Training and Apprenticeships
Applications open on 2 January 2026 for training opportunities in 2028 and 2029. All applicants must have passed either the SQE1&2 or LPC before commencing their training contract – you do not need to have passed before applying for a training contract, the application form will ask you to indicate which year you are applying for your training to start with us.
Choosing the right law firm to qualify with is a big decision and you’ll need to weigh up many factors. We offer a two-year training contract to those who have completed the SQE 1&2 or LPC – which constitutes 2 years of qualifying work experience for those who have completed the SQE or 2 years of recognised training for those on the LPC route.
Here’s an overview of how your route to qualification might look at FSP:
Size
With over 100 people based in one office, our participants can make a big impact while still benefiting from the expertise and training provided by a wide range of highly talented lawyers. At FSP you’ll get client contact and hands on access to deals, cases and advisory work that gets you building and using your legal skills quickly.
Variety
We are a full-service law firm, which means we provide advice to organisations and individuals across a wide range of issues that are likely to affect them (with the exception of general criminal advocacy). We therefore encourage applications from people who see their career as focused on commercial clients and organisations, or on helping individuals, or who want to try both before deciding where to specialise. You’ll experience some very different seats during your training to give you a rounded experience to help you choose where you want to specialise.
Location
Our Reading office makes us well placed to take advantage of a thriving business district in and around the Thames Valley. Being close to London we can attract a wider client base looking for sensibly priced, quality advice, and our proximity to Heathrow and our international network membership of Globaladvocaten gives us an international reach beyond most firms of our size.
Our modern, central, riverside offices are also handily placed for transport links, shopping, restaurants and other useful venues – or just for taking a relaxing lunchtime stroll (or run) beside the river.
Learning & development
As a firm, developing all our people is extremely important to us, as our gold accreditation with Investors in People testifies. We take particular care in ensuring our participants get the support and encouragement they need to reach their potential. The training you will receive ensures you develop a broad spectrum of skills including commercial awareness and the importance of legal technology.
Culture
We are particularly well known for our friendly and supportive culture, which has been a core part of our philosophy since we were founded over 30 years ago. Joining our ‘Family FSP’ you can be confident you’ll be looked after and supported to get that essential balance of work and home-life/outside interests. Health and well-being are at the forefront of the culture we promote and you will be involved in regular training and workshops to build on that culture.
We have a strong social ethos. We value face to face interaction, team meetings and regular social events. We also like to get involved in the local community. Not only are we heavily involved in the local legal and business networks, we support many charitable local initiatives, through the FSP Foundation and beyond.
Over the two-year period of training, our trainees will usually undertake 4 seats of 6 months each before qualifying. We try to reflect the interests of each trainee in their seat rotations, giving priority to second year trainees to put them in the best place as they approach qualification. As one of our trainees you may spend time in any of the following teams:
- Corporate
- Real Estate
- Business Services (Commercial, IP & Technology, Employment, Dispute Resolution & Litigation)
- Family & Matrimonial
- Residential Conveyancing
- Wills, Tax & Trusts
You’ll find more information about the work we do in the ‘Expertise’ section of our website.
We ensure all our trainees have a mid-seat and end of seat review, plenty of contact with supervisors and others and lots of additional training opportunities, including in-house and external training sessions.
If we’ve ticked your boxes, we look forward to receiving your application.
Please note that our closing dates for applications are:
Work Experience: 01 March 2026
Training Contracts/Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship: 31 May 2026
We typically recruit 4 trainee solicitors to start in March or September. At any time we have around 6 trainee solicitors.
Applications opening on 2 January 2026 are for training opportunities in 2028 and 2029.
Work experience applications open on 2 January 2026 for the 2026 Work Experience Programme in June and July 2026.Applications are made through a short on-line application form with a supporting CV. Your CV is very important and should contain the following details:
- Candidates must possess a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent).
- Candidates must possess a minimum of 130 UCAS points (or equivalent) and Maths and English GCSEs grade C or above (or equivalent).
- All relevant school, further and higher education qualifications, including academic institutions, subject and grades.
- Your right to work in the UK (for Work Experience only).
- Both your personal home address and email address.
- Your relevant work experience / employment.
- Any other achievements or experience which demonstrate relevant/ transferable skills and expertise.