Forsters

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Forsters

Forsters is often described by trainees as the “perfect blend” of high-quality work, a friendly and approachable culture, and a genuine emphasis on work-life balance. Many were drawn to the firm’s size, which is “large enough to have interesting clients and important matters, but small enough that individuals can feel valued.” The culture was a recurring factor, with one insider summing up simply the appeal as: “the culture of the firm, the work-life balance and the quality of work given as a trainee.” Training is consistently highlighted as a key strength. Compared with peers at larger firms, Forsters trainees report a “more balanced experience” with greater responsibility from an early stage. This ranges from running client calls and attending meetings solo, to managing files and even seeing a case through to trial. As one trainee reflected: “Although the level of responsibility I have had sounds scary in retrospect, it has always felt managed and this has been instrumental in my development.” The balance of meaningful client contact, supportive supervision, and “more sociable” working hours sets the firm apart. Unsurprisingly, “the people” were cited as the best thing about the firm time and again. Trainees described colleagues as “genuinely caring,” “approachable at every level,” and “generous with their time.” This sense of support and inclusivity fosters confidence and professional growth, making the challenges of trainee life more manageable. That said, there are drawbacks. Pay is “less than many competitors,” and frustrations were raised about “the firm’s use of legal tech” and the “lack of international secondment opportunities.” Some also noted uncertainty around NQ roles as the trainee cohort grows. Standout trainee moments range from receiving encouraging feedback from supervisors, to attending client meetings, site visits, and even running matters independently. As one insider put it: “I felt trusted and like I was truly contributing to the team.” Forsters’ hybrid-working approach is generally viewed positively, balancing trainee development with flexibility. CSR and pro bono opportunities are widely available, from legal advice clinics to community projects, with one trainee noting that “Partners are receptive to new ideas from staff at all levels.” For those who want high-quality work without sacrificing a supportive culture and work-life balance, Forsters could be the firm for you.

A day in the life of... Kathryn Jackson, trainee solicitor at Forsters LLP

Departments to date: Non-contentious construction; Residential property; Commercial real estate; Tax, trusts and estates (private client)

University: Durham University

Degree: Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations, First Class

9.20am: I usually arrive at the office around 9.20am, having walked in from the station with a podcast on. I grab breakfast from the café and a coffee from the kitchen and settle in by reviewing my task list and checking emails. This quiet time helps me get focused and prioritise what needs attention. I’m currently assisting on a new estate planning matter, so I spend some time reviewing my draft engagement letter and preparing to open the file.

10.00am: I catch up with my supervisor to discuss next steps on another matter. We talk through the scope of work and any follow-up points from last week’s client meeting. I make a note of the action points and clarify a few technical aspects. I really enjoy how collaborative the team is – there’s always someone happy to talk things through, and I’m encouraged to ask questions and share ideas. These conversations are invaluable for building confidence and understanding how to approach complex issues.

11.00am: I join a call with a partner and a client to take an attendance note. The matter relates to a trust reorganisation, and I’ve been asked to do some preliminary research on the tax implications. It’s fascinating to see how the legal and tax elements interact, and I’m learning how important it is to be thorough when reviewing legislation and guidance. After the call, I tidy up my note and send it across, making sure it’s clear and accurate – it’s a key part of the record and may be referred to later.

1.00pm: I meet a few fellow trainees for lunch in the café. It’s a great chance to catch up and swap stories from our different departments. The terrace is a favourite spot when the weather’s good, and we often take a walk around Marylebone afterwards. These informal chats are a nice way to decompress and share learning experiences – it’s reassuring to hear that others are navigating similar challenges and picking up useful tips along the way.

2.00pm: I attend a know-how session run by the private client team. A senior associate presents a recent case involving succession planning and we discuss how it might affect our approach to similar matters. These sessions are a great way to build technical knowledge and hear real-life examples from experienced colleagues. I find it especially helpful when they explain how they tackled particular issues or structured advice – it brings the theory to life and helps me think more strategically.

3.00pm: I work on a draft will and letter of wishes for another client, using the precedents and tailoring them to their specific family and asset structure. I check in with the fee-earner to confirm a few points before sending the drafts for review. This area of law is teaching me just how crucial it is to be both precise and clear in my thinking and communication. It’s a real exercise in attention to detail and client-focused drafting, and I’m learning to anticipate how different scenarios might play out in practice.

4.30pm: I diarise a few key dates and deadlines. Staying organised is essential, especially when juggling multiple matters, and I’m finding that good habits here make a big difference to how smoothly things run. I then spend some time reviewing recent guidance notes and internal precedents related to estate planning – it’s a helpful way to reinforce my understanding and spot any nuances I might have missed earlier in the day.

5.30pm: Before wrapping up, I check my to-do list and make a note of anything I need to pick up first thing tomorrow. I also take a moment to reflect on what I’ve learned today and jot down any questions I want to follow up on.

6.00pm: I head out of the office, as I have a gym class this evening – it’s a good way to switch off and recharge after a busy day!

What attracted you to a career in law? I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and working with people, and law felt like a natural fit. I was drawn to the idea of helping clients navigate complex issues and making a tangible difference in their lives. The variety and intellectual challenge of legal work really appealed to me.

How did you decide where to apply? I was looking for a firm with both strong real estate and private client practices, a supportive culture, and a genuine commitment to trainee development. After working as a paralegal at the firm, I was struck by how approachable and enthusiastic everyone was. That made my decision easy.

What things have challenged you? Switching seats every few months means constantly adapting to new teams and subject areas. It can be daunting at first, but it’s also a great way to build resilience and learn quickly. I’ve found that asking questions and being proactive really helps.

What has been the highlight so far? One highlight has been working directly with clients and seeing how our input can bring clarity and reassurance during what are often complex or sensitive situations. I’ve also really valued the know-how sessions and the opportunity to contribute to team discussions. It’s rewarding to feel part of a collaborative environment where learning is continuous and everyone’s input is welcomed. Being involved in real matters and seeing how my work fits into the bigger picture has made the experience both motivating and meaningful.

About the firm

The firm: Forsters is a leading London law firm which delivers exceptional legal advice to clients principally drawn from the real estate and private wealth sectors. Forsters is not just another law firm; our ability to meet the exacting requirements of our clients is enhanced by our approach, size and location. We do not seek to offer everything to everyone, but to excel at what we do, as leaders in our chosen fields.

The clients: British Airways Pension Fund; Netflix; Investra Capital; LXB Retail Properties; OakNorth Bank; Rothschild Bank International; The Crown Estate; United National Trust Bank; McDonalds.

The deals: Assisted The Crown Estate with its £120m acquisition of three Central London properties; acted for Investra Capital in connection with the sale and leaseback of a retail portfolio; advises on multimillion-pound prenuptial agreements; acts for trustees and high-net-worth individuals and families on a wide variety of contentious trusts and probate cases, in addition to professional negligence claims that arise in the context of trust and estates work; advises clients who own and invest in art; advises domestic UK families on wealth structuring.

Senior partner: Natasha Rees

Managing partner:  Emily Exton

Who we are: We are a dynamic, successful firm committed to being the best at what we do. Based in Marylebone, Forsters was formed in 1998 by ten partners from Frere Cholmeley Bischoff, who decided to create a new firm rather than take part in a merger with a large firm based in the City. Their vision was to create a new firm with a distinctive culture which could provide a genuine alternative to City firms.

What we do: While we are best known for our top-flight real estate and private client practices, we also have thriving corporate and disputes teams. Forsters offers interesting, intellectually challenging work, high-quality clients and fantastic people to work with and learn from. We are dedicated to providing outstanding client service in a highly professional, collaborative and supportive environment.

What we’re looking for in a trainee: 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.

What you’ll do: 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 are 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 (see graduate recruitment website for more details).

Perks: 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.

Sponsorship

We’re proud to sponsor your journey through the PGDL and/or the SQE. We’ll pay for your courses and provide a maintenance grant of £9,000 (PGDL) and £12,000 (SQE) 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.

Seat options

Practice areas include commercial real estate, private client, corporate, disputes, residential property, construction, real estate disputes, family, immigration, banking and finance, planning, employment, and landed estates.

Tips from the recruiter

1. Use as many resources as possible to conduct your research; look at our website, listen to our podcasts, attend our open days, check our social media and review our various online profiles. This will help you to put together a varied and less generic application.
2. We want to know why something is interesting or matters to you; ensure you tell us why and you aren’t just repeating firm information back to us. We want to understand your interest in both the culture of the firm (values, RB, D&I) as well as the work of the firm (clients, cases, partners, teams).
3. Spell the firm name correctly! We are not Fosters or Foresters.

Diversity and inclusion