Legal Work Placement Review
at Irwin Mitchell
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
Leeds
Review Submitted: September 2024
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Experience
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
-
Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The placement lasted one week (five working days). As Irwin Mitchell splits its application process for Training Contracts into two streams (Legal Services for Businesses or Legal Services for Individuals), candidates on Legal Work Placement gain insight and experience into areas of law specific to their stream. I applied for a TC within Legal Services for Individuals so, during the LWP, our group focused on the areas of Medical Negligence, Serious Personal Injury, Lifestyle and Estate Planning, and Court of Protection.
The typical structure of each day was:
(1) Debrief and discussion on the previous task
(2) Introduction to the daily task (focusing on a different area of law each day)
(3) Work on task
(4) Coffee and chat with a solicitor and opportunity to ask Qs (different area of law each day)
(5) An online talk/workshop (e.g., Diversity Networks within the firm)
(6) Submit task
The typical structure of each day was:
(1) Debrief and discussion on the previous task
(2) Introduction to the daily task (focusing on a different area of law each day)
(3) Work on task
(4) Coffee and chat with a solicitor and opportunity to ask Qs (different area of law each day)
(5) An online talk/workshop (e.g., Diversity Networks within the firm)
(6) Submit task
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
We had an opportunity to talk with solicitors at almost every stage of their career (from trainee to partner) about their experience with the firm. Everyone was extremely generous with their time and offered their insights and advice.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Networking - the opportunity to talk with dozens of Irwin Mitchell employees across various teams was extremely valuable.
Time-management and attention to detail - the daily tasks were fascinating and challenging. These provided an opportunity to demonstrate (and improve upon) our ability to demonstrate attention to detail and complete work to a tight deadline.
Practical application of academic knowledge - experienced lawyers demonstrating (with reference to real case studies) how legal concepts explored at university were applied in practice was a highlight.
Time-management and attention to detail - the daily tasks were fascinating and challenging. These provided an opportunity to demonstrate (and improve upon) our ability to demonstrate attention to detail and complete work to a tight deadline.
Practical application of academic knowledge - experienced lawyers demonstrating (with reference to real case studies) how legal concepts explored at university were applied in practice was a highlight.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The culture and atmosphere was extremely welcoming. Naturally, all of us were initially slightly apprehensive about undertaking the placement but were quickly put at ease.
One of my main takeaways from the experience was just how warm, understanding, patient and enthusiastic everyone with whom we came into contact with was.
One of my main takeaways from the experience was just how warm, understanding, patient and enthusiastic everyone with whom we came into contact with was.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I would say that the placement has been the most valuable working week in my professional experience so far.
While there is an option for candidates to apply for the training contract directly (i.e., skip the legal work placement), I would strongly urge candidates to do the placement if possible!
While there is an option for candidates to apply for the training contract directly (i.e., skip the legal work placement), I would strongly urge candidates to do the placement if possible!
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Irwin Mitchell
5/5
Would you recommend Irwin Mitchell to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Irwin Mitchell
Be open and honest.
Research the firm as extensively as possible.
Relax! The recruitment process is focused on finding potential in existing strengths (it is not an exam!)
Research the firm as extensively as possible.
Relax! The recruitment process is focused on finding potential in existing strengths (it is not an exam!)
