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 and general, 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.

 

[SK222]

Hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time out to answer our questions!

I'm Srita and recently completed my LLM in Law, Innovation and Technology, and I am very interested in the use of emerging technology in legal practice. I've explored document automation through mentoring, so I'm particularly interested in how these interests could develop alongside training as a solicitor at OC. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following:

1. Could you please outline how OC's focus on innovation and tech solutions shows up in trainees' day to day work, and has it changed the way you approach any of your tasks? and in the same vein, I was wondering how trainees at OC get actively involved in shaping how the firm uses legal tech and what skills/initiative would help them contribute early on?
2. When preparing to apply, would you recommend exploring one of the firm’s sectors in depth or developing a broader understanding across sectors? What helps candidates connect that research to the challenges your clients face?
3. If an applicant has a strong interest in a particular area, such as legal technology, how would you advise them to balance that focus with showing openness to the breadth of OC’s training contract?

I look forward to hearing your perspectives, thank you again!

 

[Elise - Osborne Clarke]

Hello Elise, Nice to meet you! I'd like to hear more about your experience in Projects. What did you enjoy most about this seat? What type of Projects work were you working on? Did you get exposure to working on any international projects while in this seat?

Hi Yvonne,

My Projects seat was primarily UK-focused, with most of my work involving infrastructure and public sector projects. I enjoyed how varied and challenging it was, particularly the amount of bespoke drafting I got to do. I also liked working with other teams at OC, including Real Estate, Employment and Banking and seeing how different practice areas contribute to a project.

 

[Elise - Osborne Clarke]

Hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time out to answer our questions!

I'm Srita and recently completed my LLM in Law, Innovation and Technology, and I am very interested in the use of emerging technology in legal practice. I've explored document automation through mentoring, so I'm particularly interested in how these interests could develop alongside training as a solicitor at OC. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following:

1. Could you please outline how OC's focus on innovation and tech solutions shows up in trainees' day to day work, and has it changed the way you approach any of your tasks? and in the same vein, I was wondering how trainees at OC get actively involved in shaping how the firm uses legal tech and what skills/initiative would help them contribute early on?
2. When preparing to apply, would you recommend exploring one of the firm’s sectors in depth or developing a broader understanding across sectors? What helps candidates connect that research to the challenges your clients face?
3. If an applicant has a strong interest in a particular area, such as legal technology, how would you advise them to balance that focus with showing openness to the breadth of OC’s training contract?

I look forward to hearing your perspectives, thank you again!

Hi Srita,

1. We have a variety of legal tech software that we are encouraged to explore, and some of our trainees took part in an AI tools pilot and were encouraged to experiment and feed back to partners. We also have an OC Solutions team who develop technology for clients, and it is possible for trainees to spend time in the team as part of their training contract.

2. I think it's a good idea to build a broad understanding of OC's sector approach and then explore those sectors you have a particular interest in, so that you can reflect on how you align with the firm. When researching, try to think through the commercial implications and what these might mean for a business operating in that sector.

3. I think showing a strong interest in a particular area like legal tech would give your application a personal approach, and you can develop on this to say how it might add value in other teams across the TC, too.

 

[toughluck]

Hi everyone!

I am looking to apply for a direct training contract at Osborne Clarke. I previously attended a Vacation Scheme at the firm but was unable to convert it to an offer.

I was wondering if you have any advice on:

1. Is applying for a DTC recommended? I feel that I gained a sufficient understanding of the firm during my time there and am certain of my interest. But I also understand that the firm largely recruits trainees from its vacation scheme cohorts.

2. What sort of timeline for hearing back can DTC applicants expect? Are ACs around the same time as VS? Do you have to wait till after the VS' for the year are completed to hear back?

3. How might the recruitment process differ for the DTC vs the VS? Anything a former VS attendee who didn't convert should do to prepare beyond showing how I improved on the feedback I was given since the rejection?

Thank you!