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 our 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.
Online assessments
Applicants to our First Year Insight Scheme, Vacation Scheme, or 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.
If you require additional support or adjustments, please contact our Early Careers team.
If you have any questions about your application, please refer to the information below, visit our FAQ page or contact the Early Careers team.
Macfarlanes is unlike any other law firm. We hope you use the assessments as an opportunity to learn more about us and what makes us meaningfully different, just as we use them to gain an understanding of you.
My top tip would be to take the time to truly understand the firm before making your application. Research the firm, take advantage of the events that Macfarlanes puts on, and talk to as many people as you can.
Rahim Velji
Associate
