Irwin Mitchell

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Irwin Mitchell

For trainees drawn to personal legal services, litigation and work with tangible human impact, Irwin Mitchell is hard to beat. Respondents were attracted by the chance to specialise in medical negligence and personal injury, the firm’s ‘great private client law offering’ and its litigation reputation. IM’s footprint is another pull, as it offers training contracts in 16 of its UK offices. Several trainees liked that the firm was ‘local to me’ while still offering work on a national scale.

The culture is repeatedly praised. Trainees describe colleagues as ‘genuinely nice and normal’, say ‘everyone is approachable and helpful’, and appreciate that ‘work-life balance is encouraged’. Senior lawyers are accessible too, with one respondent noting that ‘it is just as easy to engage in general chat with the partners as it is with other trainees’.

The work itself is another strength. Trainees enjoy ‘exposure to high-quality, high-value work’, meaningful client contact and responsibility. All in all, it’s ‘a great way to learn’. Standout moments include ‘leading my own client meetings’, ‘attending mediations with King’s Counsel’, receiving ‘amazing client feedback at the end of a hard-won case’ and ‘working to achieve settlements that will change client lives for the better’.

At Irwin Mitchell, trainees study for the SQE alongside the training contract. Some respondents feel that ‘study days are not respected’ and begrudge having to dedicate evenings and weekends to revision. Seat moves can also prove a challenge because ‘everyone works so differently’ and each rotation brings ‘a steep learning curve’.

On improvements, remuneration dominates: calls to ‘increase salary’ and ‘match competitors pay’ were not uncommon. Others want better benefits, more realistic chargeable-hour targets, ‘more transparency in relation to career growth opportunities and salaries’ and upgraded technology.

For aspiring lawyers who value purpose as much as prestige, Irwin Mitchell offers meaningful work, early responsibility and a supportive national platform.

A day in the life of... Alice Power, 2nd year trainee

Departments to date: Seat 1 - Corporate, Seat 2 - Employment, Seat 3 - Banking

University: The University of Sheffield University of Law

Degree: BA Hons Politics and International Relations and MA Law, SQE1 and SQE2

8:15am – Morning Coffee and Tribunal Preparation

I leave my flat and headed into Manchester city centre to meet my supervisor at a nearby Costa Coffee before a Preliminary Hearing in the Employment Tribunal. We use the time to discuss the case, run through the key issues likely to arise during the hearing and make sure we’re fully prepared for the morning ahead. It was a great opportunity to learn from my supervisor’s experience and gain insight into hearing strategy.

8:50am – Walk to Manchester Employment Tribunal

We make the short walk over to Manchester Employment Tribunal. One of the things I enjoy about my employment seat is the opportunity to attend the hearings and see first hand how cases progress through the tribunal process. As many hearings now take place remotely, attending an in-person hearing is becoming less common, so I was particularly excited to have the opportunity to observe the tribunal process in person.

9:00am – Arrive at Tribunal

After going through security, we head to the Respondent’s room and spend some time reviewing the bundle and discussing any last-minute points before the hearing begins. It’s always interesting to observe the preparation that takes place immediately before a tribunal hearing.

9:50am – Discussion with the Clerk

Before the hearing starts, we speak with the tribunal clerk regarding the arrangements for the morning. Attending hearings has helped me develop a much better understanding of tribunal procedure and the practical aspects of litigation.

10:15am – Preliminary Hearing

The preliminary hearing gets underway. I take detailed notes throughout and observe how the Employment Judge manages the case and addresses the issues in dispute. These experiences are invaluable as a trainee, helping to bring to life the legal principles that I work with day-to-day.

11:00am – Walk to the Office

Once the hearing concludes, we make our way back to the Manchester office. I take the opportunity to reflect on the hearing and discuss some of the key points with my supervisor.

11:20am – Catching up and prioritising tasks

As I haven’t been at my desk all morning, I start by reviewing my emails and Microsoft Teams messages to identify any urgent matters requiring attention. An urgent Employment Tribunal claim had come in and there is a court deadline approaching, so I am asked to assist with drafting the client’s ET1 claim form and Particulars of Complaint.

11:40am – Discussion with supervisor

I sit down with my supervisor to discuss the urgent Employment Tribunal claim. We talk through the factual background, identify the key legal issues and consider how best to present the client’s case within the ET1 and Particulars of Complaint. These face-to-face discussions are a valuable part of my training, giving me the opportunity to ask questions, develop my understanding of employment law and gain practical insight into the strategic decisions that shape a case from the outset.

12:00pm – Irwin Mitchell Futures Committee Meeting

I join a call with the Irwin Mitchell Futures Committee, an internal networking group that I sit on. We’re busy planning our summer social event, which aims to bring together junior professional across Manchester, including those working in corporate finance, accounting, tax advisory, banking and private client services. It’s a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with professionals from a variety of industries and build lasting connections.

12:30pm – Lunch break

I grab lunch with some of the other trainees before heading out for a short walk in the sunshine. It’s always good to catch up with colleagues from different teams and hear about the varied work they’re involved in across the firm.

1:30pm – Drafting the ET1 and Particulars of Complaint

Back at my desk, I begin drafting the ET1 and Particulars of Complaint. I review the documents and information provided by the client, identify the key factual allegations and ensure the claim is clearly set out ahead of the tribunal deadline. Drafting tribunal documents gives me valuable experience in translating complex factual situations into concise legal arguments.

3:30pm – Legal Helpline Client call

I join a call with a client who has contacted our legal helpline after recently being made redundant. The client is looking for advice on their options and whether they may have potential claims arising from the termination of their employment. I listen to their concerns, take detailed noted and discuss the matter further with the team following the call.

4:30pm – Settlement Agreement meeting

I sit in on a settlement agreement meeting with one of the solicitors in the team. I take a detailed attendance note and observe how advice is delivered to the client in a clear and practical way. Attending client meetings like this is a great way to develop my understanding of both employment law and effective client communication.

5:15pm – End-of-Day wrap up

Before finishing for the day, I review my inbox, update my task list and flag any important actions for the following day. I also check my calendar to prepare for upcoming meetings and deadlines. Taking a few minutes to plan ahead helps me stay organised and ensures I can hit the ground running the next morning.

 

About the firm

The firm: Irwin Mitchell is one of the UK’s largest full-service law firms with offices in over 18 locations across the UK and can offer you an amazing start in your legal career.

As the leading personal injury and medical negligence practice in the UK, we are supported by a national public law team and the UK’s leading Court of Protection practice.

Our private client offering specialises in family, private client advisory and dispute resolution.

Our business teams are composed of 350 established experts, enabling us to collaborate with a diverse clientele on a national and regional level including corporate, litigation, commercial, real estate, and employment, across a variety of industry sectors such as media, retail, manufacturing, and education.  The business teams take on around 10-12 trainees each year.

The clients: Individuals, high-net worth entrpreneurs, panel for high-street banks, further education colleges.

The deals: Corporate – The corporate team advised Risk Capital Partners on its acquisition of leading Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca. The deal sees the hospitality-focused investor acquire one of the UK’s best-known restaurant brands, positioning the business for its next phase of growth and expansion. 1

The corporate team advised PXN Ventures on a £3 million investment into Rightbrain AI, a Newcastle-based technology company helping service firms adopt artificial intelligence. The investment will support the continued development of the platform and expansion of the business across the UK and internationally.

Real Estate / Property – The Real Estate team advised Millwall Football Club on landmark lease agreements with Lewisham Council, securing a new 999-year lease across The Den and surrounding land. The transaction provides long-term certainty for the club, supports future development plans, and creates a platform for the wider regeneration of Bermondsey.

Banking & Finance – The Banking & Finance team advised Sheffield-based manufacturer Gripple on a multi-jurisdictional refinancing with HSBC. The transaction will support the continued international growth of the employee-owned business, which employs more than 950 people globally and exports to over 80 countries.

Restructuring & Insolvency – The Restructuring & Insolvency team advised on the sale of the business and assets of Kin Series Holding Ltd and Bron Releasing UK, relating to the Kin television series, to LPF Kin Holdings UK Ltd.

Medical negligence lawyers are supporting families affected by maternity care failings at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The cases form part of wider concerns regarding maternity services in Leeds, following reports that a number of baby and maternal deaths may have been preventable.

Abuse lawyers were instructed by a woman who was sexually assaulted in her Travelodge hotel room after a man was wrongly provided with a keycard to her room.

Serious Injury – The serious injury team is acting for more than a dozen passengers injured in the Bedford train crash, helping them access rehabilitation, treatment and interim support following the collision.

The serious injury team was instructed by a group of Liverpool FC fans injured during the club’s Premier League trophy parade after a vehicle was driven into crowds in Liverpool city centre.

International Serious Injury – Lawyers are investigating claims on behalf of 56 British holidaymakers who fell seriously ill after staying at the Riu Karamboa resort in Cape Verde.

Family Law / Divorce – Family lawyers successfully represented a mother in a High Court appeal after a reduction in maintenance payments was ruled unfair.

Managing partner: Craig Marshall

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

Who we are: Irwin Mitchell is one of the UK’s largest full-service law firms, providing expert legal advice for people and businesses at life’s important moments.

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: Trainees need to be flexible in their approach to everything, be resilient to change, and have a drive to solve problems.

What you’ll do: As a trainee you will work on challenging and complex tasks with a wide range of our clients on critical cases, deals and projects. Our training approach allows trainees to specialise in legal services for individuals or business and gain knowledge and skills across complementary areas of law.

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

If your application is successful (and you haven’t already completed the LPC), we will meet all the fees associated with your SQE and, if applicable, your PGDL if you have not started or completed your studies when offered a training contract.

Seat options

Birmingham

• BSG – Commercial
• BSG – Commercial Dispute Resolution
• BSG – Employment
• BSG – Restructuring & Insolvency

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Brighton 

• BSG – Commercial Dispute Resolution
• BSG – Corporate
• BSG – Employment
• BSG – Real Estate
• BSG – Restructuring & Insolvency

• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Private Client

 Bristol 

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Cambridge 

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Cardiff 

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Public
• LSI – Serious Injury

Chichester 

• LSI – Family
• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution

 Gatwick 

• BSG – Commercial Dispute Resolution
• BSG – Construction
• BSG – LSB – Corporate
• BSG – LSB – Planning & Environmental
• BSG – LSB – Real Estate
• BSG – LSB – Restructuring & Insolvency

• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution Wills, Trust & Estate Disputes
• LSI – Public Law

Leeds 

• BSG – Banking & Finance
• BSG – Commercial
• BSG – Commercial Dispute Resolution
• BSG – Corporate
• BSG -Employment
• BSG – Planning & Environmental
• BSG -Pensions
• BSG – Real Estate
• BSG – Restructuring & Insolvency

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Liverpool 

• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Public
• LSI – Serious Injury

London 

• BSG – Banking & Finance
• BSG -Commercial
• BSG – Commercial Dispute Resolution
• BSG – Construction
• BSG – Corporate
• BSG – Employment
• BSG – Intellectual Property
• BSG – Pensions
• BSG – Real Estate
• BSG – Real Estate Disputes
• BSG – Regulatory & Compliance Group
• BSG – Restructuring & Insolvency

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Manchester 

• BSG – Banking & Finance
• BSG – Commercial Dispute Resolution
• BSG – Construction
• BSG – Corporate
• BSG – Employment
• BSG – Planning & Environmental
• BSG – Real Estate
• BSG – Real Estate Disputes

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Newcastle 

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Nottingham 

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Serious Injury

Reading 

• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution

Sheffield 

• BSG – Employment
• BSG – Real Estate
• BSG – Real Estate Disputes
• BSG – Regulatory & Compliance Group
• BSG – Restructuring & Insolvency
• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Private Client Advisory
• LSI – Private Client Dispute Resolution
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Southampton

• LSI – Asbestos & Occupational Disease
• LSI – Court of Protection
• LSI – Family Law
• LSI – Medical Negligence
• LSI – Public Law
• LSI – Serious Injury

Tips from the recruiter

• Recognised as one of the UK’s largest full-service law firms covering individual and business clients.
• The leading personal injury and medical negligence practice in the UK.
• Recognised as the number one superbrand in the legal sector.
• Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in the “Very Big” organisation category

Diversity and Inclusion