First year insight scheme Review

Item: First year insight scheme at Macfarlanes
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at Macfarlanes

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Legal/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.

I really loved it. My supervisor was absolutely amazing. He took out a lot of time to find out what I was interested in specially and teach me practice skills in those areas- LevFin. He was very supportive, and was genuinely invested in me doing well both currently and in the future as he helped me find the right people to speak to. Everyone I spoke to on the scheme was really sweet despite being super busy-from the most senior partners to the trainees. I really learnt a lot speaking to people at the firm, couldn’t recommend it enough for the exposure.
Grad rec was equally supportive and genuinely invested in us, took good care of us and made sure we were taken care of. They seemed very eager that we come back and remain connected with the firm which was an amazing feeling

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 great. Wide range of sessions and well as very relevant real world exposure in a specific practice area. Really helped demystify Lev fin and restructuring and insolvency for me.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes. I understood legal documentation and how to work with it. Also built up key technical skills.

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. Super supportive. Very big culture of investing well in juniors ensuring they grow into the role. I felt very valued despite being a first year, and hence will be sure to apply.

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?

A lot. Everything was a lot of fun. The amenities were amazing too

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

Make sure you apply knowing the real firm- not the rumours. Ensure that you come with an open mind and un afraid- people much more approachable than you’d think.