Silver Circle

Training Contract at Macfarlanes

Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.

40 trainees/year

£52,000 trainee salary

Deadline: 31 July 2026

Funds SQE

About Macfarlanes

Macfarlanes is one of the most selective mid-sized law firms in London - operating from a single London office with an intentionally small intake. The firm is particularly strong in private equity, corporate M&A, and tax, with a distinctive private client practice serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

With fewer than 50 trainees per year, Macfarlanes has an intimate and collegial culture. Trainees get early responsibility and direct partner access. The firm is known for retaining most of its qualifying associates and has high NQ satisfaction rates.

Corporate/M&APrivate EquityReal EstateTaxDisputesPrivate Client

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake

40 trainees

Seat rotations

4 seats over 2 years

Trainee salary

£52,000

NQ salary

£115,000

Minimum degree

2:1 (or equivalent)

Application deadline

31 July 2026

Once you secure your TC, you'll still need to pass the SQE

Macfarlanes funds SQE preparation - Macfarlanes funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation in full, including course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover personally.

Preferred provider: BPP University Law School

What Macfarlanes looks for

Academics

Consistently strong academics - typically a first or strong 2:1. The firm looks for intellectual depth over breadth.

Core values they screen for

Commercial intelligencePrecision and attention to detailLong-term commitmentCollegialityInitiative

Experience

Vacation scheme is the standard route. Private equity or corporate experience is noted favourably. The firm looks for candidates who have specifically researched Macfarlanes rather than casting a generic Magic/Silver Circle net.

Application timeline

Vacation scheme applications openJanuary 2026

Small intake - apply early.

First-round interviewsFebruary–March 2026

Typically two interviews, including a commercial discussion.

Vacation schemeJune 2026

2-week scheme; most offers made on completion.

Direct TC deadline31 July 2026

Small number of direct TC places.

Application tips for Macfarlanes

Be clear about why Macfarlanes specifically - the small, single-office model is deliberately different from Magic Circle; candidates who are positive about this difference stand out.

Private equity knowledge is particularly valued given the firm's practice mix.

The firm retains a high proportion of trainees - demonstrating long-term ambition is important.

Note on the SQE: Some firms view positively candidates who have already passed or are actively preparing for SQE1. It signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →

Interview & assessment format

Process stages

1Written application
2First-round partner interview (competency + commercial)
3Second-round partner interview (case study)

Interview tips

•Expect detailed commercial questions, not just competency examples.
•Research specific Macfarlanes transactions reported in legal press.

Insider tips

Observations from those who know the firm well.

The private client practice is genuinely unusual for a corporate firm of this size - candidates with wealth management or tax interest should highlight this.

The firm has very high retention - qualifying here often means a long-term career.

SQE funding at Macfarlanes

Macfarlanes funds SQE preparation

Macfarlanes funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation in full, including course fees and SRA exam registration fees. A maintenance grant is provided during the pre-TC SQE study period.

Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School

SQE Cost Calculator →Compare SQE providers