Graduate opportunities

7 October 2024

Training contracts

Forsters’ Training Journey: A Path of Diverse Experiences. At Forsters, we welcome between ten and twelve trainees each year onto our two-year training contract. Our six-seat structure is designed to broaden your horizons, offering you a distinctive opportunity to explore a diverse range of practice areas.

We believe in giving you the freedom to discover your passion and the opportunity to revisit the department that most captivates your interest. In the final rotation, you will return to the department that you’ll qualify into – so you’ll have eight months of trainee experience in that area overall.

From day one, you’re not just a trainee; you’re an integral part of our team. You’ll be drafting documents, conducting research, and engaging with clients in a ‘hands-on’ environment that thrives on your active participation.

As you progress through each seat, we entrust you with greater responsibilities, nurturing your growth and shaping you into the lawyer you aspire to be. We’re not just building careers; we’re crafting the future of legal excellence.

Curious about how to start your journey with us? You may like to attend one of our open days or online events, or chat with the team at a careers fair. The next step is to apply for a vacation scheme, as this is how most of our trainees join us. We encourage you to take this opportunity and look forward to getting to know you better!

Please see more information on these opportunities below.

Your journey to joining us…

1. Open Days and Events

Discover the Forsters difference through our open days and events. Whether you join us in person or tune in virtually, it’s your window into the vibrant heart of our firm.

See dates and deadlines

2. Vacation schemes

Step into the world of Forsters with our vacation schemes.

In 2025, we’re excited to offer three unique opportunities to experience life at our firm. As a vacation scheme student, you’re not just a visitor; you’re a potential future trainee. We’ll treat you as such, immersing you in the real work that our trainees thrive on.

Find out more

3. Training Contracts

Every year Forsters takes on between ten and twelve trainees.

Most of our trainees are recruited from our vacation schemes. We invite you to apply for a vacation scheme so we can get to know you better.

As a trainee at Forsters, you’ll embark on a two-year journey filled with six distinct seats, each offering a unique perspective on our legal practice. Our aim is to offer you a training contract that gives you the best exposure to our work and our clients.

Hear from past & present trainees

A woman wearing glasses smiles while talking to another person. She is in an indoor setting, with a blurred background featuring another individual partially visible.

Open days and events

Discover the Forsters difference through our open days and events. Whether you join us in person or tune in virtually, it’s your window into the vibrant heart of our firm.

Open days and events

Open days:

Dive into a series of enlightening presentations that shine a light on the diverse areas of our work and the essence of our culture. Engage with our people from across the firm and gain genuine insights into life at Forsters.

22 October 2024 Trainee Open Day (in person)

Applications open: 5 September 2024
Applications close: 15 October 2024

9 December 2024 Trainee Open Day (in person)

Applications open: 16 November 2024
Applications close: 02 December 2024

Please note we can support with travel expenses to attend our open days.

Apply now to secure your place

Q&A session with Early Careers:

It’s more than an event; it’s a conversation. We’re here to guide you, offering support and advice for your application and demystifying the path to qualification, no matter where you’re starting from. Embrace this opportunity to connect, learn, and envision your future with us. We can’t wait to meet you!

12 November 2024 Trainee Application Q&A session with Early Careers (online)

Applications open: 05 September 2024
Applications close: 08 November 2024

Apply now to secure your place

First Year Insight Day:

This opportunity is perfect for students who are still studying and not yet eligible to apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. It’s a chance to get an inside look at life at Forsters and the work we do. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with our trainees about their experiences and hear from different departments to get a taste of what we’re all about. We’ll also introduce you to our diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as our responsible business work, so you can see how you can get involved in activities beyond the day-to-day job.

7 May 2025 First Year Insight Day (in person) (online)

Applications open: 05 September 2024
Applications close: 28 April 2024

Please note we can support with travel expenses to attend our insight day.

Apply now to secure your place

The pathway to joining our open days and events!

1

Online application
2

Early Careers team review application (rolling basis)
3

Open day/insight day/event offer

You can also chat with our Early Careers team and trainees at the following events:

8 October 2024

Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair
7 November 2024

Legal Cheek Commercial Awareness Workshop
Date TBC

BPP Virtual Law Fair

A smiling person with curly hair in a checkered coat converses with others in a social setting, surrounded by blurred figures in business attire.

Vacation schemes

Step into the world of Forsters with our vacation schemes.

In 2025, we’re excited to offer three unique opportunities to experience life at our firm – one in the Spring and two in the Summer. As a vacation scheme student, you’re not just a visitor; you’re a potential future trainee. We’ll treat you as such, immersing you in the real work that our trainees thrive on.

Each of our schemes hosts about 10 students, ensuring a personalised and focused experience. During your week with us, you’ll be supervised by one of our associates, diving into tasks and responsibilities that mirror a trainee’s role. Your time with us is more than just work; we’ll invest in you with skills workshops and include social activities for you to get to know us and each other better.

Here are a few exciting details to keep in mind:

Salary

If you join us for the week, you’ll earn £475 gross salary.
Training contract interviews

During the vacation scheme, you’ll also have the opportunity to interview for a training contract, with plenty of support to help you through the process.
Visa sponsorship

If you’re an international student, we’d love to have you on our vacation scheme if your visa allows it (though we don’t provide sponsorship for the scheme). If your current visa doesn’t cover this, don’t worry! You’re welcome to apply directly for a training contract, as we do offer visa sponsorship for our trainees.
Support

You’ll be paired with both a buddy and a supervisor who will be there to guide you, ensuring you have everything you need—whether it’s managing your workload or diversifying your experience.

Our goal?

To provide you with a genuine glimpse into your potential future as a trainee at Forsters. We’re dedicated to offering an experience that’s as insightful as it is memorable. Join us and take the first step towards shaping your career with Forsters.

Interested to take part? Take a look at our entry requirements and guidance for when to apply below.

Vacation scheme dates and deadlines

Spring Vacation Scheme: 7-11 April 2025 (1 week)

7-11 April 2025 (1 week)
Summer Vacation Scheme 1:

9-13 June 2025 (1 week)
Summer Vacation Scheme 2:

16-20 June 2025 (1 week)

Applications open:

5 September 2024
Applications close:

6 January 2025

If you cannot spend the week with us for the vacation scheme, you can apply directly to the training contract. The deadlines for both routes are the same. All assessment days will take place in February and final interviews for direct applicants will take place in either April or June alongside the vacation schemes.

A man with curly hair smiles, engaging in conversation. He wears a suit and tie. The background shows a softly lit room with other people, suggesting a social gathering.

Discover the firm

At Forsters, we take happiness seriously! We offer a range of firm socials and clubs for you to dive into, including football, netball, running, rounders, yoga, choir, and even a book club. We encourage you to jump into the full Forsters experience and join our regular firm-wide and team gatherings.

Forsters for good

We are also driven by what really matters, and you can also get involved with our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) committee and charity networks, which host fantastic events throughout the year. The firm also runs a lunch club that helps feed those in need at a local church on Thursdays.

For more details on all these opportunities, check out our Responsible Business pages. We can’t wait for you to get involved and enjoy all that Forsters has to offer!

Training and seat rotation

How it works

Forsters’ Training Journey: A Path of Diverse Experiences. As a trainee at Forsters, you’ll embark on a two-year journey filled with six distinct seats, each offering a unique perspective on our legal practice. We encourage you to immerse yourself in both Tax, Trusts and Estates (TTE) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE), with a requirement to complete a seat in at least one of these core areas.

In line with SRA guidelines, you’re also required to engage in a contentious seat, choosing from our specialised teams in Dispute Resolution, Property Litigation, Family, Employment & Partnership or Contentious Construction. While a second contentious seat is a possibility, it’s tailored to the firm’s needs and your professional development.

Your final seat is not just another rotation; it’s the gateway to your future. You’ll spend these last four months in the department where you’ll qualify. This gives you the advantage of eight months’ experience in your chosen field, allowing you to transition smoothly into your role as a qualified solicitor with confidence and a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics and work.

Departments

At Forsters, we ensure that every trainee gains a well-rounded experience, which is why you’re guaranteed to spend time in either Commercial Real Estate (CRE) or Trusts, Tax and Estates (TTE), or both, as well as a contentious seat. This approach is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our key practice areas and how they interact with other parts of the firm.

We know that each trainee has unique preferences, and we take the time to understand your drivers and areas of interest. While we do our best to accommodate individual requests, our seat rotations are ultimately driven by our business needs. Although we cannot promise a seat in a specific team, we do guarantee exposure to a range of areas and promise to support you in finding your path within Forsters’ diverse practice areas.

Reviews

We ask each trainee to have two reviews during each seat:

1. Mid seat review (at the 2-month mark): This is an informal chat between you and your supervisor. It’s a great chance to reflect on what you’ve achieved so far, identify areas where you’d like more experience, and get valuable feedback to help guide your progress in the second half of your seat.

2. End of seat review (at the 4-month mark): This is a more formal meeting between you, your supervisor, and sometimes a partner. You’ll need to complete a form beforehand, using the Trainee Career Development Framework to guide you.

Both reviews play an important role in the Newly Qualified (NQ) qualification process.

Application process

Entry reqirements

A level: We’re looking for applicants who have a minimum ABB at A level. For those who have completed their education outside the U.K. and do not have A levels, there is space within the application form to add details of your equivalent qualifications and grades. We consider the merits of all applications individually; therefore, you are still welcome to apply if you have not achieved ABB as we take mitigating circumstances into account. The application form includes space to add these details.

Degree: Candidates should have gained or expect to gain a 2:1 or higher degree classification. We recruit from a broad range of degree backgrounds and welcome both graduate and undergraduate applications. Our trainees have attended a variety of universities and studied a variety of subjects.

When to apply

Vacation Schemes and Training Contract: Whether you’re still studying or have already graduated, we’re excited to welcome your application! For current students, we invite non-law students in their final year, and law students in their penultimate and final year to apply. Applicants from all universities are welcome. For graduates, we welcome applicants from all degree subjects and career changers, regardless of how long it’s been since you graduated. We typically bring our trainees on board through our vacation schemes and would love for you to apply to spend a week with us so we can get to know you better. However, if you’re unable to participate in a vacation scheme, you’re also welcome to apply directly for the training contract. We kindly ask that you choose between these options, as we can only accept one application.

Open Days and Trainee Application Q&A with Early Careers: We encourage you to apply for an open day before submitting a vacation scheme application to come to the office and hear more about the work we do. All our open days offer the same content and opportunities, so please apply to just one per cycle. The eligibility requirements are the same as those for our vacation schemes and training contract.

First year insight day: This special opportunity is designed for students who are still studying and not yet eligible to apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. For those studying law, you must be in your first year of a 3-year degree, or first/second year of a 4-year degree. For applicants studying a non-law degree, you must not be in the final year. If you do not meet the above criteria, you should instead apply for the open days.

What we look for

We love meeting candidates who bring a variety of strengths and perspectives. While having the intellectual ability to solve complex problems is essential, we’re also looking for a genuine interest in Forsters and what we do. We’re proud of our reputation as a friendly, collaborative firm, so we value personable individuals with drive, ambition, and a strong work ethic.

During the application process, we’re excited to learn more about you—your personality, your passions, and what has inspired you to pursue a career in law. Rest assured; every application is personally reviewed by a member of our graduate recruitment panel, and we don’t use any automatic filtering systems.

Supporting your development: thrive from day one

Supervisors

Each trainee is paired with a supervisor, who is a senior associate or associate. Your supervisor will be your go-to person for allocating and delegating your workload, as well as guiding you through your reviews. They’re there to support your growth, ensure you gain experience across a variety of legal work, and provide general supervision and development. Your supervisor is also there to look out for your wellbeing and help you feel connected within the department.

Mentors

Imagine having a trusted friend at Forsters, someone who’s not just a mentor but a guide as you embark on your career. We pair every trainee with a senior associate who can share their wisdom and experience and be available to check in on how you’re doing throughout the training contract. You’ll find that with their support, your confidence and independence grow, preparing you to navigate the complexities of your career with assurance. We envision a lasting connection that continues beyond the training contract.

Buddies

Before you officially join us, we make sure to keep the connection alive! We’ll stay in touch and invite you to various social events, giving you the opportunity to mingle with your future colleagues. Shortly before your start date, you’ll be paired with a buddy – someone you may have already met at one of our events. Your buddy will be a second-year trainee and they are there to ensure you settle in seamlessly and will be your go-to person for any questions or concerns during your first year of training. They’ll be ready for a quick chat over coffee or to share insights that only come from experience.

Invest in your future: discover financial support and benefits

Funding

We’re proud to sponsor your journey through the PGDL and/or the SQE. We’ll pay for your courses and provide a maintenance grant of £9,000 for each year of study. If you’ve already completed these studies before receiving a training contract offer with us, we don’t sponsor the fees retrospectively.

Salary

At Forsters, we understand that a rewarding career includes competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. We’re proud to offer salaries that reflect our commitment to our trainees’ excellence and dedication. As of September 2025, first-year trainees will receive £45,500, second-year trainees will receive £48,500, and NQs will receive £86,000. We review our salaries annually on 1 September to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.

Benefits

Our benefits package is designed to support you in every aspect of your life, both professionally and personally. We offer 27 days of holiday, life and permanent health insurance, private healthcare, and a contributory pension to secure your future. We also provide practical perks like a season ticket loan, subsidised gym membership, and a cycle to work scheme to keep you moving forward. We appreciate that taking care of your wellbeing can look different to different people, so our ‘Wellbeing Fund’ is designed to give flexibility around personal benefits. For some people, it’s about National Trust membership, while for others it’s vouchers for nutritional food delivery services. Our employee assistance programme and staff discounts platform are there to add value to your everyday life, making sure you feel valued in all you do at Forsters.

Key dates: open days and events

5 September – 15 October 2024

Applications open for October Open Day (in person 22 October 2024)
5 September – 8 November 2024

Applications open for November Early Careers Applications Q&A session (online 12 November 2024)
16 October – 2 December 2024

Applications open for December Open Day (in person 9 December 2024)
5 September – 28 April 2025

Applications open for First Year Insight Day (in person 7 May 2025)

Key dates: vacation schemes and training contracts

5 September – 6 January 2025

Applications open for 2025 Vacation Schemes and 2027 Training Contract
February 2025

Assessment days
7 -11 April 2025

Spring Vacation Scheme

9 – 13 June 2025

Summer Vacation Scheme 1
16 – 20 June 2025

Summer Vacation Scheme 2

Forsters’ Recruitment Process: A Journey to Excellence.

We seek candidates who not only meet our criteria but also bring a unique spark to Forsters.

Following completion of the online application form and self-recorded video interview, those who stand out will be shortlisted and invited to an assessment day, a pivotal step in our hiring process. If you shine during the assessment, you’ll receive a vacation scheme offer (or final interview if applying for the training contract directly). Both routes involve the final interview stage, and this is your moment to demonstrate your potential and take one step closer to joining our esteemed team. We’re not just assessing skills; we’re looking for future colleagues who will thrive in our collaborative and dynamic environment. Good luck!

1

Online application
2

Early Careers team review application (rolling basis)
3

Video interview (self-record and submit)

4

Application form deadline
5

Graduate Recruitment Panel review video interview (non-rolling basis)
6

Assessment day (February 2025)

7

Vacation scheme offer
8

Final interview including presentation whilst on vacation scheme
9

Training Contract offer

The application process is identical for both vacation scheme and training contract applications. All assessment days will take place in February and final interviews for direct applicants will take place in either April or June alongside the vacation schemes.

How to apply

Apply to become part of our team and start your career at Forsters.

All applications for vacation schemes, training contracts, open days, insight days and events should be made online by clicking the button below. We do not accept paper applications or CVs.

Apply now

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope our FAQs answer any questions you might have! If you still have something on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can easily contact us by emailing Emma at [email protected].

Applications

Do you prefer candidates to come from a law or non-law degree background?

We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds, whether you studied law or not. Our trainees come from a wide variety of universities and have studied a range of subjects, so feel free to apply, regardless of your degree!

Should I apply for the vacation scheme or directly for the training contract?

We recruit most of our trainees through our vacation schemes, and we’d love for you to apply so we can get to know you better. However, if you’re unable to join us for a week, you’re welcome to apply directly for the training contract. The process is the same for both.

Which intake should I apply for?

We recruit our training contract intakes two years in advance. For example, if you apply between September 2024 and January 2025, you’ll be applying for the September 2027 intake. This allows you plenty of time to complete your degree, PGDL, and SQE qualifications.

Can I apply for an earlier cohort if I’m ready to start my training sooner?

We usually fill all our trainee spaces each recruitment cycle, so earlier intakes are generally not available. However, if a trainee’s circumstances change, there may be an opportunity to start earlier, which we consider on a case-by-case basis.

If my application is unsuccessful, can I reapply?

Yes! If you’re not successful in applying for the 2025 vacation scheme, you’re more than welcome to reapply for the 2026 scheme.

What does ‘rolling’ and ‘non-rolling’ basis mean?

Rolling basis: applications will be assessed as they are received, we will not wait until after the application deadline to review them.

Non-rolling basis: applications will be assessed after the application deadline has passed.

Open days and events

Do you hold open days?

Yes, we do! We host open days and events at various times throughout the year. Any upcoming events will be advertised here.

Do you attend careers fairs?

Absolutely! We attend a variety of careers events and fairs each year. We don’t target specific universities, as we want to be inclusive to all applicants. While our schedule may vary, we typically attend fairs with the University of Law, BPP, and Legal Cheek.

Sponsorship

Do you offer visa sponsorship?

We offer visa sponsorship for training contracts but not for vacation schemes. If applying for the vacation scheme, please ensure your visa does not limit your working hours during the vacation scheme dates.

PGDL and SQE

Which courses do trainees complete?

Whether you come from a law background or another discipline, we have a clear path laid out for you. For non-law graduates, we’ll guide you through the PGDL and the SQE before you begin your training with us. For Law graduates, it’s straight to the SQE. We’re proud to sponsor our future trainees for both the PGDL and SQE, and we’ll support you with a maintenance grant of £9,000 per year of study.

Please note, if you’ve already completed the LPC, rest assured, you won’t need to take the SQE, thanks to transitional provisions in place until 2032. We’re here to support your course applications and registrations, ensuring a smooth transition into your training.

Do you mind where I do the PGDL or SQE?

Forsters is proud to partner exclusively with The University of Law, offering a bespoke SQE LLM programme (SQE1, SQE2 and SQE Plus) crafted specifically for our future trainees. Choose the University of Law location that suits you best; we’re flexible because it’s about your convenience and comfort as you prepare to join us.

If you’ve already completed your studies before securing a training contract with us, don’t worry if it was at a different institution – we recognise that everyone’s journey is unique.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Future Trainees

How do you stay in touch with future trainees?

We prioritise keeping in touch with our future trainees, to ensure they remain connected with the firm. Here are some of the ways we do this:

We host a future trainee welcome party at our office, where you can enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and networking with current trainees and the Graduate Recruitment team.
Our Learning and Development and Knowledge teams create newsletters to keep you updated on firm news and legal insights.
We share details of virtual D&I events so future trainees can join in and stay engaged.
We offer future trainees a subscription to the Financial Times to help you stay on top of your commercial awareness.

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) within Recruitment

How should I raise any extra support requirements I may have?

Forsters’ Commitment to Equality and Inclusion:

At Forsters, we’re dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for everyone. We strive to attract a diverse range of candidates and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Our commitment to equal opportunities is unwavering, and we believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our firm and the legal services we provide.

If you require any support or adjustments during the application or hiring process, we’re here to assist you. You can include these details in your application form or directly inform the Early Careers team by emailing [email protected]. We understand that each candidate’s needs are unique, and we’re ready to accommodate them to ensure a fair and supportive recruitment journey.

Join us at Forsters, where your individuality is valued, and your potential is recognised. We’re looking forward to welcoming you into a firm where you can thrive and make a difference.

Do you contribute towards expenses to attend open days and assessment days?

Yes, we can support with travel expenses for those attending open days and assessment days. We are happy to reimburse for within mainland UK (train/bus/driving). If likely to exceed £150 please let us know in advance.

How does Forsters approach diversity and inclusion in the graduate recruitment process?

At Forsters, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our Early Careers strategy. Our team collaborates closely with the firm’s D&I committee and support networks to continually enhance our processes. Here are a few ways we’re making a difference:

Blind First-Round Interviews: On assessment days, our interviewers don’t see your application form before meeting you, ensuring a fair and unbiased process.

Contextual Recruitment Tool: We use Rare Recruitment’s contextual tool within our online application to consider your achievements in the context of your personal background. Learn more here.

MyPlus Consulting Gold Membership: As a gold member of MyPlus Consulting, we focus on inclusive recruitment for candidates with disabilities. More information can be found here.

Halo Code Membership: We’re members of the Halo Code, supporting a future free from hair discrimination. We encourage you to attend our events and assessments feeling comfortable and confident in your natural hair. Learn more here.

Disability Confident Certification: We’re certified under the Disability Confident scheme, and we’re committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. Learn more here. In line with Disability Confident requirements, our minimum criteria for an invitation for interview (assessment day stage) would be steps 1-4 below:

1. Submit your online application
2. The Early Careers team review your application for eligibility and quality of response
3. If invited to progress, record and submit a video interview
4. Our Graduate Recruitment Panel review the video interview

We’re excited to meet talented candidates from all backgrounds and look forward to welcoming you to Forsters!

Paralegals

Can Forsters paralegals apply for the training contract?

Forsters paralegals are welcome to apply for our training contract. We advise paralegals to apply for the training contract directly, rather than the vacation scheme.

Can Forsters paralegals reapply if unsuccessful?

Forsters paralegals are welcome to apply for the training contract for a maximum of 3 recruitment cycles.

How do I apply for a paralegal role at Forsters?

We will advertise any paralegal vacancies we have on our website and social media channels such as LinkedIn. Applications will go via our recruitment team in HR.

Meet our past trainees

Candice Johnson

Associate, Commercial Real Estate

Chloe Daley

Associate, Private Client

Sonny Stewart

Associate, Banking and Finance

Anthony Goodmaker

Partner, Commercial Real Estate

Laura Neal

Senior Associate, Private Client

Alice Gordon-Finlayson

Senior Associate, Planning

Jo Thompson

Senior Associate, Private Client

Meet our present trainees

Liam Allen

Trainee Solicitor

Claris Bell

Trainee Solicitor

Tabatha Berrill

Trainee Solicitor

Ellie Cass

Trainee Solicitor

Sebastian Coveney

Trainee Solicitor

Rina Dosanjh

Trainee Solicitor

Alison Fletcher

Trainee Solicitor

Harry Game

Trainee Solicitor

Tin Hei Lam

Trainee Solicitor

Renesha Hodgson

Trainee Solicitor

Kathryn Jackson

Trainee Solicitor

Clara Kent

Trainee Solicitor

Emily Kilner

Trainee Solicitor

Paige Knight

Trainee Solicitor

Tamanna Malik

Trainee Solicitor

Emma Mantzos

Trainee Solicitor

Rosie March

Trainee Solicitor

Emma Mason

Trainee Solicitor

Connor Rutherford

Trainee Solicitor

Saffy Sall

Trainee Solicitor

Jamie Sinclair

Trainee Solicitor

Annie Tam

Trainee Solicitor

Sophie Wilson

Trainee Solicitor

Podcasts

We’ve collated some of our Graduate Recruitment themed podcasts below to help provide further information about life at Forsters, what it’s really like training with us, and how to go about completing your application.

Graduate Recruitment – Meet the Teams

More Than Law Podcast host, Miri Stickland, is joined by various guests as they discuss the goings on in their departments, and what their days normally look like.

Graduate Recruitment – Mythbusters

Graduate Recruitment Partner, Emily Holdstock, and More Than Law Podcast host, Miri Stickland, are joined by various guests as they discuss some of the common myths and frequently asked questions surrounding training contracts and the application process.