Forsters Vacation Scheme - February 2025
What was the full recruitment process?
1. Application
2. Online video interview
3. Assessment centre
4. Vacation scheme
Which aspect does this report cover?
Vacation scheme assessment centre
Where did the assessment centre take place?
London office
What did the assessment centre involve?
1. Group exercise: placed in groups of 8 people to discuss designing a mascot for the firm (25 minutes preparation, 8 minute presentation and 10 minutes feedback / reflection)
2. Written task: drafting an email to a client about things they ought to consider and further information required when advising them on business expansion / restructuring (1 hour)
3. Interview: strengths-based interview and commercial awareness questions (10 minutes preparation time beforehand, 30 minutes with a two senior associates,)
Group exercise
The group was split into groups of 8 which were subsequently divided into 2 groups of 4. Separately, each group had to design (and make with various art supplies provided) a mascot for the firm. This had to relate either to the firm’s key practice areas, the firm as a whole, or its trainee cohort. It was an opportunity for creativity but also demonstrating how well you know the firm and its sectors, values, training programme etc. We were given 25 minutes to discuss ideas, create the mascot and prepare the presentation. We had to keep time ourselves.
We then rejoined the other half of the group and took it in turns to present our mascots. Each group was expected to ask questions to the group who were presenting so it’s important to pay attention to what they say. This was observed by a partner and three members of the recruitment team. The partner then decided the winning mascot and gave his reasons for this. We were then asked to reflect aloud how we felt our group had done.
Written task
The task was split into 2 parts relating to the same client and same issue. The client was a couple who had started a small chocolate making business in their home and were looking to buy a small business premises and change the structure of the company (shareholders, directors, client base etc.).
Task 1
This was a proofreading exercise. We were asked to correct spelling and grammar and alter the structure of the email where we felt appropriate. I would advise to not spend long on this task (no more than 20 minutes) as the second task took a lot longer.
Task 2
We were asked to draft an email to client regarding some factors that they ought to consider, based on some information given about the company and their goals, and to ask for further information we needed. We had another sheet of paper which set out some considerations that we could mention in the email, but this was not exhaustive. It’s important to keep track of time and ensure you write in a way that accommodates the client’s lack of business and legal knowledge.
Interview
The interview contained only 5 questions. The final question was like an essay-based question ‘Should legal services be free to access, universally?’. Before the interview we were told what this question would be and given 10 minutes to prepare an answer to it. I went through the pros and cons of each option and then suggested some potential solutions. The interviewers then challenged my view by pointing out some potential flaws in my solutions and asking how these could be overcome.
Situational questions
Motivation questions
Legal and commercial awareness questions
Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?
For the group exercise, it is very important that you have done research on the firm, including its practice areas, values, training programme and other initiatives such as its ESG and DEI strategies. Make sure you link your mascot closely to whichever aspect of the firm you choose and prepare to be challenged by the other group. When reflecting, be honest about whether there’s something you as a group could have done better.
For the written task, make sure you keep track of time and allocate more time for the second part of the exercise. Use the information given to you regarding some potential considerations, but also try and come up with your own and closely link them to the client information.
For the interview make sure you’re on top of your commercial awareness and current affairs and be prepared to relate this to the firm and its clients. For the situational questions, be authentic and don’t try and say what you think they want to hear as its designed to get to know you as a person and your strengths.
Forsters Assessment Centre - February 2024
What was the full recruitment process?
1. Application
2. Assessment centre
Which aspect does this report cover?
Assessment centre
Where did the assessment centre take place?
In the firm’s London office.
What did the assessment centre involve?
1. Interview: motivation and commercial awareness questions (~45 minutes with 2 partners)
2. Group exercise: creating and delivering a group presentation (~45 minutes in front of 3 assessors, which included 2 partners)
3. Written exercise: based on a succession of assets issue (~45 minutes)
Interview
The interview was particularly challenging. The interviewers do not engage much with you from the outset, so prepare yourself to stay calm when not getting much positive encouragement from the partners (one was repeatedly on his phone throughout). It was not conversational; it consisted of quickfire questions with follow up questions on certain things I said.
Motivation questions
Commercial awareness / legal questions
Group exercise
We were in a group of six, sat on a round table with three assessors. There was a selection of statements on the table such as ‘Social media is bad for society’ and ‘The high-street is a thing of the past’.
We had to collectively choose one statement, decide if we were ‘for’ or ‘against’ it, and then plan a persuasive presentation accordingly. We had 30 minutes to plan, and then 10 minutes to present to the assessors. The assessors then asked followed up questions.
These questions were fairly challenging, and people who made vague sweeping statements (and didn’t have a deeper understanding to draw upon) tended to get caught out. Either way, make sure you answer some of the questions yourself (don’t let team members dominate).
I recommend getting involved in the conversation, being supportive of others who contribute, asking those who have not spoken if they have anything to add, keeping track of the time to make sure the group stays on track for the deadline, and trying not to feel intimidated by loud and dominating speakers (they are likely not to get an offer!).
Written exercise
This was a case study based on a fictional client who had assets and trusts both abroad and domestically. The client also said she wanted assistance securing power of attorney for her niece. This was a very challenging task for non-law students, as we had to identify what further documentation / information the firm would need to assist her when selling her assets and purchasing property. The task lasted for an hour, and we had access to the internet.
My advice is to stay calm and focus on writing an email that is professionally structured. They are testing your ability to think logically and present arguments clearly. Start with the part of the case study you are most confident with.
Forsters Vacation Scheme - March 2022
What was the full recruitment process?
1. Application
2. Assessment centre
3. Vacation scheme
4. Final interview
Which aspect does this report cover?
Assessment centre, vacation scheme and final training contract interview
Where did the assessment centre take place?
The assessment centre was online, but the training contract interview was in the London office.
What did the assessment centre involve?
1. Interview: personal interest, motivation and commercial awareness questions (~45 minutes with 2 partners)
2. Group exercise: creating and delivering a group presentation (~45 minutes in front of 3 assessors, which included 2 partners)
3. Written exercise: based on a real estate issue (~45 minutes)
Interview
Personal interest questions
Motivation questions
Commercial awareness questions
Group exercise
We were placed into separate groups of three, then sent to a break out room with an assessor present. We then had to come up with a presentation on the future of Forsters, and decided to focus on legal tech.
We then presented to the wider group via Zoom (we didn’t use any visual aids), before answering follow-up questions from the assessors. These questions were fairly challenging, and people who made vague sweeping statements (and didn’t have a deeper understanding to draw upon) tended to get caught out. Either way, make sure you answer some of the questions yourself (don’t let team members dominate).
I recommend getting involved in the conversation, being supportive of others who contribute, asking those who have not spoken if they have anything to add, keeping track of the time and making sure the group stays on track for the deadline, and trying not to feel intimidated by loud and dominating speakers (they are likely not to get an offer!).
Written exercise
I was given a number of documents which outlined our fictional client’s situation. There were various issues relating to the purchasing of an office block, including (for example) the discovery of subsidence. I then had to write an email setting out the potential issues, how these could impact the client, and how the firm could help.
I went through the issues and considered how each could affect the client’s situation. For example, I considered the potential environmental impact of the building being next to a river; the logistical implications of the office block needing repairs (in terms of business continuity), and so on. I also considered how the client could refurbish the building to meet today’s workplace standards, for example by including collaborative working spaces, a gym to promote wellness, and a cafeteria.
Vacation scheme
The vacation scheme lasted for two weeks. I sat in Construction and Corporate. This vacation scheme was organised fantastically, with a brilliant schedule that included various department talks and wider firm talks.
There were also numerous social events planned, including: lunch on the first day with trainees; a drinks evening with partners and associates; a supervisor breakfast; a treasure hunt around Mayfair; and Forsters’ Summer Party. There was also the option to get involved in the firm’s wider activities (I participated in cooking for the homeless, the choir, and netball).
The vacation scheme had various assessed elements in the form of workshops. This included a presentation workshop and a family workshop (centring on a divorce-related debate).
I also had to give a presentation at the monthly construction meeting on inflation rates and their impact on the construction industry. However, no other vac schemer had to do this, so it was likely a one off.
Overall, this vacation scheme was brilliant fun. It was very well organised and you were really able to get involved in all aspects of the firm.
Training contract interview and presentation
At the end of the vacation scheme, there was a training contract interview with two partners.
As part of this, I had to present for 10 minutes on predatory marriage (I was given the topic ~1 week beforehand) and answer follow-up questions on the topic. I was given the option to use visual aids, but chose not to do so. I was then asked a series of questions, including:
When you receive questions that place you out of your comfort zone, or questions that you cannot think of an answer for, take a breath, ask for a moment to think, and then start speaking.
What was the outcome?
The firm called me a week after the assessment centre to offer me a place on the vacation scheme. I was eventually offered a training contract months after completing the vacation scheme.