Macfarlanes

For first-year LLB students at Brunel University London who meet the firm's social mobility criteria, as set out in Rare's contextual recruitment. A three-year programme developed with Brunel Law School, with work experience and mentoring from senior Macfarlanes lawyers.

Applications are closed and reopen in 2027.

For sixth-form and college students from less advantaged backgrounds who have always attended a state-funded school and meet at least one further criterion: free school meals, local authority care, a caring role, refugee status, regular term-time work, a routine or manual main household earner, first in the family at university, or a school with low progression to university. A paid work experience week in February half-term of Year 12, a mentor, and a workshop day in Year 13.

Applications for the 2027 academy opened on 28 September 2026 and close on 27 November 2026. The work experience week runs from 15 to 19 February 2027.

Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.

The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.