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Osborne Clarke early careers: how to get in

Last checked 2026-10-09 against Osborne Clarke's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with Osborne Clarke. How we check

At a glance

Training Contract

How Osborne Clarke recruits

Direct training contract (applications 1 October 2026 to 15 January 2027). 6 stages, from Osborne Clarke's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Osborne Clarke names them.

Applications may close early once places are filled, so apply well before any published deadline. Source

  1. Step 1: The application form

    Application form

    Online form with a motivation question and work experience. AI only for light text refinement.

    “The first step in the process is an online application form. Your chance to tell us about yourself, and why you’d like to join Osborne Clarke.”
    Source

  2. Step 2: Verbal and deductive reasoning tests

    Online tests, SHL

    SHL online verbal reasoning and deductive reasoning tests, sent after the application. No AI allowed.

    “Once your application form is in, you’ll be invited to complete an online verbal reasoning test and an online deductive reasoning test. [...] The tests are provided by SHL, and you can find more information and try out some practice tests here”
    Source

  3. Step 3: Virtual assessment centre

    Live video interview

    Short virtual session built around a commercially focused interview; no advance preparation.

    “This short virtual session involves a commercially focussed interview. It allows us to find out more about your communication skills, commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.”
    Source

  4. Step 4: In-person assessment centre

    Assessment centre

    In-person assessment day (February to March 2027, no virtual alternative): group discussion, partner interview and a Watson Glaser test.

    “The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview, and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability).”
    Source

  5. Watson Glaser test (at the assessment centre)

    Online tests, Watson Glaser

    Watson Glaser critical thinking test sat on the in-person assessment day.

    “The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview, and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability).”
    Source

  6. Partner interview

    Partner interview

    Partner interview at the in-person assessment centre.

    • partner
    “The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview, and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability).”
    Source

Vacation Scheme

How Osborne Clarke recruits

Summer vacation scheme 2027 (applications 1 October 2026 to 15 January 2027). 7 stages, from Osborne Clarke's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Osborne Clarke names them.

Applications may close early once places are filled, so apply well before any published deadline. Source

  1. Step 1: The application form

    Application form

    Online form with a motivation question and work experience. AI only for light text refinement.

    “The first step in the process is an online application form. Your chance to tell us about yourself, and why you’d like to join Osborne Clarke.”
    Source

  2. Step 2: Verbal and deductive reasoning tests

    Online tests, SHL

    SHL online verbal reasoning and deductive reasoning tests, sent after the application. No AI allowed.

    “Once your application form is in, you’ll be invited to complete an online verbal reasoning test and an online deductive reasoning test. [...] The tests are provided by SHL, and you can find more information and try out some practice tests here”
    Source

  3. Step 3: Virtual assessment centre

    Live video interview

    Short virtual session built around a commercially focused interview; no advance preparation.

    “This short virtual session involves a commercially focussed interview. It allows us to find out more about your communication skills, commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.”
    Source

  4. Step 4: In-person assessment centre

    Assessment centre

    In-person assessment day (February to March 2027, no virtual alternative): group discussion, partner interview and a Watson Glaser test.

    “The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview, and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability).”
    Source

  5. Watson Glaser test (at the assessment centre)

    Online tests, Watson Glaser

    Watson Glaser critical thinking test sat on the in-person assessment day.

    “The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview, and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability).”
    Source

  6. Partner interview

    Partner interview

    Partner interview at the in-person assessment centre.

    • partner
    “The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview, and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability).”
    Source

  7. Assessment during the vacation scheme

    Other stage

    During the scheme, candidates are assessed through group and written exercises and partner interviews.

    “We will assess you through a number of different exercises including group and written exercises and partner interviews.”
    Source

Insight Scheme

How Osborne Clarke recruits

Insight scheme 2027 (applications 1 October 2026 to 28 February 2027). 2 stages, from Osborne Clarke's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Osborne Clarke names them.

  1. Online application

    Application form

    Online application form.

    “For our Insight Scheme, the application process involves an online application and online verbal reasoning and deductive reasoning tests.”
    Source

  2. Online verbal and deductive reasoning tests

    Online tests, SHL

    Online verbal and deductive reasoning tests (SHL per the apply page).

    “For our Insight Scheme, the application process involves an online application and online verbal reasoning and deductive reasoning tests.”
    Source

Visa sponsorship

  • Training Contract

    No published visa-sponsorship statement found on the firm's own careers pages

  • Apprenticeships

    Osborne Clarke offers apprenticeships as a pathway to start a legal career, shortlisted for Apprentice Employer of the Year.

  • Vacation Scheme

    Osborne Clarke pays £550 a week for its Summer Vacation Scheme but no visa sponsorship statement was found on the scheme page.

  • Insight Scheme

    Osborne Clarke's two-day Insight Scheme for first-year students runs over Easter with no visa sponsorship statement published.

Osborne Clarke on the Home Office sponsor register

This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.

Common questions

What is the Osborne Clarke training contract application process?
Osborne Clarke's own careers pages describe 6 stages: Step 1: The application form, then Step 2: Verbal and deductive reasoning tests, then Step 3: Virtual assessment centre, then Step 4: In-person assessment centre, then Watson Glaser test (at the assessment centre), then Partner interview.
Which assessment providers does Osborne Clarke use?
Osborne Clarke names SHL, Watson Glaser on its own careers pages.

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Universities our users and Campus Crew study at. Not affiliated with any university.

GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Osborne Clarke or by SHL, Watson Glaser. Names are used only to identify Osborne Clarke's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check Osborne Clarke's official careers site before applying.

Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we check this data.