Legal Work Placement Review

My experience at Irwin Mitchell was incredibly insightful and transformative in deepening my understanding of the role of a solicitor. From the outset, I was immersed in a culture that truly reflects the firm’s core values, which were beautifully woven into every aspect of its operations.
One of the most striking aspects of my placement was the genuine sense of community and collaboration across all levels of the firm. Whether I was speaking with a partner, a trainee, or a paralegal, I felt a consistent atmosphere of mutual respect and approachability. The hierarchical structure never felt intimidating; instead, it fostered openness and support. I was encouraged to ask questions, no matter how simple they seemed and was met with patience and enthusiasm every time.
Irwin Mitchell stands out not just for its legal excellence, but for its people-first approach. The firm cultivates an environment where individuality is celebrated, and authenticity is welcomed. I felt comfortable being myself, which made the experience all the more enriching. The warmth and encouragement I received from colleagues made me feel like I belonged, and that sense of connection has stayed with me long after the placement ended.
What truly sets Irwin Mitchell apart is its commitment to nurturing talent and creating a space where everyone can thrive. The firm doesn’t just talk about values - it lives them. My time there left me inspired, confident, and excited about the future, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Irwin Mitchell to anyone seeking a career in law within a firm that genuinely cares about its people.

During my placement, each day brought a new challenge and learning opportunity, making the experience both dynamic and enriching. I had the opportunity to rotate across several departments, including Medical Negligence, Serious Injury, Lifestyle and Estate Planning, and Court of Protection. This allowed me to gain a broad understanding of different practice areas and the unique responsibilities within each.
My responsibilities varied depending on the department, but included drafting legal documents—such as Particulars of Claim in litigation matters—conducting legal research to support ongoing cases and deepen my understanding of complex legal issues, reviewing expert reports (particularly in medical negligence and serious injury cases) to assess liability and causation, completing forms and documentation relevant to estate planning and Court of Protection matters, and engaging with senior legal professionals, including partners and senior associates, to learn about their career paths and motivations for specialising in their respective areas.
What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to explore the Medical Negligence department in greater depth. I found the cases particularly compelling due to their complexity and the human impact involved. I appreciated learning how these cases progress, from initial client contact to expert evidence and resolution and found the outcomes both intellectually and emotionally engaging. The combination of legal analysis and medical insight made this area especially fascinating to me.

My role allows me to contribute in a meaningful way on a daily basis. The impact of my work is clearly recognised and appreciated by my colleagues, which makes me feel genuinely valued as part of the team. Whether it's through the tasks I complete or the ideas I share, there’s a strong sense that my contributions make a real difference.

The compensation package is fair and includes good perks. There is a clear recognition of length of service, with increases and benefits that reflect continued commitment and growth within the role.

Immensely. I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most knowledgeable and experienced legal professionals, which has been instrumental in shaping my development. Every day presents an opportunity to learn from the best, and this exposure is preparing me exceptionally well for a successful legal career.

The support at Irwin Mitchell has been exceptional. From HR to my line manager, mentor, and buddy, I’ve always felt well-supported and never left to navigate anything alone. Everyone is approachable and genuinely invested in your development. Whether it’s guidance on tasks, career advice, or simply checking in on wellbeing, support is always on hand. It’s a collaborative environment where you feel part of a team that wants you to succeed.

Irwin Mitchell offers the best work-life balance I’ve experienced. The Flexible by Choice approach is a standout feature, allowing me to manage my time effectively and accommodate personal commitments and appointments without stress. It’s a workplace that truly respects individual needs and wellbeing, and I couldn’t ask for a better approach to balancing professional and personal life.

The culture at Irwin Mitchell is top-tier - inclusive, welcoming, and genuinely supportive. From day one, I felt part of a community. The people are friendly, and there’s a strong emphasis on collaboration and respect. The option to work from home adds to the flexibility and trust placed in employees. The firm’s values are clearly reflected in everyday interactions, and the atmosphere is one where everyone is encouraged to be themselves and thrive.

The firm has seven internal diversity and inclusion networks: IM Powered (gender equality), IM Equal (LGBTQ+), IM Respect (ethnicity, culture and faith), IM Aspiring (social mobility), IM Able (disability and long-term health conditions), IM Generations (age-related), and IM Families (family and caring). These networks are active, inclusive, and feed directly into the firm’s D&I strategy. Irwin Mitchell also partners with external organisations like Evenbreak and Aspiring Solicitors to ensure opportunities reach underrepresented groups. It’s a workplace where diversity isn’t just talked about - it’s embedded in the culture.

Yes

Absolutely. Irwin Mitchell is a fantastic place to work, offering a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment. The firm genuinely invests in its people, providing meaningful opportunities for growth, development, and wellbeing. The culture is welcoming, the work is impactful, and the flexibility offered makes it easy to balance professional and personal commitments. I would confidently recommend Irwin Mitchell to anyone looking to build a rewarding legal career.

The role exceeded my expectations. While the recruitment process gave a clear and honest insight into the firm’s values and the nature of the work, the actual experience went beyond that. From day one, I was trusted with real responsibilities, supported by experienced professionals, and given access to excellent resources. The variety of work and the depth of learning opportunities were far greater than I anticipated.