Group shot of Irwin Mitchell's trainees for 2023

Early Careers

Whether you’re a school leaver, a graduate or still studying, at Irwin Mitchell we offer a number of Early Careers programmes to kick-start your career.

By joining one of our Early Careers programmes at Irwin Mitchell, you’ll be guided by some of the top solicitors in the country. We are committed to providing world class development for every one of our colleagues. Whichever one of our offices you choose, you’ll get the best possible start for your career as you work with a wide range of our clients on critical cases, deals and projects.

We have clear growth plans which will keep us ahead of the competition with significant investment in our people, technology, and service delivery. But it’s our people who really set us apart.

By choosing to start your career at Irwin Mitchell, you could be beginning a rewarding and challenging journey right to the top of our firm.

Our Early Careers programmes

Our Early Careers programmes are integral to our future. We’ll guide you through your programme with hands-on training, guidance and mentoring. Trust and responsibility will be instilled in you from day one, and you’ll work on real cases with our clients to develop lifelong skills for your future. Sign up for our upcoming Irwin Mitchell events.

Listen to our previous sessions.

Legal work placements

Our Legal Work Placement scheme is a great way to get an insight into what life is really like at Irwin Mitchell.

Applications for placements in 2024 have now closed.

Training contracts

Join our flagship graduate scheme supporting you through to qualification as a Solicitor.

Applications for training contracts in 2025 have now closed.

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn and get a head start on your career with a recognised qualification.

Applications are now open.

Find out more about our apprenticeships by watching our latest webinar below:

Information for parents and teachers

Here, you can access useful resources to find out more about our apprenticeships to see how your child or students will develop.

Two professionals stood by Irwin Mitchell desk and smiling

Working at Irwin Mitchell

We understand that everyone’s situation is different. That’s why we take the time to understand our clients and what matters most to them.

Our strategic pillars guide us in everything we do: colleagues, clients and communities. Every day we strive to make a positive impact to each through living our values and DNA. We believe in equal opportunities for all and to value people for who they are and what they bring.

We’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where our people can flourish. We work with a diverse range of clients and communities, and we celebrate diversity amongst our colleagues too. We’re passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

Valuing our colleagues

We aim to provide a culture of openness and support for our colleagues' physical and mental wellbeing. We're committed to charters of Mindful Business, Mindful Employer and Suicide Prevention.

You’ll have regular conversations with your supervisor, but there are lots of other colleagues looking out for you too.

Our Early Careers Managers will support you through your apprenticeship or training contract and you’ll have scheduled catch-ups with them. We also have an Early Careers Regional Representative in each office. They’re experienced in caring for apprentices and trainees, particularly at times when you may feel overwhelmed.

Speak to us

Feeling comfortable in the firm you work for is extremely important. If you have any questions about working at Irwin Mitchell, please contact the colleagues listed below to ask any questions you may have. Each apprentice and trainee represents an aspect of our diversity or wellbeing groups, and they're happy to talk to you about how we work towards being a diverse and inclusive business.

IM Respect - Celebrates the different ethnicity, cultures and faiths of our colleagues. 95% of colleagues say they are treated fairly regardless of their race or ethnic origin.	Angelina.Vincent@irwinmitchell.com - Apprentice Sara.Ahmed@irwinmitchell.com - Apprentice Jasmine.Hunte@irwinmitchell.com - Solicitor Thiloka.Athulathmudali@irwinmitchell.com – Trainee Solicitor
IM Equal - Our diversity network group for LGBTQ+ and ally colleagues.	Daniel.Moreton@irwinmitchell.com – Solicitor
IM Powered - Looks at gender-related issues to build an inclusive organisation. 92% of colleagues say they are treated fairly regardless of gender.	Megan.OMeara@irwinmitchell.com – Apprentice Bella.Newton@irwinmitchell.com - Trainee Solicitor
IM Able - Champions issues relating to disability and long-term health conditions within the workplace.	Molly.Cockcroft@IrwinMitchell.com – Apprentice
IM Generations - Focuses on age and generational issues within the workplace.	Alice.Carney@irwinmitchell.com – Trainee Solicitor
IM Aspiring - Committed to social mobility within the legal profession.	Olivia.Brown@irwinmitchell.com – Apprentice Tiffany.Heppell@irwinmitchell.com – Solicitor
Wellbeing - Want to know more about how we support our colleague's wellbeing? Contact our Early Career wellbeing reps.	Charlise.Atkins@IrwinMitchell.com – Apprentice Harry.Maw@irwinmitchell.com – Trainee Solicitor

“An active LGBTQ+ staff network was an important part of my decision-making when it came to applying for training contracts. It’s important to me that I can be myself authentically at work, and engaged diversity groups such as IM Equal are a massive part of that.

Since starting my training I have also engaged with other diversity groups with which I don’t personally identify, but have been welcomed to as an ally. The groups are open to all those interested in working towards making Irwin Mitchell an inclusive and supportive place for all, and I’m looking forward to throwing myself into that ethos both in and beyond the space these groups create.” - Bronte Cook, Trainee Solicitor, Newcastle

Events

A great way to learn more about us is to attend one of our virtual events.

You'll hear from those currently on our Early Careers programmes, our Early Careers team and colleagues across all of our client service areas. You'll also be able to gain advice on how to make your application stand out, and what we're looking for when recruiting apprentices & trainees.

You can also submit questions before and during each event for our team to answer. We'll make recordings of each event available too if you can't make them.