Macfarlanes is a distinctive London-based law firm, focused on its clients and on delivering excellence in the international legal market. You cant go too wrong if you finish on time. Firms reinstate NQ pay and tell staff they can choose how and when to work. A time you changed your approach
Mostly commercial based and tech focussed and innovative focussed. Each of your seats will feature a mid seat and end of seat review during which you can discuss your progress and which areas need focus. We are now a dress down firm, so yes. Can trainees get involved in pro bono work at Macfarlanes? We do not recruit on a rolling basis for our early legal careers opportunities, so will not screen applications until after the deadline. We spoke to the early legal careers team at Macfarlanes to gain some key insights and top tips on how you can stand out to this leading law firm. Interested in a future career as a lawyer? What is it like? Before this we had fifteen minutes to read over a scenario involving the ethics of coming across inside information and whether or not to use it. The policy includes commitments covering our carbon footprint, emissions, waste, recycling, sustainable procurement of goods and services, office greenery and support for the legal sustainability community. Initial greeting with HR (claim to fame or claim to shame icebreaker), then a group exercise, a talk from a trainee and an NQ and a written exercise. You will have the opportunity to meet trainees, solicitors and partners within the firm. This involved looking at the employment contract, examining against the facts, and coming to a conclusion. It is about recruiting, retaining and promoting all groups in the firm fairly, and we have invested in our processes to ensure everyone has the same chance to develop and advance. The form is designed to give you every opportunity to tell us about yourself and show your interest in Macfarlanes. Bar Course /BVS / BPTC 2023-2024 : what are everyone's plans? Yes, if the work experience is applicable. Mostly commercial based and tech focussed and innovative focussed. Charities lawyers advising the not-for-profit and social enterprise sector cover a vast area of legal ground, from wills and trusts to commercial and real estate law. Can I reapply if my application is not successful? However, the firm will provide study leave at the discretion of the practice area head. 30/04/2023 Ashfords Exeter Summer Scheme 1. There's surprisingly little info on the internet. JavaScript is disabled. For those candidates completing the PGDL, you need to achieve a commendation or above on the first sitting. Assessment Centre: 1: Group Negotiation - Testing communication skills largely 2: Written Exercise - time pressured - right or wrong answers - bit of basic maths 3: Interview - mostly competency - some commercial awareness. Absolutely, yes. In 2023 we shall be running a spring and two summer vacation schemes, for which we are looking to recruit approximately 55 vacation students. If I have completed the LPC, will I still need to complete the Macfarlanes SQE preparation course? Nepotism always wins it seems. Regardless of your degree subject, you are eligible to apply for a vacation scheme in your penultimate year of study and onwards. Don't be afraid to be nervous - if you're shaking you won't necessarily be judged on it! The scheme will comprise of skills workshops, work shadowing and presentations. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. If you have completed the Graduate Diploma in Law/Postgraduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course/Solicitors Qualifying Examinations or both, you are required to have achieved at least a commendation. The first exercise was a group negotiation exercise. We recruit 1520 participants for our first year insight scheme. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions that you might find useful. There is just a brief description on their website and nothing on wikijob at all, so I was wondering if anyone has been to one? The actual exercise is not difficult usually it is based on an M&A scenario, and you will just have to negotiate the terms of the agreements. Pretty straightforward, nice talking to the recruitment managers. LawCareers.Net Training & Recruitment Awards 2020: the results. Then you can start the Macfarlanes SQE preparation course alongside your cohort of Macfarlanes future trainees. Corporate finance lawyers advise companies on all aspects of the buying and selling of whole businesses or business assets. We also have a firmwide religious and cultural events calendar that highlights important dates throughout the year to promote awareness and understanding. Application blind and contextual recruitment. How long does the application form take to complete? Who can apply for the training programme? Pride is a forum for LGBTQ+ staff and allies. The network runs awareness-raising events and socials and provides networking opportunities both internally and with our clients. Candidates can choose whether to join the evening social events, and we try and make sure that events are not centred on food or drink. This assessment is the only part of the day when the assessors will have seen your application form beforehand. However, you will need to complete the Professional Skills Course (PSC) during your qualifying work experience. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Ask around for advice and support and practice for the interview stages as much as possible. To find out what it's like to undertake a placement at Macfarlanes read the firm's Vacation Scheme Insider report. We run campus and in-house events during the academic year. To understand more about how we use cookies or to change your cookie preferences, click on Showsettings. Sponsored by Osborne Clarke LLP. It was very well-structured but I feel the rather high number of applicants made it feel a bit more intimidating. When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Law firms have raised more than 600,000 to support 65 hopeful social welfare lawyers through theSolicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). We structured it so that each of us in the group could start and make the point on one of the issues up for negotiation, and lead the negotiations for our side. This involved looking at what was promised, the conditions that the customer experienced etc. Great teamwork skills, which include being kind and considerate. Please visit the Apply page on our website to watch avideoabout our training programme assessment day. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. a networking session with our trainee solicitors. The day on the whole is quite, usually from 9-4:30- but the rest of the activities are not assessed so it does allow you to relax and meet the trainees! No, we do not currently use psychometric testing at any stage of the application process. Commercial property lawyers work on a wide range of transactions including offices, retail developments and infrastructure projects. It was relatively straight-forward. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information. Lunch, then work shadowing with an interview scheduled at some point in the afternoon. The early legal careers team will arrange a follow up call with you before your assessment day to discuss any adjustments further. You can apply for the training programme in your penultimate year and onwards if you are a law student, or in your final year and onwards if you are a non-law student. You complete modules that are bespoke to Macfarlanes. How will technology change the legal sector? 1 partner - commerciality interview - interview about current affairs and your recommendations for how the firm would deal with certain cases. Intellectual property is an umbrella term for a variety of different rights which protect intellectual creations, such as inventions, brands, designs, and literary and artistic works. Comp and culture? We are committed to reduce any negative environmental impact from our business operations and to continually improve our environmental performance. I interviewed at Macfarlanes. Please get in touch with the Inclusion and CSR team if you have further questions. When discussing your application really consider what you have learnt and the skills you have developed. We would encourage you to apply for post-qualified lawyervacanciesat the firm rather than our vacation scheme or training programme. You are also invited to social events at the firm so you can start building your network before you join us. Summer/autumn 2024 begin studying for the SQE with BPP. I know it consists of a negotiation exercise, interview, and written task, and would appreciate any details. Yes, we pay our vacation scheme and insight scheme participants for the duration of the scheme. 1 partner interview - standard interview, cv and commerciality based. Comp and culture? 1 negotiation exercise - group work based exercise with a partner. 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). The coordinators were really helpful and gave me a prep call before so I knew what to expect from it. You are using an out of date browser. In each seat you will share a room with a partner or solicitor who supervises and supports you. Everything you need to know about becoming a solicitor, Search for a training contract at nearly 1,000 organisations, A comprehensive list of training contract deadlines, A comprehensive list of law firms' vacation scheme deadlines, Read how today's lawyers went from student to qualified lawyer, Advice from recruiters on acing your applications and more, Get a sense of what firms' vacation schemes are really like, Your essential first step in identifying the firm for you, Hear from solicitors working in specific practice areas, Everything you need to know about becoming a barrister, Search for a pupillage at nearly 200 barristers' chambers, A comprehensive list of pupillage deadlines, Hear from barristers working in specific practice areas, Find out more about the different types of chambers, This hub covers all aspects of legal education and training, Identify the right law school for you with these prospectuses, Find out about sources of funding at each stage of the qualification process, Find out about what you learn and where to study, Find out what the LPC involves and whether you're eligible, Find out about the course required to qualify as a barrister, Find out about the brand-new SQE preparation courses, Articles from law firms designed to get you thinking commercially, These are designed to increase your knowledge of the profession, Insights from LCN and contributors from the world of law, Advice on issues from funding your studies to getting experience, Kickstart your legal career with the latest content in our newsletter, Discover key stories from the legal world, Our videos feature interviews and webinars on careers in law, Hear from the experts via The LawCareers.Net Podcast, Hear from your peers about their journey into the profession, Macfarlanes are a distinctive London-based law firm with a unique combination of services built and shaped around the needs of their clients. Honesty, friendliness and a polite attitude make it a far more pleasant experience for the partners. If your questions are not answered above, pleasecontact the early legal careers team. You have 45 minutes to complete this exercise; a business case study exercise where you are given three business case studies to prepare in 30 minutes. Our unrivalled blend of expertise, agility and culture means we have the flexibility to meet their most challenging demands and adapt to the changing world around us. The second element was an interview with a partner about competencies. There is no set time, but we suggest you neither rush nor leave it to the last minute. Should I apply for a vacation scheme first or just apply for the training programme now? No. How would you implement a process. For the written exercise, focus on the details and dont make silly errors. My interviewer was very friendly and put me very much at ease when I was very nervous going into it. They lead the client relationship management and advise clients on a range of issues, from housing to employment. We are a distinctive London-based law firm with a unique combination of services built and shaped around the needs of our clients. The amount is reviewed annually and is within market range. Keep up to date with our free weekly newsletter, 2.1 anticipated or achieved (mitigating circumstances are taken into account). Do you cover the cost of travel for candidates? We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture throughout the firm, from entry level to partnership. That was helpful for sharing the opportunities to speak. Brain power - clever people who can think on their feet. Sports law involves the legal issues at play in the worlds of both amateur and professional sport. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Can I still apply? Together we support and attract diverse talent to the legal industry, as well as provide support. Anyone else 12 weeks behind with uni work? Please describe the interview process at Macfarlanes. Make sure to give clear advice and really watch the time. I did 4 partner interviews over a period of 6 weeks, only for them to suddenly ask me to do an assessment. Yes, in 2021 we launched the Macfarlanes Legal Academy. Answer Question Restrictions on winding-up petitions: beginning of the end. Yes, we do. Full instructions are given by the early legal careers team before the exercise; an interview with a partner and a senior associate. We partner with a number of organisations to attract and develop trainees from a wide variety of backgrounds. We understand that not every candidates achievements look the same on paper, and we are a firm that believes in fairness and diversity. Among the different types of client in this area are performers, managers and agents, artists, theatres, broadcasters and publishers. Click herefor more information on dates. Thanks a lot in advance! Do not feel pressured to respond too quickly, but take time to give considered answers. How will Brexit affect lawyers day-to-day work? We're delighted to announce the launch of the Macfarlanes' trainee experience, allowing you to complete mock trainee tasks whilst gaining an insight into our unique culture. For the negotiation exercise, just be yourself ensure you speak and make valid points as they assess everything you say.
Its really important that your application isnt just generic if you want to make it through to the interview stage. What advice would you give to future applicants for the Macfarlanes interview? The format at the Assessment Centre was as follows: Capital markets lawyers work with transactions involving the issue of debt or equity securities to the public or investors. Lawtech. Law firms in profit despite pandemic; firms reinstate NQ pay. Why do you want to become a solicitor? Is there a dress down policy at the firm? Pleasant. on what they might expect to gain out of a trust. We know each other personally which means we work together with more cohesion, and less formality. Interview + case study Thoughts on Wilson Elser? Macfarlanes has advised alternative asset manager Hayfin on the leasing of 65 Davies Street in Mayfair from property group Grosvenor. Contentious construction work involves the resolution of disputes while non-contentious work involves drafting and negotiating contracts and advising on projects. If I am undertaking the SQE independently, will the firm sign off my QWE?
All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Any thoughts on working at Twitter as counsel? Do you have a multifaith prayer room at your office? The case study was very interesting to read it through and discuss with the partners. It is not a comprehensive list of religions, but we designed it to include thosewith practices thathave direct implications in a work setting. You are divided into sub teams of two or three and given 15 minutes to prepare for the negotiation. The qualities we look for in our lawyers include strong interpersonal skills, an ambitious commercial approach, drive, motivation and resilience. We have opportunities for qualified lawyers, trainees and business services who are looking for outstanding career development. ", Opens the Fishbowl by Glassdoor site in a new window, motivations for law, about you, and competency on resilience. Cookies enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. I am a qualified lawyer in an overseas jurisdiction. Has anyone here used upwork or other similar sites to initially get work to start your own firm? Continue Reading Interview Questions Q: Why you choose Macfarlanes? 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. Macfarlanes is big on resilience, which is difficult to think about on the spot so make sure you prepare specific situations and structure your answer well. What support can you give to those observing religious holidays, for example, during the vacation scheme? "Why law/Macfarlanes? We take extenuating circumstances seriously and would encourage you to be as open with us as you feel you can. I interviewed at Macfarlanes (London, England) in Jul 2022, Introduction
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. As regards the former, in my case it involved basic questions such as tell me about a time you faced a challenge how did you overcome it and tell me about a time you showed initiative. The scenario was an acquisition of an airline. What is the interview process like at Macfarlanes. Yes, we accept applications from applicants who studied any subject, whether at a UK or overseas university. We accept applicants from all UK and international universities. All relatively straight forward. for recruitment purposes, (including via virtual assessment centres and virtual trainee experiences); to promote our legal services, including . We want to recruit the best candidates regardless of their background or where they were educated. They will work with you to understand the changes you need and ensure these are put in place. If you are interested in a career in commercial law and would like a career at Macfarlanes, we welcome your application. These give us insights into how we can develop and expand our diversity and inclusion initiatives in the firm. SQE timeline (for training programmes due to start in 2025). You can find out more in our privacy policy at any time by going to the link in our footer. Our unrivalled blend of expertise, agility and culture means we have the flexibility to meet their most challenging demands and adapt to the changing world around us. Legal profession most represented sector in 2020 Social Mobility Employer Index. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Restructuring and Insolvency. Maintenance allowance for SQE students: 13,000. Banking and finance involves many financial products, from bank loans to companies to highly structured financing arrangements across multiple jurisdictions. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Very intense, but shadowing a trainee in the afternoon (in Construction for me) gave a chance to see actual work and have a more informal chat about the firm. What makes a successful application to Macfarlanes, Pride Matters: Striving for actual equality, Types of student and graduate opportunities, Essential cookies to make this website work, Third party cookies used for personalised ads and content, Well rounded candidates who will make the most of our varied seat rotations, Great teamwork skills, which include being kind and considerate, Resilience that is a grit and ambition to take on real responsibility, Brain power clever people who can think on their feet. Thanks! The Race Fairness Commitmenthas been adopted by 17 top law firms in partnership with Rare Recruitment as part of their long-term strategies to help recruit, retain and develop black, Asian and minority ethnic talent within the legal profession. Vacation scheme assessment days consist of the following assessments: All assessment exercises during the assessment day are application blind, so your assessors will not have seen your application form. At Bright Network we use cookies and similar technologies to help deliver you the best possible experience. Any insight would be appreciated! They assess you on your contribution but also how you react to your team members. You start your two-year qualifying work experience in September 2025 after you have sat SQE2. Found out from the recruiter that they hired the daughter of a friend of a partner instead - who had been interviewed, offered and accepted in the two weeks theyd been delaying on sending me the assessment. 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. Got a case study or group exercise coming up? Meanwhile, Irwin Mitchell is expecting to open its 15 offices at 50% capacity from 21 June. We hope you use the assessments as a chance to build your understanding of us and what makes us different, just as we see it as a chance to gain an understanding of you. Please ensure you re-familiarise yourself with your application before the day. We had limited time to work out a company share buy out situation, and write a letter to the client. Market-leading perspectives and understanding, Responsive advice in a fast-changing world. The second exercise was a written exercise: a letter to a client advising on whether they had grounds to sack some employees. Vacation schemes are designed to give you as much experience as possible within a law firm. Are vacation scheme and insight scheme participants paid? Has anyone here used upwork or other similar sites to initially get work to start your own firm? Written exercises: Attention to detail, true or false logic, and conditionality
Saw the below headline today in The Lawyer. Well rounded candidates who will make the most of our varied seat rotations. Quite standard
Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers. The interview is 40 mins in total: 20 mins in-tray exercise and 20 mins competency based Qs. If you are unsuccessful at an assessment day, you should discuss reapplying with a member of the graduate recruitment team. Finally the day ends with lunch and networking with some trainees. Each year, we complete submissions for the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme as well as for the Social Mobility Employer Index. I have some legal work experience already, and I know I want to be an associate at Macfarlanes. I have had a bad experience in the past and feel it is safer not to disclose my disability. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. They kept dragging out the time before they sent me the assessment, and then decided not to hire me. We hope you use the assessments as a chance to build your understanding of us and what makes us different, just as we see it as a chance to gain an understanding of you. For the online form its essential that you have really researched our firm consider why you want to build your long-term career at Macfarlanes specifically. These include team working, communication, time management and analytical skills. 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. Anonymous Interview Candidate in London, England, I applied online. 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. I'm thrilled to share that I have accepted a Summer Vacation Scheme offer from Macfarlanes! Do you accept applications from people like me? Employment lawyers work across all areas of employment law, including handling discrimination, staff restructuring and whistleblowing issues. Try and maintain eye contact when appropriate. We wanted more transparency and better training. When is the deadline for the vacation scheme? When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This employer has not claimed their Employer Profile and is missing out on connecting with our community. How many first year scheme participants do you recruit each year? 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. They can advise you on the best course of action.