International law firm Osborne Clarke’s Bristol office has expanded its participation in a number of programmes aimed at improving diversity across the legal sector.
The office, along with the firm’s London base, has this summer hosted 17 legal and business services interns from the 10,000 Interns Foundation programmes, as well as its own Osborne Clarke Scholars pilot scheme. 
The firm, which employs around 800 people in Bristol, has taken part in 10,000 Interns programmes for the past three years.
This summer it has expanded its participation to include both the 10,000 Black Interns programme, supporting Black students and graduates, and the 10,000 Able Interns programme, which supports disabled students and graduates.
Launched in 2020, the scheme champions underrepresented talent and aims to change the face of British Business.
It has since offered 5,000 paid internship opportunities across more than 30 sectors with 700-plus participating organisations, and around 25,000 training opportunities to applicants.
Each of the 15 individuals taking part in Osborne Clarke’s 10,000 Interns programme – nine of which were based in its Bristol office – has a dedicated buddy to help support their learning journey, while junior and senior mentors have also been selected to inspire them and provide guidance on how to develop their careers while they are at the firm and for a further 12 months.
They also have the opportunity to gain broader industry insight by participating in placements and insight days with clients, including finance group Hargreaves Lansdown, construction and property development firm Bouygues UK, energy group OVO, TikTok and Warner Bros. Discovery. 
In addition, two legal interns from Osborne Clarke Scholars have taken part in the firm’s multi-year scholarship, mentoring and personal development pilot programme, which is supported by Osborne Clarke’s bonus from Microsoft’s Law Firm Diversity Programme (LFDP).
The programme also provides successful undergraduate students with financial support, a place on Osborne Clarke’s vacation scheme and mentoring with a junior and senior mentor throughout their university degree.
Osborne Clarke head of responsible business Kate Millar said: “We’re delighted to welcome this year’s cohort of summer interns, who have been selected through a highly competitive process.
“I look forward to working with them as they embark on an exciting programme, including spending time with our specialist teams and clients, alongside developing key professional skills they can take forward in their careers.”
10,000 Interns Programme alumni and future Osborne Clarke trainee solicitor Kayana Smith said: “My time as an intern at Osborne Clarke was transformative, especially in overcoming my initial feelings of imposter syndrome.
“I gained confidence in my abilities, a practical introduction to the legal sector, an amazing network of colleagues, and valuable, transferable skills to take forward.
“To this year’s interns, I would say make the most of this programme and the incredible people you’ll meet. Ask questions, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to learn new things.”
Pictured below: Some of the interns taking part in Osborne Clarke’s 10,000 Interns Foundation programme From left: Maariyah Jamil, Halimah Nadeem, Emilia Sil, Hamza Saleh, Genevieve Idro, Richard Deliha, Shirleen Birech, Kevwe Efemini, Oyindamo Olufayo and Paula Moyo
