At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our two-year Training Programme, rotating through four departments and handling high-profile deals.
- Company: Macfarlanes, a leading law firm committed to trainee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salaries, grants for training, and extensive support throughout your journey.
- Other info: Rolling applications; early application encouraged to secure your spot.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and mentorship while working with top clients in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Open to law students in their penultimate year and non-law students in their final year.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 61000 £ per year.
At Macfarlanes, we pride ourselves on providing a learning experience that is Meaningfully Different. What sets us apart? Above all, it is our unwavering commitment to the development of our trainees, which is woven into every aspect of life at the firm. We see our trainees as the future of the firm, and we invest accordingly – in your growth, your potential, and your success.
Key information
- First year salary: £56,000
- Second year salary: £61,000
About the scheme
During the two-year Training Programme, you will rotate across four departments, experiencing high-profile deals and being trusted with responsibility from the outset. Our Training Programme combines hands-on experience with first-class education, ensuring you're fully supported from your first day through to qualification and beyond.
We look for a combination of character, drive and intellectual curiosity – these are the qualities that enable you to deliver more for our clients and fulfil your potential when it comes to your career.
Dealing directly with clients
We work with some of the world’s most high-profile organisations and business leaders. Through close partner support, you learn to deal directly with clients and to work on complex transactions.
Providing a breadth of learning
We handle a broad range of matters, from corporate, real estate and litigation to private client. In addition, our work has a substantial international dimension. This means wider exposure for you and greater insight into the issues facing our clients.
Giving the support you need to thrive
We give you all the support you would expect from a leading law firm, along with the benefit of regular reviews and close mentoring from partners.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
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.
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.
Induction
Induction marks the start of your Training Programme. During this week you receive training from people across the firm to equip you with everything you need to know before starting your first seat.
Seat rotation
During your Training Programme, you spend four six-month periods, known as seats, in four areas. These seats combine hands-on work with formal lectures and seminars, mostly by partners and senior associates. Many trained at the firm so know exactly what you need to learn. You have the opportunity to submit your seat preferences every six months, and we do our best to ensure you get to work in the seats that most interest you. In each seat a partner or senior associate supports and supervises you.
Feedback and mentoring
To help gauge your progress, you have mid-seat and end of seat reviews. We allocate a Partner Principal to you throughout your Training Programme. We also divide trainees into small “constituency” groups. This gives you direct, regular access to your own Trainee Solicitor Committee Partner, who can discuss any issues you may have. You have two reviews per seat. The mid-seat review takes place around three months into each seat, and you meet with both your Partner Principal and Trainee Solicitor Committee Partner to discuss how your seat is going so far and your development points. The end of seat review takes place in the final few weeks of your seat. All these steps are in place to ensure you feel supported throughout your Training Programme. You may be surprised how quickly you feel part of the team, and how soon people at all levels know your name and value your contribution.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from law students in their penultimate year onwards, and non-law students in their final year onwards. Whether you're studying law or another subject, we’re looking for individuals who bring critical thinking, drive, and a strong commercial mindset. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out.
What to expect: The application process
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be invited to complete our immersive online assessment, designed to reflect life at Macfarlanes. You’ll work through scenario-based tasks across our key practice areas: Corporate and M&A, Banking and Finance, Private Client and Litigation and Dispute Resolution. This isn’t just a test; it’s a chance to showcase your judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking – essential skills for any future Macfarlanes lawyer. If successful, you’ll progress to the second-stage assessment: a dynamic job simulation where you’ll join a fictional project team and respond to commercial scenarios in real time. It’s your chance to demonstrate how you think, communicate, and collaborate in a setting that closely mirrors what trainee life is really like here. We want to see how you approach real-world challenges, so our advice is simple: be yourself and answer honestly. Both assessments were designed in collaboration with our lawyers to reflect the kind of work we do and the skills we value most. They’re not just about helping us spot your potential – they also give you an authentic glimpse into what it’s like to be a trainee solicitor at Macfarlanes. That way, you can decide if this is the right career path and firm for you. To prepare, we recommend exploring the practice questions on Cappfinity’s preparation hub so you can approach the assessments with confidence.
Training Programme 2028 in London employer: Gordons
At Macfarlanes, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of legal talent through our Training Programme, which offers a unique blend of hands-on experience and tailored education. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with close mentoring from partners and regular feedback to ensure you thrive in your career. Located in a vibrant city, our firm provides an exceptional environment for ambitious individuals to engage with high-profile clients and complex transactions, making it an outstanding place to launch your legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Training Programme 2028 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Macfarlanes inside out! Research their values, recent deals, and the departments you'll be rotating through. This will help you stand out during assessments and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Use the Cappfinity preparation hub to familiarise yourself with the types of scenario-based tasks you'll face. The more comfortable you are with the format, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during the assessments! Macfarlanes wants to see your authentic self, so don’t try to fit into a mould. Show your character, drive, and intellectual curiosity – these are the qualities they value most.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply early through our website! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you get your application in, the better your chances of landing that coveted spot in the Training Programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Training Programme 2028 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, just be yourself! We want to see the real you, so let your personality shine through. Authenticity is key, and it helps us understand how you fit into our culture.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect what we’re looking for in a trainee. Highlight your character, drive, and intellectual curiosity, and show us how these qualities will help you thrive at Macfarlanes.
Showcase Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to include any relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills and potential. Whether it's internships, projects, or even extracurricular activities, we want to know how you've developed your abilities.
Apply Early!:We review applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Applying early not only increases your chances but also gives you more time to prepare for the next steps in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gordons
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Macfarlanes' values and the specifics of the Training Programme. Understand what makes their approach 'Meaningfully Different' and be ready to discuss how your character and drive align with their commitment to trainee development.
✨Showcase Your Curiosity
Macfarlanes is looking for intellectual curiosity, so come prepared with insightful questions about the firm and its work. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates that you’re thinking critically about your future role and the impact you can make.
✨Practice Real-World Scenarios
Since the interview process includes scenario-based tasks, practice responding to commercial scenarios relevant to the firm's key practice areas. Use mock interviews or role-playing exercises to get comfortable thinking on your feet and articulating your thought process.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! During the dynamic job simulation, let your personality shine through. Macfarlanes wants to see how you think and collaborate, so don’t hesitate to express your ideas and approach challenges in a way that feels true to you.
