Macfarlanes Application Process

You can apply no matter what or where you have studied. You need a 2:1 degree or above, though we do take account of extenuating circumstances.

We review applications on a rolling basis for our First Year Insight Scheme, Vacation Scheme and Training Programme, so we encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out.

Application blind and contextual recruitment

At Macfarlanes, we are committed to recruiting the best candidates, regardless of their background or education. Most stages of our assessment process for both our Vacation Scheme and Training Programme are assessed application blind. We also use a contextual recruitment tool to better understand each applicant’s achievements in the context in which they were gained.

We recognise that not all achievements look the same on paper, and we are proud to be a firm that values fairness and diversity.

Stage One

Applicants to our First Year Insight Scheme, Vacation Scheme and Training Programme will be required to complete an initial online assessment after submitting their application form.

The assessment has been designed following consultations with individuals across the firm and is therefore tailored to Macfarlanes and the skills that we associate with success. You will work through a series of scenarios from various practice areas, designed to test your situational judgement and critical reasoning. It also offers a small insight into life as a trainee, helping you determine whether a legal career at Macfarlanes is right for you.

If successful, you will be invited to complete a second stage online assessment. This assessment is applicable for our Vacation Scheme and Training Programme only. The second assessment is a job simulation, where you will join a fictional project team working on a fictional event. You will respond to realistic situations similar to those faced by our trainees, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your potential in a setting that closely reflects life at the firm.

We recommend that all candidates visit the Cappfinity preparation hub before completing the Macfarlanes online assessments.

Stage Two - First Year Insight Scheme

Successful applicants will be invited to a telephone interview with a member of the Early Careers team. The interview will include competency questions and provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your research on the firm and the scheme.

Stage Two - Vacation Scheme

Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an assessment day.

The vacation scheme assessment days involve an interview, which is split into two sections:

a business case study and a competency-based interview
a written exercise
and a group negotiation exercise.

All assessment exercises are application blind, so the assessors will not have seen your application form.

Stage Two - Training Programme

Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an assessment day. The training programme assessment days involve:

a business case stud
an application interview
and a written exercise

Apply now!