Legal Work Placement Review

The placement lasted one week (five working days). As Irwin Mitchell splits its application process for Training Contracts into two streams (Legal Services for Businesses or Legal Services for Individuals), candidates on Legal Work Placement gain insight and experience into areas of law specific to their stream. I applied for a TC within Legal Services for Individuals so, during the LWP, our group focused on the areas of Medical Negligence, Serious Personal Injury, Lifestyle and Estate Planning, and Court of Protection. The typical structure of each day was: (1) Debrief and discussion on the previous task (2) Introduction to the daily task (focusing on a different area of law each day) (3) Work on task (4) Coffee and chat with a solicitor and opportunity to ask Qs (different area of law each day) (5) An online talk/workshop (e.g., Diversity Networks within the firm) (6) Submit task

Networking - the opportunity to talk with dozens of Irwin Mitchell employees across various teams was extremely valuable. Time-management and attention to detail - the daily tasks were fascinating and challenging. These provided an opportunity to demonstrate (and improve upon) our ability to demonstrate attention to detail and complete work to a tight deadline. Practical application of academic knowledge - experienced lawyers demonstrating (with reference to real case studies) how legal concepts explored at university were applied in practice was a highlight.

We had an opportunity to talk with solicitors at almost every stage of their career (from trainee to partner) about their experience with the firm. Everyone was extremely generous with their time and offered their insights and advice.

The culture and atmosphere was extremely welcoming. Naturally, all of us were initially slightly apprehensive about undertaking the placement but were quickly put at ease. One of my main takeaways from the experience was just how warm, understanding, patient and enthusiastic everyone with whom we came into contact with was.

I would say that the placement has been the most valuable working week in my professional experience so far. While there is an option for candidates to apply for the training contract directly (i.e., skip the legal work placement), I would strongly urge candidates to do the placement if possible!

Yes

Be open and honest. Research the firm as extensively as possible. Relax! The recruitment process is focused on finding potential in existing strengths (it is not an exam!)