Trainee Solicitor Review
at Macfarlanes
Graduate Scheme
Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: September 2026
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!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
4.2/5
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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?
Intellectually stimulating, busy, collegiate, fun
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Main responsibilities include: (1) Updating trackers, (2) Project management (e.g. email correspondences to relay documents) (3) First draft of documents.
I enjoy the learning aspect of the role the most; there are plenty of formal workshops at the beginning of each seat/rotation, and I am always encountering new tasks given the breadth of each practice area, and that I am rotating practice areas every 6 months.
I enjoy the learning aspect of the role the most; there are plenty of formal workshops at the beginning of each seat/rotation, and I am always encountering new tasks given the breadth of each practice area, and that I am rotating practice areas every 6 months.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
Lean deal teams in Corporate M&A and Funds team, leading to very high responsibility as a trainee - I was (1) handling email correspondences, (2) completing first drafts of each document in the transaction, and (3) working directly with the partner on a Funds deal.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Highest trainee package in the city.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Plenty of learning workshops, and consistent team-wide training sessions throughout the firm.
The HR / Learning team has also developed a trainee framework (with specific trainee workshops each seat) to ensure we develop our soft skills as well.
The HR / Learning team has also developed a trainee framework (with specific trainee workshops each seat) to ensure we develop our soft skills as well.
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
Similar to the above, plenty of learning workshops, and consistent team-wide training sessions throughout the firm.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Friendly HR with plenty of early careers events, which enables trainees to be in contact very frequently.
Two supervisors in each department, with one Partner Principal (i.e., a Partner designated specifically to each trainee throughout their 2-year training contract).
Two supervisors in each department, with one Partner Principal (i.e., a Partner designated specifically to each trainee throughout their 2-year training contract).
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
Can be challenging, depending on market demands.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Team culture varies across the departments, however generally very friendly and poor/condescending behaviours have been taken very seriously by the partners.
How would you rate Macfarlanes initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
Clear incentive and programmes to push for EDI.
Also member of social mobility networks and frequently hosting events for such groups.
Also member of social mobility networks and frequently hosting events for such groups.
How would you rate Macfarlanes CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
Mandatory pro bono (legal clinic) at St Hilda for trainees and associates.
Also CSR day for trainees.
Also CSR day for trainees.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Macfarlanes to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Very good remuneration and amazing learning 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?
Research the firm thoroughly, and attend the many events that Macfarlanes host.
