Training Scholar Review

I am taught how Macfarlanes' culture and practice works, and interact on a daily basis with a variety of people at the firm. I also regularly speak with my cohort of other Scholars about personal and professional matters. I am given tasks replicating realistic work a trainee would do and if I need help I am suggested to ask questions and be proactive. I also have been given resources to learn about legal concepts when I am not doing a task.

Yes, I was given tasks to complete, where the result of my task would be depended on by others and be shared to other departments of Macfarlanes. For example, Due diligence is needed from many departments of the firm, I was required to compile a guide and checklist for the corporate part of due diligence, which were to be sent to other departments to be used for Due diligence in their deals.

I have developed my legal knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills. I watch training tutorial videos, giving me insight on topics such as Due Diligence, IPOs and more. I am tasked to analyse information for a client and then challenged to use my critical thinking skills to think about what the client wants me to present to them and I have to comprise emails in a professional and efficient way to tailor to the firms expectations and clients understanding. I have developed my communication, both Written and Verbal, as I am taught by senior lawyers the etiquette of the office lifestyle and professional interactions with others, and I am drafting emails, checklists, and due diligence reports, which is hands on experience of what a trainee solicitor would be required to do.

I was provided with a supervisor (a senior associate), two mentors (including a partner and senior associate) and the people who assessed me for my role (4 early legal careers team members). However, despite all of that support and guidance, I established multiple other sources for guidance and supports just by speaking and interacting with others at the firm. Others on top of the previously named include, 2 partners, a trainee solicitor, an associate, and senior business support manager. Overall, I was given 7 sources for support and guidance and established 5 more. Each source of support and guidance varied in experience, skills, and expertise, allowing me to have a high variety of skilled workers, where I could receive any help I needed professionally and personally.

Welcoming, hard working, and content. Every person I have met or spoken to have been genuine and nice people who have all welcomed me to Macfarlanes, and everyone at Macfarlanes seem to enjoy what they do a lot and this reflects in the work that is produced as it is always excellent. There are busier periods from time to time and people are always working hard, but will still make time for you no matter how busy they are.

It is still ongoing, and I have enjoyed every minute of it, from the work, to the people here and the extra activities. I am doing the job I love and I do not find any aspect of it as boring, tedious or not enjoyable because it interests me and I have a passion for it and the work provided is hands on and replicates what I will do in the future. Macfarlanes' also provides good activities to maintain good mental health, like the gym facilities, the music room and more. The people here are amazing individuals who are the definition of work-life balance.

Yes