Careers - Graduate Recruitment

Graduate recruitment information

Training Contracts at Forbes Solicitors

Information Sheet for applicants

We have received on average 300 hundred applications for three or four vacancies for Training Contracts at Forbes Solicitors commencing in September two years after the year of application. The number of positions that we offer depends upon the calibre of the candidates interviewed.

Generally twelve to sixteen applicants are selected for first stage interviews and the interviews are conducted by Michael Blacklidge, Training Principal and Emma Fitzsimmons, Graduate Recruitment Manager.

First stage interviews are normally completed by the end of the second week in August and we will then draw up a short list of candidates for a final second round interview. Again, the number of short listed candidates will depend upon the calibre of interviewees.

We hope to be able to advise all interviewees of the outcome of the first stage interview the week following their initial interview.

Training Contracts

Once a training contract commences, each trainee spends six months in four departments from the following:

  1. Criminal Litigation
  2. Family / Divorce
  3. Claimant Litigation
  4. Insurance litigation
  5. Non-contentious, essentially comprising Commercial or Domestic Property, Wills, Trust & Probate and Business Law
  6. Employment

The employment seats are not automatically available and depend upon the requirements of that particular Department and the interest and aptitude shown by trainees.

During each six month seat, formal appraisals are conducted with the Training Principal and the Graduate Recruitment Partner, after the first six weeks and four weeks before the end of the seat. During these appraisals, discussions take place regarding, performance, reviewing the Departmental Training Checklist and the Training Diary.

During the course of the training contract, each trainee has the opportunity to meet a mentor who is usually a newly qualified solicitor to help with any other issues that may arise.

Finally, we are pleased to inform you that all our recently qualified trainees were offered positions as Assistant Solicitors with the firm.

We trust that this information is of assistance and obviously any other questions can be discussed during interview.

Michael J Blacklidge
Training Principal