Early Careers Programmes 22-23

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Early Careers Programmes

A career that’s purposeful, dynamic and rewarding

You can also use the Contents button in the top right to help navigate to each section

Click any of the below to jump to the section. You can also use the Contents option in the top right corner of our document to help navigate through.

About Us

Learn more about who we are and what we do

Apprenticeships

Find out about our legal and non-legal apprenticeships

How to Apply - Apprenticeships

Find out about our recruitment process and application tips

Valuing our Colleagues

How we support colleagues, clients and the community

Legal Work Placement and Training Contracts

Read about our Graduate programmes

How to Apply - LWP and Training Contracts

Find out about our recruitment process and application tips

About Us

Joining the UK's largest full-service law firm

Welcome

We’re more than just a law firm – we’re a group of people working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs.

We understand that everyone’s situation is different. That’s why we take the time to understand our clients and what matters most to them. We’re legal and financial advisors with a difference – it’s what we call the expert hand with the human touch. Our strategic pillars guide us in everything we do: colleagues, clients and communities. Every day we strive to make a positive impact to each through living our values and DNA.

Our Early Career colleagues are integral to our future. We’ll guide you through your programme with hands-on training, guidance and mentoring. Trust and responsibility will be instilled in you from day one, and you’ll work on real cases with our clients to develop lifelong skills for your future.

Our Heritage

Being part of a business that’s thrived for more than 110 years is something to celebrate.

We’ve come through two world wars, economic ups and downs, and huge changes in society. We emerged as a strong, trusted brand with values that stand the test of time.

We were originally set up in 1912 by Walter Irwin Mitchell, whose focus was almost entirely on criminal law.

By the 1980s, our work focused mainly on personal injury. Our colleagues, including our Group CEO Andrew Tucker, were working on some of the most high-profile cases in the country, including the Zeebrugge ferry and British Airtours Boeing 737 disasters.

Through the 1990s and into the new millennium, we rapidly expanded across the country with tactical mergers and acquisitions. By 2007, we had offices in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow.

We continue to acquire and merge with high-quality firms. This has helped to cement our reputation as market leaders in personal injury and grow our reputation amongst corporates and institutions and private affluent and wealth management clients. We know who we are, where we’re going and we always strive for better for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Whatever happens in an ever-changing world, our approach will stay the same. It’s who we are and we’re proud of it.

In September 2021 we launched our human touch campaign. It focused on the emotional transitions our clients go through and the role our colleagues play in supporting them.

We created a marketing campaign that was made by the most inclusive production team ever. It's the perfect example of the difference you could make for both our clients and our communities.

Our Structure

This is an exciting time to join our business.

We’ve moved to an improved structure for our business, putting our clients at the heart of our work.

The new structure moves away from serving clients through Business Legal Services, Personal Injury, and Private Wealth to a client-focused structure with two complementary teams connected: A Commercial Growth team and a Client Services team.

The Commercial Growth team is the voice of our clients. It's accountable for setting our growth strategy and delivering the opportunities that arise.

The Client Services team is our legal and operations engine. It delivers outstanding legal services to clients and provides some business and operational services to our colleagues that affect clients and the wider group.

As an apprentice or trainee, you'll join our Client Services teams in one of our seven areas. Find out more in the respective apprentice and trainee sections.

These teams work collaboratively throughout the client journey and engage with our wider People, IT, General Counsel and Finance functions.

Our Awards

We recognise that our apprentices and trainees are integral to the future of our business, and we’ll support them every step of the way. This is reflected in some of the awards we've won:

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn and get a head start on your career with a recognised qualification

Apprenticeships

If you’re leaving school or changing career, our apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative to university.

Whether you're working in our legal teams, or in one of our supporting areas, you'll play an important part in our success. You can get straight into work, years earlier and without thousands of pounds of debt. You’ll get invaluable real life experience working with experts in their fields, along with a guided course of academic training.

At Irwin Mitchell, apprenticeships continue to be a key strategic objective aligned to our diversity and growth ambitions. It is truly a privilege to work with our apprentices to support them in becoming the best version of themselves, whilst adding enhanced value to Irwin Mitchell as an organisation.

Lorcan Seery
Apprentice Manager

Apprenticeships we offer	Requirements
Accounting/Tax Technician apprenticeship	Level 4 - 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C (or 9-4), specifically Maths and English and 3 A Level A-C (excluding General Studies).
Business Administration apprenticeship	Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C (or 9-4), specifically Maths and English.
Internal Audit apprenticeship	Level 4 - 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C (or 9-4), specifically Maths and English, 3 A Level A-C (excluding General Studies) and an undergraduate degree, completed so you can start work in September 2023)
Paralegal apprenticeship	Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C (or 9-4), specifically Maths and English and 3 A Level A-C (excluding General Studies).
Solicitor apprenticeship	Level 7 - 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C (or 9-4), specifically Maths and English and 3 A Level A-C (excluding General Studies).

Our Apprenticeships

Find out more about our apprenticeships

Accounting / Tax Technician

Business Administration

Internal Audit

Paralegal

Solicitor

Undergoing a Digital Marketing apprenticeship at Irwin Mitchell has helped me develop my skills across all areas, not just social media. The working environment is very inclusive, and I’ve bonded with my team so well. I couldn’t imagine developing my marketing career anywhere else.

Olivia Hardcastle
Social Media Apprentice

Apprenticeships continue to be a great source of diverse talent from our local communities. We’ve seen significant growth in our apprenticeship proposition. Our number of apprentices has increased to 80 people across 17 programmes.

We're pleased to offer a choice of apprenticeships below for 2023, ranging from entry level through to Masters (level 7 apprenticeships).

Accounting /Tax Technician

Our Tax Technician Apprenticeship is based in Sheffield. You'll learn on the job supporting our high-net-worth Court of Protection and Trust clients.

You’ll be involved in a wide range of tasks, including:

Running reports and filing tax returns
Corresponding with clients and HMRC
Using commercial case management and tax software.

You'll work towards a Level 4 Professional Taxation Technician qualification.

Is It For Me?

If you have a genuine passion for finance, an ATT (Association of Tax Technicians) apprenticeship could be perfect.

What Will I Study?

Our training partner BPP delivers your tax training and some time each week is dedicated to your studies.

What Can I Do After My Apprenticeship?

We have a number of roles you can progress to when you qualify, such as a supervisor or team leader or more senior roles advancing into tax.

More information and to find out how to apply.

This apprenticeship has given me an opportunity to earn while I learn, whilst gaining a professional qualification as part of my employment. I was a butcher for a few years before my apprenticeship, so I’m learning everything from the ground up.

Sam Towler
Tax Technician Apprentice
Find out more about why Sam chose to do an apprenticeship

Business Administration

On our 24-month apprenticeship, you’ll learn a range of business administration skills and put them into practice in the workplace.

You’ll be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

Organising and filing documents
Making travel arrangements
Supporting colleagues with queries from clients and other parties.

You'll work towards a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.

Is it For me?

This apprenticeship is great for anyone who wants to start a career in business administration, whether you're a school leaver or changing career.

What Will I Study?

The academic part of the apprenticeship is delivered by Damar Training through online activities and webinars.

What Can I Do After My Apprenticeship?

If you choose to stay with us you could progress to more senior or supervisory roles, or specialise in a legal team, customer service, or human resources.

More information and find out how to apply.

I wanted an apprenticeship where the company was committed to my progression and where I was valued as part of the team, which is why I applied for Irwin Mitchell.

Olivia Brown
Business Administration Apprentice
Find out more about why Olivia chose to do an apprenticeship

Internal Audit

Our 24-month apprenticeship is based in London. You’ll learn and perform a range of audit skills and put them into practice in the workplace.

You’ll be responsible for a range of tasks, including:

Learning and performing the full audit cycle
Providing regular and insightful feedback to stakeholders
Investigations, root cause analysis and lessons learned reviews.

You’ll obtain the Level 4 Internal Audit apprenticeship and the Internal Audit Practitioner Certificate.

Is it For me?

If you have an undergraduate degree and you want to add value and help us accomplish our objectives, this apprenticeship could be perfect.

What Will I Study?

The academic part of your training is delivered by MBKB Training.

What Can I Do After My Apprenticeship?

If you choose to stay with us you will stay within the Internal Audit team, where you’ll have the opportunity to work towards higher qualifications and enhance your expertise.

More information and find out how to apply.

Paralegal

Our 24-month apprenticeship gives you the knowledge, experience and qualifications you need to train as a paralegal.

You’ll help solicitors prepare cases for trial and progress transactions, including creating and organising case files, contacting clients and legal research.

Your exact role will depend on which team you work in. You can choose Human Rights, Family Law, Personal Injury, Business Law and more.

You'll work towards achieving the Level 3 paralegal certificate.

Is It For Me?

This is an opportunity for school leavers, or anyone looking to get a head start on a legal career. This apprenticeship isn't suitable if you have a law degree.

What Will I Study?

The academic part of the training covers law and legal practice, legal research and client care.

What Can I Do After My Apprenticeship?

You can pursue a career as a paralegal, or consider applying for our Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship or our Solicitor Apprenticeship.

More information and find out how to apply.

I love that my apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I learn in my studies with the work that I do in my role.

Charlise Atkins
Paralegal Apprentice
Hear from Charlise as she discusses her apprenticeship with us

Solicitor

Our Solicitor Apprenticeship trains you to become a solicitor and you'll be qualified after six years.

It's the ideal opportunity to gain practical, work-based learning and formal academic study at a top UK law firm, while avoiding the costs associated with doing a degree.

At the end of your training you'll be a fully qualified solicitor with an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE1 and SQE2).

Is It For Me?

As well as strong academics and a genuine passion for law, we're looking for someone who embodies our values. Our solicitor apprenticeship is not open to people with degrees.

What Will I Study?

Our training provider is The University of Law. They'll provide your academic training.

What Can I Do After My Apprenticeship?

You'll be able to continue your career with us as a Newly Qualified Solicitor.

More information and find out how to apply.

I would encourage others to undertake a Solicitor Apprenticeship because you’re being provided with life skills that you can use outside your degree and into real life, which university might not really give you.

Mongiwe Nhliziyo
Solicitor Apprentice
Find out more about why Mongiwe chose to do an apprenticeship

Rewards and Benefits

Our reward package provides a competitive range of benefits for you.

Starting Salary
Regional: £19,838	London: £21,749

Benefits
Recognition schemes	Two volunteering days per year
25 days holiday	Private medical support and plans
Refer a friend scheme	Critical illness cover
Buy additional leave	Season ticket loan
Discounted gym membership	Pension scheme
Cycle to Work scheme	Professional subscriptions

Training and Support

If you're successful in securing an apprenticeship with us, we'll allocate you a current apprentice as a buddy. They'll help you with any queries before joining and ensure you feel part of the team.

All apprentices join in September and attend a two-day induction. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about us and your fellow apprentices.

Alongside studying towards your apprenticeship standard, we'll support you with on-the-job learning to develop the skills you need to excel your career.

You’ll be supervised day-to-day by a partner or senior associate. They'll give you feedback on your work and help you to develop against your apprenticeship standard.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll have access to all of our internal development resources. Our dedicated Early Careers team will support you from day one, ensuring your experience is positive from start to finish.

These are just some of the reasons we were named Top Law Firm for Apprenticeships by TheJobCrowd and second-highest law firm by RateMyApprenticeship.

I would absolutely recommend anyone to consider an apprenticeship with Irwin Mitchell. It's the most productive environment I've been in. Every person I've encountered has been supportive and it's always a pleasure to come to work.

Ethan McRae
Apprentice Financial Operations Assistant
Find out more about why Ethan loves working here

What It’s Like to Work With Us

Life at IM

We asked our colleagues to tell us what it’s really like to work here and why the human touch sets us apart from other law firms. Read all our case studies on our careers website, and find out more about our colleagues’ experiences on our social media channels by searching for #LifeAtIM.

Life as an apprentice

Jenna gave an open account of her apprenticeship experience and shared her thoughts on what makes us a great place to start her career.

I didn’t have much experience when I applied, but it was refreshing that the interviews were based on my personality and the skills I could bring to the role.

Jenna Biddle
Human Resources Apprentice

Life as an apprentice

We sat down with Lauren, an apprentice chartered legal executive, to talk about why she chose an apprenticeship. She speaks about her experience of working here, the relationships she’s built with her clients and the support she’s received from our colleagues.

Jenna’s and Lauren’s story

Find out more from Jenna and Lauren about their apprenticeship journeys. They talk about the application and interview process, their experience of joining their teams and their plans for the future.

The culture here is extremely open and ambitious. I’ve received amazing support from my line manager and colleagues, and they’re really invested in my development and progression.

Lauren Mannion
Apprentice Chartered Legal Executive

Parents and Teachers

We’re passionate about apprenticeships and bringing the right people into our business and look to recruit new colleagues from each of the geographical areas and communities that we serve. Apprenticeships form the foundation for very rewarding and enjoyable careers with us.

Like university, apprenticeships aren’t for everyone and we know that information about apprenticeships is often scarce, and many people don’t know anything about them. There are lots of misconceptions about what apprenticeships are and how they work. To address these, we’ve made a commitment to help promote apprenticeships this year by explaining what they’re about and how they work for us. This information will be useful for parents, guardians and those who influence school leavers in the future.

Our brochure and website provide information and guidance to help you support your children as they make important decisions about their career.

I’d say to parents and teachers, be supportive and don’t dismiss the apprenticeship route.

Janet Atkins
Charlise's Mum

Choosing to complete an apprenticeship

Hear our apprentice paralegal, Charlise talk with her mum, Janet about their experience when Charlise decided to explore apprenticeships instead of going to university.

How to Apply –Apprenticeships

Find out more about how to apply for our apprenticeship programmes, our recruitment process and tips on applying

How to Apply – Apprenticeships

Applications for our apprenticeships open in February 2023.

Key Dates

How to Apply – Apprenticeships

Everything you need to know about applying for an apprenticeship with us.

See page 3 to find out how to apply for our Solicitor Apprenticeships.

How to Apply – Solicitor Apprenticeship

Everything you need to know about applying for a Solicitor Apprenticeship with us.

Top tips from Charlotte to help you complete the Apprenticeship application:

Demonstrate your passion. Maintaining a positive attitude and willingness to learn can be really important when applying for apprenticeships

Be proactive. Go beyond the job description and research the business. Do the firm's values align with your own? Look at their past achievements, stance on wellbeing, charity work. Would you be proud to work for our firm

Refer to your own experiences to answer skills/competency questions. This can be both professional and personal so the interviewers get to know more about who you are as a person and whether you’ll fit in with their team

Do you see Irwin Mitchell as somewhere you could progress? If so, what’s your vision for the future and how will Irwin Mitchell help you get there

Show your personality, whether on your application or in an interview. This can be when talking about your experiences, what you have learned and how it has made you the person you are today

If you’re struggling to fully understand the role, reach out to Early Careers. Ask to speak to someone for help.

Our Events

A great way to learn more about us is to attend our Apprenticeship Webinar.

You'll hear from current apprentices and the Early Careers team, who'll share their experience, discuss what opportunities we have and help you decide whether an apprenticeship is right for you.

You’ll also be able to gain advice on how to make your application stand out and learn more about what it’s like to work with us.

Podcast

Listen to a special episode of the 'Irwin Mitchell Podcast' specifically for those thinking about applying for a 2023 apprenticeship.

Training Principal Emma Rush is joined by two of our apprentices to discuss their ‘normal day’, the skills they feel are most important to their roles and tips for the application process.

Listen now

Valuing Colleagues

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive culture for our people to flourish

Valuing our Colleagues

Sometimes a chat is all it takes.

We aim to provide a culture of openness and support for our colleagues' physical and mental wellbeing.

We're committed to charters of Mindful Business, Mindful Employer and Suicide Prevention
You’ll have regular conversations with your supervisor, but there are lots of other colleagues looking out for you
Our Early Careers Managers will support you through your apprenticeship or training contract and you’ll have scheduled face-to-face catch-ups with them
We also have an Early Careers Regional Representative in each office. They’re experienced in caring for apprentices and trainees, particularly at times when you may feel overwhelmed
We have Healthy Mind Advocates throughout the business. They’ve been trained as mental health champions by Mental Health First Aid England
We offer a Wellbeing Hub to all colleagues, which has lots of resources covering mental, physical and financial wellbeing.

Want to know more about how we support our colleague's wellbeing? Contact our wellbeing reps, apprentice Charlise Atkins or trainee Harry Maw to ask any questions.

It’s crucial that we trust our colleagues to make the best choice for themselves, the other colleagues in their teams and their clients in how they decide to work in future. We know wellbeing is also an important consideration, we’re building this into our policies and we also have extensive resources available to help our colleagues build their resilience and overcome any challenges they face.

Susana Berlevy
Group Chief People Officer

Supporting Our Communities

Being involved with local communities is a key part of our day-to-day working life. Whether we're visiting clients at home, supporting local businesses or working with local charities, we’re constantly in touch with our communities around the country.

Our apprentices and trainees enjoy getting involved too. They've raised funds for the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF), helped out with local disability sports events and lots more.

IMCF

The Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation was set up in February 1997. Each year the foundation receives a lump sum donation from our partners, and regular contributions from employees via the Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme. The IMCF is run by trustees and a local committee in each office. Employees can nominate charities for the foundation to support and each office chooses a local ‘Charity of the Year’ to benefit from additional fundraising. Over the years we’ve helped lots of fantastic charities, many of whom we stay in touch with for much longer.

Work Your Way

We trust each other to do the right work at the right time, in the right way.

Our flexible, hybrid approach allows you to shape your day and balance your life with the needs of the business.

The key ingredient to this is trust. Speaking as a team about when and where you perform at your best ensures clients receive exceptional service, no matter how you work.

Hear more colleague stories about flexible working.

Our Diversity Networking Groups

Our diversity networking groups celebrate our colleagues and promote fairness and understanding within the industry and wider society.

Speak to us

Feeling comfortable in the firm you work for is extremely important. If you have any questions about any of our groups, please contact the colleagues listed opposite. Each apprentice and trainee represents an aspect of the group, and they're happy to talk to you about how we work towards being a diverse and inclusive business.

Find out more about why Chloe loves working here

IM Respect

Celebrates the different ethnicity, cultures and faiths of our colleagues. 95% of colleagues say they are treated fairly regardless of their race or ethnic origin. Contact our apprentices Angelina Vincent and Sara Ahmed, or trainees Jasmine Hunte and Thiloka Athulathmudali

IM Equal

Our diversity network group for LGBTQ+ and ally colleagues. Contact our apprentice Charlotte Ward, or trainee Dan Moreton

IM Powered

Looks at gender-related issues to build an inclusive organisation. 92% of colleagues say they are treated fairly regardless of gender. Contact our apprentice Megan O'Meara, or trainee Emma Diack

IM Able

Champions issues relating to disability and long-term health conditions within the workplace. Contact our apprentice Molly Cockroft, or trainee Freya Oldaker

IM Generations

Focuses on age and generational issues within the workplace. Contact our trainee Alice Carney

IM Aspiring

Committed to social mobility within the legal profession.
Contact our apprentice Olivia Brown, or trainee Tiffany Heppell

Legal Work Placement and Training Contracts

Start your career here with our legal work placement and training contracts

Legal Work Placement

As part of our recruitment process, we offer a Legal Work Placement (LWP), where prospective trainees opt to join us for a week. It's a great way for you to get to know us as a potential employer, and get yourself noticed for a training contract.

LWP opportunities are available each summer across 11 offices. We’ve designed a hybrid placement to give you a true representation of how our Trainee Solicitor cohort is currently working at the firm, in line with our Flexible by Choice approach.

For each day of your placement, you'll work with a different team from our client service areas, providing you with an opportunity to experience a day in their shoes. You'll gain first-hand experience of our culture, the work we do for our clients and the opportunities we have to offer you.

We also want to ensure that you get a taste of our culture, so throughout the week you'll be able to get involved in community work, networking and diversity groups and sports activities. You'll also have a social event with our current trainees too.

Most of our training contacts are awarded to those who apply via the LWP route, as we'll see your skills, ability and passions, and know that you share our values. Although you can apply directly for a training contact, our LWP has become an important part of our process.

We encourage all those interested in joining us for a training contract to apply via this route. Typically, candidates who complete a LWP tell us that their placement exceeded expectations.

The LWP gave me an insight into what it would be like to work at Irwin Mitchell. It was a chance to meet people at the firm, learn about the work they do and get involved.

Jasmine Hunte
Trainee Solicitor

Training Contracts

We're passionate about finding the right people to join us.

Last year, we retained 93% of our trainees on qualification and welcomed another 30 trainee solicitors in August 2022 – we're committed to your future.

Every year, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and subjects. Our 108 current trainees come from over 50 different universities, and 30% of them come from a non-law background.

We welcomed our latest cohort to our Birmingham office.

Solicitors Qualifying Exam

We’re beginning the transition to the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) from 2024. It's the new assessment for all aspiring solicitors. The duration and structure of your training contract depends on the qualifications you have when you receive your offer.

Non-Law undergraduate/Completed PGDL/Law Graduate

We welcome applications from all graduates and undergraduates. If you are a non-law graduate, we'll fund your Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) and give you a maintenance grant of £4,500 if you haven't started the course when you're offered a training contract.

At the end of your PGDL, you'll begin your journey as a trainee solicitor at the firm. Four days a week will be spent on-the-job training and one day will be for your studies. We'll pay your tuition and examination fees for the SQE. You'll also complete the 'SQE Plus', an additional four-month course in areas of law not examined by the SQE.

You'll experience a rotational training contract with three six-month seats across the business. You'll return to one area for your fourth seat, which is where you'll qualify. During your third seat, you'll undertake SQE 1. Your fourth seat will be a slightly longer seat and you'll have time out in that seat to complete SQE 2 and SQE Plus.

Completing/Completed LPC

If you've already completed, or are in the process of completing your LPC, there's a 10-year grace period where we'll continue to accept applications.

When you join, you'll complete a two year training contract and experience three six-month seats across the business. You'll return to one area for your fourth seat, which is where you'll qualify.

From the academic year 2024/25, all candidates will undertake the SQE and we’ll no longer fund the LPC.

Training Contracts

Our training contracts demonstrate that being a lawyer with us is more than just law. It's about offering exceptional care to our clients, no matter what their situation.

As the UK's leading full-service law firm, we believe we have something genuinely different to offer our trainee solicitors. We offer training contacts in 11 offices throughout the UK.

Your training contract journey begins as soon as you accept your offer. You'll receive a welcome pack inviting you to future trainee events where you'll meet your buddy, and get to know your fellow trainees. Whether you're still studying or working before you begin, you’ll feel a part of the Irwin Mitchell team.

You'll attend a two-week induction before you start your first seat. It’s a great way to get to know the firm and your fellow trainees.

Our dedicated Early Careers team will ensure that your training contract journey is a positive experience from start to finish. That's why we have consistently high retention rates year after year.

We're looking for people who put clients first, are enthusiastic about their role and committed to their team, and who show initiative to go one step further to succeed. In return, you'll be given the responsibility that will allow you to learn on the job and develop lifelong skills. You'll gain practical experience in a supportive and friendly environment by working on important cases for clients.

My supervisors are truly invested in my professional development. As well as being exposed to interesting and complex legal work, trainees are encouraged to engage in business development opportunities to help build our professional profiles.

Daniel Moreton
Trainee Solicitor

The advantage of Irwin Mitchell being a full service law firm is that there’s a huge range of practice areas in which to develop and learn, ranging from Banking & Finance to Family Law. My seats have all offered complex and challenging work, which I’ve enjoyed.

Kaz Khan
Trainee Solicitor

Our Client Service Areas

As a full-service law firm, we have a wide range of seats available for you to train in. You'll undertake three to four seats over two years, giving you a breadth of experience across our seven client service areas:

Commercial Advisory & Disputes

Complex Personal Injury

Corporate & Finance

Court of Protection & Public Law

Family Law

Private Client Services

Property

Commercial Advisory and Disputes

Our commercial litigation and disputes lawyers work with clients to understand and manage risks to businesses, and to resolve disputes effectively. Read about our recent cases and the clients we work with here.

Trainee seats include: Commercial, Employment, Litigation, Pensions and Regulatory Criminal Investigations Group.

Hear from our solicitor Laura Willis, as she talks about what it's like to work in our Employment team.

Complex Personal Injury

We have one of the largest specialist injury teams in the country. Our lawyers have helped thousands of people to claim compensation following a life-changing injury, recovering millions of pounds in compensation. Read about our recent cases and the clients we work with here.

Trainee seats include: International Serious Injury, Medical Negligence, Ministry of Defence, Serious Injury and Workplace Injury/Illness.

Learn more about working in Complex Personal Injury from Sharonpreet Binning, our Workplace Injury/Illness solicitor.

Corporate & Finance

Our corporate and finance lawyers help to grow, develop and achieve commercial and strategic objectives. We assist at every stage of a business’ life cycle. Read about our recent cases and the clients we work with here.

Trainee seats include: Banking & Finance, Corporate and Restructuring & Insolvency.

Hear from our solicitor Sally Parkes, as she answers questions on what it's like to work in Restructuring & Insolvency.

Court of Protection & Public Law

We are experienced in Court of Protection matters. We help clients with Powers of Attorney, wills and trusts, and personal injury trusts. If clients feel their rights have been infringed, our public law and human rights lawyers can help make a legal challenge. Read about our recent cases and the clients we work with here.

Trainee seats include: Court of Protection and Public Law.

Hear from Erika Wright, who's a solicitor in our Public Law team. She gives us an insight into the sector.

Family Law

Our family law solicitors can support with any issues, from making a pre or post-nuptial agreement through to dealing with finances after a divorce. Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 recognise us as having one of the UK's leading family law teams. Read about our recent cases and the clients we work with here.

Trainee seats include: Family Law

Hear from our Partner Nathaniel Groarke as he talks to us about what it's like to work in Family Law.

Private Client Services

Our expert wills, trusts and estates solicitors can help structure estates in the best way to protect clients' wealth for the future, provide for their loved ones, and minimise tax. The team has considerable experience with high value estates and international wealth and understand the unique challenges this can present. Read about some of our recent cases and the clients we work with here.

Trainee seats include: Tax, Trust & Estates and Wills, Trusts & Estate Disputes.

Our Partner Kamal Majevadia answers questions on what it's like to work in Wills, Trusts & Estate Disputes.

Property

Our solicitors have experience across all types of real estate and understand the issues faced by clients right now, as well as those on the horizon. With offices around the country, our lawyers know local market drivers and political influences. Read about our recent cases and the clients we work with here.

Trainee seats include: Construction, Planning, Real Estate, Real Estate Disputes & Residential Property.

Learn more about working in Property from Stefano DAmbrosio-Nunez, our Planning and Environmental Law solicitor.

I thought I knew exactly what area of law I wanted to work in, but trying a range of seats while completing my training contract allowed me to find an area of law that I’m incredibly passionate about.

Ellen Waters
Trainee Solicitor

Seats

As a national firm, we operate out of 17 offices across the UK. You can choose to base yourself at any one of the 11 locations as shown. Please note, when applying for a Legal Work Placement or Training Contract you must select which office you want to work in. We can't consider applications against multiple offices. See the list of training seats available at each office.

City

Seats

Birmingham

Corporate

Court of Protection

Employment

Family Law

Medical Negligence

Planning

Public Law

Real Estate

Real Estate Disputes

Restructuring & Insolvency

Serious Injury

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Workplace Injury/Illness

Bristol

Court of Protection

Family Law

Medical Negligence

Public Law

Serious Injury

Workplace Injury/Illness

Cambridge

Court of Protection

Medical Negligence

Ministry of Defence

Public Law

Serious Injury

Workplace Injury/Illness

Chichester

Family Law

Residential Property

Tax, Trust & Estates

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Gatwick

Commercial

Construction

Corporate

Employment

Litigation

Planning

Real Estate

Restructuring & Insolvency

Tax, Trusts & Estates

Leeds

Banking & Finance

Commercial

Corporate

Court of Protection

Employment

Family Law

Litigation

Medical Negligence

Real Estate

Restructuring & Insolvency

Serious Injury

Tax, Trust & Estates

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Workplace Injury/Illness

London

Banking & Finance

Construction

Corporate

Court of Protection

Employment

Family Law

International Serious Injury

Medical Negligence

Public Law

Real Estate

Real Estate Disputes

Residential Property

Restructuring & Insolvency

Serious Injury

Tax, Trust & Estates

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Workplace Injury/Illness

Manchester

Commercial

Construction

Corporate

Court of Protection

Family Law

Litigation

Medical Negligence

Ministry of Defence

Planning

Public Law

Real Estate

Real Estate Disputes

Serious Injury

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Workplace Injury/Illness

Newcastle

Court of Protection

Medical Negligence

Public Law

Serious Injury

Tax, Trusts & Estates

Workplace Injury/Illness

Sheffield

Construction

Court of Protection

Employment

Family Law

Medical Negligence

Public Law

Real Estate

Real Estate Disputes

Regulatory Investigations

Restructuring & Insolvency

Serious Injury

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Workplace Injury/Illness

Southampton

Court of Protection

Family Law

Litigation

Medical Negligence

Ministry of Defence

Public Law

Serious Injury

Workplace Injury/Illness

Rewards and Benefits

Our reward package provides a competitive range of benefits for you.

Salaries

First Year Salary
Regional: £28,000
London: £40,000

Second Year Salary
Regional: £30,000
London: £42,000

NQ Salary

Regional: £41,500 - £49,000 London: £55,000 - £73,000

Benefits
Recognition schemes	Two volunteering days per year
25 days holiday	Private medical support and plans
Refer a friend scheme	Critical illness cover
Buy additional leave	Season ticket loan
Discounted gym membership	Pension scheme
Cycle to Work scheme	Professional subscriptions

A reward package with a range of benefits and experiences to help navigate life’s ups and downs.

Ted Powell
Solicitor
Ted starred in our human touch campaign. Watch his video here

What It’s Like to Work With Us

Life at IM

Life as a trainee solicitor

Polly and Shakil gave open and accounts of their training contract experience and their thoughts on what makes us a great place to start their legal careers.

How to Apply – LWP and Training Contracts

Find out more about how to apply for our trainee programmes, our recruitment process and tips on applying

How to Apply – Training Contracts

Applications for our training contacts are closed.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Our blind screening approach means we can’t see your name, address, academic results or university attended when we review your application, giving everyone a fair chance.

Key Dates

Application Tips

Top tips from Melody to help you complete the Trainee Solicitor application:

Research and understand Irwin Mitchell’s culture and values, to show how your own values and personality align with them

Think of several examples of how you demonstrate the firm’s culture and values. If you don't have any legal experience, what extracurricular activities will impress the interviewer

Pay particular attention to the training contract recruitment page to understand the firm’s desired skills and expectations of you as a trainee

Use your network and online presence such as LinkedIn to speak with the firm’s employees and gain an insider’s perspective of our firm

Join legal events and career fairs to speak with recruiters to ask them questions about the type of candidates they are looking for.

Our Events

A great way to learn more about us is to attend one of our virtual events.

You'll hear from current trainees, newly qualified solicitors, partners and the Early Careers team on all the things they wish they'd known when starting out themselves.

You'll also be able to gain advice on how to make your application stand out and what we're looking for when recruiting graduates.

Podcast

Listen to a special episode of the 'Irwin Mitchell Podcast' specifically for those thinking about applying for a 2024 training contract.

Training Principal Emma Rush is joined by two of our trainees to discuss their ‘normal day’, the skills they feel are most important to their roles and tips for the application process.

Listen now