Forsters

We are a dynamic, successful firm committed to being the best at what we do. Forsters was founded in 1998 and has since more than trebled in size. Whilst we are best known for our top-flight real estate and private client practices, we have thriving corporate and dispute resolution teams. Forsters offers interesting, intellectually challenging work, high quality clients and fantastic people to work with and learn from. We are dedicated to giving outstanding client service in a highly professional, collaborative and supportive environment.

Types of work

The firm has a strong reputation for all aspects of commercial and residential real estate work. The real estate groups deal with investment funding, development, planning, construction, landlord and tenant, property taxation and residential investment and development. Forsters is also recognised as having one of the leading private client practices in London with a client base comprising a broad range of individuals and trustees in the UK and offshore. Our corporate practice specialises in company acquisitions and disposals, financings and joint ventures and shareholder arrangements. The dispute resolution group handles and resolves a wide variety of commercial disputes through litigation, arbitration and mediation as well as working alongside the firm’s private client group in relation to trust and probate disputes.

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.

Step into the world of Forsters with our vacation schemes.

In 2025, we're excited to offer three unique opportunities to experience life at our firm – one in the spring and two in the summer. As a vacation scheme student, you're not just a visitor; you're a potential future trainee. We'll treat you as such, immersing you in the real work that our trainees thrive on.

Each of our schemes hosts around 10 students, ensuring a personalised and focused experience. During your week with us, you'll be supervised by one of our associates, diving into tasks and responsibilities that mirror a trainee's role. Your time with us is more than just work; we’ll invest in you with skills workshops and include social activities for you to get to know us and each other better.

Here are a few exciting details to keep in mind:

Salary: if you join us for the week, you’ll earn a £475 gross salary.

Training contract interviews: during the vacation scheme, you'll also have the opportunity to interview for a training contract, with plenty of support to help you through the process.

Visa sponsorship: if you’re an international student, we’d love to have you on our vacation scheme if your visa allows it (though we don’t provide sponsorship for the scheme). If your current visa doesn’t cover this, no worries! You’re welcome to apply directly for a training contract, as we do offer visa sponsorship for our trainees.

Support: you’ll be paired with both a buddy and a supervisor who will be there to guide you, ensuring you have everything you need—whether it's managing your workload or looking after your wellbeing.

Our goal? To provide you with a genuine glimpse into your potential future as a trainee at Forsters. We're dedicated to offering an experience that's as insightful as it is memorable. Join us and take the first step towards shaping your career with Forsters.

Interested to take part? Take a look at our entry requirements and guidance for when to apply below:

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 UK 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 love 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 what 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 don’t use any automatic filtering systems.

Vacation scheme dates and deadlines

Spring vacation scheme: 7-11 April 2025 (one week)

Summer vacation scheme one: 9-13 June 2025 (one week)

Summer vacation scheme two: 16-20 June 2025 (one week)

Applications open: 5 September 2024

Applications close: 6 January 2025

If you cannot spend the week with us for the vacation scheme, you can apply directly to the training contract.

The deadlines for both routes are the same.

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.

Training at Forsters

Every year Forsters takes on between 10 and 12 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 UK 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 and 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:

Mid-seat review (at the two-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.

End of seat review (at the four-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.

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

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 £45,500, second-year trainees will receive £48,500, and NQs will receive £81,000. 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.

We have an exclusive arrangement with The University of Law for the provision of the SQE to our future trainees, but we do not mind if you have already completed it elsewhere. We cover the course registration fee, tuition fee and exam fees.

Embark on a six-year journey to solicitor success with Forsters’ solicitor apprenticeship – your exciting path to a rewarding legal career!

Join us in September 2025 as one of four apprentices commencing a six-year journey to solicitor success. Our apprenticeship programme is designed to expand your horizons, offering a unique opportunity to dive into a variety of practice areas. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to earn while they learn, discover their passions in a supportive environment, and gain invaluable experience from industry leaders.

From day one, you're more than just an apprentice – you’re a valued member of our team. You’ll work alongside experienced fee earners on real client matters, participate in team meetings, conduct research, assist with document preparation, maintain accurate records, and support the team through various stages of transactions. Plus, you'll attend sessions and workshops to build your legal knowledge and skills, laying a strong foundation for your future.

As you progress, we’ll give you the chance to take on more responsibility, helping you grow and develop into the lawyer you aspire to be. At Forsters, we’re not just shaping careers – we’re crafting the future of legal excellence.

Interested in starting your journey with us? We’d love for you to join one of our open days or online events to learn more about us before you apply. Take this opportunity to get to know us, and we look forward to getting to know you better too!

Key dates

5 September 2024: Applications open for 2025 solicitor apprenticeship, Q&A session and open day.

29 October 2024: Applications close for Q&A session with early careers

31 October 2024: Q&A session with early careers (online)

13 November 2024: Applications close for open day

20 November 2024: Open day (in person)

6 February 2025: Applications close for 2025 solicitor apprenticeship

March 2025: Assessment days

Forsters' apprenticeship adventure: a path of varied opportunities

The solicitor apprenticeship will take six years to complete, here’s how it’s mapped out:

Years one and two:

In your first two years, you'll settle into one department, giving you the chance to really get to know the work and the team. You’ll also spend six months with our compliance team, offering you a unique perspective on the business and expanding your network across the firm.

Years three and four:

In years three and four, things get exciting as you start rotating annually through some of our key practice areas. You’ll explore departments like construction, commercial real estate, property litigation, and residential property, discovering where your passions lie.

Years five and six:

In your final two years, you’ll join our trainees in rotating through six different practice areas to experience a wide range of legal challenges.

Your last rotation will bring you back to the department you’ve chosen as your qualifying seat, giving you the perfect opportunity to deepen your expertise and prepare for a successful transition into a newly qualified role.

Your qualification journey: the training and skills for success

Years one to four:

In the first four years, you’ll be balancing work with a part-time law degree. You’ll spend four exciting days a week at Forsters, with one dedicated day for your studies. You'll complete this part of your apprenticeship with BPP University alongside your fellow apprentices.

Years five and six:

In the final two years, you’ll dive into studying for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exam). Again, you’ll work four days a week at Forsters, with one day set aside for your SQE studies. By the end of these two years, you’ll have all the qualifications you need to become a fully qualified solicitor with Forsters!

Learning and development

In addition to your BPP qualifications, our learning and development team at Forsters is here to supercharge your growth! We offer exciting training sessions and workshops that cover everything from effective communication and office etiquette to boosting self-confidence and refining presentation skills. By the end of your six-year adventure, we aim to help you become a well-rounded solicitor, equipped with all the skills and knowledge you need to shine in your legal career!

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 apprentices' excellence and dedication. As of September 2024, first-year apprentices will receive £25,000. This salary will increase each year and will match the trainee salary of £45,500 in the fifth year and £48,500 in the sixth year. NQs (following the apprenticeship, once qualified) will receive £81,000. We review our salaries annually on 1 September to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.

Forsters' recruitment process: a journey to excellence

Entry requirements

We’re excited to welcome applications for our solicitor apprenticeship from year 13 students and recent school leavers. If you’re aiming for or have achieved A-level grades of ABB or higher we’d love to hear from you! For those who have completed their education outside the UK and do not have A levels, there is space within the application form to add details of your equivalent qualifications and grades.

Please note that if you’ve completed a degree or are currently working towards one, this apprenticeship isn’t the right fit for you – but we encourage you to explore our graduate opportunities instead.

What we look for

We’re looking for open-minded and enthusiastic team players who are ready to start their apprenticeship with us in September 2025.

We love meeting candidates who bring a range of strengths and perspectives. While solving complex problems requires intellectual ability, we’re also looking for a genuine interest in Forsters and what we do. As a firm known for being friendly and collaborative, we value personable individuals with drive, ambition, and a strong work ethic.

Throughout the application process, we’re excited to get to know you—your personality, your passions, and what has inspired you to pursue a career in law. Every application is personally reviewed by a member of our early careers panel, and we don’t use any automatic filtering systems.

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

The application process:

1. Online application

2. Early careers team review application (rolling basis)

3. Video interview (self-record and submit)

4. Application form deadline

5. Early careers panel review video interview (non-rolling basis)

6. Assessment day (March 2025)

7. Apprenticeship offer

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. This is your moment to demonstrate your potential and take one step closer to joining our team. If you shine during the assessment, you'll receive an offer for the apprenticeship. Good luck!

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.

Q&A session with early careers:

It's more than an event; it's a conversation. We're here to guide you, offering support and advice for your application and demystifying the path to qualification, no matter where you're starting from. Embrace this opportunity to connect, learn, and envision your future with us. We can't wait to meet you!

31 October 2024 apprentice application Q&A session with early careers (online)

Applications open: 5 September 2024

Applications close: 29 October 2024

Open day:

Dive into a series of enlightening presentations that shine a light on the diverse areas of our work and the essence of our culture. Engage with our people from across the firm and gain genuine insights into life at Forsters. BPP will also be shedding some light on the part-time study experience.

20 November 2024 apprentice open day (in person)

Applications open: 5 September 2024

Applications close: 13 November 2024

Please note we can support with travel expenses to attend our open days.

The pathway to joining our open days and events!

1. Online application

2. Early careers team review application (rolling basis)

3. Open day/event offer

Diversty 

Encouraging individuality is very much part of the Forsters culture. The firm provides an environment which allows everyone to develop and grow regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, maternity or pregnancy, race, religion or belief. At Forsters we are committed to ensuring that each member of the firm treats all of their colleagues with dignity and respect.

We have launched an Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) strategy, which sets out the firm’s diversity and inclusion commitments over the next two years. This includes training for all partners and staff, listening to staff through a firmwide D&I survey, internal and external support programmes, and making more public diversity and inclusion commitments.

An all inclusive culture 

We aim to foster an environment which focuses on the talent and potential of each and every one of our people. Forsters is somewhere individuals from all types of backgrounds are able to flourish and achieve their ambitions in a happy, cohesive and supportive environment.

We actively promote an environment which welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds. Some differences, such as age, gender and ethnicity, may be immediately apparent but other differences such as education, social background, religion and sexual orientation may not be apparent at all.

Forsters has an inclusive culture in which every person is valued and is allowed to make an individual contribution in a working environment which is free from any form of discrimination.

Forsters is committed to being a diverse and inclusive place in which to work and conducts an annual survey of its staff.

Forsters' commitment to equality and inclusion:

At Forsters, we're dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for everyone. We strive to attract a diverse range of candidates and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Our commitment to equal opportunities is unwavering, and we believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our firm and the legal services we provide.

If you require any support or adjustments during the application or hiring process, we're here to assist you. You can include these details in your application form or directly inform the early careers team by emailing [email protected]. We understand that each candidate's needs are unique, and we're ready to accommodate them to ensure a fair and supportive recruitment journey.

Join us at Forsters, where your individuality is valued, and your potential is recognised. We're looking forward to welcoming you into a firm where you can thrive and make a difference.

How does Forsters approach diversity and inclusion in the graduate recruitment process?

At Forsters, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our early careers strategy. Our team collaborates closely with the firm’s D&I committee and support networks to continually enhance our processes. Here are a few ways we’re making a difference:

Blind first-round interviews: On assessment days, our interviewers don’t see your application form before meeting you, ensuring a fair and unbiased process.

Contextual recruitment tool: We use Rare Recruitment’s contextual tool within our online application to consider your achievements in the context of your personal background. 

MyPlus Consulting gold membership: As a gold member of MyPlus Consulting, we focus on inclusive recruitment for candidates with disabilities. 

Halo Code membership: We’re members of the Halo Code, supporting a future free from hair discrimination. We encourage you to attend our events and assessments feeling comfortable and confident in your natural hair. 

Disability Confident certification: We’re certified under the Disability Confident scheme, and we’re committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. 

We're proud to sponsor your journey through the PGDL and/or the SQE. We'll pay for your University of Law 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.

• Commercial real estate
• Construction
• Planning
• Property litigation
• Residential property
• Private client
• Family
• Corporate
• Dispute resolution
• Banking
• Employment
• Rural property

• Corporate & Commercial
• Niche

• London

• Disability Confident Leader
• GROW Mentoring
• Halo Code
• MyPlus Consulting
• NOTICED
• Pathways to Law
• Rare Recruitment
• Social Mobility Business Partnership
• Social Mobility Foundation
• Sutton Trust
• Uptree