Paralegal Apprentice Review
at Irwin Mitchell
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Bristol
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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
I work as a Paralegal Apprentice in the Court of Protection team, supporting fee earners in the management of property and financial affairs deputyships. Day-to-day tasks include managing our clients’ benefits, arranging insurance, reviewing energy bills and paying invoices, as well as drafting letters, making phone calls and liaising with case managers, support workers, clients and their family members.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme. My team are extremely supportive and approachable, and are always happy to answer any questions I might have. Despite being an apprentice, I am given the same work as other paralegals in the team and feel that I am given a lot of responsibility. As I progress, I am being given bigger and more complex tasks, which means that I am constantly learning. I have had the opportunity to attend meetings with our clients’ families, which has been incredibly rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, time-management and IT skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The apprenticeship is well structured. You’re given one study day each week and work at Irwin Mitchell four days per week. You can choose your study day so that it suits you and your team. I have found that my team are very respectful of my study day and there is no expectation that I check my emails on that day, which allows me to focus on my studies. However, you work in one area of law for the duration of your apprenticeship, and I feel that it would be beneficial to experience other departments.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. My line manager and the other members of my team are always willing to answer questions, and I have monthly 1:1s with my line manager to review my progress and check whether I need any extra support with anything. The early careers team are also very supportive, and organise regular meetings with my apprentice cohort.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The tutors generally respond to emails if you have any questions about your course, and you have Progress Review Meetings with your coach every few months, which is a good opportunity to clarify anything you’re confused about. However, the organisation and communication could be improved, as sometimes it’s not clear what is expected each term for the portfolio.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The modules that you study give you a good understanding of some really important areas of law that will be useful for the whole of your legal career. The coursework is linked to tasks you’ve completed in the workplace and helps you to reflect on how you could perform better in the future.
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
There are opportunities to attend networking events, and you can join committees to support good causes. My team often organises social events after work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Irwin Mitchell to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Irwin Mitchell is a supportive firm with a positive culture that truly values its apprentices.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Irwin Mitchell?
Research the firm, the area of law you’re applying for and the structure of the apprenticeship so you can demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the role.
