Trainee Solicitor Review
at Macfarlanes
Graduate Scheme
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.8/5
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Overview of the Role
4.4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Macfarlanes?
Very insightful with lots of hands-on experience. Good balance between training and responsibility.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Main responsibilities were drafting, research, and project management as well as admin tasks. Varied between each department but the fundamental role did not change.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
All of my work was useful and had a purpose within the broader transaction. My input was valued and never insignificant.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
Good salary for a grad scheme but hours varied depending on department.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Excellent training and good opportunities for progression into an associate role.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
Though there was formal training, the day-to-day role was fundamental to development.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Through company resources, I was diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition and HR was great at arranging coaching and putting in workplace adjustments.
Aside from the support for neurodiversity, the firm implemented a dual supervision system for all trainees and each department had an established their own buddy system.
Aside from the support for neurodiversity, the firm implemented a dual supervision system for all trainees and each department had an established their own buddy system.
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
Varies between department but working hours can be a little long, sometimes spanning into the weekend.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Very friendly - the people are one of the highlights of coming into work.
How would you rate Macfarlanes initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
We have many support networks and (as mentioned above) the HR team were above and beyond for my neurodevelopmental condition.
How would you rate Macfarlanes CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
Good opportunities to get involved with pro bono.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Macfarlanes to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The culture is extremely open and friendly and the training is one of the best in the city.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Even better than expected.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Macfarlanes?
Proofread (make sure you are spelling Macfarlanes right - not McFarlanes, Macfarlane's or Macfarlands!). Also - despite every firm thinking this, we have some very unique practice areas and excellent chambers rankings so if such a practice area is of interest then definitely lead with it!
