Training at Forsters

Every year Forsters takes on between ten and twelve trainees.

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.

The application process

Entry requirements

A level: We're looking for applicants who have a minimum ABB at A level. 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. We consider the merits of all applications individually; therefore, you are still welcome to apply if you have not achieved ABB as we take mitigating circumstances into account. The application form includes space to add 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 variety of subjects.

When to apply

Vacation Schemes and Training Contract: Whether you're still studying or have already graduated, we’re excited to welcome your application! For current students, the earliest we can welcome an application from non-law students is in their final year and law students in their penultimate year. Students from all universities are welcome to apply. 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 and would love for you to apply 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.

What we look for

We enjoy meeting candidates who bring a variety of strengths and perspectives. While having the intellectual ability to solve complex problems is essential, we're also looking for a genuine interest in Forsters and the work we do. We're proud of our reputation as a friendly, collaborative firm, so we value personable individuals with drive, ambition, and a strong work ethic.

During the application process, we’re excited to learn more about you—your personality, your passions, and what has inspired you to pursue a career in law. Rest assured; every application is personally reviewed by a member of our graduate recruitment panel, and we do not use any automatic filtering systems.

Training and seat rotation

How it works

Forsters' Training Journey: A Path of Diverse Experiences.

As a trainee at Forsters, you'll embark on a two-year journey filled with six distinct seats, each offering a unique perspective on our legal practice. Our aim is to offer you a training contract that gives you the best exposure to our work and our clients. You will likely sit in both of our largest practice areas which is Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Trusts, Tax and Estates (TTE), as well gaining contentious experience by generally having one seat in a contentious practice area (Dispute Resolution, Property Litigation, Family, Employment & Partnership or Contentious Construction).

Your final seat is not just another rotation; it's the gateway to your future. You'll spend the last four months in the department where you'll qualify. This gives you the advantage of eight months' experience in your chosen field, allowing you to transition smoothly into your role as a newly qualified solicitor with confidence and a deep understanding of the team's dynamics and work.

Departments

At Forsters, we ensure that every trainee gains a well-rounded experience, which is why you're guaranteed to spend time in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and/or Trusts, Tax and Estates (TTE), as well as a contentious seat. This approach is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our key practice areas and how they interact with other parts of the firm.

We know that each trainee has unique preferences, and we take the time to understand your drivers and areas of interest. While we do our best to accommodate individual requests, our seat rotations are ultimately driven by our business needs. Although we cannot promise a seat in a specific team, we do guarantee exposure to a range of areas and promise to support you in finding your path within Forsters' diverse practice areas.

Reviews

We ask each trainee to have two reviews during each seat:

1. Mid seat review (at the 2-month mark): This is a chat between you and your supervisor. It’s a great chance to reflect on what you’ve achieved so far, identify areas where you’d like more experience, and get valuable feedback to help guide your progress in the second half of your seat.
2. End of seat review (at the 4-month mark): This is a more formal meeting between you, your supervisor, and sometimes a partner. You'll need to complete a form beforehand, using the Trainee Career Development Framework to guide you.

Both reviews play an integral role in the job application process.

Forsters' Recruitment Process: A Journey to Excellence

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

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. If you shine during the assessment, you'll receive a vacation scheme offer or final interview (if applying for the training contract directly). Both routes involve the final interview stage, and this is your moment to demonstrate your potential and take one step closer to joining our esteemed team. We're not just assessing skills; we're looking for future colleagues who will thrive in our collaborative and dynamic environment. Good luck!

The process:

1. Online application
2. Early Careers team review application (rolling basis)
3. Video interview (self-record and submit)
4. Application form deadline
5. Graduate Recruitment Panel review video interview (non-rolling basis)
6. Assessment day (February 2025)
7. Vacation scheme offer
8. Final interview including presentation whilst on 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.

Supporting your development: thrive from day one

Supervisors

Each trainee is paired with a dedicated departmental supervisor, who is a senior associate or associate. Your supervisor will be your go-to person for allocating and delegating your workload, as well as guiding you through your mid-seat and end-of-seat reviews. They’re there to support your growth, ensure you gain experience across a variety of legal work, and provide general supervision and development. Beyond work tasks, your supervisor is also there to look out for your wellbeing and help you feel connected and supported within the department.

Mentors

Imagine having a trusted friend at Forsters, someone who's not just a mentor but a guide as you embark on your career. We pair every trainee with a senior associate who can share their wisdom and experience and be available to check in on how you’re doing throughout your training contract. You'll find that with their support, your confidence and independence will grow, preparing you to navigate the complexities of your career with assurance. We envision a lasting connection that continues beyond the training contract.

Buddies

Before you officially join us, we make sure to keep the connection alive! We'll stay in touch and invite you to various social events, giving you the opportunity to mingle with your future colleagues. Shortly before your start date, you'll also be paired with a buddy – someone you may have already met at one of our events. Your buddy will be a second-year trainee and they are there to ensure you settle in seamlessly and will be your go-to person for any questions or concerns during your first few months. They'll be ready for a quick chat over coffee or to share insights that only come from experience.

Invest in your future: discover financial support and benefits

Funding

We're proud to sponsor your journey through the PGDL and/or the SQE. We'll pay for your courses and provide a maintenance grant of £9,000 for each year of study. If you’ve already completed these studies before receiving a training contract offer with us, we don’t sponsor the fees retrospectively.

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 trainees' excellence and dedication. As of September 2024, first-year trainees will receive £44,500, second-year trainees will receive £47,500, and NQs will receive £86,000. We review our salaries annually on 1 September to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.

Benefits

Our benefits package is designed to support you in every aspect of your life, both professionally and personally. We offer 27 days of holiday, life and permanent health insurance, private healthcare, and a contributory pension to secure your future. We also provide practical perks like a season ticket loan, subsidised gym membership, and a cycle to work scheme to keep you moving forward. We appreciate that taking care of your wellbeing can look different to different people, so our ‘Wellbeing Fund’ is designed to give flexibility around personal benefits. For some people, it’s about National Trust membership, while for others it's vouchers for nutritional food delivery services. Our employee assistance programme and staff discounts platform are there to add value to your everyday life, making sure you feel valued in all you do at Forsters.

Vacation Scheme

Click here to find out more about Vacation Schemes at Forsters.