Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Forsters is a leading London law firm renowned for its private wealth and real estate expertise, with strong corporate and commercial and dispute resolution teams. The firm works with individuals, families and businesses in the UK and internationally, advising on complex legal and commercial matters.

What makes Forsters different is the way it builds closer connections with its clients and with each other. Forsters take the time to understand what matters to its clients, work collaboratively across teams and provide practical, commercially focused advice. Its values — collaborating for excellence, being driven by what really matters, supporting every person to achieve and taking happiness seriously — shape the way it works.

Forsters is committed to developing talented people at every stage of their careers. As an apprentice at Forsters, you will be given the opportunity to learn, contribute and take on increasing responsibility in a supportive and respectful environment.

A Different Route into Law

The six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme provides an alternative route into the legal profession, combining paid work with academic study.

From your first day, you will be part of the Forsters team, working alongside experienced colleagues while studying towards a law degree and, ultimately, qualification as a solicitor.

You will gain practical experience, develop your legal and professional skills, build relationships across the firm and gain a broad understanding of our people, clients and areas of expertise.

What Will You Do?

Years 1–2: Build your foundations

During your first two years, you will be based in one department, giving you the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of the work you do, your team and how the firm operates.

You will also spend six months with our Risk and Compliance team, giving you insight into the wider business and the regulatory framework within which a leading law firm operates.

Years 3–4: Broaden your experience

In years three and four, you will rotate annually through a selection of our core practice areas.

These rotations will give you exposure to different types of legal work and clients, helping you broaden your experience and discover the areas of law that interest you most.

Years 5–6: Develop towards qualification

In your final two years, you will rotate alongside our trainee solicitors, completing six seats across a range of practice areas.

Your final seat will be in your chosen qualifying department, allowing you to develop the practical experience and knowledge needed to make the transition into qualification.

Earn While You Learn

For the first five years, you will combine your role at Forsters with a part-time law degree.

Typically, you will spend four days a week working at the firm and one day studying. The academic element of the apprenticeship is delivered by BPP University alongside your fellow apprentices.

In your sixth year, you will prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) while continuing to work four days a week and study one day a week. Successful completion will enable you to meet the requirements to qualify as a solicitor.

Alongside your academic studies, our Learning and Development team will support you throughout the programme with training and workshops covering areas including communication, professional conduct, presentation skills and confidence in the workplace.

Who Is Forsters Looking For?

Forsters is looking for individuals with the potential to become outstanding lawyers and who want to build a long-term career at Forsters.

You will need to demonstrate:

• Strong academic potential.

• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in law.

• An understanding of what a solicitor apprenticeship involves.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Curiosity and a willingness to learn.

• Motivation and commitment.

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• A personable and proactive approach.

You do not need previous legal work experience. The firm is interested in your potential, your motivation and the contribution you could make to Forsters.

Entry Requirements

Forsters welcomes applications from Year 13 students and recent school leavers.

To apply, you must have:

• At least seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above.

• A-level predicted or achieved grades of ABB or above, or equivalent qualifications if you

• completed your education outside the UK.

Mitigating circumstances may be taken into account for A-level and degree grades, but the GCSE requirement applies without adjustment.

The programme is intended for school leavers. If you have completed, or are currently studying towards, a degree, Forsters encourages you to explore its graduate opportunities instead.

Why Forsters?

At Forsters, your development goes beyond studying the law.

You will have the opportunity to:

Work on real matters
Gain practical experience alongside experienced lawyers and contribute to the work the firm does for our clients.

Experience different areas of law
Rotate through our core practice areas and develop a broad understanding of legal practice.

Learn from experienced colleagues
Work alongside solicitors and other professionals who will support your development.

Develop your professional skills
Build your communication, presentation, teamwork and commercial awareness through formal training and day-to-day experience.

Build meaningful relationships
Become part of a collaborative firm where closer connections are central to the way the firm works.

Work towards qualification
Follow a structured six-year pathway combining employment, academic study and practical legal training.

Application Process

Forsters wants its recruitment process to help it understand your skills, motivation and potential, while giving you the opportunity to discover more about Forsters and the solicitor apprenticeship.

The process consists of:

1. Online application
Complete our online application form.

2. Application review
Every application is reviewed by a member of our Early Careers panel.

3. Video interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a self-recorded video interview.

4. Assessment day
Successful candidates will be invited to an in-person assessment day, providing an opportunity to demonstrate your potential and learn more about the programme.

5. Final office visit
Candidates progressing through the assessment process will be invited for a final-stage office visit.

6. Offer
Successful candidates will receive an offer to join the Forsters Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.

Key Dates

Applications open: 3 September 2026
Applications close: 1 February 2027
Assessment days: March 2027
Apprenticeship starts: September 2027

Forsters recruits up to four solicitor apprentices every other year.

Start Your Career at Forsters

A solicitor apprenticeship is more than an alternative to university. It is an opportunity to start your legal career from day one, gain a law degree, develop practical experience and work towards qualification as a solicitor.

If you are ambitious, curious, collaborative and ready to take the next step towards a career in law, Forsters would like to hear from you.

Apply Now

Applications for the September 2027 Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme are open from 3 September 2026 until 1 February 2027.