Student Review

The insight was very enjoyable and consisted on a series of hands on challenging tasks. By completing work that was actually of relevance to the firm I felt the insight was genuinely effective in confirming my preference to Irwin Mitchell. By being included in team meetings as well as trainee socials I feel my insight was extremely effective.

During my time at Irwin Mitchell I sat in the litigation department and in real estate. Both teams provided me with work that was valuable to the files they were working on and I were consistently assured that if I had any queries I could ask them. I felt truly valued by both departments and was even invited to do a month's work with real estate which confirmed to me that I were was truly valued at the firm.

Despite the work being challenging, I was told before the placement started to ask as many questions as possible and be like a sponge. That was you truly get a feel for the firm and what it does. Given this encouragement I was ensured that it was a supportive firm that wants to ensure all of their employees are sure it is the right place for them.

I feel to have been provided with the opportunity to work on real life research for files I am able to put these skills into practice this year for my dissertation. That is not to say I do not have more to learn, but the experience of working at Irwin Mitchell has encouraged me to be an independent as well as a team player.

The insight was structed well. There was an induction day in London, a welcome meeting on arrival at your individual office, and introduction to each team you were intended to work within. I were aware from the start who would be doing my final TC interview, which was also helpful.

The general atmosphere of the firm is hard working yet friendly. Everyone was approachable with the office being open-plan. Further, I attending the Legal Work Placement on the week of the summer party and therefore I was able to get a feel for the laid back side of the colleagues. The atmosphere reflects that these individuals are human beings with very different personalities that are separate to their status as partner.

Irwin Mitchell invested in each one of their LWP attendees, having gone through the process of assessment centres and video interviews which all cost money and time. Further more, the firm will continue to invest in me by taking me on in a training contract and continuing to develop my legal practice skills.

During the two weeks I were there, whilst I understood I was being assessed in terms of my compatibility at the firm I felt it was my true opportunity to decide whether I wanted to work at Irwin Mitchell in their Southampton office. I feel the insight gave me a real flavour of the culture of the firm and the friendly environment. It was also realistic. I was aware that some tasks were stressful and frustrating, but the positivity of individuals in general was very encouraging.

By inviting me to trainee socials at the beginning of the placement as well as invitation to the summer allowed me to get a feel for the 'Irwin Mitchell person' outside of the office. This was beneficial as it is vital to understand the culture of somewhere you will work if you may potentially spend a lot of time there.

The content LWP was brilliant in confirming to me that not only BLS was my preferred career path but also that I would like to continue to pursue a training contract. Having been successful in obtaining a training contract with Irwin Mitchell following this Work Placement, I would look to gaining a future career at IM even after my period of recognised training.

We were reimbursed £200 for any money spent during the time at the firm in terms of travel, as well as lunch. In addition the travel to London for induction was reimbursed. I feel this made the entire work placement accessible to all individuals of all backgrounds. As those from a less wealthy home cannot afford to make a loss on work experience.

During the lunch break there were opportunities to go and sit on a sofa area in order to casually meet others, including those from other teams and also from PLS. Further, on the first day there was a networking brunch in which we met the teams we would work with. During the induction there was a drinks reception. Therefore there were many opportunities. Further I were invited to lunch with several employees, such as leaving drinks, leaving lunches and partner lunches.

The networking/social event opportunities were great and really enhanced my outlook in terms of the firm and its culture by ensuring I met a range of people in the business. Being a full service law firm I felt it was important I met a range of individuals, and this was not a problem. Having an open plan office was definitely beneficial. For example there was a partner with whom I had not met wihtin the first few days, but was sat beside me on my first Friday. We had the opportunity to converse at several times.

The charity work of the firm was impressive with the 'joker' ran weekly by trainees. This is a raffle done on Fridays. Further, Irwin Mitchell had netball teams that are possible to join once you're part of the firm. This is one of those opportunities outside of work that are available.

Overall, my experience was very enjoyable. I learned a lot and felt that I was pushed to work as hard as I possibly could but I also felt supported in doing so. Furthermore, I felt the firm truly invested in me by providing me with temporary work as well as a training contract on completion of my LPC.