Macfarlanes

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Macfarlanes

Macfarlanes combines the polish of a top-tier City firm with the intimacy of a smaller, more collegiate training environment. Trainees consistently highlight the quality of training as one of the standout features, describing it as “excellent,” “structured,” and “top-quality.” The blend of private client and corporate work creates “a diverse selection of work, with a unique private client aspect across all the practice areas giving all the work done a bit more of a personal touch.” Many feel it strikes the “best balance between size and quality of work,” with a culture that has “stayed intentionally (relatively) small, allowing the firm’s positive and supportive culture across all levels of seniority to flourish.” On training, the consensus is that it is “excellent,” “top-quality and structured,” and “well organised.” Juniors appreciate that “a lot of time is invested into your training, whether that is departmental when rotating between seats or personal training,” with supervisors who are approachable and “invested in your development and learning.” Compared to peers elsewhere, trainees feel lucky: “I have friends at Magic Circle firms where they don’t like their cohorts and their supervisors are unapproachable, or that they feel like paper pushers. I feel like I can walk up to any member of staff or fee-earner and ask a question here, plus the work I’m given is interesting and allows me to learn a lot.” Others note that the quality of work is “similar to Magic Circle and American firms,” but with “more responsibility.” The best thing about the firm is, according to trainees, the “friendly, down-to-earth people” and a “collegiate and kind” culture. Diversity is described as “massively improved at a junior recruitment level,” but the challenge remains in “retaining diverse candidates past junior associates.” Others point to “lack of transparency at times” and a need to sharpen up on “law tech.” Highlights of the training contract range from “taking on associate-level responsibilities on the launch of a major transaction” to “working on deals which are then in the news.” Trainees also value “getting excellent feedback from clients” and “having an incredible primary supervisor who was also a partner and has become a close mentor.” Several reflect positively on “seeing my personal growth and progression from year 1 to year 2.” The worst moments are more mundane: “administrative tasks,” “forgetting to attach an important document to an email,” or “working with other trainees in my practice area on a matter and having to pick up all of their slack.” The hybrid working policy is generally well received: trainees can work from home one day a week. Some say this “strikes the right balance,” as “if it was more than that then I would lose out on an awful lot of learning (by osmosis).”  Pro bono and CSR opportunities exist, “but I do not get the sense that it is particularly encouraged,” said one trainee. Others described it as “good if you have the capacity/interest to pick them up,” though several admitted that with the pace of the training contract, “I don’t know when we’d find the time.” For those who want top-quality training, early responsibility, and a supportive, collegial culture without the scale of a Magic Circle firm, Macfarlanes is a strong choice.

Life as a Trainee… Josie Duggan, Trainee Solicitor

Departments to date: Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Finance; Private Client

University: University of Leeds; BPP Law School

Degree: History (2:1); LLM Law Conversion (Distinction); LLM SQE Preparation Course (Distinction)

I try to get up around 6.30 – 7am every morning so that I can exercise before work (albeit this does depend on how late I had been working the night before…). Recently I’ve been going for morning runs along the Thames with a fellow Trainee, but if I don’t have a run planned, I’ll normally venture to the gym (one of the great perks of working at the firm – the on-site gym!).

Following my morning workout, I’ll shower and get ready for the working day in the office. Having checked my calendar the night before, I’ll get in early if I have any meetings to attend but generally, I aim to be at my desk by 9.30am. Once settled, I check my emails to make sure that nothing urgent has come in; if everything is clear, I’ll to head down to DOCASA (our in-house coffee spot) and get some coffee.

DOCASA is a central hub of the firm – the baristas are friendly; the coffees/matchas/teas etc. are tasty and best of all… it’s free! I always enjoy my trips to DOCASA as you often bump into friends/colleagues from other teams and get the opportunity to have a quick chat. Once my coffee is ready, I normally grab a banana (or another piece of free fruit) and head back to my desk.

I tend to officially start my day with setting out my daily to-do list to prioritise my workload. Once organised, I get going – my tasks are always very varied. Examples include drafting documents, attending calls with clients (and making notes), preparing trackers, researching legal issues, matter management and much more. If my to-do list includes a new matter, I usually meet with an Associate to discuss and they explain the background, any key deadlines and identify my responsibilities. This is always helpful, and it makes you feel like a real part of the team (which is normally made up of a Paralegal/Trainee, Associate, and Partner).

My to-do list also includes “non-billable” work such as preparing and delivering presentations on certain topics of interest, for example, I recently presented on a recent court case to the banking team. In addition, I am also involved in the “QUACC” committee (essentially, our Trainee social committee) meaning I am responsible for organising socials for the Trainees. These are always fun and provide a good opportunity for us to all bond together.

Once I have made progress on my to-do list (and my hunger sets in), there is normally a group of us who head down for lunch together. We either head to Leather Lane to pick something up or grab something from the subsidised menu in the kitchen. There are always lots of healthy and tasty options on offer – salads, freshly cooked pasta, and meals from different cuisines across the world. Sometimes, however, we have Education and Training (E&T) sessions scheduled in at lunchtime. These are training sessions where lunch is provided, and speakers present on various topics to help with our continued development. I enjoy these sessions as the training at Macfarlanes is definitely one of the key reasons why I wanted to train at the firm – for me, it’s unparalleled in terms of the breadth and quality and I do feel like I am able to keep on top of important updates.

Following lunch, I continue with my to-do list and/or any meetings in my diary. This normally leads up to an average finish time of around 7.30pm (which includes stopping for the dinner provided for us at 7pm). If I still have work to do, I often leave the office and continue working from home at this point. My supervisors have always been supportive of this and understand that flexible working arrangements are helpful for everyone.

On some days (which tend to be a Thursday or Friday), I might end the day with a drink or two at 26 Furnival Street (an old establishment of the firm, a.k.a “The Castle”, the pub next door to our offices). You are always guaranteed to spot a friendly, familiar face there and it’s always enjoyable being able to spend some down-time catching up with colleagues.

Overall, I enjoy my days working at Macfarlanes. The culture is great, and, most importantly, I’m surrounded by incredibly friendly and intelligent colleagues who I can learn from. The firm offers top-

tier training, in addition to working on ‘big-ticket’ deals, all within a supportive, collegiate environment – I love it!

About the firm

Macfarlanes is a unique firm: an unrivalled blend of expertise, size and culture means it has the flexibility to meet clients’ most challenging demands and adapt to the changing world around us.

Its aims are simple. Macfarlanes wants to form long-lasting relationships with clients and be entrusted with their most difficult and complex problems in the areas where it practises. It also wants to find, recruit and train individuals from all backgrounds, who it hopes will one day shape and lead the firm. In order to achieve these aims, it operates differently to others.

List of clients: Derwent London, Improbable, Omnicom Group, Superdry, Virgin.

List of deals/cases in which the firm has been recently involved: https://www.macfarlanes.com/what-we-think/?contentTypeId=19778&page=1

Senior partner: Sebastian Prichard Jones

Managing partner: Luke Powell

Other offices:   Brussels

Who we are: We are a distinctive London-based law firm with a unique combination of services built and shaped around the needs of our clients. Our unrivalled blend of expertise, agility and culture means we have the flexibility to meet their most challenging demands and adapt to the changing world around us. While many of our practice areas can be found at other firms, the mix cannot.

As a trainee you could be working on major corporate transactions or commercial litigation, and then working for private clients on their most sensitive affairs.

We recruit people to build careers for the long term. We know each other personally which means we work together with more cohesion, and less formality. Our culture is thoughtful, challenging and supportive, and we are a place where everyone, at whatever level, can thrive.

What we do:  Commercial, brands, IP and IT; competition/antitrust; construction; corporate and M&A; derivatives and trading; employment; finance; financial services and products; lawtech; litigation and dispute resolution; private client; private funds; real estate; reward; tax.

What we’re looking for in a trainee: We look for a rare combination of character, drive and intellectual curiosity, along with strong interpersonal skills, an ambitious and commercial approach, motivation and resilience

What you’ll do: Across your four seats you will receive a combination of hands-on experience with real responsibility and challenge, with a first-class education programme and the support you would expect from a leading firm.

Perks: Flexible benefits package including life assurance, pension scheme and private healthcare, in addition to a discretionary performance-related bonus scheme, subsidised restaurant, season ticket loan and gym membership.

Sponsorship

The firm has partnered with BPP to design a bespoke programme that goes beyond helping you pass SQE assessments.

This year long course includes everything you need to ensure you are fully prepared to work in commercial practice. You complete modules that are bespoke to Macfarlanes. The programme combines classroom and digital learning to embed knowledge and uses business simulation exercises to help you apply your knowledge in realistic practice scenarios. Macfarlanes future trainees are required to pass all SQE exams (including the Macfarlanes Essential for Practice modules) on the first sitting.

All elements, including the bespoke Macfarlanes modules, are paid for by the firm. We also continue to provide additional financial assistance in the form of a £18,000 grant during this time.

During your SQE preparation course you also attend regular seminars from the firm, where you hear from partners, associates and trainees in our practice areas. These sessions help build your legal knowledge and inform your seat choices. You are also invited to social events at the firm so you can start building your network before you join us.

SQE timeline (for training programmes due to start in 2028)

Spring/summer 2026 – receive your Training Programme offer from Macfarlanes.

Summer/autumn 2027 – begin studying for the SQE with BPP.

Autumn 2027 – sit the SQE1 examination.

Spring 2028 – sit the SQE2 examination.

Spring/summer 2028 – study Macfarlanes Essential for Practice modules.

Summer 2028 – sit the Macfarlanes Essential for Practice examinations.

Autumn 2028 – complete Macfarlanes Trainee Induction and begin Training Programme.

You start your two-year qualifying work experience from September 2028.

If you studied a non-law subject at undergraduate level, you have to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) at BPP. This will be in the year between receiving your training programme offer and starting your studies for the SQE. For those candidates completing the PGDL, you need to achieve a commendation or above on the first sitting. As with the SQE preparation course, the firm covers your fees, and you receive a £13,000 grant.

Seat options

Group A

• Litigation
• Private Client
• Banking and Finance
• Private Funds
• Commercial

Group B

• Corporate and M&A
• Pensions and Insurance
• CREG
• Construction
• PCPG
• Tax
• Reward
• Financial services and products
• Competition
• Derivatives and Trading
• Employment

Tips from the recruiter

Thorough Firm Research

Go beyond the firm’s website by reading recent deals, news, and market commentary. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the firm’s clients, practice areas, and strategic focus, and explain why this aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Attention to Detail

Carefully review your application to ensure it is free from spelling, grammar, or formatting errors, and tailor each response thoughtfully. Attention to detail is an essential skill for all lawyers, and your application should reflect this.

Demonstrate Commercial Thinking

In online assessments and case studies, show that you understand the wider business context – how legal advice impacts client outcomes. Highlight your ability to analyse information, identify key risks, and prioritise commercial objectives.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture throughout the firm, from entry level to partnership.