Early Careers

Start your legal career at Macfarlanes


We are looking for intellectually curious and driven people who want to build their careers at the highest level of Private Capital, Private Wealth, M&A and Disputes. We offer high-quality, distinctive opportunities that are career-shaping, with real responsibility and early exposure to our senior lawyers.

From the outset, you’ll work on high-value and high-profile matters, often international in scope. Our clients include global businesses as well as entrepreneurs and high net-worth families. You’ll gain broad experience across the full range of our work – from private capital and private wealth to complex M&A, high-stakes disputes and more – all under one roof in London, with the added perspective of our Brussels office which focuses on EU competition law.

Because our intakes are small, you’ll quickly get to know the people you’re working with – and they’ll get to know you. That means you’ll have real responsibility, direct access to Partners and senior lawyers who are leaders in their fields, and the chance to make a visible contribution right from the start.



Discover your path into law

First Year Insight Scheme

A one-week scheme for first-year students (or second-year students on a four-year course) to experience what life is like in a City law firm.

Eligibility

The scheme is open to:

  • first-year students on a three-year undergraduate course; and
  • second-year students on a four-year course.

You don’t need to be studying law. We actively welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds.

Application window

  • Applications open: Monday 2 November 2026
  • Applications close: Friday 15 January 2027

Scheme dates

Vacation Schemes

A two-week placement for students in at least their penultimate year of university giving them experience of life as a Trainee Solicitor.

Eligibility

The scheme is open to:

  • students in their penultimate year of university onwards.

You don’t need to be studying law. We actively welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds.

Winter Vacation Scheme

  • Applications open: Monday 3 August 2026
  • Applications close: Friday 28 August 2026
  • Scheme dates: Monday 30 November to Friday 11 December 2026

Spring Vacation Scheme

  • Applications open: Tuesday 1 September 2026
  • Applications close: Friday 30 October 2026
  • Scheme dates:
    • Scheme one: Tuesday 30 March to Friday 9 April 2027
    • Scheme two: Monday 12 to Friday 23 April 2027

Macfarlanes Training Programme

This is a two-year programme with four six-month seats and training.

Eligibility

The programme is open to:

  • law students in their penultimate year onwards; and
  • non-law students in their final year onwards.

You need to be predicted or have achieved a 2:1 degree or above, though we do take account of extenuating circumstances. 

Application window

  • Applications have now closed and will reopen in 2027

Scheme dates

Macfarlanes Training Scholarship

A unique scholarship programme for aspiring lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds, delivered in partnership with Brunel Law School.

Eligibility

  • The scheme is open to first year LLB law students at Brunel University, London.

Application window

  • Applications have now closed and will reopen in 2027

Scheme dates

Widening access to law

We’re committed to supporting people from all backgrounds to build a career in law.

Early Careers FAQs

Clear answers to the most common questions about our schemes, applications and training.