First Year Insight Scheme Review
at Macfarlanes
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Experience
4.8/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
-
Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The scheme involved shadowing trainee solicitors, talks on Macfarlane’s business capabilities and networking opportunities with trainees, associates and partners. Overall an incredibly enriching experience which gave a thorough overview of both the industry and Macfarlane’s unique culture, providing a breadth of knowledge to first year students considering the legal profession .
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
We were given a thorough overview of the future trainee solicitor opportunities at Macfarlanes including vacation scheme and direct training contracts with the early learning careers teams, who provided an in-depth guide to succeeding in further applications at the firm.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Throughout the scheme I particularly improved on my negotiation and critical thinking skills whilst also improving our knowledge of how a law firm operates and the specialises of different practice areas within macfarlanes. Negotiation skills were enhanced with trainee support and critical thinking through various tasks delegated by our trainee mentors.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
4/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Incredibly friendly, kind and welcoming. All employees did not need encouragment to engage with us, rather in many occasions I would have random yet meaningful interactions with various employees, from trainees all the way to senior partners.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
4/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
Could not recommend it enough!
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Macfarlanes
5/5
Would you recommend Macfarlanes to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Macfarlanes
Particularly focus on Why Macfarlanes, and what you specifically will gain or learn from attending the scheme.
