The Legal 500

See the latest survey results from the 2012/13 edition of The Lex 100 - a student guide designed to show what working in a law firm is really like. For more information on the methodology of this survey please click here.

1. Survey results
2. The Lex 100 verdict
3. A Day in the life of
4. About the Firm
5. Facts & figures
6. APPLY NOW

For more information on this firm please click here

 

Web:  www.irwinmitchell.com/graduates 

Email: graduaterecruitment@irwinmitchell.com

 

Survey results

The lowdown (in their own words...)

The winners

Legal Business Awards 2012

Winner Lawyer of the year - Michael Napier QC. 

The Verdict

Irwin Mitchell has impressed its current trainees with its growth over the last decade as well as its 'fantastic' reputation. Well respected for its top-tier personal injury and clinical negligence practices, expect 'good quality' work and to interact with 'experienced people at partner and associate level'. The fact that the firm is 'unpretentious' and has a 'relaxed attitude' means that everyone is 'approachable' and there is always someone available to answer your questions. Expect to be given 'a lot of responsibility' and to be 'treated like a fee-earner from day one, helping out on million pound cases'. Current trainees feel that they 'always do work that they feel is contributing to the team and making a difference'. Recent experiences have included 'assisting in a million-pound settlement negotiation at a round-table meeting in London', 'a negotiation to settle a substantial PI claim' and 'appearing alone before a master at the Royal Courts of Justice in order to have an application approved'. Some feel that the training can, at times, be a bit 'limited' and a canteen would be very much appreciated. Other trainees feel that the remuneration package could also be improved. However, if you are looking for an 'ambitious' firm with a great ethos and where you will get the opportunity to do 'real legal work', then Irwin Mitchell is a strong contender.

 A day in the life of...

Joanne Witherington first-year trainee solicitor, Irwin Mitchell 
Departments to date:  Serious injury, medical law and patients' rights
University: University of Sheffield 
Degree: Law and Criminology, 2(1) 

8.30am:  I arrive in the office and check my diary, email and voicemail, and plan my day. I start catching up with one of the secretaries about a conference last week, when I notice a memo on my desk from my supervisor, Jenny. She reminds me about our appointment later today. I am currently working in the medical law and patients' rights team. Jenny asks that I prepare for the meeting as I will be interviewing the client. I will also need to take a detailed note.

8.45am:  I prepare for my meeting by reading the initial client form. I research medical terms I am unfamiliar with and think about the key elements of a clinical negligence claim. It becomes clear that I need additional information from the client and I plan which questions to ask.

9.30am:  I go along to our twice-weekly Star Chamber meeting. This is where we discuss new client enquiries and decide whether or not to accept a case. We have nine new enquiries and I have already spoken with three of the callers. I read out the information I have and a senior member of the team decides if we can assist. After an hour, we decide to accept four cases, turn down another four and get some further information about one.

10.30am:  I draft letters to the callers we cannot assist and review my diary again.

11.00am:  Reviewing emails. I see an email from a colleague reminding everyone about a charity dinner on Friday night. I also spot emails from some of the trainees about going out for drinks tomorrow.

12.30pm:  I meet up with my fellow trainees and take lunch. We talk about some of the cases we are working on and our next seats. I explain that I'll be in the Court of Protection team next and it dawns on me that I will be moving in just three weeks.

1.30pm:  The appointment I had is cancelled as the client is unwell. I decide to take this opportunity to clear some outstanding work. I begin working on an application to the Legal Services Commission seeking funding in a new case. I just get started when I get a call from a witness asking that we move our telephone appointment later in the week to this afternoon. I explain that I will gather my papers and call back in a few minutes. Fortunately, I had already prepared for the meeting. I talk to the witness, who is a client's wife. I take a detailed witness statement about the client's current situation and the care and support provided by his wife.

3.30pm:  I spend the rest of the day preparing for an inquest. I call the client to check that he knows the plan for the day. I call the barrister who will be representing the client and go through recent developments. I brush up on my knowledge of inquests and gather together the paperwork I need. I make sure I have enough copies of the press release I drafted yesterday in case any media show up. The barrister tells me today that he is not allowed to speak to the press so I'm pleased to have the release.

6.00pm:  I put on my out of office, change my voicemail and head home for the day. On the way back, I think about tomorrow and plan what to say if the media show up.