Early Careers Insights: How we hire solicitor apprentices at Forsters
Thinking about applying for a solicitor apprenticeship?
In this episode of Early Careers Insights, Emma Cooper, Early Careers Manager, and Matthew Evans, Early Careers Partner, take listeners behind the scenes of the solicitor apprenticeship recruitment process at Forsters. They explain how applications are assessed, what qualities they look for in successful candidates and how aspiring solicitor apprentices can present their skills and potential effectively throughout the recruitment process.
The episode follows the full application journey, from submitting an online application and completing a video interview through to assessment days and final-stage meetings. Along the way, Emma and Matt share practical advice on researching employers, preparing strong application answers and demonstrating enthusiasm for a legal career without feeling pressure to fit a particular mould.
A key theme throughout the discussion is that solicitor apprentices are not expected to arrive with legal knowledge or previous legal work experience. Instead, the focus is on qualities such as curiosity, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, attention to detail and the ability to make the most of the opportunities available. Emma and Matt also explain why candidates should focus on reflecting on their experiences rather than simply listing achievements, and why authenticity is often more powerful than trying to provide a “perfect” answer.
The conversation also tackles some of the most common myths about solicitor apprenticeships, including whether applicants need straight A grades, legal work experience, extensive extracurricular activities or a clear idea of which area of law they want to practise. Their message is clear: successful candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and there is no single profile of a future solicitor apprentice.
Whether you’re considering a solicitor apprenticeship straight from school or college, researching different career pathways into law or preparing an application, this episode provides practical guidance from the people responsible for recruiting future solicitor apprentices at Forsters.
