At Macfarlanes, we pride ourselves on providing a learning experience that is Meaningfully Different. What sets us apart? Above all, it is our unwavering commitment to the development of our trainees, which is woven into every aspect of life at the firm. We see our trainees as the future of the firm, and we invest accordingly – in your growth, your potential, and your success.

During the two-year Training Programme, you will rotate across four departments, experiencing high-profile deals and being trusted with responsibility from the outset. Our Training Programme combines hands-on experience with first-class education, ensuring you're fully supported from your first day through to qualification and beyond.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from law students in their penultimate year onwards, and non-law students in their final year onwards. Whether you're studying law or another subject, we’re looking for individuals who bring critical thinking, drive, and a strong commercial mindset.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early to avoid missing out.

What to expect: The application process

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be invited to complete our immersive online assessment, designed to reflect life at Macfarlanes. You’ll work through scenario-based tasks across our key practice areas: Corporate and M&A, Banking and Finance, Private Client and Litigation and Dispute Resolution. This isn’t just a test; it’s a chance to showcase your judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking – essential skills for any future Macfarlanes lawyer.

If successful, you’ll progress to the second-stage assessment: a dynamic job simulation where you’ll join a fictional project team and respond to commercial scenarios in real time. It’s your chance to demonstrate how you think, communicate, and collaborate in a setting that closely mirrors what trainee life is really like here. We want to see how you approach real-world challenges, so our advice is simple: be yourself and answer honestly.

Both assessments were designed in collaboration with our lawyers to reflect the kind of work we do and the skills we value most. They’re not just about helping us discover your potential – they also give you an authentic glimpse into what it’s like to be a Trainee Solicitor at Macfarlanes. That way, you can decide if this is the right career path and firm for you.

To prepare, we recommend exploring the practice questions on Cappfinity’s preparation hub so you can approach the assessments with confidence.

Need support?

If you need support or experience technical issues? Visit the support desk

Questions about the programme? Email us at: earlylegalcareers@macfarlanes.com

Application deadline:
Friday, 26 June 2026 at 22:59 (UTC)
(i) Times are displayed in your local time zone