Legal Intern Review

Day to day we had ‘coffee catch ups’ with trainee and newly qualifed solicitors across multiple departments including serious injury, medical negligence and RCG. We were also given tasks which we had to submit at the end of each day during the week. These tasks were similar to those given to trainees and in the medical negligence, corporate, real estate and TTE and WTED departments. We also had the opportunity to listen to client stories and were encouraged to ask questions at any point.

The week helped to develop communication and interpersonal skills as we were speaking to multiple people in the firm everyday. It also developed time management; we were given a deadline to complete our daily tasks and had to work on these around other activities and ensure we organised our time sufficiently so we could submit them in time. Finally, during the tasks we were required to think tactically at some points to get the best result for our ‘client’, which helped to develop commercial awareness.

The week was extremely informative about Irwin Mitchell. Each of our coffee catch ups with solicitors and some of our online talks all gave a valuable and in depth insight into the business and what working for the company involves on a daily basis. Every discussion had the opportunity to ask questions, and also get in touch with the person concerned with any follow up questions. Both our ‘buddys’ and the early careers team were very helpful and informed us efficiently of the role we were hoping to enter into. The entire experience was an insight into what the role would entail.

Everyone at Irwin Mitchell was friendly and welcoming, and it definitely lived up to and went beyond its reputation of having a great culture. It was quite relaxed; staff were not dressed in smart suits but rather jeans and t shirts, as a result of their dress for your day policy. The only fault was the emptiness of the office; following the firms flexible by choice policy, it seems most of the staff prefer to work from home, which does of course impact the atmosphere in the office.

On the whole I really enjoyed the week. Having never done anything like this before it was quite intimidating beforehand but the people and Irwin Mitchell instantly put me at ease. Each day was different and whilst I enjoyed tasks in some departments more than others, this was to be expected and mirrors what it would be like during a training contract, as you may not have full control over the seats you do. I would reccommend the scheme to anyone thinking of applying to the firm.

Yes

Ensure that you properly research the firm and it’s culture as this is what Irwin Mitchell is all about. Make sure to brush up on your knowledge of your skills and always use examples where you can. Most of all be yourself - much of the application process is about seeing if you would be a good fit for the firm, which is just as important - if not more - as assessing if you have the skills to be a trainee solicitor.