First Year Insight Scheme Review

Item: First Year Insight Scheme at Macfarlanes
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at Macfarlanes

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Corporate Law

London

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

5 /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 - Overview of Experience

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - 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.

We were given a supervisor (either a trainer or an associate) for the week, who took us into the practice area office to complete actual legal tasks. I met partners, associates and trainees who took time to get to know me and my legal journey, providing awesome advice. Even the head of public policy, an ex lord chancellor, took 30 minutes out of his day to speak to me. All of this was interspersed with great networking sessions, education/upskilling and company education. Incredible and I am so grateful to the team for organising it and choosing me!

How would you rate the structure of the insight

5/5

What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?

We were involved from minute one and informed about every aspect of life at Macs. We were treated like the future talent of the firm consistently and everyone was remarkably friendly and welcoming.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I’ve learnt many legal skills, networking skills and just developed my confidence hugely. I’ve never had an experience like this before and it’s changed how I see the corporate world.

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

5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

The company was distinctly friendly and the welcoming and inclusion of “schemers” was peerless. It seems a very happy place to work and the firms output clearly benefits. Most memorable was 2 partners going out of their way to introduce themselves to me and ask about my week and interests

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?

5/5

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight

5/5

How would you rate the networking opportunities?

5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

So much more than I expected and hugely enjoyable

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

Would you recommend Macfarlanes to a friend?

Yes

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Macfarlanes

Really get to know the firm; it is distinct and it prides itself on that fact. Not observing that is a problem for the firm, but as a result, doing so is hugely rewarded