Find out more about #LifeAtIM

• LinkedIn - follow or connect with our trainees, fee earners, and Early Careers team
• X - follow us for key dates and information about our recruitment campaign and the work we do
• Instagram - follow us for videos and information about our different teams, different locations, and different trainees within Irwin Mitchell
• See our upcoming events.

Find out what it's like to work here from colleagues across Irwin Mitchell.

Our responsible business pages show you how we work with the community and interact with our environment.

Learn more about our charity work.

Read our clients' testimonials on how we've supported them.

Find out more about our diversity networks on the Aspiring Solicitors' webpage.

Meet our Training Principal

Our Training Principal, Emma Rush, describes her #LifeAtIM.

How long have you worked at Irwin Mitchell?

17 years

What do you do at Irwin Mitchell?

I am the firm’s Training Principal and so responsible for the quality of training received by all of our trainees, as well as ensuring they meet all SRA regulatory requirements. I have has worked at Irwin Mitchell since qualifying in 2009, having completed my training contract at the firm. I specialises in medical negligence and represents patients who have suffered life changing injuries.

What skills do you need to be a good trainee solicitor?

Communication, organisation, pro-activeness, willing to give things a go.

Describe #LifeAtIM

Challenging (in a good way!), varied, rewarding and definitely somewhere to meet best friends for life.

What do you do in your spare time?

Cycling, walking in the countryside, music festivals.

Supporting our colleagues through diversity

Two of our former apprentices tell their stories of how #LifeAtIM's dedication to diversity helped them to thrive in the early days of their careers.

Sara Ahmed (Paralegal, Commercial, Leeds)

I joined Irwin Mitchell as a Paralegal Apprentice at just 18 years old and fresh out of sixth form! I completed my two-year apprenticeship in the Commercial team, and I have stayed on in the team as a Paralegal.

As someone who is of an ethnic minority and as a practicing Muslim, I was worried about how my colleagues would react to certain religious obligations and boundaries I have. However, my team have been incredibly understanding and respectful of my decisions, and they have always been willing to accommodate me where necessary!

Working at Irwin Mitchell is genuinely enjoyable and a lovely place to work, everyone is kind and welcoming. There is plenty to be getting involved in, whether that be various groups (such as IMRespect) or other networking/social events to get to know your colleagues across the firm.

My manager and team have supported me in my personal and career development throughout the time I have been at Irwin Mitchell. They are always happy to give me feedback on my work, to ensure I can continue to learn and improve.

My advice to candidates would be yourself, interviewers don’t just want to know about your skills and academic achievements – it is equally important for them to get to know you as a person. Also, always ask questions at the end of an interview!

Molly Cockcroft (CILEX Paralegal, Court of Protection, Leeds)

I got into the legal profession through my research into Legal apprenticeships after I left sixth form in 2021.

I have now successfully completed my Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship and will be progressing onto the Level 6/7 CILEX Apprenticeship shortly to continue my progression. I work in the Court of Protection department which means I support clients with brain injuries and how they manage their day to day lives.

This has provided me with a deeper insight into different injuries and conditions and has developed my understanding of the importance of inclusion and equality, both in day-to-day life and in the workplace.

Irwin Mitchell is most definitely an inclusive place to work, and I feel that this has a positive impact on teams as a whole as well as clients. Building a good relationship with your line manager and team is a key way to feel supported and empowered at work.

My advice to any prospective candidates is to be confident and honest about what support you may need and about how you feel. Colleagues and peers are here to listen and help.

Events

Some of you may have no connections in law, so feel there is no-one to ask about the recruitment process or #LifeAtIM. Some of our trainees found themselves in the same position and are happy to be contacted on LinkedIn to take questions about #LifeAtIM and some detail below what they did.

Nikeshia Brissett-Grant – Trainee in Leeds

"Applying for training contracts in a law firm can be a daunting, especially when you don’t know anyone that works in the field and are not sure whether you will be the “right fit”. To help with this process, I would encourage any aspiring lawyers to consider getting a mentor, take time to reach out to current employees, and consider other roles available within the firm."

Hannah Davies – Trainee in Bristol

“My first day in a law firm was the first day of my training contract. I didn’t have any legal connections or paralegal experience, so didn’t know what to expect from the application process. So, I made sure to do my research, reach out to people in the firm, and just be honest that this was all new to me. I found the firm to be really welcoming, understanding, and willing to answer any questions I had.”

Kate Marsh – Trainee in London

“I was the first member of my family to go to university and, even though I went to a Russell Group university, I didn’t understand how everyone else seemed to “know” what they were doing when it came to applying for training contracts. I felt like I was the only one who was clueless, which led to me feeling too embarrassed to ask questions and ultimately impacted my applications.

"I am so pleased to see that Irwin Mitchell offer a wealth of materials and learning opportunities for students and graduates to learn about the recruitment process, such as the Early Careers pages and in person and virtual”.

Leah Corbett – Trainee in Manchester

"I made the most of all the opportunities that university had to offer. I used my first year to attend law fairs and practise networking, to better understand the industry. In my second and third years, I got involved in pro bono legal clinics and advice services, which involved interviewing clients and drafting advice under supervision from paralegals and solicitors. I also applied to be part of the university’s mentor schemes, which connected students with practicing solicitors in Manchester.

"This was invaluable in understanding what law firms look for in candidates and the type of work I might be involved in day to day. I would encourage anyone in a similar position to do the same."

Other trainees who are happy to be contacted:

• Rachel Greig – Trainee in Southampton
• Victoria Crozier – Trainee in London
• Aaron Ford – Trainee in Birmingham
• Amber Tomlinson – Trainee in Newcastle.

View our upcoming events