Graduate Vacation Scheme 2027

Experience life at Forsters through a vacation scheme

Our vacation schemes provide an opportunity to experience trainee life at Forsters.

In 2027, we will offer three vacation schemes: one in spring and two in summer. As a vacation scheme student, you will work alongside our lawyers, take part in trainee-level work and learn more about the firm, our clients and our culture.

Each scheme will host around ten students, allowing for a focused and personal experience. During your week with us, you will be supervised by an associate and will take part in tasks that reflect the work of our trainees. You will also attend skills workshops and social events, giving you the chance to get to know our people and other students on the scheme.

Vacation scheme deadline and dates:

Applications open: 3 September 2026

Applications close: 4 January 2027

Spring vacation scheme: 12 – 16 April 2027 (1 week)

Summer vacation scheme 1: 7 – 11 June 2027 (1 week)

Summer vacation scheme 2: 14 – 18 June 2027 (1 week)

Interested in taking part? Take a look at our entry requirements and guidance on when to apply below.

If you cannot spend a week with us on a vacation scheme, you can apply directly for a training contract. The deadlines for both routes are the same.

All assessment days will take place in February. Final interviews for direct applicants will take place in either April or June, alongside the vacation schemes.

Entry requirements:

A level

We look for applicants who have achieved a minimum of ABB at A level.

If you completed your education outside the UK and do not have A levels, you can include details of your equivalent qualifications and grades in the application form.

We consider all applications individually. If you have not achieved ABB, you are still welcome to apply, as we take mitigating circumstances into account. The application form includes space for you to provide 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 range of subjects.

We consider all applications individually. If you have not achieved a 2:1, you are still welcome to apply, as we take mitigating circumstances into account. The application form includes space for you to provide these details.

When to apply:

Vacation schemes and training contract

- The earliest we can accept an application from non-law students is in their final year.

- The earliest we can accept an application from law students in their penultimate year.

Applicants from all universities are welcome. 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 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.

Open days and trainee application Q&A with early careers

We encourage you to apply for an open day before submitting a vacation scheme application to come to the office and hear more about the work we do. All our open days offer the same content and opportunities, so please apply to just one per cycle. The eligibility requirements are the same as those for our vacation schemes and training contract.

First year insight day

This opportunity is designed for students who are still studying and not yet eligible to apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. If you are studying law, you must be in your first year of a 3-year degree, or second year of a 4-year degree. If you are studying a non-law degree, you must be in your second year of a 3-year degree, or third year of a 4-year degree. The day is designed to provide early insight to candidates who can apply for the vacation schemes and training contracts the following year.

What we look for:

We look for candidates with strong intellectual ability, sound judgement and a genuine interest in a career at Forsters.

We value individuals who are collaborative, personable and motivated, and who demonstrate an understanding of what distinguishes our firm and the work we do.

Every application is reviewed by a member of our Graduate Recruitment Panel. We do not use automated filtering systems as part of our application process.