Amy France - First Year Trainee

Where did you go to University and do your degree?

I went to University College London (UCL) and did a History degree. I later studied the GDL at BPP Waterloo, and then the LPC at the College of Law, Bloomsbury.

What does a typical days work involve?

I am currently sitting in the Planning Department at Forsters. Just three weeks into my seat I’ve already seen a variety of planning issues. I’ve helped to review a large Environmental Impact Assessment, seen how Section 106 Agreements are used within the planning system, and also prepared a planning report section for a Report on Title.

I have also done lots of different smaller tasks, from putting together research notes to finding planning applications online, to accompanying my supervising solicitor to a seminar he was giving on Listed Buildings.

What has been interesting for me is the way that planning issues arise in many residential and commercial property transactions; as a result I really enjoy the way that, although Planning is a small department, there is lots of contact with other areas of the firm.

How are you finding Forsters social side?

Forsters has an excellent social side. There is a real sense at Forsters that people want to work hard, but they also know how to enjoy themselves as well.

The firm makes a real effort to organise social events, from trainee drinks to more formal events which clients and professional contacts attend. There always seems to be something going on at Forsters, from a charity cake bake, to the monthly meeting of the Book Club.

At the end of my first week here it was Forsters’ 10th Anniversary Party at the Four Seasons Hotel. It was a lovely way to celebrate the first week of my training contract, and proved a great opportunity to meet lots more Forsters’ staff.

One of things I really appreciate is that, as there are a relatively small number of trainees in any one intake at Forsters, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and support between the trainees.

Why did you choose Forsters?

I initially applied for a vacation scheme at Forsters two years ago, because I was interested in property and private client work and thought it would be a good idea to get as much experience of the types of work a solicitor undertakes as possible.

After completing the two-week vacation scheme, I knew that this was the firm I wanted to train at and build my career with. During those two weeks I was made to feel welcome by everyone I came into contact with. Despite the fact I was only here for a couple of weeks, I was given interesting things to do, and everyone took time to explain things and offer help. From support staff to partners, I felt like everyone went out of their way to make it an enjoyable experience.

Once you had chosen Forsters how well did they keep in touch over the two years before joining?

Forsters were great at keeping in touch in the period between me being recruited and actually joining. It can seem like an age between when you receive your offer and the first day of your training contract, but Forsters made a real effort to organise special events or invite us future trainees along to firm parties.