Solicitor Apprenticeships
Apply to become part of our team and start your career at Forsters.
All applications for solicitor apprenticeship, open days and events should be made online by clicking the button above. We do not accept paper applications or CVs.
Embark on a six-year journey to solicitor success with Forsters’ Solicitor Apprenticeship – your exciting path to a rewarding legal career!
Join us in September 2025 as one of four apprentices commencing a six-year journey to solicitor success. Our apprenticeship programme is designed to expand your horizons, offering a unique opportunity to dive into a variety of practice areas. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to earn while they learn, discover their passions in a supportive environment, and gain invaluable experience from industry leaders.
From day one, you're more than just an apprentice – you’re a valued member of our team. You’ll work alongside experienced fee earners on real client matters, participate in team meetings, conduct research, assist with document preparation, maintain accurate records, and support the team through various stages of transactions. Plus, you'll attend sessions and workshops to build your legal knowledge and skills, laying a strong foundation for your future.
As you progress, we’ll give you the chance to take on more responsibility, helping you grow and develop into the lawyer you aspire to be. At Forsters, we’re not just shaping careers – we’re crafting the future of legal excellence.
Interested in starting your journey with us? We’d love for you to join one of our open days or online events to learn more about us before you apply. Take this opportunity to get to know us, and we look forward to getting to know you better too!
“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
- 5 September 2024: Applications open for 2025 Solicitor Apprenticeship, Q&A session and Open Day.
- 29 October 2024: Applications close for Q&A session with Early Careers
- 31 October 2024: Q&A session with Early Careers (online)
- 13 November 2024: Applications close for Open Day
- 20 November 2024: Open Day (in person)
- 6 February 2025: Applications close for 2025 Solicitor Apprenticeship
- March 2025: Assessment days
Discover the Firm Opportunities Beyond Your Work
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, run club, choir, and even a book club. We encourage you to immerse yourself into the full Forsters experience by joining our regular firm-wide and team-based events.
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 organises a lunch club that supports a local church by providing meals to those in need every Thursday.
For more details on these opportunities, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility pages. We’re excited for you to get involved and experience everything Forsters has to offer.
Forsters' Apprenticeship Adventure: A Path of Varied Opportunities
The solicitor apprenticeship will take 6 years to complete, here’s how it’s mapped out:
Years one and two:
In your first two years, you'll settle into one department, giving you the chance to really get to know the work and the team. You’ll also spend six months with our Compliance team, offering you a unique perspective on the business and expanding your network across the firm.
Years three and four:
In years three and four, things get exciting as you start rotating annually through some of our key practice areas. You’ll explore departments like construction, commercial real estate, property litigation, and residential property, discovering where your passions lie.
Years five and six:
In your final two years, you’ll join our trainees in rotating through six different practice areas to experience a wide range of legal challenges.
Your last rotation will bring you back to the department you’ve chosen as your qualifying seat, giving you the perfect opportunity to deepen your expertise and prepare for a successful transition into a newly qualified role.
Your Qualification Journey: The Training and Skills for Success
Years 1 to 4:
In the first four years, you’ll be balancing work with a part-time law degree. You’ll spend four exciting days a week at Forsters, with one dedicated day for your studies. You'll complete this part of your apprenticeship with BPP University alongside your fellow apprentices.
Years 5 & 6:
In the final two years, you’ll dive into studying for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exam). Again, you’ll work four days a week at Forsters, with one day set aside for your SQE studies. By the end of these two years, you’ll have all the qualifications you need to become a fully qualified solicitor with Forsters!
Learning and Development
In addition to your BPP qualifications, our Learning and Development team at Forsters is here to supercharge your growth! We offer exciting training sessions and workshops that cover everything from effective communication and office etiquette to boosting self-confidence and refining presentation skills. By the end of your six-year adventure, we aim to help you become a well-rounded solicitor, equipped with all the skills and knowledge you need to shine in your legal career!
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 apprentices' excellence and dedication. As of September 2024, first-year apprentices will receive £25,000. This salary will increase each year and will match the trainee salary of £44,500 in the 5th year and £47,500 in the 6th year. NQs (following the apprenticeship, once qualified) will receive £81,000. We review our salaries annually on 1 September to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.
Forsters' Recruitment Process: A Journey to Excellence
Entry requirements
We’re excited to welcome applications for our solicitor apprenticeship from Year 13 students and recent school leavers. If you’re aiming for or have achieved A-level grades of ABB or higher we’d love to hear from you! 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.
Please note that if you’ve completed a degree or are currently working towards one, this apprenticeship isn’t the right fit for you – but we encourage you to explore our graduate opportunities instead.
What we look for
We’re looking for open-minded and enthusiastic team players who are ready to start their apprenticeship with us in September 2025.
We love meeting candidates who bring a range of strengths and perspectives. While solving complex problems requires intellectual ability, we’re also looking for a genuine interest in Forsters and what we do. As a firm known for being friendly and collaborative, we value personable individuals with drive, ambition, and a strong work ethic.
Throughout the application process, we’re excited to get to know you—your personality, your passions, and what has inspired you to pursue a career in law. Every application is personally reviewed by a member of our Early Careers panel, and we don’t use any automatic filtering systems.
We seek candidates who not only meet our criteria but also bring a unique spark to Forsters.
The application process:
- Online application
- Early Careers team review application (rolling basis)
- Video interview (self-record and submit)
- Application form deadline
- Early Careers Panel review video interview (non-rolling basis)
- Assessment day (March 2025)
- Apprenticeship offer
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. This is your moment to demonstrate your potential and take one step closer to joining our team. If you shine during the assessment, you'll receive an offer for the apprenticeship. Good luck!
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.
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!
31 October 2024 Apprentice Application Q&A session with Early Careers (online)
- Applications open: 05/09/2024
- Applications close: 29/10/2024
Open Day:
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. BPP will also be shedding some light on the part-time study experience.
20 November 2024 Apprentice Open Day (in person)
- Applications open: 05/09/2024
- Applications close: 13/11/2024
Please note we can support with travel expenses to attend our open days.
The pathway to joining our open days and events!
- Online application
- Early Careers team review application (rolling basis)
- Open day/ /event offer
Fairs
You can also come and chat with our Early Careers team at the following events:
- 18 October 2024: Uptree Futures UP event
- 28 October 2024: City Century London Event (QEII centre)
- January 2025 (Date TBC): Legal Cheek virtual event
Please note applications for these events do not come through the firm.
How to apply
Apply to become part of our team and start your career at Forsters.
All applications for solicitor apprenticeship, open days and events should be made online by clicking the button above. We do not accept paper applications or CVs.
Solicitor Apprenticeship:
All applications will be reviewed by a member of the Early Careers team on a rolling basis, we do not use any automatic filtering systems. If you are progressed to the next stage, you will be invited to record and submit a video interview. The video interviews will be reviewed by a member of the Early Careers panel once the application deadline has passed (on a non-rolling basis). The application for the apprenticeship will not be closed early.
- Applications open: 05/09/2024
- Applications close: 06/02/2025
Open Days and Events:
All applications will be reviewed by a member of the Early Careers team on a rolling basis. We do not use any automatic filtering systems. The open day/events application may be closed early due to the number of applications received.
31 October 2024 Application Q&A session with Early Careers (online)
- Applications open: 05/09/2024
- Applications close: 19/10/2024
20 November 2024 Open Day (in person)
- Applications open: 05/09/2024
- Applications close: 13/11/2024
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.
FAQ:
Applications
What is the minimum academic criteria for applications?
We’re excited to welcome applications for our solicitor apprenticeship from Year 13 students and recent school leavers. If you’re aiming for or have achieved A-level grades of ABB or higher we’d love to hear from you! 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.
Please note that if you’ve completed a degree or are currently working towards one, this apprenticeship isn’t the right fit for you – but we encourage you to explore our graduate opportunities instead.
I don’t have any legal work experience; can I still apply?
Yes! We are open minded to all candidates who wish to apply. You do not need to have completed any kind of work experience, especially legal, to be a strong applicant.
If my application is unsuccessful, can I reapply?
If you are unsuccessful in applying this year, you are welcome to reapply in the future.
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 fairs?
Absolutely! We attend a variety of careers events and fairs each year. our schedule may vary, we typically attend fairs with the Uptree, City Century and Legal Cheek.
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 cover up to £50 for an open day and £150 for an assessment day. If further assistance is required, please do get in touch to discuss options. The best contact for this is [email protected].
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:
- Submit your online application
- The Early Careers team review your application for eligibility and quality of response
- If invited to progress, record and submit a video interview
- 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!