Training Programme

We pride ourselves on the high quality of our training, offering an experience that is genuinely distinctive and career-shaping.

Why train with us?

• High-quality work and early responsibility: from day one you’ll play a meaningful role in high-profile cases and deals, gaining exposure to complex, rewarding work.
• International opportunities: much of our work spans multiple jurisdictions, giving you the chance to work alongside leading international lawyers.
• Close-knit culture: our size means your contribution will be visible, valued, and you’ll quickly feel part of the firm.
• Supportive yet challenging environment: we want you to succeed, stretch yourself, and build confidence as you grow.
• Exceptional people: you’ll learn from lawyers that are recognised leaders in their fields, in a firm that values individuality as much as technical excellence.
  
  

Who we’re looking for

We recruit people from all backgrounds. We look for:

• “brainpower”, intellectual curiosity, resilience and commercial awareness;
• analytical and adaptable minds; and
• ambition, collaboration and drive.

Above all, we look for potential – and the determination to build a long-term career with us.

Life as a Trainee

Induction

Your training begins with a week-long induction. You’ll receive training from people across the firm to give you everything you need to know before starting your first seat.

Seat rotations

The two-year programme is made up of four six-month seats across a wide range of departments. These seats combine hands-on client work with seminars that are led by Partners and Senior Associates.

Every six months, you’ll be able to submit seat preferences and we do our best to place you in the areas that most interest you. In each seat you’ll be supported by two dedicated supervisors, while your Partner Principal oversees your training throughout.

Feedback and mentoring

We take your development seriously. You’ll have two formal reviews in each seat – a mid-seat review around three months in, and an end-of-seat review in your final weeks. These are designed to track your progress, highlight your strengths and identify any development areas.

In addition, you’ll be part of a small “constituency group”, giving you direct, regular access to a Trainee Solicitor Committee Partner. Alongside this, our Early Careers team, mentoring schemes and networking opportunities provide further support.

You may be surprised how quickly you feel part of the team – and how soon colleagues at all levels know your name and value your contribution.

Your path to qualification

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

We partner with BPP to deliver a bespoke programme that goes well beyond exam preparation. You’ll combine classroom and digital learning with business simulations and Macfarlanes-specific modules designed to prepare you for practice.

All elements, including the bespoke Macfarlanes modules, are paid for by the firm. We also continue to provide additional financial assistance in the form of an £18,000 grant during this time.

Regular firm-led seminars and social events help you build knowledge and your network before you join.
If you studied a non-law subject, you’ll complete the PGDL at BPP before the SQE. Fees are covered, and we provide you with a £13,000 grant.