Graduate Recruitment

Starting your career at Forsters

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 in your final seat so you’ll have eight months of trainee experience in that area overall before you qualify as a solicitor.

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!

“As the partner responsible for Early Careers, I’m personally invested in the recruitment and development of our trainee and apprentice solicitors. At Forsters, we’re passionate about nurturing top talent and providing a first-class training programme because our recruits are the future of the firm. We hope that the information on these pages gives you a glimpse into what life at Forsters would be like and helps you decide if we’re the right fit for you.”

Emily Holdstock
Early Careers Partner

Please see more information on these opportunities below.


Key dates

Vacation Schemes

Please note that assessment days for the vacation schemes will take place in February 2025.

2025 Spring Vacation Scheme

Applications will open 5 September 2024 and close 6 January 2025.

Vacation Scheme 1: Monday 7 April - Friday 11 April

2025 Summer Vacation Schemes

Applications will open 5 September 2024 and close 6 January 2025.

Vacation Scheme 2: Monday 9 June – Friday 13 June

Vacation Scheme 3: Monday 16 June – Friday 20 June

2027 Training Contract

Please note that 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 more. However, if you are unable to spend a week with us, you are welcome to apply directly for the 2027 training contract.

The process is identical for both vacation scheme and training contract applications.

Applications will open 5 September 2024 and close 6 January 2025.

Open Days

We will be hosting the following events in person at 22 Baker Street.

Open day 1: 22 October 2024 (applications open 5 September – 15 October 2024)

Open day 2: 9 December 2024 (applications open 16 October – 2 December 2024)

First Year Insight day: 7 May 2025 (applications open 5 September – 28 May 2025)

Early Careers Q&A Session

We will be hosting the following event online.

Trainee Application online Q&A session: 12 November 2024 (applications open 5 September - 8 November 2024)

Please apply to all opportunities here

Fairs and Events

Come and chat with our Early Careers team and trainees at the following events:

  • 11 September - University of Law Fair
  • 8 October - Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair
  • 7 November - Legal Cheek Workshop and Networking Event
  • Date TBC - BPP Virtual Law Fair

About us

Forsters is not just another law firm; our ability to meet the exacting requirements of our clients is enhanced by our approach, size and location. We do not seek to offer everything to everyone, but to excel at what we do, as leaders in our chosen fields.

Glasses on a meeting room table at Forsters


Training at Forsters

Every year Forsters takes on between ten and twelve trainees. The training contract at Forsters is divided into six four-month seats, not the traditional four.

People talking and laughing while working - training at Forsters


Vacation Schemes

In 2025, we will offer Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes.

A woman working on a document at Forsters


Open Days and Events

Open Days allow students to learn more about working at Forsters.

People reviewing documents around a table at Forsters


Meet the trainees - past and present

Here is your chance to get to know some of our staff and find out what they think life is like working at Forsters.

People talking and laughing while working - training at Forsters


How to Apply

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

Someone typing on a computer keyboard.


Frequently Asked Questions

Our frequently asked questions will hopefully answer any queries you have.

People talking and smiling at Forsters


Podcasts

We've collated some of our recent 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.

A solicitor reading a document in a beautiful meeting room at Forsters' Hill Street offices.


"Definitely a name in this space."
Chambers UK, 2021
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