Stay calm and work through it one step at a time! I am an undergraduate student in my antepenultimate year (first year of a three-year or second year of a four-year course). Overall good questions ! 1 written exercise - drafting a memo to a partner and a letter to a client to resolve a complaint. Written exercises: Attention to detail, true or false logic, and conditionality How does Macfarlanes support trainees with disabilities and long-term mental health conditions? On Fishbowl, you can share insights and advice anonymously with Macfarlanes employees and get real answers from people on the inside. The case study was very interesting to read it through and discuss with the partners. 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. 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. 1 partner - commerciality interview - interview about current affairs and your recommendations for how the firm would deal with certain cases. Nice experience, the interviewers were very friendly and willing to help with any questions I had. Macfarlanes Career: Working at Macfarlanes | Glassdoor 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. As a trainee you will complete four six-month seats in different practice areas. Thanks a lot in advance! Together we support and attract diverse talent to the legal industry, as well as provide support. The format at the Assessment Centre was as follows: Negotiation exercise Presentation from trainees Written exercise Interview + case study Work shadowing For the negotiation exercise, just be yourself ensure you speak and make valid points as they assess everything you say. Are you supportive if they have forgotten their point/are being brutally questioned by the other side and do you bring in quieter members of the group if they are struggling? Comp and culture? Market-leading perspectives and understanding, Responsive advice in a fast-changing world. The associate may ask some follow up questions about the negotiation. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. The first was a written exercise which was a letter to a client, a holiday company, about a complaint they had received by one of their customers, with advice about their liabilities and what they should offer by way of compensation. There were three elements. We have no minimum requirements for A level results. The one-on-one partner interview involves the usual competency, motivation, and strengths based questions. Any thoughts on working at Twitter as counsel? They lead the client relationship management and advise clients on a range of issues, from housing to employment. Our spring vacation scheme often takes place during Ramadan, so this is something we consider when organising the programme of events. This assessment is the only part of the day when the assessors will have seen your application form beforehand. You can study the PGDL at any UK BPP university campus that offers the course. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. There are changing rooms in our office for employee use. This includes using contextual recruitment and running diversity-specific open days and mentoring programmes. No, we do not accept applications after the deadline has passed. Be the first to find this interview helpful. Can I still apply for a vacation scheme or the training programme? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Each year we recruit 33trainees with the aim of training them to be the future partners of the firm. Several had other careers first. Finally, the group exercise was very typical and in groups of two a notable difference in my experience was that the assessor actively contributed to the discussion and was leading it in some cases asking things candidates would never ask to each other. Assessment Centres - The Legal 500 Future Lawyers - Lex 100 I have some legal work experience already, and I know I want to be an associate at Macfarlanes. Sessions start on the week of the 13th March! 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! Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund returns for second year in a row. This will be in the year between receiving your training programme offer and starting your studies for the SQE. Absolutely, yes. 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. They kept dragging out the time before they sent me the assessment, and then decided not to hire me. What exercises can I expect at a training programme assessment day? To find out what it is like to work at Macfarlanes read the firm's Meet the Lawyer profile. Theinsight scheme willtake placefrom 3 April 2023 6 April 2023. Has anyone here used upwork or other similar sites to initially get work to start your own firm? How would you deal with a disruptive associate when you are giving presentation ? Or for any questions feel free to contact us on +44 (0) 207 831 9222 or email us at earlylegalcareers@macfarlanes.com. Saw the below headline today in The Lawyer. Make sure you complete the exercise in the time available, and just be clear in giving your advice. Glassdoor has millions of jobs plus salary information, company reviews, and interview questions from people on the inside making it easy to find a job thats right for you. Scheme launched to improve social mobility and access to justice in legal aid sector. Be sure to contribute in the group exercise. My interviewer was very friendly and put me very much at ease when I was very nervous going into it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Sponsored by Milbank LLP. For us to accurately assess your potential, we want to see your achievements in context and ensure you are set up in the right way to perform at your best. Several law firms, including Clifford Chance and Macfarlanes LLP, have launched a leadership-led, cross-firm collective developed to improve the representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK legal profession. Priority for NQ places is given to those who have completed the firms training programme. 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. good questions and very good structure . The exercise is about understanding the roles of lawyers and commercial awareness. The programme has been developed in-house, and all tasks have been modelled on real work and created by our associates and trainee . Its really important that your application isnt just generic if you want to make it through to the interview stage. About us Diversity and inclusion Facts and figures During your SQE preparation course you also attend regular seminars from the firm, where you hear from associates in our practice areas. 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. Its very difficult to prepare for the quick scenario to discuss, but think about privileged information and codes of ethics for solicitors. Make your points but be patient if anyone in the group doesnt quite understand the scenario. The case study focusses on a series of scenarios under tight timed conditions. Privacy policy - Macfarlanes They didnt overtly say it would be about competencies but that was all it was, essentially. All employees have access to the Thrive wellbeing app, and we have a network of guardians across the firm who are trained to provide a confidential space to share issues employees feel they need to discuss. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Macfarlanes trainee experience - Apps on Google Play Justify every decision you make and don't leave out points that are both for and against your client. Commercial litigators represent and advise commercial clients when disputes arise from joint venture projects, civil fraud, commercial and banking transactions, corporate governance, financial services regulation and professional negligence. Continue Reading Interview Questions Q: Why you choose Macfarlanes? 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. Please visit theeventspage on the website to find out about our latest events. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Macfarlanes Early Legal Careers. 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. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, Border Force Apprenticeships September 2022 campaign, Official University of Glasgow 2023 Applicant Thread, What is the benefit of going to an 'elite' university, Transferring after completing of Loughborough Foundation year, Official: King's College London A100 2023 Entry. The SQE launches in autumn 2021 and is a new assessment process all aspiring future lawyers need to undertake. If we have not yet reviewed your application, we may be able to add the missing information. Your choices regarding cookies on this site. Do not feel pressured to respond too quickly, but take time to give considered answers. I interviewed at Macfarlanes (London, England). What kind of technology are you interested in most? Time management is key for this; I only just finished in time. You then meet a partner and a senior associate who ask you several questions about each case study. Interviewers were polite and asked not too hard questions. Macfarlanes Interview Questions (2023) | Glassdoor The interview is 40 mins in total: 20 mins in-tray exercise and 20 mins competency based Qs. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. on what they might expect to gain out of a trust. The hardest part of the day was definitely the written exercise. Lawtech. For instance, we were a lawyer and a client was asking for advice, but we werent qualified in that area. Hey, I did one last year and I'm not sure if it has changed or not, but this is how . Comp and culture? The written task was the hardest as there was a lot of time pressure. Apply. Then you can start the Macfarlanes SQE preparation course alongside your cohort of Macfarlanes future trainees. Application blind and contextual recruitment. We also continue to provide additional financial assistance in the form of a 13,000 grant during this time. Our clients come from a range of backgrounds and cultures and our people do too. For example, we recently hosted a panel session with InterLaw Diversity Forum on disability in the workplace. Its difficult to prepare for. 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. Does Macfarlanes partner with any external diversity organisations? Sponsored by Gowling WLG (UK) LLP. Partner and associate are friendly and very nice. See what employees say it's like to work at Macfarlanes. This combines the knowledge you gain from a law degree or law conversion course in the fundamental principles of law with the knowledge you gain from the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in the basics of legal practice. We recruit people to build careers for the long term. The driving force behind the firm is an absolute commitment to delivering the right advice in the right way to our clients. Are there any programmes for me? What do employees say about pay and career opportunities? 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. Then we negotiated with the team opposite. 13 years ago. This depends on your degree subject. Find out how Macfarlanes LLP is adopting the Solicitors Qualifying Exam. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of the cookies explicitly. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group. Cookies enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 1 partner - commerciality interview - interview about current affairs and your recommendations for how the firm would deal with certain cases. The dates of our 2023 vacation schemes are as follows: Applications open on 26 September 2022 andare online via our website. Glassdoor users rated their interview experience at. Interested in a future career as a lawyer? It's great they gave you such detailed feedback. The firms CSR programme uses the skills and time of our people associates and business services to support disadvantaged communities, through providing practical help and financial support. My higher education qualifications do not meet your minimum requirements. If successful at the screening stage, we will invite you to an assessment day. However, the firm will provide study leave at the discretion of the practice area head. These sessions help build your legal knowledge and inform your seat choices. All relatively straight forward. No, we do not currently use psychometric testing at any stage of the application process. Robert Collard > Macfarlanes LLP > London > England | Lawyer Profile As with the SQE preparation course, the firm covers your fees, and you receive a 13,000 grant. The process took 1 day. Macfarlanes - TC assessment day. Macfarlanes is unlike any other law firm. Just really know what you are good and bad at. Application details and method of selection. There is no set time, but we suggest you neither rush nor leave it to the last minute. Pride is a forum for LGBTQ+ staff and allies. Thoughts on Wilson Elser? It was a different kind of awards ceremony last night as hundreds of viewers stayed at home to watch the 17th annual LawCareers.Net Training & Recruitment Awards streamed live on Facebook and Instagram. Following the UKs exit from the European Union, the covid-19 pandemic and various financial scandals, there is always lots going on in this area. While we dont have a set list, we look for candidates who have the core skills below, which are tested through the assessment day and interview stages: We really see our trainees as the future of our firm and are proud to have a consistently strong retention rate. The knowledge you gain from an event will help when you write your application. Macfarlanes First Year Skills Development Week 2023. You will then start your two years qualifying work experience in September 2024 or March 2025 after you have sat SQE2. Nepotism always wins it seems. If your questions are not answered above, pleasecontact the early legal careers team. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. This involved looking at the employment contract, examining against the facts, and coming to a conclusion. Exeter Assessment Centre. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These include team working, communication, time management and analytical skills. We can also tailor your interviews on our schemes around these times as well as at assessment day stage. Read through the documents quickly but try to highlight the key problems. for recruitment purposes, (including via virtual assessment centres and virtual trainee experiences); to promote our legal services, including . Official LSE Undergraduate Applicants thread 2023, Official: University of Sheffield A100 2023 entry, Official King's College London 2023 Applicants Thread, TSR Community Awards 2022: Most Helpful in Universities- VOTING OPEN, Official Cambridge Postgraduate Applicants 2023 Thread. There's surprisingly little info on the internet. There was a group negotiation task (nothing too complicated, just about showing you're a team player) followed by a written assessment (quite time pressured) and then an interview, half of which is a case study and the other half about you. We will set measurable targets against our three strategic priorities. In each seat you will share a room with a partner or solicitor who supervises and supports you. Resilience - that is a grit and ambition to take on real responsibility. Be clear on your competencies, and think about obscure traits that they could ask you about. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, Border Force Apprenticeships September 2022 campaign, Official University of Glasgow 2023 Applicant Thread, What is the benefit of going to an 'elite' university, Transferring after completing of Loughborough Foundation year, Official: King's College London A100 2023 Entry. Please note blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Type: Company - Private. Join Bright Network and Aspiring Solicitors Make sure you are aware of our opportunities and on-top of all the deadlines by joining these careers service organisations. Regarding the interview, this is split in two parts one focusing on personal experiences (mostly competency questions) and the other on a case study, which you will have already had the chance to read before the interview. What is it like? Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. 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. How long does the application form take to complete? Why Macfarlanes and what values resonate with you, Tax restructuring scenario for a group of companies. Any thoughts on working at Twitter as counsel? The examination comprises two stages: SQE 1 and SQE 2. The firm is known for the quality of its work; not just in dealing with the full range of corporate and commercial matters, but in advising clients on their private affairs as well. For those experiencing mental health conditions, we offer a confidential counselling service and regular firmwide seminars on looking after your mental health. You will have the opportunity to meet trainees, solicitors and partners within the firm. Ask around for advice and support and practice for the interview stages as much as possible. I interviewed at Macfarlanes. Sponsored by Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP. All rights reserved. Macfarlanes interview details: 23 interview questions and 24 interview reviews posted anonymously by Macfarlanes interview candidates. Are you allowed to take tracing paper into the Maths GCSE? You should therefore not worry about applying to us as soon as the applications open. How many vacation scheme participants do you recruit across your three schemes? But note: some of your interviewers may dress down. a group negotiation exercise with five or six other candidates, assessed by an associate. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. A. We want the best talent at Macfarlanes. Solicitor | Macfarlanes Profile Highlights: State school educated Ethnic minority First generation lawyer Contact Me To contact me, please login or register Profile: I am a Solicitor at Macfarlanes LLP having qualified in September 2017. 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. See what employees say it's like to work at Macfarlanes. Interview with a partner: 20 minutes, first 10 on an ethical scenario leaving a VERY short time for personal questions. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. The interviewer will point you to problems you have missed though, so dont worry if you dont get everything first time round. Macfarlanes Interview Questions | Glassdoor The in-tray exercise is also difficult to prepare for, because its largely dependent on the situation before you. I applied for a Training Contract directly. Can I apply for the training programme if I am currently studying elsewhere? Applications will close on 6 January 2023. Well rounded candidates who will make the most of our varied seat rotations. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group. I wrote my letter to the wrong person and I think this was the single biggest challenge to my chances of success. We discussed this in the interview for about ten minutes, and it seemed mostly about how we thought about the issue. Summer/autumn 2024 begin studying for the SQE with BPP. Not automatically. Make sure you have convincing answers to questions like why law, why Macfarlanes, why haven't you done vac schemes, what other firms have you applied to, how have you demonstrated resilience etc. We had limited time to work out a company share buy out situation, and write a letter to the client. Think about how you would structure a letter to a client, but otherwise its difficult to prepare for the written exercise as its just applying facts to the contract to see what can be done. We are members of the Business Disability Forum and work closely with the Forum to ensure our processes remain accessible and fair to all candidates. Macfarlanes LLP - True Picture - Chambers Student Guide Try to draw in to the discussion someone who hasnt been saying much. Unless the partner proves you're wrong, this is usually an opportunity for you to hold your ground and show your potential as a future lawyer, Written exercise suggested to be the hardest because of time constraints. Spring/Summer 2022 - Receive your training programme offer from Macfarlanes. Sessions start on the week of the 13th March! Make the most of their events and skills building workshops. I am a career changer. Presentation from trainees Was very interesting . Privacy policy - Macfarlanes If you would like to apply for both, we suggest applying for the vacation scheme first, wait to hear the result of your application and then apply for our training programme if necessary. . The day involved a 20-minute exercise with a partner, a written exercise and a group exercise. Leading City firms adopt measures to combat obstacles faced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic lawyers. Investment Management. Theyre not out there to assess the quality of your questions or anything.