Apply

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 do not recruit on a rolling basis, so you can expect to hear from us once applications have closed.

If you have any questions with regards to your application or the application form please refer to the content below, our FAQ page or alternatively please contact the early legal careers team. 

Application blind and contextual recruitment

We want to recruit the best candidates regardless of their background or where they were educated. Most of our assessment processes for both our vacation schemes and our training programmes are scored application blind. We also use a contextual recruitment tool to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context they were gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper, and we are a firm that believes in fairness and diversity.

Online assessment

Candidates applying to our first year insight scheme, vacation scheme or training programme will be required to complete an online assessment. This assessment will be completed once you have submitted your application form. You will receive a link within 72 hours of applying, you will then have seven days to complete the online assessment. Therefore, it is important you consider when you submit your application and whether you will have time within the next seven days to complete the online assessment. Unless you have extenuating circumstances, we are unable to provide an extension. It is the candidate’s responsibility to keep an eye out for the test link, ensuring you check your spam folder. 

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. As you complete the assessment you will work through a mix of scenarios across a range of practice areas which are designed to test a candidate’s situational judgement and critical reasoning. This will provide a small insight into life as a trainee and help give you a better sense of whether this is the career for you.

The answers to the online assessment will be considered alongside a candidate’s written application to help us decide whether they will progress to the next step of the recruitment process. Next steps for each of our programmes are outlined below.

Cappfinity have a preparation hub that can be accessed here. We would recommend all candidates use this before sitting the Macfarlanes assessment. If you require additional support or adjustments to complete this online assessment, please contact our early legal careers team.

Macfarlanes is unlike any other law firm. We hope you use the assessments as a chance to build your understanding of us and what makes us different, just as we see it as a chance to gain an understanding of you.

You may have questions about the form or your application – please read our FAQs page, or, feel free to contact our early legal careers team.