Orrick Application Process

Read up on Orrick's application process.

Stage One

All applicants for both the vacation scheme or direct training contract routes will need to submit an online application in the first instance. This will include a covering letter and various questions around your commercial awareness, work experience and motivations for applying.

The application window for our vacation scheme route will open from 1 October 2023 and will close on 31 January 2024. We strongly encourage applicants to apply for a space on one of our vacation schemes as this is our primary method of recruitment.

The application window for our direct training contract route will open on 2 January 2024 and close on 30 April 2024. This route is designed primarily for those who are unable to complete a vacation scheme with us and is part of our commitment to ensuring equal access to our opportunities.

Stage Two

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake the Watson Glaser test. This is a psychometric test which tests critical thinking skills and verbal reasoning.

Stage Three

You will then be invited to take part in an assessment centre. This includes an interview, a drafting exercise and the opportunity to take part in a business game, which is designed to give an insight into the work of a solicitor at Orrick. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of our trainees and learn more about our practice areas.

Stage Four

If you are applying for our vacation scheme route, you will complete our summer vacation scheme in July. During the two-week scheme you’ll spend time in two practice groups, working on real work alongside our trainees, associates and partners. There will also be a variety of social opportunities and events throughout the scheme, giving you an opportunity to really get to know our team. Candidates can also expect to attend various training sessions and workshops and they will be assessed for a training contract via a structured interview, a written exercise, a research task and a group presentation (please note, the assessment process is subject to change).

If you are applying for our direct training contract route, then you will complete a final interview stage.

We will then review performance across both routes, before making final offers to candidates.

Apply now!