First Year Insight Scheme
Experience life as a Trainee and see what sets Macfarlanes apart
If you’re at the start of your undergraduate degree and curious about a career in law, our First Year Insight Scheme is designed for you.
Over five days you’ll get a genuine taste of life at a law firm – from shadowing a Trainee and sitting in on client calls, to taking part in group exercises and networking with our lawyers. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of what law involves, receive practical advice for future applications, and have a better idea of whether a legal career is right for you.
The First Year Insight Scheme is also an excellent first step towards our Vacation Scheme and Training Programme.
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 welcome applications from all degree backgrounds. What matters is that you have an open mind, curiosity, and a willingness to get involved.
What the scheme involves
Across five days, you’ll take part in a mix of workshops and networking opportunities, and experience real-life legal situations, including:
- a group negotiation exercise;
- an application skills workshop, including top tips from our Early Careers team;
- speed networking with lawyers from across our practice areas;
- socials with Associates and Trainees; and
- shadowing a Trainee, which could mean sitting in on a client call, helping with research or reviewing a draft agreement.
Our aim is to give you a realistic view of how a law firm works and have the opportunity to learn directly from our lawyers.
How to apply and the assessment process
Stage 1: Application and online assessment
To apply, complete our application form.
Apply for the 2027 First Year Insight Scheme
You’ll then be sent a link to our online assessment, which you’ll have seven days to complete. You will work through a series of scenarios from different practice areas, designed to test your situational judgement and critical reasoning. The assessment also offers a small insight into life as a Trainee, helping you work out whether a legal career at Macfarlanes is right for you.
We recommend that all candidates visit the Cappfinity Preparation Hub before completing the Macfarlanes online assessments.
Stage 2: Telephone interview
If successful, you’ll be invited to a short telephone interview with a member of the Early Careers team.
We are committed to making the application as straightforward as possible, so please contact our Early Careers team if you require adjustments or additional support.
Early Careers FAQs
Clear answers to the most common questions about our schemes, applications and training.
Macfarlanes Bursary
Practical support to help remove financial barriers for aspiring lawyers with grants for tech, travel and time.