Solicitor Apprenticeship 2027

A different route into law

Our solicitor apprenticeship provides a six-year route to qualification, combining paid work with academic study.

As a solicitor apprentice, you’ll work alongside colleagues across the firm while studying towards a law degree and, ultimately, qualification as a solicitor. Throughout the programme, you’ll gain practical experience, take on increasing responsibility and develop a broad understanding of our work, people and clients.

We recruit up to four apprentices every other year. This page explains how the programme works, what you’ll study, the application process and what to expect as a solicitor apprentice at Forsters.

Key dates:

3 September 2026: Applications open

16 October 2026: Applications close for apprenticeship insights afternoon and in person open day

2 November 2026: Applications close for early careers Q&A session

1 February 2027: Applications close for 2027 solicitor apprenticeship

March 2027: Assessment days

September 2027: Apprenticeship start date

Programme structure and rotations

Years one and two - During your first two years, you’ll be based in one department, allowing you to develop a strong understanding of the work, the team and how the firm operates.

You’ll also spend six months with our Risk and Compliance team, gaining valuable insight into the wider business and the regulatory framework that supports it.

Years three and four - In years three and four, you’ll rotate annually through a selection of our core practice areas.

These rotations are designed to broaden your experience and help you identify the areas of law that interest you most.

Years five and six - In your final two years, you’ll rotate alongside our trainee solicitors, completing six seats across a range of practice areas.

Your final seat will be in your chosen qualifying department, helping you develop the experience and knowledge needed for a smooth transition into qualification.

Training and qualification

Listen to our podcast on the apprentice experience at Forsters

Years one to five - During the first five years of the programme, you’ll combine your role at Forsters with a part-time law degree.

Typically, you’ll spend four days a week working at the firm and one day a week studying. This stage of the apprenticeship is delivered by BPP University alongside your fellow apprentices.

Year six - In your final year, you’ll prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

You’ll continue to work four days a week at Forsters while dedicating one day a week to study. On successful completion, you’ll meet the requirements to qualify as a solicitor.

Learning and development

Alongside your academic studies, you’ll be supported by our Learning and Development team throughout the apprenticeship.

This includes training sessions and workshops covering areas such as communication, professional conduct, presentation skills and building confidence in the workplace.

Our aim is to support your development not only as a future solicitor, but also as a professional building a long-term career at Forsters.

Recruitment process

Our recruitment process is designed to help us understand your skills, motivation and potential, while giving you the opportunity to learn more about Forsters and the solicitor apprenticeship programme.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from Year 13 students and recent school leavers.

To be eligible to apply, candidates must meet our minimum academic requirements of seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and A-level predictions (or achieved grades) of ABB or above. We are able to take mitigating circumstances into account for A-level and degree grades, but not at GCSE level. Therefore unless you meet our requirement of seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above, we are unfortunately unable to progress with your application.

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

Please note that this programme is intended for school leavers. If you have completed, or are currently studying for, a degree, we encourage you to explore our graduate opportunities instead.

Application process

Following submission of an online application and completion of a self recorded video interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in person assessment day. This provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your potential and for us to assess whether the apprenticeship is the right fit for both you and the firm.

Following a final stage office visit, successful candidates will receive an offer to join the solicitor apprenticeship programme.