First Year Insight Scheme Review

Item: First Year Insight Scheme at Macfarlanes
Rating: 4.9
Author: Anonymous

at Macfarlanes

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Corporate Law, Legal/Law

London

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

4.9 /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

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.

- networking with different practice areas
- shadowing a trainee in a chosen practice area
- lunch with trainees
- networking with associates and graduate recruitment
- CSR and inclusion talk
- Macfarlanes as a business

How would you rate the structure of the insight

5/5

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

It was fun and grad rec were very engaging in this aspect, giving us all information about possible roles and the future we have in the firm.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes!
Developed communication skills and also adapting to different personalities

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?

Amazing and so welcoming to any questions we had, even partners.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

4/5

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?

Very much so!

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

Definitely know the firm inside out, know about their practice areas and what their lawyers do day to day. Practice their online assessment and also feel comfortable with grad rec as they’re really nice.