FORSTERS LLP
LCN AWARD WINNER 2016 BEST RECRUITER – MEDIUM CITY FIRM
W hile lots of employers might claim that they encourage people to be themselves, the hierarchical, conservative approach that prevails at many law firms means that the temptation for many prospective hires and new recruits is to present an image of what they think the firm wants to see instead. But just the opposite is the case at Forsters, as Emily Exton – partner and outgoing head of graduate recruitment – explains: “We want our lawyers to be comfortable in their own skins and to feel free to be themselves at work, as we believe that this is how to get the best out of people. Everyone is different and should be allowed to develop in a way that suits them.” This ethos drove the firm’s founding in 1998, when a group of partners broke away from another City outfit to realise their vision of what a modern, high-end commercial practice should be. Now based in the heart of the West End, Forsters is uniquely placed to provide the stellar service demanded by its real estate and private wealth clients. “Our Mayfair location is very important to the firm – it’s where our clients want us to be and it’s where we like working, so it’s a key part of our identity,” explains HR officer James Gilbert. “We are a modern, forward-looking firm, and we have a reputation for being a friendly firm as well. I think our success is also a pull factor for candidates – we have a clear business strategy and have just come off the back of six years of double-digit growth, so this is a firm with a lot to offer.” And the stats back him up: Forsters receives hundreds of applications every year for just seven to nine vacancies, which are gradually whittled down by the firm’s graduate recruitment panel. “The panel is made up of 20 partners,” explains Emily. “Four to five of those are responsible for the application form reviewing and shortlisting process; we find that it is useful to have a more concentrated number of people looking at application forms,
2016
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Best in Law 2016
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