Irwin Mitchell

Interview with an apprentice... Monique Nhliziyo, Solicitor Apprentice

Departments to date: Public Law, Southampton

I chose the solicitor apprenticeship because I wanted to gain hands-on legal experience while working towards my degree and qualification. The chance to combine work and study felt like the best of both worlds, and three years in, I know I made the right decision.

The apprenticeship has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve learnt so much- not just about the law, but also about communication, teamwork, and developing confidence. Balancing client work and academic study can be tough at times, but I’ve found that having a clear routine and keeping in touch with colleagues about my workload makes it manageable. The support of my team has been invaluable in helping me grow.

My week usually runs Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Mondays are our teams work-from-home day, while Thursdays are when the whole team comes together in the office. Fridays are my dedicated study day, and I treat it like a normal working day to stay productive and focused.

Since the very beginning, I have been part of the Public Law and Human Rights department and have had the chance to move across several of its sub-departments. I am currently working within the Civil Liberties and Court of Protection teams, where no two days are ever the same. In Civil Liberties, my work often involves preparing for and attending client meetings, attending inquest hearings, reviewing third party disclosure and medical records, and liaising with defendants. Alongside this, my Court of Protection cases sees me drafting directions orders, instructions to counsel, and advice for clients, all of which help ensure vulnerable individuals’ interests are properly represented. Over time, as I’ve gained experience in Court of Protection work, I’ve found myself trusted with more responsibility; I now manage elements of cases with only light-touch supervision, which has been a real confidence boost and a rewarding step in my development.

Outside of work and study, I think it’s important to make time for family and friends. Planning things in advance- whether that’s a weekend away or dinner after work- helps me maintain balance and keeps me motivated and I also enjoy getting involved in internal IM activities too as it gives me a chance to meet people outside my team.

Looking back, the apprenticeship has given me incredible opportunities to learn, develop and gain confidence, and I’m excited to continue the journey towards qualification.

About the firm

Managing partner: Craig Marshall

Other offices: Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Chichester, Gatwick, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton.

Who we are: Irwin Mitchell are legal and financial experts that care – whether it’s individual or business clients. Founded in 1912, we’ve grown from a small building in Sheffield to being recognised as one of the UK’s largest full-service law firms. We have offices in over 18 locations across the UK and with over 3,000 staff and a variety of legal services, we’ve supported one million clients to date. Our vast experience and knowledge are complemented by our dedicated approach to client care.

What we do: We work with individual and business clients and take the time to understand what matters most to them to deliver exceptional outcomes.

What we’re looking for in an apprentice: Someone who is hard working and resilient to cope with working and studying at the same time. Someone who is passionate about helping our clients given the myriad of situations they may find themselves in. Also, someone whose own values align neatly with those of Irwin Mitchell.

What you’ll do: As an apprentice, you will usually be part of a specific business area where you will work with and support qualified solicitors working with a wide range of our clients on critical cases, deals and projects. Dependent upon the specific apprenticeship programme you will be enhancing your skills, knowledge and your behavior to be deemed fully competent to pass your apprenticeship and hopefully progress within Irwin Mitchell.

Perks: 25 days’ holiday and buying scheme, health plan, recognition scheme, two volunteering days a year, sports team sponsorship, season ticket loan, contributory pension scheme, death in service cover, critical illness cover.

Sponsorship

We support solicitor apprentices with the full cost of the LLB law degree and full costs for sitting SQE 1 and SQE 2 to become a fully qualified solicitor.

Seat options

We have a wide range of personal and business legal departments. Exact department options will be listed on our website when we open roles in January 2026.