The programme is an excellent opportunity to develop the main skills and competencies we assess throughout our vacation scheme application process. It gives you the opportunity to experience working life and culture at a commercial law firm.
Applications open: February 2024 (express your interest to your university careers service)
Applications close: Friday 24 May 2024, 23.59pm
Scheme dates
- Monday 12 - Friday 16 August
During the first year skills development week, you take part in:
- a negotiation exercise;
- a series of skills workshops including commercial awareness, presentation and negotiation skills;
- an application skills workshop;
- a group project and presentation;
- lunch with associates and trainees;
- speed networking with all our practice areas; and
- work shadowing a trainee.
The group project enables you to develop your commercial awareness, research and presentation skills, while working with others on the programme.
You leave the programme with a thorough understanding of the skills needed to succeed in your application for a vacation scheme or training programme. Please note: if you take part in our first year skills development initiative, you cannot apply for our first year insight scheme.
Macfarlanes’ First Year Skills Development Initiative was an invaluable experience that exposed us to the workings of a city law firm. We were taught the necessary skills to succeed within a legal career and were able to build on them in a friendly, encouraging and supportive environment.