When applying to apprenticeships it is essential to ensure you apply to a firm that aligns with your own values, and one that you can picture yourself beginning (and hopefully continuing!) your career at. It can often be hard to identify what working at a firm is like just from their website, so I'm here to give you a first-hand account on what makes Osborne Clarke different and, in my opinion, the very best!
The people
I can almost guarantee that this would be one of the top answers you will receive if you ask someone "What makes Osborne Clarke stand out?". 4 months into my apprenticeship, I can confirm to you that it truly is the people that make the firm a brilliant place to work. Everyone, regardless of seniority and role, is more than happy to spend time talking through things with me – whether this is a task I do not understand, or if it is just a general chat or catch up. I feel comfortable approaching anyone within the firm as I am always greeted with a friendly hello. As one of the youngest employees at the firm with a lot to learn, I feel supported in the workplace and I am confident that Osborne Clarke will allow me to flourish professionally.
My support network
Starting a full time job straight after A Levels is not easy. Adjusting to working alongside studying for my LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice at BPP University Law School was a big change for me. Fortunately, I have a fantastic support network at Osborne Clarke. The firm were one of the first to introduce solicitor apprentices into their business - starting back in 2018 with 2 apprentices in Bristol and now with 29 apprentices across all three UK offices, it is safe to say Osborne Clarke know what they are doing! Every apprentice is supportive, approachable and makes sure to check in on one another. Alongside this, I have regular catchups with the Future Lawyer team and frequent check-ins with my supervisor and team. My team are also very respectful of my study day and understand the stress that comes with exam seasons and coursework submission dates.
Get involved!
As a firm, we are dedicated to reducing our impact on the environment, raising funds for charity and supporting many great initiatives. In my time at Osborne Clarke so far I have volunteered at Camp Mohawk, a multi-functional day centre for children with special needs, and taken part in countless Charity Committee events and collections for our office charity – Berkshire Women's Aid. An upcoming event I am very excited to attend is OC Pride's Drag Queen Bingo to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month. There are so many committees to get involved in that support people from all walks of life ; I am honoured to be employed at a firm that places emphasis on the celebration of diversity and inclusion.
Liana Kirby - Solicitor apprentice
