Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the scheme?

The vacation scheme was such a brilliant opportunity to learn about Macfarlanes and find out how it operates day to day for trainees, associates and partners. Getting stuck in and understanding the firm was definitely the most enjoyable aspect of the scheme for me. I found it to be such an invaluable experience to attend the training and various talks about Macfarlanes – each one provided fantastic insights into the firm’s practice areas. It’s these insights, which you can’t glean solely from a firm’s website, that play a part in identifying whether the firm is the right place for you.

The most challenging aspect of the scheme was also one of the most rewarding aspects. When I was assigned work such as research tasks, the problem solving and thorough research involved in completing the task was challenging but also an element that I really enjoyed. This also helped me start to develop several core skills required to be a successful solicitor.

What was it about the firm that attracted you to apply to its scheme?

It was definitely the firm’s friendliness and close-knit culture that drew me to apply to Macfarlanes. While I’m sure that all law firms have friendly atmospheres, Macfarlanes’ collaborative working environment really stood out. This became even more evident during the vacation scheme, particularly in the office structure, where trainees sit alongside their supervisors, who are often senior associates/partners. I genuinely felt like I had a real support system at Macfarlanes from the first day.

On top of this, I was also especially drawn to the private client aspects of the firm’s practice, and was keen to find out more about Macfarlanes’ work in this area – the vacation scheme was a perfect opportunity to do that.

Did your attendance on the scheme support your application for a training contract?

The scheme helped me to better understand Macfarlanes and its culture, and it solidified that Macfarlanes was the firm I wanted to work for. I interviewed for a training contract with the firm during the scheme, so I didn’t need to complete a secondary application. There were so many practice area workshops, skills workshops and day-to-day work that supported me during the training contract assessments. They allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of what you need to do to be successful as a training contract applicant. Overall, attending the scheme allowed me to truly understand what it takes to succeed as an applicant at Macfarlanes, learn about the role of a trainee lawyer and get more of an idea about the practice areas I want to sit in during my training contract. 

How did the scheme help you to understand the firm better as a business?

During the scheme, I had the incredible opportunity to spend one of my two weeks with the M&A department – this experience was a game-changer in understanding the intricacies of how client relations work. One standout moment was when I worked closely with my trainee supervisor on a case involving the onboarding process for a new client. Witnessing the various stages was eye-opening and gave me a deep dive into how law firms attract new business and nurture business relationships over time. But the excitement didn’t stop there – I also got to see different departments in action and attended a series of engaging departmental talks. This provided me with a comprehensive view of how the entire firm operates, making the experience both enriching and exhilarating.

Looking back, what advice do you wish you’d have received before starting your vacation scheme?

Try not to focus too much on the fact that you'll be interviewing for a training contract at the end. Instead, take the time to immerse yourself in discovering the firm’s unique culture, vibrant atmosphere and diverse practice areas. This is the time to figure out whether this is what you want from a career and to see whether this environment aligns with your career aspirations. While the training contract application is important, don’t let it be your only goal and overshadow the experience. The scheme is so valuable so enjoy it, be present and make sure you work hard and try your best.

How can future vacation schemers ensure they get the most out of the scheme?

I’d say asking questions – no question is a stupid question. The more information you can take in, the better. As you get a limited amount of time on the vacation scheme and you sit in only two departments, I’d recommend reaching out to trainees and associates to chat about other practice areas at the firm. These conversations can be a gold mine and an invaluable part of the scheme.

Networking can be really nerve-racking, especially when you're speaking with more experienced professionals. To ease into conversations, make the most of opportunities, big or small, attend any events on offer, enjoy the experience and ask questions. For example, you can engage with partners by asking about their current projects or daily routines during lunch. The more people you connect with, the better you’ll understand the different areas within the firm. Plus, you’ll be building a network that could be invaluable for your future career.