Early Careers

Interested in starting a career within a law firm? Find out about the variety of early career roles at Foot Anstey, suitable for a huge range of people.

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Training in England & Wales

Our Training Contract offers a high-quality learning experience and the opportunity to work on complex, meaningful matters across our seven key sectors. Over the course of four seats, you’ll gain hands-on experience and make an immediate contribution, supported by knowledgeable colleagues who are passionate about your development. You’ll benefit from early client exposure through our unique Virtual Trainee Programme and client secondment opportunities, while working closely with partners and specialists across the firm. Regular support and guidance from our dedicated Early Careers team will help you make the most of your journey.

Our pathways to training in England & Wales:

Achieve Vacation Scheme – A one-week paid internship programme focused on improving diversity and inclusion, aimed at students from groups currently underrepresented in the UK workforce. Applications open on Monday 5 October 2026 and close on Friday 18 December 2026.
Aspire Vacation Scheme – A one-week paid internship programme open to all. Applications open on Monday 5 October 2026 and close on Friday 18 December 2026.
Direct Training Contract Application – Apply directly for a Training Contract, with the final stage of the process being an assessment day. Applications open on Monday 2 November 2026 and close on Monday 1 March 2027.

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Training in Northern Ireland

Our Training Contract based in the Belfast office is a two-year programme designed to provide high-quality experience across a variety of practice areas. Trainees develop both technical legal expertise and essential professional skills, while working on meaningful client matters from the outset. With support from experienced colleagues, you’ll gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, legal drafting, advocacy and client management, building the knowledge and confidence needed for a successful career as a solicitor.

We offer multiple pathways into our Training Contract, designed to support talented individuals at different stages of their legal journey, recognising the importance of providing accessible opportunities to develop skills, confidence and understanding of the legal profession. Whether you are exploring a career in law, gaining practical experience, or ready to apply for a training contract, our pathways are designed to help you take the next step towards qualification with us.

Our pathways to training in Northern Ireland:

Accelerate Programme – A one-week paid internship programme for first-year law students who may face additional barriers to entering the legal profession, with ongoing support and a bursary throughout their studies. Applications open in January 2027.
Aspire Vacation Scheme Northern Ireland – A one-week paid internship programme open to all, providing insight into life at Foot Anstey and the opportunity to develop key legal and professional skills. Applications open on Monday 2 November 2026 and close on Monday 1 March 2027.
Direct Training Contract Northern Ireland Application – Apply directly for a training contract, with shortlisted candidates progressing to an assessment day as the final stage of the recruitment process. Applications open on Monday 7 September 2026 and close on Friday 23 October 2026.

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Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a great route into a law firm, with the training, resources and support to help you kick-start your career. At Foot Anstey, apprentices gain hands-on experience from day one, supported by structured training, dedicated development opportunities and colleagues who are invested in their success. The programme is open to school leavers, non-law graduates and career changers, providing an accessible pathway into the legal profession without following the traditional university route.

Our Legal Apprenticeship programme is a six-year programme with an integrated law degree, offering apprentices a broad and comprehensive learning experience. Throughout the programme, apprentices develop legal knowledge, commercial awareness and professional skills while working alongside experienced colleagues and contributing to real client matters.

Our pathway to a Legal Apprenticeship:

Direct Legal Apprenticeship Application – Apply directly to join the programme, with shortlisted candidates progressing to an assessment day as the final stage of the recruitment process. Applications open on Monday 5 October 2026 and close on Monday 15 February 2027.

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