Looking down on a group of trainees at Forsters
Looking down on a group of trainees at Forsters

Vacation schemes

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Experience life at Forsters through a vacation scheme

Our vacation schemes provide an opportunity to experience trainee life at Forsters.

In 2027, we will offer three vacation schemes: one in spring and two in summer. As a vacation scheme student, you will work alongside our lawyers, take part in trainee-level work and learn more about the firm, our clients and our culture.

Each scheme will host around ten students, allowing for a focused and personal experience. During your week with us, you will be supervised by an associate and will take part in tasks that reflect the work of our trainees. You will also attend skills workshops and social events, giving you the chance to get to know our people and other students on the scheme.

Interested in taking part? Take a look at our entry requirements and guidance on when to apply below.

Vacation scheme deadline and dates

  • Applications open:

    3 September 2026

  • Applications close:

    4 January 2027

  • Spring vacation scheme:

    12 – 16 April 2027 (1 week)

  • Summer vacation scheme 1:

    7 – 11 June 2027 (1 week)

  • Summer vacation scheme 2:

    14 – 18 June 2027 (1 week)

If you cannot spend a week with us on a vacation scheme, you can apply directly for a training contract. The deadlines for both routes are the same.

All assessment days will take place in February. Final interviews for direct applicants will take place in either April or June, alongside the vacation schemes.

Here are a few details to keep in mind

  • Salary

    If you join us for the week, you will receive a gross salary of £547.

  • Training contract interviews

    During the vacation scheme, you will also have the opportunity to interview for a training contract. We will provide support and guidance to help you prepare.

  • Visa sponsorship

    International students can apply for a vacation scheme if their visa permits work during the scheme dates. We do not sponsor visas for vacation schemes. If your visa does not allow participation, you may apply directly for a training contract, where visa sponsorship may be available for eligible trainees.

  • Support

    You will be paired with a buddy and a supervisor. They will help you settle in, manage your workload and make the most of your time with us.

A trainee lawyer at Forsters

Discover the firm

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.

Forsters for good

Application process

Entry reqirements
A level

We look for applicants who have achieved a minimum of ABB at A level.

If you completed your education outside the UK and do not have A levels, you can include details of your equivalent qualifications and grades in the application form.

We consider all applications individually. If you have not achieved ABB, you are still welcome to apply, as we take mitigating circumstances into account. The application form includes space for you to provide 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 range of subjects.

Vacation schemes and training contract
  • The earliest we can accept an application from non-law students is in their final year.
  • The earliest we can accept an application from law students in their penultimate year.

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 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.

We look for candidates with strong intellectual ability, sound judgement and a genuine interest in a career at Forsters.

We value individuals who are collaborative, personable and motivated, and who demonstrate an understanding of what distinguishes our firm and the work we do.

Every application is reviewed by a member of our Graduate Recruitment Panel. We do not use automated filtering systems as part of our application process.

Two trainees looking at a laptop

Looking beyond the vacation scheme?

Learn more about how the training contract is structured, the experience you’ll gain and what to expect as a trainee at Forsters.

Remember, if you cannot spend a week with us on a vacation scheme, you can apply directly for a training contract. 

Training contracts

Our recruitment process

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

After completing the online application form and self-recorded video interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment day. Candidates who are successful at assessment day will receive either a vacation scheme offer or, if applying directly for a training contract, an invitation to a final interview.

Both routes include a final interview stage. The 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 work we do.

Please note all applications for vacation schemes should be made online – we do not accept paper applications or CVs.

1.

Online application form

2.

Application form deadline

3.

Application form reviewed

4.

Video interview

5.

Video interview reviewed

6.

Assessment day (February)

7.

Vacation scheme offer

8.

Final interview during the 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.

People sit around tables on a sunlit rooftop garden terrace, surrounded by vibrant flowers and plants, against a backdrop of brick buildings.

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

Frequently asked questions

We hope our FAQs answer your questions. If you would like to speak to us, please contact the Early Careers team 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 or not they studied law.

Our trainees come from a range of universities and have studied a variety of subjects, so you are welcome to apply regardless of your degree background.

Most of our trainees are recruited through our vacation schemes. If you are able to take part in a vacation scheme, we encourage you to apply through that route.

If you are unable to attend a vacation scheme, you may apply directly for a training contract.

We recruit our training contract intakes two years in advance. For example, if you apply between September 2026 and January 2027, you will be applying for the September 2029 intake. This allows you plenty of time to complete your degree, PGDL, and SQE qualifications.

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.

Yes. Unsuccessful candidates are welcome to apply in future recruitment cycles.

The panel is made up of around 45 senior associate, counsel, and partners from across the firm. Many of them trained at the firm themselves. The panel get involved in marking, interviewing, and supporting the schemes.

Open days and events

Do you hold open days?

Yes. We host open days and events at various points throughout the year. Any upcoming events will be advertised here.

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 and Legal Cheek.

Sponsorship

Do you offer visa sponsorship?

We can offer visa sponsorship for training contracts, but not for vacation schemes.

Due to government requirements, we can only consider visa sponsorship for training contracts. Visa sponsorship is subject to eligibility and compliance with UK Home Office requirements.

If you require sponsorship, please indicate this clearly in your application so we can assess your eligibility as part of the recruitment process.

If you are applying for a vacation scheme, please ensure that you have the right to work in the UK during the scheme dates and that your visa does not limit your working hours.

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 during the application or assessment process, you can include this information in your application form or contact the Early Careers team at [email protected].

We will consider each request individually and aim to make reasonable adjustments to support a fair recruitment process.

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.

We are committed to attracting candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Our recruitment process includes:

We regularly review our processes to help ensure our approach remains fair, inclusive and accessible.

Meet the trainee recruitment team

Graduate Recruitment – Meet the teams

More Than Law Podcast host, Miri Stickland, is joined by guests from across the firm to discuss their departments, the work they do and what a typical day can involve.

Graduate Recruitment – Mythbusters

Emily Holdstock and Miri Stickland are joined by guests to discuss common myths and frequently asked questions about training contracts and the application process.

Meet our present trainees

Emma Mantzos
Emma Mantzos

Associate (awaiting admission/practising certificate), Commercial Real Estate