment, Paralegals and Knowledge roles.

I have been with the firm for just over 2 years but prior to that I was a recruiter for a consumer healthcare brand and a large retailer.

Please feel free to ask anything you would like and I will try my best to give you some useful insights.

Thanks so much,
Patrick

Hi Patrick,

Thank you for offering your time to advise us today!

Please could you let me know how much weight is placed on A-levels and whether we attended a Russell Group university?

Many thanks,
Olivia

 

[varunmalik]

Hi Patrick.
First of all, thank you for giving us all this opportunity.

I was unsuccessful in my Vacation Scheme application for the last recruitment cycle. It was a rushed application, but this year I have started well in advance. I wanted to ask aboutt focusing on sectors.

I am really interest in OC because of its work with main stream clients as I have worked with ecommerce and AI clients in India for my first undergraduate. I am also a developer myself working with APIs. I am currently working as a paralegal for a civil litigation firm and I am a bit hessitant in focusing my whole application around tech & media because it could come off as i'm closed to other sectors (i'm not, but my whole education is more media-tech focused, including LLB at Leeds). I have spoken to a lot of people at OC via Teams calls and my previous two mentors were seconded to OC from eBay, so the decision to apply to OC is very delibrate and thought on.

Could you advice me on focusing on the tech sector bit?

 

[P98]

Hi Patrick, thank you for taking the time out of your day to answer our questions. Are there any particular qualities or experiences Osborne Clarke values most in successful training contract applicants?

Kind regards,
Paige

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Thank you for the response, Patrick. I have signed up for the London Open Evening! Looking forward to seeing you there.

However, if you could excuse my enthusiasm, I have a few follow-up questions.

Would I be sponsored for a visa if I apply for any other office other than the London One? Does the pay scale vary? And, Does the practice area, exposure to varied sectors and industries differ if I choose to train at a non-London office?

Additionally, This might be a question for broader insight, but what is the success rate for the applications made for each office?

No worries... enthusiasm is great!

Yes we support sponsorship for all our training contracts across all offices. There is a variation in pay between Bristol, Reading and London. All these details are available on our careers page.

In terms of our teams, all the core teams are based across all 3 offices. However, for more specialised areas for example IP, these tend to just be in our London office. All 3 offices do the same quality of work so our Bristol trainees get equivalent experience and work as our London or Reading trainees.

You will work with our future lawyers team to ensure you preferences are taken into consideration and ensure you get a varied, useful and constructive training experience. As part of our TC, you must sit in a contentious seat.

Despite a variation in numbers of applications across the offices, the success rate is similar, no office is less competitive than the other (unfortunately)

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick,

Thank you for offering your time to advise us today!

Please could you let me know how much weight is placed on A-levels and whether we attended a Russell Group university?

Many thanks,
Olivia

Hi Olivia,

We do not have a minimum requirement to apply and nor do we have a preference of Russell or non Russell group candidates.

In terms of A-level, we do not use these and may only refer back to them if there is a close call between candidates.

As mentioned, to some other questions. The answers and VRT are they key factors when we are initially considering your application.

Hope thats ok!

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick.
First of all, thank you for giving us all this opportunity.

I was unsuccessful in my Vacation Scheme application for the last recruitment cycle. It was a rushed application, but this year I have started well in advance. I wanted to ask aboutt focusing on sectors.

I am really interest in OC because of its work with main stream clients as I have worked with ecommerce and AI clients in India for my first undergraduate. I am also a developer myself working with APIs. I am currently working as a paralegal for a civil litigation firm and I am a bit hessitant in focusing my whole application around tech & media because it could come off as i'm closed to other sectors (i'm not, but my whole education is more media-tech focused, including LLB at Leeds). I have spoken to a lot of people at OC via Teams calls and my previous two mentors were seconded to OC from eBay, so the decision to apply to OC is very delibrate and thought on.

Could you advice me on focusing on the tech sector

Hi Patrick.
First of all, thank you for giving us all this opportunity.

I was unsuccessful in my Vacation Scheme application for the last recruitment cycle. It was a rushed application, but this year I have started well in advance. I wanted to ask aboutt focusing on sectors.

I am really interest in OC because of its work with main stream clients as I have worked with ecommerce and AI clients in India for my first undergraduate. I am also a developer myself working with APIs. I am currently working as a paralegal for a civil litigation firm and I am a bit hessitant in focusing my whole application around tech & media because it could come off as i'm closed to other sectors (i'm not, but my whole education is more media-tech focused, including LLB at Leeds). I have spoken to a lot of people at OC via Teams calls and my previous two mentors were seconded to OC from eBay, so the decision to apply to OC is very delibrate and thought on.

Could you advice me on focusing on the tech sector bit?

Hello!

Thanks for your query.

I think your explanation above makes total sense as to why the tech sector is of interest to you and how it links to your skills/experience and therefore why you are keen to apply to OC which is a tech focussed firm.

From a recruiter point of view, there is a nothing wrong with telling us about what really interests you. I think trying to communicate that you understand OC is more than those teams and you can do this through a number of ways for example, looking at some of the deals that have been done by our Tech and Media teams and seeing what other OCs teams were involved is a great way to do this.

Hope that helps!

 

[mooonoo123]

Hi Osborne Clarke">@Patrick - Osborne Clarke ,

I hope you are well and thank you for your time today!

I wanted to firstly ask if you know the dates for the London vacation scheme as of yet.

Secondly I currently also work in legal recruitment and would be interested in hearing your perspective on which skills developed in legal recruitment are most transferable to the role of a trainee and could be useful to highlight during the application process?

Thank you and look forward to hearing your response!