Candidate Experience

From Applicant to Trainee: The MoFo Candidate Experience

Training

A two-year programme during which you will rotate through our London departments. Trainees have access to a variety of mentors to guide them through new experiences and access to ongoing learning and development opportunities required to underpin their legal skills, including the initial trainee orientation sessions, regular skills-based training, significant daily responsibility and autonomy, and contributions to our future of the firm.

Vacation Scheme

Time spent at our London office with access to a variety of our departments. You will be able to take part in real client work, attend training sessions, and join socials with our attorneys. It’s a great way to get to know the firm and our sole method of selecting our future trainees.

Second-Stage Interview

The interview is comprised of two stages. You will deliver a five-to-ten-minute presentation on a current affairs topic to a panel including a member of the Graduate and Trainee Committee, another partner/of counsel, a member of the recruiting team, and a current trainee. You will complete a legal technical case study, which you will then discuss with two of our attorneys. Non-law students are also able to answer this from a commercial perspective.

First-Stage Interview

A 45–60-minute interview with a member of the recruiting team and two attorneys. This can be completed virtually or in-person at our offices. This interview is comprised of motivational and competency-based questions. We also ask one or two legal technical questions. Don’t worry if you are a non-law student; this is all taken into account with your answers.

Online Application Form

Second-Stage Interview

Vacation Scheme

Training

Morrison Foerster is partnered with the University of Law to deliver the SQE preparation programmes. We will sponsor future MoFo trainees who are completing non-law subjects through the PgDL with the University of Law and offer the SQE+ programme (in addition to SQE 1 and 2 preparation programmes) for all future MoFo trainees completing the SQE route.

Intentionally chosen for the breadth and depth of teaching expertise, understanding of our key practice areas, and understanding of wider industry and sector developments, the collaboration ensures that all future trainees have the essential knowledge and commercial awareness for the next steps of their legal career with the firm and provides our future trainees with a well-rounded introduction to the practice and business of law. For future trainees being sponsored through the PgDL or SQE by MoFo, full course and exam fees will be covered by the firm, in addition to a maintenance grant to assist with living costs during study.

Legal Study Support

London Trainee Experience

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Male manager presenting at informal meeting in a lounge room

Curated Experience

Our approach ensures trainees start strong in their legal careers through a comprehensive induction that is carefully crafted to enhance their professional skills and equip them with essential tools to meet firm and client needs. Trainees have access to a variety of mentors to guide them through new experiences and ongoing learning and development opportunities required to underpin their legal skills. This holistic approach prepares them to deliver exceptional client service on complex global matters.

Training Period

The training period consists of four six-month seats, with potential overseas secondments in our offices or with our clients. During your training, you will have the opportunity to work in at least three distinct areas of law, including core practices areas like Corporate M&A, litigation, and dispute resolution, as well as specialised areas such as data privacy, employment, intellectual property, finance, and more. Trainees have numerous opportunities to work with colleagues across the firm on various matters and pro bono initiatives.

Support and Mentorship

You will receive plenty of formal and informal support, including a trainee buddy (a second-year trainee), a trainee supervisor for each of the four seats, and a trainee liaison (a senior associate acting as a mentor throughout your training). There is an active mentoring programme, a formal evaluation and feedback process every quarter, and career development workshops tailored to individual needs and interests. Trainees also have access to our health and well-being resources and a wealth of online information on our portal. In addition, the Attorney Talent and Graduate and Trainee Committees are a constant source of resources, guidance, and support.

Our vacation scheme offers a comprehensive introduction to training at MoFo. As a summer associate, you will:

The vacation scheme is your opportunity to showcase your potential. By the end, you will have a clear sense of whether law is the career for you—and whether MoFo is the right firm for you. The vacation scheme is our sole method of selecting our future trainees.

Vacation Scheme

understand the level of responsibility given to trainees

experience what life as a MoFo Trainee is like

connect with MoFo partners, associates, business professionals, and peers

complete real client work, conduct legal research, and shadow client meetings

actively participate in firm life, from social events to office-wide training sessions

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First-Stage Interview

Online Application Form

We ask that you upload your CV and fill out our online application form. As part of your application, you will be expected to answer three long-answer questions regarding your motivations for a career in law and at MoFo.