If you think Osborne Clarke is the place to build your career in law, the next step is to apply for a training contract or a place on our Vacation Scheme.

We know there are a lot of people out there with the drive, determination and intellect to succeed at Osborne Clarke - and we'll give you every opportunity to prove it.

We welcome applications from penultimate year law students,  final year non law students, and graduates, as well as candidates seeking a career change.

Application criteria

A strong academic performance is essential and candidates should ideally have grades A – B at A' Level or equivalent, as well as a minimum 2:1 degree grade in any discipline.

Successful candidates will be commercially minded, highly driven and passionate about a career in law. They must be able to demonstrate initiative and have a thirst for early responsibility. We also value activities that can show effective communication and teamwork skills.

Our trainees come from a wide variety of backgrounds, regardless of gender, race or disability, with some joining after a first or even a second career.

Application deadlines

Training contracts

To apply for a training contract starting in September 2010 or March 2011 you will need to complete our online application form by clicking on the left hand link. The deadline for training contract applications is 31 July 2008. Please select the office where you would like to be based on the application form. We regret that we cannot accept paper applications or CV's.

Our assessment days are held in our Bristol, London and Thames Valley offices and comprise of group exercises, verbal reasoning test and a panel interview with partners. During the day you will have the opportunity to meet our current trainees and take a tour of the office.

Throughout this process we are looking for evidence of your ability to:

• Communicate effectively
• Think commercially, practically and realistically analyse information and solve problems creatively
• Build effective relationships with others, and to organise yourself and prioritise your work

Vacation scheme

The deadline for Vacation Scheme applications is 31 January 2008 and candidates should apply for the office that they would like to undertake the placement.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment day for selection onto the scheme. The assessment day will consist of group exercises and a verbal reasoning test.