{"id":13514,"date":"2025-10-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=13514"},"modified":"2026-01-13T09:31:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T09:31:03","slug":"macfarlanes","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/macfarlanes\/","title":{"rendered":"Macfarlanes"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[798],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-13514","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2025-26"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"lex-profile-list-intro\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Macfarlanes<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/macfarlanes-2025.jpg\" alt=\"Macfarlanes law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/macfarlanes-2025.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 20 Cursitor Street, London EC4A 1LT<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: earlylegalcareers@macfarlanes.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7831 9222<\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/macfarlanes\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/macfarlanesearlycareers\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Macfarlanes is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 5 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-your-overall-job-satisfaction\/' target='_blank'> Job satisfaction<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-the-client-secondment-opportunities-available\/' target='_blank'> Client secondments<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-confident-are-you-that-you-will-be-kept-on-at-the-end-of-your-training-contract\/' target='_blank'> Confident of being kept on<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-satisfied-are-you-with-your-financial-remuneration\/' target='_blank'> Financial remuneration<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-approachable-are-your-supervisors\/' target='_blank'> Approachability<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/join-us\/early-legal-careers\/\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/join-us\/early-legal-careers\/apply\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><span class=\"profile-link\">View Profile<\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"below_title":"<div class=\"letterhead\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Macfarlanes<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/macfarlanes-2025.jpg\" alt=\"Macfarlanes law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/macfarlanes-2025.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 20 Cursitor Street, London EC4A 1LT<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: earlylegalcareers@macfarlanes.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7831 9222<\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/macfarlanes\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/macfarlanesearlycareers\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Macfarlanes is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 5 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-your-overall-job-satisfaction\/' target='_blank'> Job satisfaction<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-the-client-secondment-opportunities-available\/' target='_blank'> Client secondments<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-confident-are-you-that-you-will-be-kept-on-at-the-end-of-your-training-contract\/' target='_blank'> Confident of being kept on<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-satisfied-are-you-with-your-financial-remuneration\/' target='_blank'> Financial remuneration<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-approachable-are-your-supervisors\/' target='_blank'> Approachability<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/join-us\/early-legal-careers\/\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/join-us\/early-legal-careers\/apply\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><\/div><div class=\"survey-scores\"><h2 style=\"color: #111;\">Trainee Feedback<\/h2>\r\n<ul style=\"list-type:none; color: #111;\">\r\n<li style=\"width:84.4%\">84.4<span class=\"score-title\">Satisfaction<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:84.4%\">84.4<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:81%\">81<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:77.7%\">77.7<span class=\"score-title\">Quality of client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:69.9%\">69.9<span class=\"score-title\">Client secondments<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:74%\">74<span class=\"score-title\">Work\/life<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:72.1%\">72.1<span class=\"score-title\">Social life<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">81.6<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:82.5%\">82.5<span class=\"score-title\">Confidence<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:83.2%\">83.2<span class=\"score-title\">Remuneration<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:67%\">67<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:40%\">40<span class=\"score-title\">International<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:91%\">91<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-13514\" class=\"post-13514 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2025-26\">\n\t\n\t<header class=\"entry-header\">\n\t\t\n\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<div class=\"survey-results tab-listing\">  \n   \n        \n<h2>Survey Results - Trainee feedback on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Macfarlanes<\/span><\/h2>\n\n           <style>\n#chartdiv {\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 800px;\n}\n\n<\/style>\n            \n  <!-- Resources -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/core.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/charts.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/themes\/animated.js\"><\/script>\n            \n<!-- HTML -->\n<div id=\"chartdiv\"><\/div>\n        \n<!-- Chart code -->\n<script>\n\/\/ Themes begin\nam4core.useTheme(am4themes_animated);\n\/\/ Themes end\n\n\/\/ Create chart instance\nvar chart = am4core.create(\"chartdiv\", am4charts.XYChart3D);\n\n\/\/ Add data\nchart.data = [{\n  \"question\": \"Satisfaction\",\n  \"result\": \"84.4\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your overall job satisfaction?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Expectations\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How far has the firm lived up to your expectations?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work quality\",\n  \"result\": \"84.4\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"81\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"74\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"72.1\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"81.6\",\n  \"explanation\": \"If you did a vacation scheme with your firm, how would you rate it?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Confidence\",\n  \"result\": \"82.5\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How confident are you that you will be kept on at the end of your training contract?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Remuneration\",\n  \"result\": \"83.2\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"67\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"International\",\n  \"result\": \"40\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the international secondment opportunities available?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"91\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How approachable are your supervisors?\" \n}];\n\n\/\/ Create axes\nvar categoryAxis = chart.yAxes.push(new am4charts.CategoryAxis());\ncategoryAxis.dataFields.category = \"question\";\ncategoryAxis.numberFormatter.numberFormat = \"#\";\ncategoryAxis.renderer.inversed = true;\n\nvar valueAxis = chart.xAxes.push(new am4charts.ValueAxis()); \n\nvalueAxis.title.text = \"Survey Score (\/100)\";\nvalueAxis.min = 0;\nvalueAxis.max = 100;\n\n\/\/ Create series\nvar series = chart.series.push(new am4charts.ColumnSeries3D());\nseries.dataFields.valueX = \"result\";\nseries.dataFields.categoryY = \"question\";\nseries.name = \"Income\";\nseries.columns.template.propertyFields.fill = \"color\";\nseries.columns.template.tooltipText = \"{explanation} {valueX}\";\nseries.columns.template.column3D.stroke = am4core.color(\"#fff\");\nseries.columns.template.column3D.strokeOpacity = 0.2;\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/div>        \n        \n           \n\t\t\n\t\t    <h2 class=\"tab-listing\">The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Macfarlanes<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose this firm over any others?<\/strong> \u2018Unique mixture of elite practice areas, high quality of work and individual responsibility and great culture\u2019, \u2018great training, reputation\u2019, \u2018diverse 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\u2019, \u2018best balance between size and quality of work\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best thing about the firm?<\/strong> \u2018Collegiate and kind\u2019, \u2018culture is very friendly\u2019, \u2018the general co-operative atmosphere with good people\u2019, \u2018emphasis on promoting internally\u2019, \u2018the high-quality work\u2019, \u2018the people and the prestige\u2019, \u2018the nurturing and friendly culture\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Worst thing about the firm?<\/strong> Diversity has massively improved at a junior recruitment level, but the turnover at senior level is too high &#8211; needs to work on retaining diverse candidates past junior associates\u2019, \u2018international work\u2019, \u2018benefits are not great\u2019, \u2018not always competing for elite client mandates\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best moment?<\/strong> \u2018The feedback that I consistently and regularly receive\u2019, \u2018working with high profile clients on exciting matters\u2019, \u2018taking on associate-level responsibilities on the launch of a major transaction\u2019, \u2018getting excellent feedback from clients\u2019, \u2018getting responsibility to draft many different types of agreements\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Worst moment?<\/strong> \u2018Working with other trainees in my practice area on a matter and having to pick up all of their slack\u2019, \u2018administrative tasks\u2019, \u2018stepping into an associate&#8217;s role during a double closing\u2019, \u2018staying until 3am to work on an emergency freezing injunction for it to then not be filed the next day\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Macfarlanes<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p>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 \u201cexcellent,\u201d \u201cstructured,\u201d and \u201ctop-quality.\u201d The blend of private client and corporate work creates \u201ca 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.\u201d Many feel it strikes the \u201cbest balance between size and quality of work,\u201d with a culture that has \u201cstayed intentionally (relatively) small, allowing the firm\u2019s positive and supportive culture across all levels of seniority to flourish.\u201d On training, the consensus is that it is \u201cexcellent,\u201d \u201ctop-quality and structured,\u201d and \u201cwell organised.\u201d Juniors appreciate that \u201ca lot of time is invested into your training, whether that is departmental when rotating between seats or personal training,\u201d with supervisors who are approachable and \u201cinvested in your development and learning.\u201d Compared to peers elsewhere, trainees feel lucky: \u201cI have friends at Magic Circle firms where they don\u2019t 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\u2019m given is interesting and allows me to learn a lot.\u201d Others note that the quality of work is \u201csimilar to Magic Circle and American firms,\u201d but with \u201cmore responsibility.\u201d The best thing about the firm is, according to trainees, the \u201cfriendly, down-to-earth people\u201d and a \u201ccollegiate and kind\u201d culture. Diversity is described as \u201cmassively improved at a junior recruitment level,\u201d but the challenge remains in \u201cretaining diverse candidates past junior associates.\u201d Others point to \u201clack of transparency at times\u201d and a need to sharpen up on \u201claw tech.\u201d Highlights of the training contract range from \u201ctaking on associate-level responsibilities on the launch of a major transaction\u201d to \u201cworking on deals which are then in the news.\u201d Trainees also value \u201cgetting excellent feedback from clients\u201d and \u201chaving an incredible primary supervisor who was also a partner and has become a close mentor.\u201d Several reflect positively on \u201cseeing my personal growth and progression from year 1 to year 2.\u201d The worst moments are more mundane: \u201cadministrative tasks,\u201d \u201cforgetting to attach an important document to an email,\u201d or \u201cworking with other trainees in my practice area on a matter and having to pick up all of their slack.\u201d The hybrid working policy is generally well received: trainees can work from home one day a week. Some say this \u201cstrikes the right balance,\u201d as \u201cif it was more than that then I would lose out on an awful lot of learning (by osmosis).\u201d\u00a0 Pro bono and CSR opportunities exist, \u201cbut I do not get the sense that it is particularly encouraged,\u201d said one trainee. Others described it as \u201cgood if you have the capacity\/interest to pick them up,\u201d though several admitted that with the pace of the training contract, \u201cI don\u2019t know when we\u2019d find the time.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">Life as a Trainee\u2026 Josie Duggan, Trainee Solicitor<\/h2>\n\t\t <p><img height=\"200\" width=\"200\" alt=\"Josie Duggan, Macfarlanes\" class=\"ditl-photo\" src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/Josie-Duggan-headshot.jpg\"\/>\t\t <p><strong>Departments to date:<\/strong> Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Finance; Private Client<\/p>         \n\t\t \t\t <p><strong>University: <\/strong>\n\t\t \t\t University of Leeds; BPP Law School\t\t \t\t <\/p>\n\t\t         \n\t\t <p><strong>Degree:<\/strong> History (2:1); LLM Law Conversion (Distinction); LLM SQE Preparation Course (Distinction)<\/p>    <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><p>I try to get up around 6.30 \u2013 7am every morning so that I can exercise before work (albeit this does depend on how late I had been working the night before\u2026). Recently I\u2019ve been going for morning runs along the Thames with a fellow Trainee, but if I don\u2019t have a run planned, I\u2019ll normally venture to the gym (one of the great perks of working at the firm \u2013 the on-site gym!).<\/p>\n<p>Following my morning workout, I\u2019ll shower and get ready for the working day in the office. Having checked my calendar the night before, I\u2019ll 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\u2019ll to head down to DOCASA (our in-house coffee spot) and get some coffee.<\/p>\n<p>DOCASA is a central hub of the firm &#8211; the baristas are friendly; the coffees\/matchas\/teas etc. are tasty and best of all\u2026 it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>I tend to officially start my day with setting out my daily to-do list to prioritise my workload. Once organised, I get going \u2013 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).<\/p>\n<p>My to-do list also includes \u201cnon-billable\u201d 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 \u201cQUACC\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2013 salads, freshly cooked pasta, and meals from different cuisines across the world. Sometimes, however, we have Education and Training (E&amp;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 \u2013 for me, it\u2019s unparalleled in terms of the breadth and quality and I do feel like I am able to keep on top of important updates.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u201cThe Castle\u201d, the pub next door to our offices). You are always guaranteed to spot a friendly, familiar face there and it\u2019s always enjoyable being able to spend some down-time catching up with colleagues.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, I enjoy my days working at Macfarlanes. The culture is great, and, most importantly, I\u2019m surrounded by incredibly friendly and intelligent colleagues who I can learn from. The firm offers top-<\/p>\n<p>tier training, in addition to working on \u2018big-ticket\u2019 deals, all within a supportive, collegiate environment \u2013 I love it!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p>Macfarlanes is a unique firm: an unrivalled blend of expertise, size and culture means it has the flexibility to meet clients\u2019 most challenging demands and adapt to the changing world around us.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>List of clients:<\/strong> Derwent London, Improbable, Omnicom Group, Superdry, Virgin.<\/p>\n<p><strong>List of deals\/cases in which the firm has been recently involved:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/what-we-think\/?contentTypeId=19778&amp;page=1\">https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/what-we-think\/?contentTypeId=19778&amp;page=1<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Senior partner:<\/strong> Sebastian Prichard Jones<\/p>\n<p><strong>Managing partner:<\/strong> Luke Powell<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other offices: \u202f\u202f<\/strong>Brussels<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who we are:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we do: \u202f<\/strong>Commercial, brands, IP and IT; competition\/antitrust; construction; corporate and M&amp;A; derivatives and trading; employment; finance; financial services and products; lawtech; litigation and dispute resolution; private client; private funds; real estate; reward; tax.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we&#8217;re looking for in a trainee:<\/strong> 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<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll do:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Perks:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\">We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture throughout the firm, from entry level to partnership. <\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><p>It is about recruiting, retaining and promoting all groups in the firm fairly, and we have invested in our processes to ensure that everyone has the same chance to develop and advance. An inclusive, forward-thinking culture also enables us to provide innovative solutions to our clients.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Percentage of female associates:\u202f<\/strong> 55%<\/p>\n<p><strong>Percentage of female partners: \u202f<\/strong>29%<\/p>\n<p><strong>Percentage of Ethnic Minority associates: \u202f<\/strong>22%<\/p>\n<p><strong>Percentage of Ethnic Minority partners: \u202f<\/strong>6%<\/p>\n<p>Application blind and contextual recruitment<\/p>\n<p>We want to recruit the best candidates regardless of their background or where they were educated. Most of our assessment processes for both our vacation schemes and our training programmes are scored application blind. We also use a contextual recruitment tool to understand each applicant\u2019s achievements in the context they were gained. We understand that not every candidate\u2019s achievements look the same on paper, and we are a firm that believes in fairness and diversity.<\/p>\n<p>The Macfarlanes Bursary<\/p>\n<p>Macfarlanes is committed to removing financial barriers that can hinder students from accessing the legal profession. The Macfarlanes Bursary is a financial support package open to socially-mobile undergraduates attending any UK university.<\/p>\n<p>We have designed the bursary to account for the financial demands of being a university student and prospective Trainee Solicitor.<\/p>\n<p>There are three Grants available.<\/p>\n<p>Technology Grant: for those who need support accessing technology.<\/p>\n<p>Accommodation Grant: for those participating on our First Year Insight Scheme, Vacation Scheme and upReach Professional Experience Week.<\/p>\n<p>Participation Grant: for working students who cannot afford to miss work to attend a Macfarlanes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n            \n      \n            \n                 \n            \n              \n       \n                 \n        \t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-## --><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-2\">   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"profile-contents\">\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Contents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"contents\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#verdict\">The verdict<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#ditl\">Life as a Trainee\u2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>  <li><a href=\"#diversity\">We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture throughout the firm, from entry level to partnership. <\/a><\/li>          \r\n<li><a href=\"#facts\">Facts and figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n        \r\n<\/div> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"application-process\">\r\n \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Application process for Macfarlanes<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>How:<\/strong> Via\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.macfarlanes.com\/join-us\/early-legal-careers\/apply\/\">online application form.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s involved in application:<\/strong> First Year Insight Scheme \u2013 online application form, online assessment, and telephone interview.<\/p>\n<p>Vacation Scheme \u2013 online application form, two-stage online assessment and assessment day (written exercise, combined business case study and competency interview, and group negotiation exercise).<\/p>\n<p>Training programme \u2013 online application form, two-stage online assessment and assessment day (written exercise,\u202f business case study, and application interview)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Person in charge of recruitment:<\/strong> Aisling Barnes, Senior Early Careers Manager<\/p>\n<p><strong>When:<\/strong> By 5 December 2025 for First Year Insight Scheme; 26 June 2026 for Training Programme\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div id=\"vacation-schemes\">\r\n  \r\n <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Vacation schemes at Macfarlanes<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Spring:<\/strong> Monday 13 April to Friday 24 April 2026 (apply by 5 December 2025)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>Summer:<\/strong> Monday 22 June to Friday 3 July 2026 (apply by 5 December 2025)<\/p>\r\n  \r\n    \r\n    \r\n<div id=\"salary\"> \r\n \r\n  <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Salary at Macfarlanes<\/h2>\r\n  <p><strong>First year salary:<\/strong> \u00a356,000<\/p>  <p><strong>Second year salary:<\/strong> \u00a361,000<\/p>  <p><strong>Newly qualified salary:<\/strong> \u00a3140,000<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n <div id=\"facts-figures\">\r\n \r\n  <h2 id=\"facts\" class=\"widget-title\">Facts and figures<\/h2>\r\n  <p><p><strong>Total partners: \u202f<\/strong>98<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other fee-earners:<\/strong> 483<\/p>\n<p><strong>Total trainees:<\/strong> 62<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trainee places available for 2028:<\/strong> 33<\/p>\n<p><strong>Applications received pa:<\/strong> circa 5,000+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Latest trainee retention rate:<\/strong> \u202f86%<\/p>\n<p><strong>Turnover of the firm in 2024-25:<\/strong> \u00a3371.4 million<\/p>\n<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\t  \r\n\r\n    \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">If  were a fictional character it would be\u2026<\/h2>\r\n        \t\t\r\n<br><\/br>\r\n<br><\/br> -->\r\n\r\n   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"videos\">\r\n\r\n       \r\n\r\n        \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; 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