Widening access to law

Making it easier for people from all walks of life to build a career in law

We’re committed to making it easier for people from all walks of life to build a career in law, regardless of their background or where they went to school.

Talent and potential are what we’re looking for, and we want everyone to join us to have the same opportunity to thrive. This means we’re actively trying to remove barriers to entry by embracing a fair and inclusive recruitment and talent development process.

Learn more about our support and initiatives:

Application blind and contextual recruitment

For our Vacation Scheme and Training Programme, most assessments are reviewed without reference to academic institutions. We also use a contextual recruitment tool to recognise achievements in the context in which they were made.

The Macfarlanes Bursary

A bursary that provides financial help, and ongoing support, for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds when they enter higher education.

Find out more about the bursary

Macfarlanes Legal Academy

This is a programme to help sixth-form and college students from less privileged backgrounds explore a career in law.

Eligibility
The scheme is open to sixth form and college students from lower socio-economic backgrounds who want to learn more about a career in a City law firm.

Application window