Graduate Recruitment - Your Future 2021

If you're thinking about applying for a training contract with us, here's all the information you'll need.

Your Journey

Learn more about how to secure a training contract with Irwin Mitchell

Join 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 trainee solicitors are integral to our future. We’ll guide you through your training contract 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.

If you’re as passionate as we are about law, client care and developing your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Emma Rush

Training Principal, Partner

Putting You On Track

Learn about the different routes to securing a training contract with Irwin Mitchell

Putting You On Track

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

Last year, we retained 93% of our trainees on qualification and welcomed another 47 trainee solicitors in August 2021 – we're committed to your future.

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

Read more about how to start your journey with us.

Training Contracts

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

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.

We offer training contacts in 11 offices throughout the UK. Through our seat rotations, you'll choose three six-month seats and one qualification seat, allowing you to experience three or four distinct areas of law that interest you.

As a trainee solicitor, no two days are ever the same. One day you may be drafting witness statements, while the next you may be attending court hearings and instructing barristers and experts on case-critical information. There are also opportunities to get involved in business development projects, networking events and our community programmes.

Your training contract journey begins the moment you accept your offer. You'll receive a welcome pack inviting you to future trainee events where you'll also meet your buddy. Whether you're still studying, working elsewhere, or undertaking a paralegal job with us, you'll immediately feel part of our team.

My supervisors have worked hard to give me a well-rounded experience. The firm has an excellent remote supervision and flexible working policy, ensuring that trainees have received support and high levels of exposure to client-related work.

Henry McCabe
Trainee Solicitor

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 two-week period. 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. For our 2024 training contracts, our LWPs will run from 13 - 24 June and 27 June - 8 July 2022.

Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend time working across various legal teams. You'll gain first-hand experience of our culture, the work we do for our clients, and the opportunities we have to offer you. You'll be able to get involved in community work, networking and diversity groups and sports activities.

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 recruitment process.

A large portion of our current and future trainee solicitors have undertaken a work placement with us. We encourage all those interested in joining us to apply via this route. Typically, candidates who complete a LWP are often keen to tell us that their placement exceeded expectations.

The LWP gives you an opportunity to step into the shoes of an Irwin Mitchell trainee, showcasing your capabilities and interacting with people across the firm. It can give you a feel as to how you fit within the firm.

Ross Condie
Trainee Solicitor

Seats

As a national firm, we operate out of 15 offices across the UK. You can choose to base yourself at any one of these 11 locations as shown. See the list of training seats available at each office.

City

Seats

Birmingham

Corporate

Court of Protection

Employment

Family Law

International Serious Injury

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

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

Corporate

Corporate Tax

Court of Protection

Employment

Family Law

International Serious Injury

Litigation

Medical Negligence

Public Law

Real Estate

Real Estate Disputes

Restructuring & Insolvency

Regulatory Investigations

Serious Injury

Tax, Trust & Estates

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Workplace Injury/Illness

Manchester

Commercial

Construction

Corporate

Corporate Tax

Court of Protection

Family Law

Litigation

Medical Negligence

Ministry of Defence

Planning

Public Law

Real Estate

Serious Injury

Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

Workplace Injury/Illness

Newcastle

Court of Protection

Medical Negligence

Public Law

Serious Injury

Workplace Injury/Illness

Sheffield

Construction

Court of Protection

Employment

Family Law

Litigation

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

Employment

Family Law

Litigation

Medical Negligence

Ministry of Defence

Public Law

Serious Injury

Workplace Injury/Illness

Training and Support

If you're successful in receiving a training contract with us, we'll allocate you a current trainee as a buddy. They'll help you with any queries before joining and ensure you feel part of the team.

All trainees attend a two-week induction before starting their first seat. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about us and your fellow trainees.

Alongside on-the-job learning, you’ll also be supported to develop the necessary skills required to become a top solicitor of the future.

You’ll be supervised in each seat by a partner or senior associate. They'll provide feedback on your work and help you to develop against the competences detailed in the Statement of Solicitor Competence set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

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

From the start of my training contract, I've been given interesting, substantive work. I feel like a valued member of the team who is contributing to real clients' cases with full support at all times, so I haven't ever felt out of my depth.

Josephine Davies-Warner
Trainee Solicitor

Client Service Areas

Learn more about the different teams you could work with on your training contract

Our Structure

This is an exciting time to join our business.

We’ve moved to a new 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.

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

Our Client Services Teams

Our trainee solicitors sit within our Client Services team, which is split into seven key areas:

Commercial Advisory & Disputes
Complex Personal Injury
Corporate & Finance
Court of Protection & Public Law
Family Law
Property
Private Client Services.

As a trainee, you'll undertake three or four seats across our seven client service areas, giving you a breadth of experience.

Find out more about each of our client service areas and what makes them unique to Irwin Mitchell on the following pages.

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. Trainee seats within this client service area include: Commercial, Employment, Litigation, Pensions & Regulatory Criminal Investigations Group (RCG).

Watch the video above to hear Ailsa Anderson, Associate, talk about her experiences working in this client service area.

Learn more about what it's like to be a trainee in this area from current trainee, Alexandra Bloomer:

I worked on a variety of cases and matters, ranging from day-to-day advisory queries to respondent work on Employment Tribunal matters. I really enjoyed my time in the seat and was able to get involved in many different areas and teams.

The team is approachable and friendly, which made it easy to ask any questions, no matter how silly I felt they were. The Employment team provides regular training nationally on all areas of employment law, which I found really useful. It allowed the trainees to get together and discuss relevant issues that were arising in the practice area.

I would encourage everyone to do a seat in employment because it feeds into so many of the other practice areas. It's a genuinely interesting and relatable area of law that deals with the relevant issues of the time, requiring you to consider the needs of the business with the rights and needs of the individuals employed by it.

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Corporate and 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. Trainee seats within this client service area include: Banking & Finance, Corporate & Restructuring & Insolvency.

Watch the video above to hear Matt Smith, Associate, talk about his experiences working in this client service area.

Learn more about what it's like to be a trainee in this area from current trainee, Haseenah Ali:

During my six months in Corporate and Finance, I worked on a variety of cases. These ranged from providing advice to liquidators to advising banks on relying on personal guarantees. My seat was in our Restructuring & Insolvency team, but I had the opportunity to work with colleagues in other teams on many transactions, such as Banking & Finance and Real Estate.

There are high levels of client contact and responsibility. This allowed me to develop an understanding of the lawyer-client relationship and how to provide commercial advice rather than just stating the black letter law. Lawyers practising in this area are expected to provide practical business advice. I was able to progress matters with autonomy and support from my supervisors and was actively encouraged to do so.

Finally, it's a really good team. Everyone was approachable and caring, and made time to support my learning and development.

Property

Our solicitors have experience across all types of real estate and understand the issues faced by clients right now as well as the ones on the horizon. With offices around country, our lawyers know local market drivers and political influences. Trainee seats within this client service area include: Construction, Planning, Real Estate, Real Estate Disputes & Residential Property.

Watch the video above to hear Rebecca Huston, Associate, talk about her experiences working in this client service area.

Learn more about what it's like to be a trainee in this area from current trainee, Louis Archer:

A highlight of the seat was running my own plot purchase matter under supervision, all the way from the initial due diligence stage through to post-completion tasks. I also ran my own grazing licence renewal matter, again under supervision - so the work is quite varied in the Property team.

One day you might find yourself playing a smaller role in a partner’s multimillion pound commercial deal, and on another you might be checking whether a provision of The Farm Woodland Scheme 1988 is still in force, using our Westlaw resource.

I regularly interacted through Teams calls and emails with people at all levels of the team, from PA to partner. If I needed assistance with a task, I could get hold of someone who could help. The team is very knowledgeable. You will get a well-rounded experience in the Property team, with exposure to different elements of a wide-ranging Real Estate practice.

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.

Learn more about what it's like to be a trainee in this area from current trainee, Kaz Khan:

Family law practice encompasses a broad range of matters including divorce, complex financial settlements and Children Act matters. The breadth of work really appealed to me and there are so many skills that you learn along the way.

I really enjoyed the many opportunities to attend court hearings. With the support of senior fee-earners, I was given the opportunity to represent a client at a private law children hearing on my own.

From the get-go I felt welcomed and supported by the family team. My line manager made sure that I had a diverse working week, and that I had enough work to do without being overwhelmed. Without exception, everyone in my team made time to answer any questions that I had, and I was always encouraged to ask questions no matter how silly I thought they were.

I gained great insight into where I needed to improve further, and by the end of my seat it was nice to see the development and progress I had made, thanks to the support and constructive feedback I had received.

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. Trainee seats within this client service area include: Tax, Trust & Estates (TTE) & Will, Trust & Estate Disputes (WTED).

Watch the video above to hear Jodie Buck, Solicitor, talk about her experiences working in this client service area.

Learn more about what it's like to be a trainee in this area from current trainee, Shannon Tong:

Tax, Trusts, and Estates (TTE) is an extremely varied area. The team’s work includes advising clients on lifetime planning, such as will drafting and providing tax advice. Team members will often develop long-standing relationships with their clients, even sometimes advising multiple generations of the same family.

Every member of the team, from the partners, associates, to the support staff, is always happy to answer my questions. Tax legislation and analysis can be extremely complex, and the team has provided me with incredible support in developing an understanding of the different concepts.

I would encourage you to consider a seat here if you enjoy problem-solving, research, and interaction with the black letter law. It's an area with lots to learn, and would suit you if you have a curious mind and a thirst for knowledge. You'll have the opportunity to develop personal relationships with clients, and advise them on how to achieve their personal goals at various life stages.

Court of Protection and Public Law

We have years of experience in matters relating to the Court of Protection. We help clients with Powers of Attorney, wills and trusts, and personal injury trusts. For clients who feel their rights have been infringed, our public law and human rights lawyers can help make a legal challenge. Trainee seats within this client service area include: Court of Protection & Public Law.

Watch the video above to hear Oliver Carter, Associate, talk about his experiences working in this client service area.

Learn more about what it's like to be a trainee in this area from current trainee, Helen Barker:

In this seat, I supported deputies with a range of tasks for clients with a variety of needs. The team frequently works alongside solicitors in other departments, which provides an insight into how the firm works a whole.

The team is lovely and really passionate about their work. Regular training sessions are offered across the Court of Protection (COP) team, along with webinars from barristers with expertise in COP work.

Clients are often clients for life, so you can get to know them and their families. It's really rewarding to see a client in their newly adapted home that the team has worked hard to achieve for them. The work is varied with a mix of client meetings and tasks, drafting and more analytical work. No two days are the same. The COP team works with clients from across the business so there's lots of networking opportunities for trainees.

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. Trainee seats within this client service area include: International Serious Injury, Medical Negligence, Ministry of Defence, Serious Injury & Workplace Injury/Illness.

Watch the video above to hear Sharonpreet Binning, Solicitor, talk about her experiences working in this client service area.

Learn more about what it's like to be a trainee in this area from current trainee, Tony Roberts:

The range of clients and the circumstances that have led to their injury mean that no two cases are ever the same. You may be involved in tasks from the initial call to the client, up to settlement or even a trial, and everything in between.

The case handlers I have worked for have provided valuable feedback on my tasks either via track changes, video calls or a combination of both. I have always felt comfortable approaching the team if I have questions and they have always been happy to discuss things with me.

Not only do you develop your legal skills, you also see how this impacts your clients. Their lives are forever changed in light of what happened to them and with every step of the case, you see first-hand how you're helping them to structure the rest of their lives. It’s a massively rewarding area where you can shape your clients' futures and be that helping hand during a challenging time.

How to Apply

Events, application forms, tips and FAQs

How to Apply

Applications for training contacts are currently closed. They'll reopen on 1 November 2022.

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

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

We've launched 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 a series of trainees to discuss:

Your role as a trainee solicitor
Our DNA and who we are
The role of technology in law.

Listen now

Application Tips

Here's some top tips from trainee solicitor Joanna Uzoka:

Show an interest in the work that we do. Research what the firm does and what Irwin Mitchell excels at
Understand the firm's values and visions and try to incorporate some of this knowledge into your answers, showing how your values align with the firm’s
Try to give a variety of examples when showcasing your skills. Draw from experiences from both work and social environments, this doesn’t have to be legal experience
Sign yourself up to talks or events hosted by the firm. It's always beneficial to network where possible
Engagement and an online presence on LinkedIn and Twitter will give you more insight into the firm's day-to-day achievements.

Irwin Mitchell is a great place to work. You'll get the training and support you need to excel, whilst enjoying the work that you are given day-to-day.

Joanna Uzoka
Trainee Solicitor

What Our Newly Qualified Solicitors Say...

Throughout my training contract there has been a substantial investment in supporting me and a real appreciation of what diverse people bring to Irwin Mitchell.

Micah Hall
Restructuring and Insolvency, Southampton

During my training contract, I was provided with endless opportunities to push the boundaries and develop the skills I’ll need to be successful in the rest of my career.

Conor Keane
Medical Negligence, Birmingham

I felt very supported in each of the teams I worked in. My supervisors invested a huge amount in my training and involved in me in a wide range of cases.

Katie Wilkins
Public Law, Cambridge

The team provided support and technical knowledge, and I was given a high level of responsibility across a range of contentious bankruptcy cases.

Hannah Lambert
Restructuring and Insolvency, Sheffield

How Are You?

More than a workplace

How Are You?

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 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 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.

Amid the busy day-to-day life as a trainee and working from home being the ‘new normal’, it’s good to talk, and we're here to support you.

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 to build their resilience and overcome any challenges they face.

Susana Berlevy
Group Chief People Officer

More Than a Workplace

Being a responsible business is fundamental to who we are and what we do. We want to reflect the communities we serve, and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish. To better support them, we have a number of networking groups that people can join.

In recent years, we've been recognised for our efforts in the media through award wins and our employee engagement. Being socially responsible means thinking ahead, and these are exciting times as we're undergoing a change programme to be even better.

We're a member of The Legal Sustainability Alliance, Stonewall, and a signatory of both the Law Society’s Pro Bono and the Mindful Employers Charters. These commitments show our dedication to social responsibility and charity work.

All employees at Irwin Mitchell are encouraged to support our office charities and give back to the local community. It’s heartening to work for a firm which allows its employees two full days’ volunteering allowance, which we're actively encouraged to make use of.

Charlotte Mitchell
Trainee Solicitor

Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF)

IMCF was set up in 1997 to help relieve poverty and provide aid in cases of need, hardship or distress for people in the communities we operate in.

Since IMCF was founded, we’ve raised over £2m for good causes –something we're very proud of.

Every year, our colleagues donate thousands of hours to support local and national communities and pro bono initiatives. As a trainee, you'll be given two charity days each year, where you can use your working hours to support a worthy cause in the community.

Each of our offices has its own Charity of the Year, and our respective teams often host their own fundraising activities. Whichever office you choose, you'll regularly hear about bake sales, raffles and other fun charitable activities.

Our Networks and Groups

We’re committed to constantly improving our diversity and have a number of networking groups to celebrate our people. These groups aim to support those who need a stronger voice, and raise awareness of the challenges they face in society.

Speak to us

Feeling comfortable for the firm you work for is extremely important. If you have questions about any of our groups, please contact the colleagues below. Each trainee represents an aspect of the group, and they're happy to answer any of your questions about our efforts towards being a diverse and inclusive business.

IM Equal

We believe everyone is equal, and welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight ally employees to our LGBT+ group. We meet to look at what we've done around LGBT and make plans to help raise awareness of diversity.

Contact: Daniel Moreton and Elliot Booth

IM Able

We aim to provide support and assistance to colleagues with a disability and those caring for a family member with a disability, through raising awareness of issues and planning for an inclusive future.

Contact: Polly Morgan

IM Powered

Our gender listening group focuses on issues faced by colleagues in modern life, both at home and work. Everyone's situation is different and there's no such thing as 'conventional'. Together we navigate life's ups and downs.

Contact: Alicia Gibson, Emma Diack and Emily-Jo Moore

IM Respect

Cultural diversity is fundamental to an integrated workforce and social inclusiveness. IM Respect celebrates and supports the different cultures and faiths of the people we work with.

Contact: Sarah Al-Jourani

IM Generations

Employees' needs differ depending on their age and the stage of their career. IM Generations focuses on issues related to age and aims to understand the differing priorities, to ensure we're all equal.

Contact: Stuart Bell, Eniko Vella & Helen Barker

IM Aspiring

We're committed to our PRIME initiative by supporting school leavers who come from areas of restricted social mobility. We believe in equal opportunities for all, and support those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact:

First generation to university - Daniel Moreton & Tiffany Heppell
Non-law background - Luke Singleton

Benefits

Perks of the role

Rewards and Benefits

If you're applying for a training contract starting in 2024 and are currently studying for a non-law degree, we'll offer funding to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL).

We're beginning the transition from the Legal Practice Course ('LPC') to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination ('SQE') and will offer the following if you're successful:

• If you're studying the qualification in the academic year 2022/23, you'll undertake the LPC

• If you're studying the qualification in the academic year 2023/24 you'll undertake the SQE.

You'll then join the firm in August 2024 and complete a 2 year training contract, also known as 'qualifying work experience'.

We'll continue to accept applications from anyone who's already completed their LPC, as there is a grace period of up to 10 years in which the old route can be followed.

From the academic year of 2024/25, all candidates will undertake the SQE and we'll no longer offer funding for the LPC.

Salaries	Benefits
First Year Salary	25 days holiday
Regional: £26,500	Recognition scheme
London: £38,000	Two volunteering days per year
	Sports team sponsorship
Second Year Salary	Season ticket loan
Regional: £28,500	Health plan
London: £40,000	Professional subscription
	Contributory pension scheme
NQ Salary (dependent on specialism)	Death in service and critical illness cover
Regional: £40,000 - £43,500
London: £55,000 - £73,000

All About You

Our trainee solicitors are fundamental to our business. They're our solicitors, associates and partners of the future, and they're the people who'll continue to drive us forward. With a strong foundation, excellent training and a supportive environment, we'll give you the opportunity to progress your legal career.

Our commitment to our trainees has resulted in us being ranked third for Top Law Firms for Graduates – as voted for by students and graduates in TheJobCrowd's annual survey.

About Us

Everything you need to know

About Us

Our Awards

We recognise that our 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: