Training Contract 2023

Every year Forsters takes on 7-9 trainees. The training contract at Forsters is divided into six four-month seats, not the traditional four.

The aim of the six-seat system is to allow you to sample more of the firm's practice areas before making your decision about the area in which you want to qualify into. It also means that towards the end of your training contract, you may be able to revisit a department of specific interest to you.

We want you to feel part of our team from the outset and you will be actively encouraged to become a valuable member of each department, drafting documents, doing research and attending client meetings. The training is very 'hands on' and we aim to give you increasing responsibility as each seat progresses.

Mentor Scheme

All trainees and newly qualified solicitors in the firm are assigned a senior member of the firm to act as their mentor.

A mentor can be likened to a ‘trusted friend’ and will not only help with your induction to the firm, but will be on hand to pass on experience and guidance in respect of your role, the firm and the legal profession in general from a neutral point of view. Your mentor will meet with you regularly throughout your training contract and then upon qualification, the idea being that this will lead to a continuing relationship that will help you to develop increased confidence and independence as your career progresses.

Buddy System

In the two years between your acceptance of our offer and your arrival at the firm, we will keep in touch with you and invite you to various social events, giving you an opportunity to get to know your future colleagues and creating a relaxed environment for you to get to know the wider firm.

Upon joining us, you will be assigned a buddy, who will be either a second year trainee or a newly qualified solicitor and hopefully, someone you will have already met at one of our firm events.

The buddy scheme was implemented to help new trainees settle into their new environment and quickly become a part of the Forsters' team. It provides you with someone to go to on a more informal basis with any questions or problems you may have in your first year of training – they will always be on hand for a quick chat over a cup of coffee.

Continued Learning / Professional Skills Course

The Professional Skills Course (PSC) builds upon the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

The PSC provides training in three subject areas:

• Financial and Business Skills
• Advocacy and Communication Skills
• Client Care and Professional Standards

Each subject area forms part of a compulsory core, which entails face-to-face instruction. The assessment scheme for Financial and Business Skills includes an exam.

Forsters has formed a training consortium with two other firms, Bircham Dyson Bell and Boodle Hatfield, which organises training via Fresh Consultancy to deliver the core modules during the first year of your training contract in-house.

Second year trainees are required to attend 24 hours of electives. Trainees can choose to attend public courses run by The University of Law or BPP or a combination of both.

Funding and Salaries

Funding

If you are offered a training contract, we will sponsor you through the GDL/LPC and provide you with a maintenance grant of £6,000 per year of study from the date of your offer. We do not sponsor students retrospectively.

Salaries and benefits

Forsters offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Salaries for September 2020 are £41,000 for first year trainees and £43,000 for second year trainees. Salaries are reviewed on 1 September each year.

We offer trainees a package of benefits including 25 days holiday, life insurance, permanent health insurance, private healthcare, contributory pension, season ticket loan, subsidised gym membership, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme and a staff perks and discounts platform.