Annalisa Gardner
Annalisa is a Trainee Solicitor who joined Forsters in September 2021 and who will qualify as a solicitor in 2023.
What made you want to train at Forsters over other firms and has reality lived up to your expectations?
I wanted to train at a firm that had a good culture and variety of and responsibility in work. I have found both to be true at Forsters. The people are incredibly welcoming, approachable and helpful. If you don’t know or understand something there is no judgement, just a real willingness to help you understand. I am only in my first seat but the work has been amazingly varied and I have had an amazing amount of responsibility. This has really helped me to learn and been really exciting!
What was your recruitment process experience for a training contract with Forsters?
I did an online application first, then was called into an assessment day. It was a really great day filled with talks as well as a group task, written task and an interview with two partners. The firm had a really nice feel with everyone seeming to be friendly, interested and wanting to get to know me rather than interrogate me. Following this I was invited to a final interview with two partners where I had to give a presentation, then was asked some questions on the presentation. We then had a general chat and I was asked some more standard interview questions. Again, I was made to feel so comfortable, and the presentation topic was really interesting, so it was a really good experience.
What is a typical day as a trainee solicitor with Forsters?
Get into the office, have a catch-up with other colleagues whilst logging in. Check through an emails and review my to-do list. I’ll then respond to any urgent emails, then start working through my more substantive tasks for the day. There is a big range of drafting emails to clients/solicitors, drafting reports, reviewing documents, reading leases and reports. Often there will be some training throughout the week which is great to keep up the learning process.
What are the benefits of a career with Forsters both in and outside the office?
The people, the attitude of looking forward to see how we can change and adapt as a firm, the respect for people’s lives outside of work and the trust put in colleagues (even trainees) that gives your work purpose and gives your work a collegiate feel.
What’s the best piece of advice you have been given so far?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What is your no. 1 tip for someone who wants to be a trainee at Forsters?
Be yourself throughout the process and if you are a good match for the firm, people will see that and appreciate that.
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