Macfarlanes

Who we are

Macfarlanes is a pre-eminent law firm that serves a global client base in Private Capital, Private Wealth, M&A and Disputes. Personal connection, an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence are at the heart of our firm. These values drive our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.

We are big enough to undertake the most complex and demanding mandates yet small enough to know each other well and to be agile, adapting to the needs of our clients. Our entrepreneurial approach is shaped by a sense of genuine partnership and independence. We encourage both individual responsibility and collaboration, empowering our people to think creatively and to work together to find solutions for our clients.

We seek to strengthen the firm by recruiting talented people from all backgrounds who want to build long-lasting and impactful careers with us. Our culture is challenging yet supportive, creating an environment where individuals can thrive.

First Year Insight Scheme

Our First Year Insight Scheme offers first-year students the opportunity to step inside the world of commercial law and discover what life at a leading City firm is really like. Over five days, participants will gain hands-on insight through Trainee shadowing, attending client calls, taking part in negotiation exercises, developing application skills and connecting with lawyers across the firm. Designed for students from all degree backgrounds, the scheme is the perfect opportunity to explore a legal career, build confidence and take the first step towards future opportunities with Macfarlanes.

Vacation Scheme

Our Vacation Scheme gives aspiring lawyers the chance to experience the role of a Trainee Solicitor first-hand over two weeks. Participants will work alongside lawyers in different practice areas, contribute to live matters, attend client meetings, take part in a mock transaction and engage with workshops, networking sessions and social events. Open to students from any academic background, the scheme provides a genuine insight into our distinctive culture, the quality of our work and what it takes to build a successful career at the firm.

Training Programme

We are looking for intellectually curious and driven people who want to build their careers at the highest level of Private Capital, Private Wealth, M&A and Disputes. We offer high-quality, distinctive opportunities that are career-shaping, with real responsibility and early exposure to our senior lawyers.

From the outset, you’ll work on high-value and high-profile matters, often international in scope. Our clients include global businesses as well as entrepreneurs and high net-worth families. You’ll gain broad experience across the full range of our work – from private capital and private wealth to complex M&A, high-stakes disputes and more – all under one roof in London, with the added perspective of our Brussels office which focuses on EU competition law.

Because our intakes are small, you’ll quickly get to know the people you’re working with – and they’ll get to know you. That means you’ll have real responsibility, direct access to Partners and senior lawyers who are leaders in their fields, and the chance to make a visible contribution right from the start.