Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our two-year Training Programme, rotating across four departments and handling high-profile deals.
- Company: Macfarlanes, a leading law firm committed to trainee development.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ56,000 in your first year, with a ÂŁ61,000 salary in the second year plus grants.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and mentorship while working with top clients and complex transactions.
- Qualifications: Open to law students in their penultimate year and non-law students in their final year.
- Other info: Dynamic training environment with regular feedback and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 61000 ÂŁ 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: ÂŁ56,000
- Second year salary: ÂŁ61,000
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.
It starts with selecting ambitious individuals
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 ÂŁ18,000 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 ÂŁ13,000 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 employer: Gordons
Contact Detail:
Gordons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Training Programme 2028
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the firm! Research Macfarlanes and understand their values, culture, and the type of work they do. This will help you tailor your approach during assessments and interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Use the practice questions on Cappfinity’s preparation hub to get a feel for the types of scenarios you'll face. The more familiar you are with the format, the more confident you'll be when it comes time to showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! During the job simulation and assessments, let your personality shine through. Macfarlanes is looking for individuals who can think critically and collaborate effectively, so don’t be afraid to show your unique perspective.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply early through our website! Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, getting your application in sooner rather than later can give you a better chance at landing that coveted spot in the Training Programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Training Programme 2028
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 get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect what we’re looking for at Macfarlanes. Highlight your character, drive, and intellectual curiosity, and show us how these qualities will help you thrive in our Training Programme.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to showcase any relevant experience you have, whether it's internships, projects, or even coursework. This is your chance to demonstrate how your background aligns with the hands-on learning and high-profile deals we offer.
Apply Early: We review applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Applying early not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better chance of securing a spot in our Training Programme. Head over to our website and get started!
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 challenges you might face.
✨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
During the dynamic job simulation, authenticity is key. Don’t try to fit a mould; instead, let your personality shine through. Macfarlanes values genuine communication and collaboration, so being yourself will help you connect better with the interviewers and showcase your true potential.