We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves. In one pool, for example, youll find investment management, litigation and dispute resolution, and financial services. If you studied a non-law subject at undergraduate level, you have to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) at BPP. Those plugging away in corporate M&A working with investment funds will regularly burn the midnight oil. All Rights Reserved. Trainee salaries at Macfarlanes can range from 51,674 - 55,000 per year. There is a great deal that students can be doing while at university to position themselves as candidates that are serious about a career in law: Attend in-house events We have a real range of events that will allow you to meet our team, gain key insights into our work and build essential skills. Please explain why you are applying to Macfarlanes. We pride ourselves on providing a learning experience that is genuinely distinctive. Quali-fly: The firm doesnt offer secondments at trainee level, but NQs have the option of spending time at one of Macfarlanes international sister firms. What you are unlikely to get if you do a training programme at Macfarlanes is an international or client secondment, with the firm typically waiting until associate level before it sends lawyers abroad to a host of independent law firms with which it has close ties and/or client organisations. All in all, the firm's earned 24 rankings in the UK alone. Summer vacation scheme one: Monday 26 June to Friday 7 July 2023. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. All Macfarlanes staff get one community day a year which they can spend however they like, so long as its related to charity work. We offer the opportunity to work alongside some of the worlds most successful businesses, and with ambitious people, in an environment that is demanding, supportive and incredibly rewarding. During your SQE preparation course you also attend regular seminars from the firm, where you hear from associates in our practice areas. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. To apply you will need to be in the first year (and second year on a four-year course) of your undergraduate degree. The form is designed to give you every opportunity to tell us about yourself and show your interest in Macfarlanes. We handle work of the highest quality and complexity for our clients which could be anything from corporate, real estate or litigation through to private client advice. You have two reviews per seat. Were delighted to announce the launch of the Macfarlanes trainee experience, an app giving you the opportunity to complete mock trainee tasks and gain an insight into our unique culture. Great teamwork skills, which include being kind and considerate. An introduction: In many ways, a mini-Slaughter and May, Macfarlanes is a large corporate firm. Chambers Student, the students companion to the legal profession, gives the truth about law firms and the Bar. Our training programme combines hands-on experience with a first-class education programme. You may be surprised how quickly you feel part of the team, and how soon people at all levels know your name and value your contribution. Typical vacation scheme tasks include research, drafting and sitting in on meetings with clients or counsel. One particular strength of our firm is its size. Rosie is a trainee solicitor in the finance group. Macfarlanes has offered permanent positions to 23 of the 25 trainees (a retention rate of 92%), with the other two trainees offered fixed term contracts. Above all, it is an enduring commitment to the development of trainees, which is woven into every aspect of life at the firm. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. Autumn 2024 - sit the SQE 1 examination. Read Macfarlanes' About Us for Graduates here. Macfarlanes has launched a new training scholarship which provides financial support, mentoring and paid work experience to three Brunel University students each year. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. But ok. Just seemed a little overkill to talk about each point in such a long way but if thats what theyre after then sure. In each seat a partner or senior associate supports and supervises you. And 2. Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but support Bright Network in building and running the service that we provide to you. Macfarlanes will retain all six trainees due to qualify next month, giving the firm a 100% retention score for spring 2023. These folks work with everyone from Visa to Virgin; they recently assisted Alexion Pharmaceuticals with the UK tax aspects of its $39 billion acquisition by AstraZeneca. It means your training contract at Macfarlanes will combine hands-on experience with a first-class education programme. 1) Good communication skills. All these steps are in place to ensure you feel supported throughout your training programme. Tech, however, was a bugbear for some. Ashurst To Work With Eight Recruiters to Address Diversity. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which allows individuals to select a range of benefits to suit their particular lifestyle, including: Our approach is simple. It's worth noting that Macfarlanes doesn't recruit on a rolling basis and waits until the application deadline has passed to review applications. The group represent hedge funds, corporate treasuries, financial institutions, managed account platforms, asset managers and high-net-worth . All content 2023 Macfarlanes LLP. https://www.law.com/international-edition/2021/10/29/we-tried-the-macfarlanes-trainee-experience-app-heres-how-it-went/. Well rounded candidates who will make the most of our varied seat rotations. Pension scheme with company contributions. Second year salary: 55,000 Sustainable business Environmental, social. For more information about our training programme or the financial assistance available, please contact our early legal careers team. It seems like a lot to me, and I'm hoping it's more of a max. You start your two year qualifying work experience in September 2025 after you have sat SQE 2. Our culture is thoughtful, challenging and supportive, and we are a place where everyone, at whatever level, can thrive. What qualifications do I need to apply to Macfarlanes? We want students to have the opportunity to meet everyone from the senior partner to our future trainees,says senior graduate recruitment manager Catherine Morgan-Guest. Follow the firm on LinkedIn,Instagram and Facebook. JavaScript is disabled. 1 negotiation exercise - group work based exercise with a partner. Our transactional groups operate internationally in both the public and the private markets, advising on complex deals. Macfarlanes has increased the salaries of its newly qualified (NQ) lawyers to 100,000, Legal Cheek can reveal. . Macfarlanes' London office City law firm Macfarlanes has increased the salaries of its newly qualified (NQ) associates by 7.5%, Legal Cheek can reveal. Macfarlanes' app. What defines that experience? Speaking to the firms culture more generally, our sources definitely havent been disappointed. One enamoured newbie told us there are some incredible people and great friends. Another offers this insight: Transactional seats tend to have a more up and down work life balance whereas advisory and contentious seats are more steady. Great teamwork skills, which include being kind and considerate. Vacation students will spend each week in a different practice area working alongside a partner, solicitor or trainee. We operate from two offices: in London, our main office, and in Brussels, where we focus on EU law. Trainees handle disclosure on these sorts of deals or, as one source put it, the formalities. Like the litigation seat, trainees can opt to join one of the subteams which focus on different sectors, like healthcare, retail and oil & gas. Free barista coffee is also (unsurprisingly) a big hit amongst Macfarlanes lawyers. To find out what it is like to work at Macfarlanes LLP read the firms Meet the Lawyer profile. $87 Million. We work with some of the worlds most high-profile organisations and business leaders. Applications are now open for our September 2025 intake. Be realistic about how many applications you can do. Many have had to impress their supervisors with limited, if any, face-to-face contact. As part of this growth, we are seeking to expand our alternativ The investment management practice is looking to recruit an alternative funds solicitor with three to five years PQE to join its successful team. The programme combines classroom and digital learning to embed knowledge and uses business simulation exercises to help you apply your knowledge in realistic practice scenarios. Schemes commonly last between one and four weeks and give you an opportunity to: Experience first-hand what life as a trainee solicitor is like. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. I hadnt expected to be that involved. The odd bit of grunt work, like sifting through documents, is inevitable, but trainees explained these tasks often affect the trajectory of advice-giving, which is cool. Summer/Autumn 2024 - begin studying for the SQE with BPP. A vacation scheme is a way of gaining invaluable work experience at a law firm. Typical tasks include drafting board minutes, attending client meetings, doing research and handling shareholder agreements. Our culture is thoughtful, challenging and supportive, and we are a place where everyone, at whatever level, can thrive. All elements, including the bespoke Macfarlanes modules, are paid for by the firm. Macfarlanes, Herbert Smith Freehills and White & Case are the latest firms to announce their trainee retention results for the spring. Trainees get two days, one of which is a 'chairty day' that trainees complete during their induction. Macfarlanes trainee experience. You can also arrange a call with the graduate recruitment team to discuss further. I am expected to achieve a 1st class grade in my third year. Macfarlanes' recent work with the RLC was accredited at the People in Law Awards 2021 where they were crowned winners of the 'Best CSR Initiative'. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. The programme has been developed in-house, and all tasks have been modelled on real work and created by our associates and trainee . Contact Us| The firm, which is now paying NQs almost 100,000, is a tax specialist. We work with some of the worlds most high-profile organisations and business leaders. Communication and speaking skills can be developed during your studies by taking part in . As with the SQE preparation course, the firm covers your fees, and you receive a 13,000 grant. Macfarlanes raised the trainee salary in November 2021: first-years now earn 2,000 more whilst second-year salary has increased from 52,500 to 55,000. During your training programme, you spend four six-month periods, known as seats, in four areas. SQE timeline (for training programmes due to start in 2025). Macfarlanes has advised next-generation global events business Hyve Group plc on a recommended takeover bid for it by funds advised by Providence Equity. What defines that experience? As the future of the firm, trainees soon find themselves handling important client work. One Macfarlanes rookie recalls taking a very deep breath upon being handed a particularly complex task. You start your two year qualifying work experience in . We recruit people to build careers for the long term. From our office in London, you will work with global businesses and overseas law firms. Money matters aside, Macfarlanes continues to score highly for its training in theLegal CheekTrainee and Junior Lawyer Survey. In order to argue convincingly in the courtroom before juries and judges, good public speaking skills are essential. She now heads the firm's open-funded funds practice, acting for an array of clients that includes Goldman Sachs, Jupiter Asset Management, Vanguard and Legal & General. 850. The coffee is free now, but they still donate 50p for every coffee ordered. The firms charity of the year is the Rainbow Trust, which supports the families of children who have life-threatening or terminal illness. They are a very nice firm to work for, friendly and inclusive. These seats combine hands-on work with formal lectures and seminars, mostly by partners and senior associates. Theres a personal element that you dont get in other seats, like planning what happens to children if their parents die. Others pointed out: "Private clients tend to care more about the work because it concerns their own money, which is much nicer than just dealing with a company representative." Do not feel pressured to respond too quickly, but take time to give considered answers. They are a very nice firm to work for, friendly and inclusive. Macfarlanes is a fully paid-up member of the silver circle, distinguished by high-end corporate work, a reluctance to expand internationally (it remains single-site, with one office off Chancery Lane) and very high profits per equity partner. The firm's most junior lawyers will now. The perks are decent; the private health insurance is appreciated, as are the free dinners after 7:30pm and the 30 monthly gym allowance. I'm really good mates with people here - some of them came to my wedding! It should be noted that different practice areas have organised different events. Dont be greedy. Macfarlanes has advised Hayfin Capital Management, a leading European credit platform on the raising of its third Special Opportunities fund (Special Opportunities Fund III), which exceeded its target size and closed with commitments of over 2bn. The app also provides you with a wealth of information on areas such as the application process, events and the recruitment team. To understand more about how we use cookies or to change your cookie preferences, click on Showsettings. Because we respect your right to privacy, below you will find descriptions on the types of cookies used on this site and options to opt out where preferred. There are, however, occasional opportunities to travel on particular pieces of business, with destinations including Jersey and the firms office in Brussels. The mid-seat review takes place around three months into each seat, and you meet with both your principal partner and Trainee Solicitor Committee partner to discuss how your seat is going so far and your development points. This 32-week course includes everything you need to ensure you are fully prepared to work in commercial practice. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. I settled in very quickly and the suppprt and training were very good. You are also invited to social events at the firm so you can start building your network before you join us. The mid-seat review takes place around three months into each seat, and you meet with both your principal partner and Trainee Solicitor Committee partner to discuss how your seat is going so far and your development points. Vacation students will spend each week in a different practice area working alongside a partner, solicitor or trainee. All these steps are in place to ensure you feel supported throughout your training programme. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. Seemingly a lot more than at other firms. You may be tempted to apply for as many law firms as possible as to increase your chances in hope to make it to the interview. To impress during the application process, Bains said its important to demonstrate certain traits: Obviously were looking for brain power, but we also want people who work well with others and who are resilient to the demands of clients. 14 Jun, 2021 How secure are secured liabilities? The day also includes a written exercise which often takes the form of drafting a letter. First-year undergraduates should note that vacation schemes are generally reserved for undergraduates in their second or final year of study (those studying a four-year course can generally apply from their third year). On the whole, there is no expectation for you to be in the office if you dont need to be, weekend work is rare in some seats and rookies can usually commit to evening plans provided they notify their supervisors well in advance. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Another explains how trainees will occasionally get thrown a boring admin task, but on the whole you will work in small, close-knit teams with partners and senior associates on important work. Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided. These sessions help build your legal knowledge and inform your seat choices. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. I applied about two weeks ago and haven't heard from them since - do you know how long they usually take to respond? And without all those costly overheads, it reaps a profit that is significantly higher than most. Vacation scheme hopefuls can apply online. Spring/Summer 2023 receive your training programme offer from Macfarlanes. You also take part in our trainee charity day. All elements, including the bespoke Macfarlanes modules, are paid for by the firm. Your choices regarding cookies on this site, Associate who qualified in September 2022. The Legal Cheek View. Macfarlanes offers a spring and two summer vacation schemes. Do you think they won't look down on your answers if you fail to meet the 500-word limit? These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information. How do I get a training contract with macfarlanes? These days, all practices are split into one of two groups, and trainees will do two seats in each. The interview stage is comprised of two interviews (one with a partner who will have seen your application in advance and a business case study scenario to test your problem solving skills) as well as a group task and a written exercise (both application blind). Proving that theyre not just paying lip-service to D&I, the firm runs a reverse mentoring programme, where juniors with diverse characteristics explain the issues they face to someone more senior who doesn't have those characteristics. All six stay on. Unlimited access to International Edition, Access to additional free ALM publications, 1 free article* across the ALM subscription network every 30 days, Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications. At Bright Network we use cookies and similar technologies to help deliver you the best possible experience. Trainee Solicitor Macfarlanes Sep 2021 - Present1 year 8 months Seats in: Banking and Finance; Investment Management; Corporate and M&A; and Tax. Please note that due to COVID-19 secondment probabilities are lower than in usual years. To make the fuzzy feeling even better, the trainees will qualify on a decent 75k. You also take part in our trainee charity day. The form is designed to give you every opportunity to tell us about yourself and show your interest in Macfarlanes. You can find out more in our privacy policy at any time by going to the link in our footer. We also divide trainees into small constituency groups. Possibly, according to U.K. law firm Macfarlanes, which announced on Monday it had created a trainee experience app. Through close partner support, you learn to deal directly with clients and to work on complex transactions. There are around 65 places in total across the three schemes, with pay that matches the London living wage. What is Greenpeace Philippines organization? Our application process opens towards the end of September each year. London law firm Macfarlanes has announced it has retained all six of its trainees due to qualify next month, giving it a 100% retention score for spring 2022. Candidates applying for Trainee Solicitor had the quickest hiring process (on average 1 day), whereas Associate roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 61 days). Trainee. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. The firm advises applicants to make sure you can talk about us and what we do in order to stand out you need to show a detailed and specific interest in Macfarlanes.. Following a survey of 3,000 trainee solicitors from 165 top UK firms, Macfarlanes was ranked as a winner in the "Confident of being kept on" category. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Trainees can expect to work from home one day a week. Joining the law societies These societies have access to many city firms and will often host events that enable you to meet the firms in person and gain essential insights into the sector. How do I get a training contract with macfarlanes? We recruit people to build careers for the long term. Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. Those who are concerned about a lack of legal experience can be reassured that the firm sees the value in all types of work experience: For example, we recognise that waitressing in a coffee shop can be extremely demanding, especially if you have to deal with tough customers, said Bains, adding: Our application process isnt a case of who you know or how many internships youve done, its about personal attributes., 20 Cursitor Street, London, EC4A 1LT Website www.macfarlanes.com. We know each other personally which means we work together with more cohesion, and less formality. Don't miss the crucial news and insights you need to make informed legal decisions. Everything the firm says about having an open door is true.. The firms thinking is that six months away from the heart of the action at too early a stage undermines its training scheme. This sort of dynamic means the hours are much better than in other seats. Thats unless something unexpected occurs: Everything you do as a private client lawyer comes to a head when the person dies. Skadden VC application - how to handle questions geared toward university graduates. Famous for: combination of leading private client and corporate practices, UK partners/solicitors/trainees: 95/303/72, Seat options: commercial, brands, IP and IT; competition/antitrust; construction; corporate and M&A; derivatives and trading; employment; finance; financial services and products; lawtech; litigation and dispute resolution; pensions; private client; private equity; private funds; real estate; restructuring and insolvency; reward and tax.