Macfarlanes FAQs

Find all the answers to any questions may have about Macfarlanes and the firm’s Early Careers programmes here

How many trainees does the firm recruit for the Training Programme annually?

Macfarlanes recruit 33 trainees who join every September.

Can I apply for both the Training Programme and a Vacation Scheme?

Whilst you can apply for both, we would suggest applying for the Vacation Scheme first. If your application is unsuccessful at the screening stage you can then apply for the Training Programme. If you attend a Vacation Scheme Assessment Day you must then wait for the next recruitment cycle to apply for the Training Programme.

Through which entry route would I be more likely to be successful in getting a Training Programme place – via a Vacation Scheme or applying directly for the Training Programme?

Both routes provide an equal chance of a Training Programme with us. We always recruit trainees from both vacation schemes and direct training programme applications in each intake.

Will Macfarlanes take into account any extenuating circumstances I have?

Extenuating circumstances that may have affected your performance are always taken into consideration, and there is a space to include this on your online application form. If you need further information, the firm’s Early Careers team will be happy to discuss this with you.

If I need additional support during the assessment process, who should I contact?

You can detail this on your application form. The Early Careers team will arrange a follow up call with you before your assessment day to discuss any adjustments further. Macfarlanes take extenuating circumstances seriously and would encourage you to be as open as you feel you can. However, you are more than welcome to contact the team before making an application.

Can I get feedback on my application?

Due to the high number of applications Macfarlanes receives, they cannot give feedback at the application stage.

They do, however, give feedback to candidates who attend an assessment day. Some common areas that lead to applicants not passing the application stage include lack of research on the firm, poor spelling, grammar and punctuation, not meeting the minimum requirements, not fully articulating your motivations, needing more complete responses to questions, poor example choices and repetition of ideas.

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