Paralegal Apprentice Review
at Irwin Mitchell
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Blackfriars
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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 Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Reviewing changes in legislation/regulations.
Drafting documentation
Progressing cases
Liaising with/requesting documentation & information from clients
Drafting documentation
Progressing cases
Liaising with/requesting documentation & information from clients
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
As I near the end of my current 2-year apprenticeship, I am amazed at how much I have covered during my time in the role. My practice area knowledge has grown exponentially, and I have worked on a wide variety of cases with all members of the team. Further, I have participated in a great deal of networking events and extra-curricular activities too.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
My time-management skills have greatly developed during my time in the role, not just managing/prioritising tasks, but ensuring that I have protected time for my studies that I am completing simultaneously.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well structured, with enough time for completion of each assessment before commencing the next. There is no rushing, particularly nearing the end where there is a great deal of preparation involved.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer is on hand to allow me to take the time I need to complete my study work and assessments. They are also very empathetic of the fact that this is my first position in the legal industry and that there are some adjustments I have needed to make in the way I work to best fit into the team. However, there has not been much communication between the employer and training provider/university so a great deal of what I am undertaking during my studies days and upcoming assessments is only from what I am telling my employer as they are not too knowledgeable of the apprenticeship format otherwise.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have received a great deal of support from the training provider, particularly when completing my portfolio (which is collated throughout my time in the office) and discussing with me applicable pieces of evidence that can be used towards this.
There is slight difficulty in getting hold of them at times, particularly when I had needed to obtain urgent advice for a mistake in which assessment I was to be sitting and the submission platform that was available to me at the time. Though this was to be expected as there is usually no need for a 'hotline' when it comes to academic support.
There is slight difficulty in getting hold of them at times, particularly when I had needed to obtain urgent advice for a mistake in which assessment I was to be sitting and the submission platform that was available to me at the time. Though this was to be expected as there is usually no need for a 'hotline' when it comes to academic support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I think that this has helped a lot, particularly when applying what has been learnt in my academic studies (i.e. Public Law/Criminal Law) in my workplace role. It brings confidence that I am qualified for the role, especially when liaising with clients and essentially being the face of the firm for them.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, I take part in a weekly 5-a-side team. I am also running for charity in a Half-Marathon as part of a wider team from the firm.
Further, I have assisted in helping/presenting to students from a lower socioeconomic background, illustrating a day-in-the-life of a current apprentice, my journey into law and also a few activities similar to tasks undertaken in my role on a regular basis.
Further, I have assisted in helping/presenting to students from a lower socioeconomic background, illustrating a day-in-the-life of a current apprentice, my journey into law and also a few activities similar to tasks undertaken in my role on a regular basis.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Irwin Mitchell to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a highly inclusive firm, catering for the needs of all. The firm is also a 'full-service' law firm, meaning that there is always someone to refer a matter to, and a lot to collaborate with/learn from other business areas.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Irwin Mitchell?
To prepare well - It is likely that you will need to think on your feet throughout the application process, so any information on the role, what it entails, anything you might know about the people you'll be working with/interviewing you will be invaluable.
