The Macfarlanes Training Scholarship
Our flagship social mobility programme, providing real-world experience and holistic support for aspiring lawyers from Brunel University.
The Macfarlanes Training Scholarship is a unique opportunity for ambitious law students who are keen to pursue a career in law but who may face challenges to accessing the profession.
Developed with Brunel Law School, this award-winning programme helps talented students from lower socio-economic backgrounds at Brunel University to navigate practical, financial and cultural obstacles.
Our aim is to provide students with the practical experience, support and networks that will help them to succeed when they enter the workplace.
Meet our first cohort of Scholars
The first cohort – Danny, Sarah and Dhruv – joined the programme in May 2023 and spent their first day at our London office to meet their mentors and get an introduction to the firm. In the video below, they share their expectations and experiences of the scholarship experience so far.
Key information
Each year, we support up to three Brunel law students, known as Macfarlanes Training Scholars, with:
- full payment of university tuition fees;
- three weeks of paid work experience as part of the selection process:
- an exclusive, paid Year in Industry with us in the third year of their degree; and
- mentoring from senior Macfarlanes lawyers throughout.
Scheme dates
Applications for 2026 have now closed. Please check back for 2027 dates.
Eligibilty
The scholarship is open to first year LLB law students at Brunel University London who meet the firm’s social mobility criteria, as set out in Rare Recruitment’s contextual recruitment system.
How to apply and the assessment process
Apply for the 2026 Training Scholarship
Stage 1: Application form and online assessment
You will complete an application form. Following submission, you will then take an initial online assessment tailored to Macfarlanes, based on scenarios from across our practice areas. This tests your situational judgement and critical reasoning while also giving you an insight into life at Macfarlanes.
Stage 2: Assessment day
Candidates with the strongest applications are invited to an in-person assessment day, which includes:
• a business case study and application interview;
• group negotiation task; and
• a written exercise.
We are committed to supporting you through your application process, so if you require additional support or adjustments, please contact our Early Careers team.
Stage 3: Summer Internship
Up to six students will be selected from the assessment day to progress to the Summer Internship, which lasts for three weeks. This is a great opportunity for you to understand more about the firm and get hands on experience at an early point in your degree. At the end of this, up to three Training Scholars will be selected.
I am the first generation in my family to go university and this scholarship has alleviated the financial burdens I faced, allowing me to prioritise my academic performance entirely to achieve the best of my ability.
Sarah
Training Scholar - cohort one
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.