A different route into law
Our solicitor apprenticeship provides a six-year route to qualification, combining paid work with academic study.
As a solicitor apprentice, you’ll work alongside colleagues across the firm while studying towards a law degree and, ultimately, qualification as a solicitor. Throughout the programme, you’ll gain practical experience, take on increasing responsibility and develop a broad understanding of our work, people and clients.
We recruit up to four apprentices every other year. This page explains how the programme works, what you’ll study, the application process and what to expect as a solicitor apprentice at Forsters.
How to apply
Applications for our September 2027 solicitor apprenticeship will open in September 2026.
In the meantime, you can register your interest in our apprenticeship here. We will use this information to notify you when applications reopen.
All applications for the solicitor apprenticeship, open days and events should be made online through AllHires. We do not accept paper applications or CVs.
Key dates
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3 September 2026
Applications open for all opportunities
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16 October 2026
Applications close for apprenticeship insights afternoon and in person open day
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4 November 2026
Applications close for early careers Q&A session
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1 February 2027
Applications close for 2027 solicitor apprenticeship
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March
2027Assessment days
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September 2027
Apprenticeship start date
Programme structure and rotations
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Years one and two
During your first two years, you’ll be based in one department, allowing you to develop a strong understanding of the work, the team and how the firm operates.
You’ll also spend six months with our Compliance team, gaining valuable insight into the wider business and the regulatory framework that supports it.
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Years three and four
In years three and four, you’ll rotate annually through a selection of our core practice areas. These may include Construction, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Disputes and Residential Property.
These rotations are designed to broaden your experience and help you identify the areas of law that interest you most.
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Years five and six
In your final two years, you’ll rotate alongside our trainee solicitors, completing six seats across a range of practice areas.
Your final seat will be in your chosen qualifying department, helping you develop the experience and knowledge needed for a smooth transition into qualification.
Training and qualification
Listen to our podcast on the apprentice experience at Forsters
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Years one to five
During the first five years of the programme, you’ll combine your role at Forsters with a part-time law degree.
Typically, you’ll spend four days a week working at the firm and one day a week studying. This stage of the apprenticeship is delivered by BPP University alongside your fellow apprentices.
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Year six
In your final year, you’ll prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
You’ll continue to work four days a week at Forsters while dedicating one day a week to study. On successful completion, you’ll meet the requirements to qualify as a solicitor.
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Learning and development
Alongside your academic studies, you’ll be supported by our Learning and Development team throughout the apprenticeship.
This includes training sessions and workshops covering areas such as communication, professional conduct, presentation skills and building confidence in the workplace.
Our aim is to support your development not only as a future solicitor, but also as a professional building a long-term career at Forsters.
Recruitment process
Our recruitment process is designed to help us understand your skills, motivation and potential, while giving you the opportunity to learn more about Forsters and the solicitor apprenticeship programme.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from Year 13 students and recent school leavers.
Applicants should be aiming for, or have achieved, ABB or above at A-level.
If you completed your education outside the UK and do not hold A-levels, you can include details of equivalent qualifications and grades in the application form.
Please note that this programme is intended for school leavers. If you have completed, or are currently studying for, a degree, we encourage you to explore our graduate opportunities instead.
What we look for
We look for individuals who demonstrate strong academic potential, a genuine interest in a legal career and an understanding of what a solicitor apprenticeship involves.
As a collaborative firm, we value candidates who are personable, motivated and keen to contribute as part of a team.
Every application is reviewed by a member of our Early Careers panel. We do not use automated screening tools as part of our recruitment process.
Application process
Following submission of an online application and completion of a self recorded video interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment day. This provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your potential and for us to assess whether the apprenticeship is the right fit for both you and the firm.
Successful candidates will receive an offer to join the solicitor apprenticeship programme.
Online application
Application deadline
Application reviewed
Self-recorded video interview
Video interview reviewed
Assessment day in March
Final office visit
Apprenticeship offer
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.
Frequently asked questions
Applications
What is the minimum academic criteria for applications?
We welcome applications from Year 13 students and recent school leavers who are aiming for, or have achieved, ABB or above at A-level.
Candidates who completed their education outside the UK can provide details of equivalent qualifications within the application form.
If you have completed, or are currently studying for, a degree, we encourage you to explore our graduate opportunities instead.
I don’t have any legal work experience; can I still apply?
Yes. You do not need legal work experience to submit a strong application. We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
If my application is unsuccessful, can I reapply?
Yes. Unsuccessful candidates are welcome to apply in future recruitment cycles.
Open days and events
Do you hold open days?
Yes. We host Open Days and events throughout the year, with details published here.
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) within recruitment
How should I raise any extra support requirements I may have?
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
If you require support or adjustments at any stage, please contact the Early Careers team at [email protected] or provide details in your application form.
We consider all requests on an individual basis and will work with candidates to provide appropriate support wherever possible.
Do you contribute towards expenses to attend open days and assessment days?
Yes. We can reimburse reasonable travel expenses for candidates attending open days and assessment days within mainland UK.
If you expect your travel costs to exceed £150, please contact the Early Careers team in advance.
How does Forsters approach diversity and inclusion in the recruitment process?
We are committed to attracting candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
Our recruitment process includes:
- Blind first-round interviews
- REALRating contextual recruitment
- Membership of the Halo Code
- Disability Confident accreditation
We regularly review our processes to help ensure our approach remains fair, inclusive and accessible.
Discover the firm opportunities beyond your work
At Forsters, we take happiness seriously!
Trainees are encouraged to get involved in the wider life of the firm. We offer a range of firm-wide activities, social events and clubs, including football, netball, running, rounders, yoga, choir and book club.
You will also have opportunities to attend team events and take part in activities outside your day-to-day work.