Training Contract at Osborne Clarke
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
The Firm
About Osborne Clarke
Osborne Clarke has built its identity around technology, digital, and innovation-sector clients, alongside strong energy, financial services, and life sciences practices. Operating across three UK offices (London, Bristol, Reading) and 26 global offices, the firm offers trainees genuine cross-border exposure. The OC Solutions programme offers a dedicated legal technology secondment that is rare among firms at this level.
Non-hierarchical and genuinely collaborative. Open-plan offices at all levels are deliberate — partners sit alongside trainees. The culture rewards intellectual curiosity about technology and its intersection with law. Applications close in mid-January, earlier than most firms.
Key Numbers
Training contract at a glance
Osborne Clarke funds SQE preparation — Full SQE fees plus a £15,000 maintenance grant. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.
Selection Criteria
What Osborne Clarke looks for
Academic requirements
2:1 or above in any subject. Technology, science, or engineering backgrounds are particularly valued.
Core values they screen for
Experience & background
Technology sector experience or a tech-adjacent background is a genuine differentiator. OC Solutions legal tech secondment is available to trainees.
The Process
Application timeline
Deadline is mid-January — earlier than most firms. Do not miss it.
Across all three UK offices.
Two intake cohorts per year.
How to Win
Application tips for Osborne Clarke
Applications close mid-January — significantly earlier than most firms. Calendar it now.
The OC Solutions legal tech secondment is a real differentiator if you have interest in legal innovation — reference it in applications.
Tech sector clients are at the core of the firm's identity. Demonstrate commercial awareness of technology-driven industries rather than generic M&A knowledge.
SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →
Assessment
Interview & assessment format
Process stages
- 1Online application
- 2Video interview
- 3Assessment centre across UK offices
Interview tips
- —Show genuine curiosity about how technology intersects with legal services.
- —Research OC's energy and life sciences practices — not just tech — to show breadth.
Insider Knowledge
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
The OC Solutions secondment gives trainees hands-on legal technology work that most firms reserve for senior associates.
Three UK offices means you can specify Bristol or Reading and get equivalent quality work with better quality of life than central London.
Qualification Costs
SQE funding at Osborne Clarke
Full SQE fees plus a £15,000 maintenance grant. GDL/LPC also sponsored for those on the LPC route with an £11,000 maintenance grant.
The Full Picture
The full qualification journey
TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.
SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →
Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.
Your firm covers a lot — but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.
FAQ
Osborne Clarke — frequently asked questions
How many trainees does Osborne Clarke take per year?
What is the Osborne Clarke training contract salary?
Does Osborne Clarke fund SQE preparation?
What is the Osborne Clarke training contract application deadline?
What does Osborne Clarke look for in training contract applications?
What is the Osborne Clarke assessment centre format?
Ready to apply?
Applications go directly to Osborne Clarke's official graduate recruitment portal.
Apply at Osborne ClarkeOpens in a new tab — you will leave The Qualified Path.
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