Ask Osborne Clarke Anything! (2026-27)

[Laila Griffiths- Osborne Clarke]

I have registered for the London presentation evening in November which I am looking forward to! I also know that it would help with my application (especially the supporting question). I have already written an answer to the application answer based off a webinar and research. However, that is in over a month's time and I know that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Do you think I should submit my application now or wait until after the event at the end of November, again, bearing in mind that the applications are reviewed on a rolling basis?

Hello, We’ll read applications as they come in but won’t fill our assessment centre places before the deadline closes. Therefore, if you would like to wait until after the presentation evening that is absolutely fine!

 

[dogwhistle123]

I've heard associates and trainees weigh up the benefits of a rotational training contract like OCs (breadth, exposure, etc) with the potential structural limitation of reaching the end of a 6-month seat, having just grasped the practice area/key docs/deal structures, only to change seat and restart this process. How do you think about this and how does OC facilitate continuous and holistic learning throughout training and post-qualification?

 

[Laila Griffiths- Osborne Clarke]

I would also be interested to know whether you prioritise candidates from the Vacation Scheme (versus Direct Training Contract route)?

As a career changer I would prefer to apply for the DTC but Osborne Clarke is my top choice and would therefore want to maximise my chances.

Hello, You can apply directly to the training contract, as we appreciate that not everyone can attend a vacation scheme. However, we would recommend that you apply to the vacation scheme first, if possible, as it will give you the best insight into training at Osborne Clarke! We do not prioritise one over the other; however, we won’t make any decisions on direct training contract applications until our vacation schemes have finished in early July. We do find that the majority of our trainees come via that route.

 

[Laila Griffiths- Osborne Clarke]

Any tips on how to make my application stand out? I know it is a very competitive process and I really want to tailor it as much as possible!

Hello!

Tailoring your application to the firm you are applying for is one of the best ways to stand out! Your application is a chance is showcase your research and wider commerical awareness. Alongside that, I have put in the thread already some key skills we are looking for.

 

[Alex - Osborne Clarke]

I've heard associates and trainees weigh up the benefits of a rotational training contract like OCs (breadth, exposure, etc) with the potential structural limitation of reaching the end of a 6-month seat, having just grasped the practice area/key docs/deal structures, only to change seat and restart this process. How do you think about this and how does OC facilitate continuous and holistic learning throughout training and post-qualification?

We are really fortunate to be given regular training, both practice area/team specific, throughout our training contract and beyond qualification. I think this contributes a long way towards ensuring that our skills are always improving. At the start of my seat, I also had two full days of real estate-specific training from members of the team, which taught me a lot and made me much more comfortable and confident when getting started in the seat.