Ask Osborne Clarke Anything!

[Flu1dity]

Hello Patrick,

Thank you very much for your time today on the forum.

How strict is the 12-24 month period on the first question of the vacation scheme application? I gained some relevant legal experience between July-September 2023 that would strengthen my application. I appreciate that it took place just outside the window as it was 25-27 months ago. Would this be acceptable to include on the long form question?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Olivia1234]

Osborne Clarke" data-source="post: 218513" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

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!

That’s really helpful, thank you!

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

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

Hi Paige,

Thanks for your question.

I think something that is often overlooked in applications is making sure you're doing the basics right! E.g communicating clearly, attention to detail, well structured answers.

We don't have a particular "type" of candidate. It's really important to be yourself and to make it clear your individual motivations. Any experiences or previous jobs will some have transferable skills.

Something that is really important is to make it clear why you are committed to career in commercial law and why you are committed or aligned with a firm like OC.

It's important to say that we dont need someone who is a ready made solicitor but someone who shows the skills and enthusiasm for the role!

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hello Patrick,

Thank you very much for your time today on the forum.

How strict is the 12-24 month period on the first question of the vacation scheme application? I gained some relevant legal experience between July-September 2023 that would strengthen my application. I appreciate that it took place just outside the window as it was 25-27 months ago. Would this be acceptable to include on the long form question?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hello!

Thanks for your question.

If you feel it is relevant and would strengthen your application, I would recommend using it.

 

[ttlaw12344]

Hi Patrick,

What would you say is the biggest mistake candidates make during the application process, and your tips to avoid this.

 

[nic_gabriella]

Hi Patrick,

I hope you're having a great day, and thanks for giving us this opportunity!

I just have a few short questions:

1) I am a career changer pivoting from consulting to law (I hold a UK LLB and just completed an LLM). In this case, would a direct training contract be more suitable than the vacation scheme program?

2) What would you say is a team-building or community outreach initiative that you are most proud of during your tenure at Osborne Clark's Bristol Office?

Thanks, and I look forward to submitting my application.

Best regards,
Nicole

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick,

What would you say is the biggest mistake candidates make during the application process, and your tips to avoid this.

Hi Tamara,

Good question

I think there are a couple of common mistakes:

1. I think people are so focussed on the topic or making it sound good they forget the basics, spelling (spell the firm's name correctly), clear structure...
2. Be careful using GPT, while its great for certain things, over or incorrect use can make your application sound like anyone else's.
3. Spend the time on the applications you really want to work at, it REALLY comes across
4. It is not a test of legal knowledge but your awareness of what is going on commercially and how this feeds into a commercial law firms work.

Application forms are difficult and the above make it sound simple but they are essential to a successful application. ALSO, every firm looks for something different, it's really important to understand the firm you are applying to.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick,

I hope you're having a great day, and thanks for giving us this opportunity!

I just have a few short questions:

1) I am a career changer pivoting from consulting to law (I hold a UK LLB and just completed an LLM). In this case, would a direct training contract be more suitable than the vacation scheme program?

2) What would you say is a team-building or community outreach initiative that you are most proud of during your tenure at Osborne Clark's Bristol Office?

Thanks, and I look forward to submitting my application.

Best regards,
Nicole

Hi Nicole,

Thanks for your questions.

1. In all honesty, I always recommend a Vac Scheme. Not only is it a great opportunity for you to enhance your application, it is really important to make sure we are the right firm for you to train with e.g do you like the work, the people, the environment... so if you can I would highly recommend!

2. There is so much going on at OC and I can genuinely say there is something for everyone to get involved in no matter your interest. I've been involved in couple of things related to my role including something called The Bridge which works with disadvantaged schools in our office's locale providing them with careers and application advice. I have also ran careers sessions with refugees looking to enter the legal sector after resettling in the UK and also worked with ex-armed forces personnel transitioning out of the services. This has been really rewarding and interesting development.
From another side, I ran the Bristol 10K alongside some of my colleagues raising money for our location charity which was great!
On a side note, we have a wide range of networks covering social mobility, age, gender, pride and neurodiversity. We also have a run club, I do weekly spin classes in our studio with some of my team and there are sessions running throughout the year for different events or religious holidays.

Hope that gives you the insights you need!

 

[Souniya Dhuldhoya]

Osborne Clarke" data-source="post: 218474" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Hi Eden,

Thanks for your questions!

So we offer both options as we appreciate not everyone can attend a Vac Scheme. However, we would of course recommend it if you can as it's a big decision for you!

1. We wont make any decisions on direct to TC applications until our Vac Schemes have complete in early July. (For transparency, the majority of our trainees do come via that route).
2. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept joining earlier than 2028.
3. First to say, the majority of applicants will not have legal experience. I would recommend doing the basics really well, reading as much as poss, attending any virtual/in person events, scowering firms websites and taking a look at any of our key partners work. This will help you build up a really solid foundation that hopefully you can feed into the long form answers.
IP, Tech, Media is a key area for OC but I think understanding how it feeds into the wider firm is also an interesting angle to take a look at!

Hope that is ok, but please ask anything additional if needed.

Hi Patrick!

I am a final year law student from a non-UK university, and would require a visa sponsorship to attend the Vacation Scheme. Could you please clarify if such candidates are eligible for the VS or should we take the DTC route?

Thank you.

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi Patrick!

I am a final year law student from a non-UK university, and would require a visa sponsorship to attend the Vacation Scheme. Could you please clarify if such candidates are eligible for the VS or should we take the DTC route?

Thank you.

Hi Souniya,

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for the vacation scheme so in this scenario a direct to TC would be the best option.

Patrick

 

[hmevey]

Hi,

I was just wondering what the dates are for the London VS. I am currently in full time work so doing a VS is not very easy for me, I would mainly have to apply via the direct TC route. However, as majority come through VS, is it worth doing a direct TC application- are there instances where you dont have any spaces to offer?

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hi,

I was just wondering what the dates are for the London VS. I am currently in full time work so doing a VS is not very easy for me, I would mainly have to apply via the direct TC route. However, as majority come through VS, is it worth doing a direct TC application- are there instances where you dont have any spaces to offer?

Hello, thanks for your question!

Our Vac Schemes usually run at the end of June and start of July. They are two week placements.

We always say if you can do a VS then do. Not only is it a great opportunity for us to see what you can do and for you to bolster your application but also it a great opportunity to make sure we are the right firm for you to train at e.g. do you like the work? the people? the environment?

Because of these reasons that is the mainr reason our trainees come from the VS route. However, both options exist as we appreciate not everyone is available for 2 weeks.

Thanks!