Early Careers

Start your legal career at Macfarlanes


We are looking for open-minded and driven people who want to build their careers at the highest level of Private Capital, Private Wealth, M&A and Disputes. We offer high-quality, distinctive opportunities that are career-shaping, with real responsibility and early exposure to our senior lawyers.

From the outset, you’ll work on high-value and high-profile matters, often international in scope. Our clients include global businesses as well as entrepreneurs and high net-worth families. You’ll gain broad experience across the full range of our work – from private capital and private wealth to complex M&A, high-stakes disputes and more – all under one roof in London, with the added perspective of our Brussels office which focuses on EU competition law.

Because our intakes are small, you’ll quickly get to know the people you’re working with – and they’ll get to know you. That means you’ll have real responsibility, direct access to Partners and senior lawyers who are leaders in their fields, and the chance to make a visible contribution right from the start.



Discover your path into law

First Year Insight Scheme

A one-week programme for first-year students (or second-year students on a four-year course) to experience what life is like in a City law firm.

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 actively welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds.

Application window

  • Applications opened: Monday 11 August 2025.
  • Applications now closed.

Scheme dates

  • Monday 30 March to 2 April 2026.

Vacation Scheme

A two-week placement for students in at least their penultimate-year of university giving them practical experience of life as a Trainee Solicitor, working across many different areas of the firm.

Eligibility
The scheme is open to:

  • students in at least their penultimate year of university.

You don’t need to be studying law. We actively welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds.

Application window

  • Applications opened: Monday 11 August 2025.
  • Applications now closed.

Scheme dates

  • Spring: Monday 13 to Friday 24 April 2026.
  • Summer: Monday 22 June to Friday 3 July 2026.

Macfarlanes Training Programme

This is a two-year programme with four six-month seats and training for students who have completed a degree.

Eligibility
You need a 2:1 degree or above, though we do take account of extenuating circumstances. We welcome applications from law students in their penultimate year onwards, and non-law students in their final year onwards.

Application window

  • Applications open: Monday 5 January 2026.
  • Applications close: Friday 26 June 2026.

Scheme dates

  • September 2028.

Macfarlanes Training Scholarship

A unique scholarship programme for aspiring lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds, delivered in partnership with Brunel Law School.

Eligibility
The scheme is open to first year LLB law students at Brunel University, London.

Application window
Applications for the Training Scholarship are now closed and will reopen in early 2026.

Scheme dates
This is a three-year programme.

Widening access to law

We’re committed to supporting people from all backgrounds to build a career in law.

Early Careers FAQs

Clear answers to the most common questions about our schemes, applications and training.