Osborne Clarke

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke attracts trainees with its strong culture and balanced approach to work. “The ethos and values” were a deciding factor for many, while others were drawn to “the firm’s culture based on vacation scheme experiences” or the fact that it is a “large firm with great work but still retains its genuine culture.” For some, the practice areas were a particular pull: “focus and specialism in Tech and the industry, the culture and openness (not hierarchical).” Others felt it offered the chance to be “more than a cog in a machine,” with a “relatively small London trainee intake” and an “inclusive culture.” Training at the firm is described as solid and supportive, with a good balance between learning and on-the-job development. “We have a good amount of formal training compared to other firms but perhaps gain less exposure to clients at an early stage,” explained one. Several pointed to the lifestyle benefits compared with their peers: “Osborne Clarke has a much better work-life balance compared to what I hear from trainees in other firms. We finish at far more reasonable hours than any other trainee I know.” Another added, “a lot less hours, but the quality of work is on par.” For most, the balance of quality and culture is a winning combination. When asked about the best thing at Osborne Clarke, the answers are unanimous: “The people,” “the environment,” and “team environment and friendliness of senior team members.” Others highlighted “high quality work which does not prejudice the relaxed atmosphere” and “the opportunity to stand out and be entrepreneurial despite the size of the firm.” On the flip side, frustrations include “salary ‘bunching’ after NQ level and unclear promotions system,” concerns about “qualification prospects,” and more day-to-day issues such as “admin, which can be frustrating at times” or “no canteen in Reading.” Highlights of the training contract include “being trusted with workstreams on a complex transaction,” “client interactions and recognition from superiors,” and the sense of growth: “feeling myself improve my skillset since the beginning.” Not all moments are easy, however, with some citing “mistakes made early in a seat” or “having to complete my SQE2 while working full time” as their toughest experiences. Hybrid working operates under a “more often than not” approach, which trainees find “reasonable and proportionate” and “very accommodating to issues and possible disruptions.” Many value the flexibility, even if bonus eligibility linked to office attendance raised eyebrows. CSR and pro bono are thriving at Osborne Clarke, with opportunities described as “excellent – lots of opportunities for exciting work” and it is “easy to get involved in interesting pro bono projects.” From legal workshops in schools to charity fundraising and mentoring, trainees find plenty of ways to make an impact beyond client work. For those who want a supportive, tech-savvy firm with strong culture, reasonable hours, and real client responsibility, Osborne Clarke is worth considering.

About the firm

The firm: Osborne Clarke is a future-focused international legal practice with more than 1,600 talented lawyers in 26 offices around the world. We have an incredible client base ranging from FTSE 100 companies to disruptive start-ups, spanning some of the most cutting-edge sectors of business.

The clients: Investec; Gazeley; Square Enix; Silicon Valley Bank; Western Power Distribution; QinetiQ.

The deals: Please visit https://www.osborneclarke.com/news.

Senior partner: Peter Clough

Partner in charge: Conrad Davies

Other offices: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bristol, Brussels, Busto Arsizio, Cologne, Hamburg, London, Madrid, Miami, Milan, Munich, New York, Paris, Reading, Rome, San Francisco, Stockholm, Warsaw, Zaragoza.

Who we are: Osborne Clarke is a successful legal practice with a global footprint and a clear strategic vision, working alongside the world’s most influential clients on their most vital matters. We are a firm that never stands still, that cares about its people, and invests in the future.

What we do: At Osborne Clarke the challenges of tomorrow are the focus of today. By zeroing in on digitalisation, decarbonisation and urban dynamics as the key areas transforming the way we live, work and do business, we’ve been able to hone our knowledge and expertise to the changes that will have the biggest impact for both our clients, and the world around us.

Legal expertise is at the heart of everything we do. But what makes us distinctive? For a start, you will get involved in truly fascinating work. The variety of our deals and the diversity of our clients provide an exciting and immersive commercial framework. This is a firm where fresh ideas are highly prized, and we’re never afraid to take a view. We know first-hand what inviting a diversity of perspectives delivers – creativity, innovation and a truly inspiring workplace. That’s why there’s no one type of Osborne Clarke lawyer. And why your story, your ideas and who you are matter from day one.

What we’re looking for in a trainee: We’re looking for the qualities that make a great Osborne Clarke lawyer. The ability to listen, learn and collaborate; a passion for client service; a genuine interest in the business environment; a problem-solving approach; and – of course – the drive and motivation to succeed. We have no minimum academic criteria, and use the Rare Contextual System to allow added appreciation of the context in which your academic achievements have been gained. We welcome applications from candidates seeking a career change.

What you’ll do: Your training at Osborne Clarke is exactly that: Yours. We offer a bespoke programme that evolves through continuous review and communication, created with your skills, ambitions and passions as the guiding principle. Following your time completing the SQE courses and examinations, you’ll embark on two years of different placements throughout the firm. These placements will give you the opportunity to broaden your skills through high levels of client exposure from the get-go. By the time you reach qualification you’ll know what you want to do and be prepared – and inspired – to do it. And it doesn’t stop there. Unlike other training programmes, ours extends into your first year as a qualified lawyer, where you’ll be given further support to develop specialist ‘future of work’ skills and, if you haven’t already, experience a secondment.

Beyond ensuring that our future lawyers have all the legal and technical training to succeed, we’re just as focused on what the human behind them needs. All of our trainees have a trusted support system that includes dedicated development managers and supervisors, mentors and a peer network active from the moment you accept your training contract offer. We also offer a flexible approach to connected working, with no expectation of five days in the office.

Perks: When you join us you’ll have the flexibility to select the benefits that are right for you. https://www.osborneclarke.com/careers/careers-in-the-uk/your-rewards.

Sponsorship

We pay candidates’ PGDL and SQE tuition fees, provided that they are no more than half way through either course when they are recruited. We also provide a maintenance grant for each course.

Seat options

Banking; commercial; commercial disputes; competition; construction and energy; construction disputes; contingent workforce; corporate; corporate tax; employment; FIG; incentives; IP disputes; pensions; planning and environment; project finance; projects; property disputes; real estate; regulatory disputes; restructuring and insolvency.

Tips from the recruiter

1. Attention to detail is key – be sure to check your submission for any spelling or grammatical errors before you submit.
2. Practice any psychometric tests before you attempt the real thing; this will help you feel more confident.
3. Use AI wisely – it is a great research and refinement tool, but it will not be able to convey your personal motivations and authentic tone of voice.

Diversity and inclusion