This month, we asked our Instagram followers what questions they most wanted answered about life at Farrer & Co, from the recruitment process to our training and culture, and what sets us apart as a firm. We have gathered the questions and our responses in this month’s edition of Join Us.
"Do you allow free voluntary work, just for work experience?"
All our work experience programmes are paid schemes. We also offer meal vouchers to be used for breakfast/lunch throughout your time with us and financial assistance to contribute to accommodation/travel if required. We do not run any informal, unpaid work experience outside of our formal schemes.
"Any advice for someone from a non-law background, but recently interested in the field?"
Do your research about what a career in law involves. Take advantage of the variety of in-person/virtual events available via law firm and external organisation websites.
Farrer & Co have also created a virtual work simulation, which gives candidates the opportunity to complete tasks in four different areas of law here.
"What are your favourite things to see in applications? What makes them a good read?"
We recommend looking at our application tips on our website for a breakdown of what we're looking for on each application question. Click here to read.
"Is it possible to be overqualified for the October work experience?"
This scheme is for those currently studying A-levels or equivalent qualifications at the time of the programme. This opportunity is not for candidates at university or graduates who have already obtained a degree.
University students/graduates interested in work experience should apply for one of our vacation schemes here.
"Does the firm consider speculative applications for paralegal roles?"
Yes, more details can be found here.
"What is one skill that Farrer & Co values the most?"
We have a list of skills important to us on our website here. These include things like communication, resilience, commercial awareness, attention to detail and teamwork.
"What is your approach to future trainees having to retake one of the SQE exams?"
The firm will pay for course and examination fees for the first SQE attempt and one resit (if required).
"What does a typical day look like for a degree apprentice?"
Each day varies depending on the practice area an apprentice is working in. Click here to view an example of a typical day for one of our current fourth-year solicitor apprentices.
"Can an LLB graduate who is doing LLM SQEs enrol in internships?"
LLM students are eligible to apply for our vacation schemes. More details of the application process for this can be found here.
"Does your firm offer solicitor degree apprenticeship Level 7 or undergraduates?"
We offer six-year level 7 solicitor apprenticeships. By the end of this programme, you will have gained a degree, completed the SQE and qualified as a solicitor. More details can be found here.
"Do you recruit predominantly through your vacation schemes or direct training contracts?"
This varies each year. Our vacation scheme and training contract application processes are separate. 30% of our 2026 and 62.5% of our 2027 trainee cohorts completed a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co.
"How can we join for an internship or part-time case worker/legal assistant?"
The only internships we offer are through the 10KBI initiative. Our only other work experience opportunity for university students/graduates is our vacation schemes.
If you're interested in a legal assistant role, these are advertised on our separate firm vacancies page, or you can submit a speculative application here.
"Tips for undergrad students applying for work experience"
We recommend looking at our application tips on our website for a breakdown of what we're looking for on each application question.
You might also find it helpful to complete our virtual work simulation which gives you the opportunity to complete tasks in four different areas of law.
"Day in the life as a 1st year trainee"
Click here to read 1st year trainee Lapo's Q&A about his time so far at Farrer & Co.