Trainee Solicitor Review
at Macfarlanes
Graduate Job
Commercial Law, Legal/Law
Holborn
Review Submitted: November 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!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
4.6/5
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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?
Overall, my experience at Macfarlanes has been very positive. The people are welcoming and supportive, and the culture makes it easy to learn from those around you. The training is strong, and the work is both varied and consistently high quality. There are genuine opportunities to take on responsibility early if you’re willing to get involved.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
In my previous rotations, my responsibilities included tracking the progress of matters, liaising with relevant external bodies, preparing and submitting applications, and generally helping to keep transactions moving. I enjoyed the structured nature of the work and the sense of momentum as matters progressed.
I have also supported teams by taking detailed meeting notes, drafting and proofreading documents, and assisting with the organisation of hearings or meetings. I particularly enjoyed the fast pace and the insight into how cases or projects are run in practice.
Additionally, I have carried out contract reviews and assisted with a range of ad-hoc tasks, including due diligence exercises. I’ve enjoyed the variety of work and the opportunity to develop a closer understanding of the commercial or strategic drivers behind transactions.
I have also supported teams by taking detailed meeting notes, drafting and proofreading documents, and assisting with the organisation of hearings or meetings. I particularly enjoyed the fast pace and the insight into how cases or projects are run in practice.
Additionally, I have carried out contract reviews and assisted with a range of ad-hoc tasks, including due diligence exercises. I’ve enjoyed the variety of work and the opportunity to develop a closer understanding of the commercial or strategic drivers behind transactions.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
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
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
How would you rate Macfarlanes initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Macfarlanes demonstrates a clear commitment to ED&I. Initiatives like the Reach network and the events organised around it are particularly effective and provide good opportunities to learn and engage. Overall, the firm promotes an inclusive environment where people feel valued. Expanding these initiatives further would be beneficial.
How would you rate Macfarlanes CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
The firm’s CSR initiatives are excellent. Volunteering opportunities, such as at the legal clinic, and programmes like reverse mentoring, where I mentored a partner, have been both engaging and helpful. The firm shows a genuine commitment to societal impact, and these initiatives are well supported and communicated.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Macfarlanes to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Macfarlanes. They deliver high-quality work, have a friendly and approachable team, and provide excellent training opportunities.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Macfarlanes?
Be prepared for a thorough recruitment process - Macfarlanes really values attention to detail and strong communication skills. Take the time to understand their culture and the type of work they do, and be ready to give concrete examples of your experience. During onboarding, don’t hesitate to ask questions, people are approachable and willing to help, and it makes settling in much smoother.
