Firm profile
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.
Main areas of work
Our main practice areas are: 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; pensions; private client; private equity; private funds; real estate; restructuring and insolvency; reward and tax.
Trainee opportunities
Woven into every aspect of life at the firm is an enduring commitment to the development of trainees. Training begins with tailored electives on the SQE and a week-long induction at the start of your training programme. During the two-year training programme you will complete four six-month seats and will have the opportunity to work on real cases, doing real work for real clients from day one. Our seat rotation is designed with trainees in mind — we want to give you enough flexibility to shape your training programme and do seats that interest you. Support and guidance are, of course, vital and you will find your supervisor a valuable source of information and inspiration.
Vacation scheme
The vacation scheme is designed to give you a two-week snapshot of life as a trainee. You will be given as much hands-on experience as possible, enabling you to develop a real understanding of the firms’ culture and work.
Macfarlanes offers a spring and two summer vacation schemes. Each scheme runs for two weeks and remuneration is £450pw. The firm welcomes applications from students who are in at least the penultimate year of their degree in any discipline, with a predicted 2.1 or above. Applications should be made online via the website and will close on 3 January 2025.
Other benefits
Flexible benefits package including life assurance, pension scheme with company contributions, private healthcare and discretionary performance related bonus scheme.
First-year opportunities
For first-year students the firm offers an insight scheme to provide an overview of a City law firm. Macfarlanes welcomes applications from candidates from either a law or non-law background. Candidates need to be in either the first year of a three year undergraduate degree or second year of a four year undergraduate degree.
Applications should be made online via the website and will close on 24 January 2025.
University law careers fairs 2024
Macfarlanes will be hosting a number of events over the coming months, both in-person and online. Further information can be found on the firm’s website.
