Latest Figures Demonstrate Consistent High Standard Of Trainees and Training

Irwin Mitchell’s latest retention figures for 2021 show that 52 out of 56 trainees are staying with the firm as newly-qualified (NQ) solicitors.

The firm has responded well to the challenges faced by Covid-19 switching marketing activity to digital engagement with clients and adopting a Flexible by Choice way of working. This is now also reflected in the latest figures representing a 93% retention rate, with four trainees only leaving due to NQ roles being unavailable in their preferred team.

The 52 newly qualified solicitors will work across Irwin Mitchell’s new Client Services Team covering business and personal clients.

The figures are three per cent up on 2020 and reflect another strong performance by the trainees and their supervisors alike and compare favourably with an industry average of 80%.

Marissa Sanders, Head of Early Careers at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Our latest retention rates represent an outstanding result, by our own very high standards and when compared with the industry average.

“I want to pay tribute to the quality of all our trainees this year, who have had to face the challenges posed by the pandemic while continuing to achieve outstanding results.

“The supervisors have also had their work cut out to offer the same levels of support trainees need and deserve, while working under the restrictions resulting from lockdown.

“Everyone can be proud of their achievements and we wish all our trainees well for their future careers. Our retention rates continue to be over 90% year on year and shows that Irwin Mitchell is among the best firms for NQ’s taking their important first steps in the legal profession.”

The news follows Irwin Mitchell announcing further support for all colleagues in the form of positive changes to its family leave policy. The firm was ranked among the top 15 best UK workplaces by the Great Place To Work Institute and the graduate training programme is recognised in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, The Guardian UK300 and TheJobCrowd Top 50 companies for graduates to work for.