At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Early Careers joiners and manage development programmes for future legal stars.
- Company: Join Macfarlanes, a leading law firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the careers of aspiring solicitors in a prestigious firm.
- Qualifications: Experience in Early Careers roles, strong communication skills, and a friendly approach.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Joining Macfarlanes means being part of a collaborative, approachable team who want you to succeed. You’ll be encouraged to get involved and be recognised for your contribution. We take your development seriously. Our learning and development programmes are second to none and are designed to help you strengthen your skills. Above all, you’ll be part of a firm where we all work together as part of a cohesive and supportive team, value your efforts and help you to thrive.
The Early Careers team comprises five people and sits within the Human Resources department of 40 people. The team is responsible for attracting, recruiting and developing Macfarlanes’ Early Careers population. This includes circa. 66 Trainee Solicitors, three Training Scholars as well as the firm’s Vacation Scheme and First Year Insight Scheme participants.
The individual will be required to carry out a broad range of good quality work supporting the Development Lead. The successful candidate will also be flexible and willing to provide support across all areas of Early Careers as required. Key duties will include:
- Development
- Provide development and pastoral support to Early Careers joiners from offer through to qualification, ensuring a consistent, supportive experience that prepares them for practice;
- Develop and implement innovative keep in touch initiatives;
- Act as a key point of contact for pre-joiners;
- Manage the relationship with the firm’s academic provider;
- Curate a seminar series to help foster a sense of connection and prepare individuals for starting their role;
- Work with the Development Lead to deliver the development processes to the Early Careers population helping individuals navigate opportunities while aligning with business needs. This would include running the induction programme; coordinating the mid-seat and end-of-seat reviews; and holding new joiner catch‑ups; seat rotation 1‑1s; qualification 1‑1s; and general ad‑hoc check‑ins;
- Identify opportunities to update the firm’s development offering to ensure it continues to meet changing business needs while supporting our populations in the best way.
- Attraction
- Support delivering the candidate attraction strategy, including attending campus events, managing relationships with universities and generally promoting the firm;
- Work with the Early Careers team, internal marketing team and external agency to generate ideas and content for social media and attraction campaigns.
- Selection
- Screen application forms and online assessments, making informed recommendations on candidates to invite for assessment days;
- Support with the running of Vacation Scheme and Training Programme assessment days, where necessary;
- Conduct interviews for the First Year Insight Scheme and make informed recommendations on selection decisions;
- Provide telephone feedback to unsuccessful candidates post interview.
- Programmes
- Provide support during the work experience programmes, which include Vacation Schemes and the First Year Insight Scheme.
- General
- Manage the operational budget for Early Careers activities, tracking spend and ensuring costs remain within agreed limits.
This job description encompasses the main duties of the role and is by no means exhaustive. It is anticipated that duties may vary from time to time according to the needs of the team. During the first six months of employment, you may be required to attend the office four days per week to support onboarding, training and collaboration. Your line manager may adjust this requirement based on your progress and business needs.
The successful candidate will ideally possess the following:
- A minimum of 18 months experience in an equivalent role with experience working with the Early Careers population;
- Confident, committed and calm under pressure;
- Organised, with the ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines;
- Able to cope during busy periods and manage a high volume of work;
- Good communication skills and able to quickly build relationships with senior stakeholders;
- Approachable and friendly manner;
- Strong attention to detail.
Any offer of employment with us is subject to our pre‑employment checks which are conducted by a third‑party screening provider. These may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, any criminal records and employment references. These checks will be initiated with your consent and your offer will be subject to the successful completion of these checks.
Macfarlanes is a pre‑eminent law firm that serves a global client base in private capital, private wealth, M&A and disputes. Personal connection, an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence are at the heart of our firm. These values drive our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. We are big enough to undertake the most complex and demanding mandates yet small enough to know each other well and to be agile, adapting to the needs of our clients. We seek to strengthen the firm by recruiting talented people from all backgrounds who want to build long‑lasting and impactful careers with us. Our culture is challenging and supportive, creating an environment where individuals can thrive.
Inclusion is one of our key priorities and it is a goal we are actively working towards. We believe that an inclusive, forward‑thinking culture is intrinsically important and enables us to provide innovative solutions to our clients. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, bringing different perspectives and experiences, making Macfarlanes an exciting and stimulating place to work. We seek to recruit the best candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.
As part of this commitment, we will ask you certain diversity data questions. We would really appreciate you and/or your recruiter completing these questions when submitting an application to Macfarlanes as this data enables us to measure our progress and identify any actions needed to continue to support an inclusive culture. This data is anonymised to maintain the privacy of applicants. If you have any questions relating to how this data is used, please contact a member of the recruitment team.
Should you require any adjustments during the application and/or interview process, please do not hesitate to inform your recruiter or a member of the recruitment team. Please note, the job description is available in other accessible formats (for example, large print). We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who best meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme, please email the recruitment team at recruitment@macfarlanes.com.
Early Careers Adviser employer: Macfarlanes
Macfarlanes is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional growth and development through its PA Academy, offering a structured 16-month rotational programme in the vibrant setting of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages proactive engagement and skill enhancement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Careers Adviser
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Macfarlanes!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Macfarlanes.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Careers Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Macfarlanes. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Macfarlanes and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Macfarlanes. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Macfarlanes's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlanes
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Macfarlanes.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Macfarlanes will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Macfarlanes and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
