Macfarlanes - Summer Vacation Scheme 2026

[Amma Usman]

Macfarlanes - Summer Vacation Scheme 2026

 

[Priyanshi]

HI! So I have been seeing people saying Macfarlanes has a very long application. However, I am trying to apply and I only see one question: "If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’?". No other question or cover letter required. How does one approach such a question?

 

[ZNadeem]

HI! So I have been seeing people saying Macfarlanes has a very long application. However, I am trying to apply and I only see one question: "If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’?". No other question or cover letter required. How does one approach such a question?

Hi! Here are some tips:

1.⁠ ⁠Understand the question:

• The question is essentially asking: “Why do you belong at Firm X?” It’s the traditional “why this firm?” question, but with a twist — it wants to see your personal story and how it aligns with the firm’s values, culture, or work. So it’s not just about listing the firm’s strengths; it’s about connecting them to you.

2.⁠ ⁠Pick 2–3 USPs (Unique Selling Points) of the firm:

These could be:

• Practice areas or sectors you’re interested in
• International opportunities or secondments
• Firm culture (collaboration, diversity, innovation)
• Training and development
• Pro bono or CSR initiatives

Choose USPs that genuinely resonate with your experiences or motivations.

3.⁠ ⁠Link each USP to your story:

• For each USP, think of an example from your life that demonstrates why you’d thrive in that environment. For instance:
• If you choose international opportunities: mention a time you worked on a cross-border project, studied abroad, or adapted to a multicultural environment.

4.⁠ ⁠Use the PEA structure:

• Point: State the USP or quality of the firm that attracts you and that you feel it resonates with your “story”.
• Evidence: Give a concrete example from your experiences, academics, or skills.
• Analysis: Explain how this demonstrates that you belong at the firm and how it will allow you to contribute.

5.⁠ ⁠Keep it personal and concise:

• Make sure the examples are concrete and show self-awareness.
• Avoid repeating generic statements about prestige or “market-leading” without linking them to your own story.

 

[Priyanshi]

Hi! Here are some tips:

1.⁠ ⁠Understand the question:

• The question is essentially asking: “Why do you belong at Firm X?” It’s the traditional “why this firm?” question, but with a twist — it wants to see your personal story and how it aligns with the firm’s values, culture, or work. So it’s not just about listing the firm’s strengths; it’s about connecting them to you.

2.⁠ ⁠Pick 2–3 USPs (Unique Selling Points) of the firm:

These could be:

• Practice areas or sectors you’re interested in
• International opportunities or secondments
• Firm culture (collaboration, diversity, innovation)
• Training and development
• Pro bono or CSR initiatives

Choose USPs that genuinely resonate with your experiences or motivations.

3.⁠ ⁠Link each USP to your story:

• For each USP, think of an example from your life that demonstrates why you’d thrive in that environment. For instance:
• If you choose international opportunities: mention a time you worked on a cross-border project, studied abroad, or adapted to a multicultural environment.

4.⁠ ⁠Use the PEA structure:

• Point: State the USP or quality of the firm that attracts you and that you feel it resonates with your “story”.
• Evidence: Give a concrete example from your experiences, academics, or skills.
• Analysis: Explain how this demonstrates that you belong at the firm and how it will allow you to contribute.

5.⁠ ⁠Keep it personal and concise:

• Make sure the examples are concrete and show self-awareness.
• Avoid repeating generic statements about prestige or “market-leading” without linking them to your own story.

Thank you so much, this is really helpful!

 

[A worried paralegal]

HI! So I have been seeing people saying Macfarlanes has a very long application. However, I am trying to apply and I only see one question: "If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’?". No other question or cover letter required. How does one approach such a question?

It got shortened this year