Frequently Asked Questions

Training Contracts

• Can I amend my application once it has been submitted?

  You can update your personal details through logging into your application homepage, and clicking on 'My Details' before 'Edit Details'. However, you can't amend your application once it's been submitted – so please make sure you check your application carefully.

• Can I update my email address once I have applied?

  Unfortunately not – you'll need to email us at earlycareers@irwinmitchell.com and we'll do this for you. Please avoid using your university email address if you're graduating this year or finishing your LPC, as it may be closed down before the recruitment process finishes.

• Can I defer my training contract start date?

  As a general principle, we do not defer training contract start dates.

• Do you accept applications from non-law graduates?

  We welcome applications from all kinds of graduates and undergraduates, not just those who have studied law.

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• Does the firm have any preference regarding the institution that a candidate studies their GDL and/or LPC?

  We're currently partnered with the University of Law and University of Sheffield to deliver the GDL and LPC to our future trainees. All future trainees will study their GDL and/or their LPC at either of these institutions, if they've not already started or completed their course when they're offered a training contract. If you've already signed up to another provider, the Early Careers team can discuss this with you.

• Does the firm pay GDL/LPC fees?

  If your application is successful, we'll meet all the fees associated with your LPC and, if applicable, your GDL if you've not already started your course when offered a training contract. We don’t pay fees retrospectively. We also provide a maintenance grant of £4,500 to help you through your studies.

• How does the seat rotation work?

  During your training contract you will undertake three ‘training’ seats and one ‘qualification’ seat. The fourth and final seat will most likely be in the department that you, and we, expect you to qualify into.

• How many trainees do you seek to retain on qualification?

  Trainees are an investment for the future. Over the last five years we have consistently offered qualification roles to more than 80% of our trainees.

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• How many training contract vacancies do you have?

  This year we have approximately 45 vacancies across the 11 locations where we currently offer training contracts. These are: Birmingham, Bristol (PLS only), Cambridge (PLS only), Chichester (PLS only), Gatwick (BLS only) Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle (PLS only), Sheffield and Southampton.

• What locations are training contracts available at?

  You can do a training contract or Legal Work Placement at one of 11 UK locations:
  
  • Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Sheffield, Southampton (PLS and BLS)
  • Bristol, Cambridge, Chichester, Newcastle (PLS only)
  • Gatwick (BLS only).

• If unsuccessful can I apply again next year?

  Yes, we are happy to receive applications from previous applicants.

• Is it possible to choose which seats I do?

  We will discuss your preference with you and try to meet any requests. However, the exact number of seats available at any given time is driven by the needs of the business and our focus in placing trainees is on where there are likely to be roles on qualification.

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• Is there an age limit for applications?

  Absolutely not! We encourage applications from graduates and undergraduates of all ages.

• What are the firm's minimum academic requirements?

  We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate a range of skills. Academic ability is one indicator of potential success, but we 'blind-screen' your application to give everyone the same chance. This means we don't see your academic results or the university you attended when screening your application. At Irwin Mitchell, we believe in the diversity of our business. It's because of this that we consider applications from candidates who may not have strong A-Levels or a 2:1 degree or above, but are still able to show exceptional skills and capabilities.

• What are the stages of the application process?

  The process begins with an application form. If you're successful at this stage, we'll invite you to complete a video interview. If you continue to impress us, you'll then be invited to an assessment centre at one of our offices – which is the final stage if you're applying via the training contract only route. If you opt for the Legal Work Placement route, you'll spend two weeks working for us in either June or July, where you can get to know us better, show us how great you are and demonstrate why you should be given a training contract.

• What is the closing date for training contract applications?

  The closing date for 2022 training contract only applications is 30 June 2020.

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• What is the trainee solicitor salary?

  
  First year salary
  
  Regional £26,500
  
  London £38,000
  
  Second year salary
  
  Regional £28,500
  
  London £40,000
  

• What skills do I need to apply?

  We look for creative thinkers, innovators and people with ambition, focus and determination. You will also need to be meticulous, with a good eye for detail and have the ability to build strong relationships with your colleagues and clients.

• When and where will the assessment centres take place?

  All assessment centres are held in the office you've applied to join. Assessment centres for the Legal Work Placement will take place in March 2020, and training contract assessment centres will take place in September 2020.

• Which office will I be working in if I am successful?

  As part of your application, you'll choose which office you'd like to be based in. Please note, we don't accept multiple applications specifying different offices – you must choose your office and apply for that one.

Legal Work Placements

• Do you offer Legal Work Placements?

  Yes, we run a Legal Work Placement programme every summer in each office, to give prospective trainees a really good insight into what it’s like to work here and life as a solicitor. If you are looking to join us, we would recommend that you undertake a work placement with us, as a high number of training contracts are offered through this route.
  

• How many places do you offer for the Legal Work Placement?

  There are approximately 60 placements available each year across the eleven offices where we currently offer Legal Work Placements and training contracts.

• What is the closing date for work placement applications?

  Applications for the 2020 Legal Work Placement will open on 1 November 2019 and close on 12 January 2020.

• What skills do I need to apply?

  We look for creative thinkers, innovators and people with ambition, focus and determination. You will also need to be meticulous, with a good eye for detail and have the ability to build strong relationships with your colleagues and clients.

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• When does the Legal Work Placement run?

  We run two placements through June and July each year. Each placement lasts two weeks and consists of two separate seat rotations. They run from 15-26 June and 29 June -10 July 2020. We don't accommodate placements outside of these dates.

• Can I apply for a training contract if I am unsuccessful in gaining a Legal Work Placement?

  No. When you apply for a Legal Work Placement, your application is also submitted for a training contract. These are both assessed in the same way, and we only permit candidates to apply once during one academic year.

• Do you offer work placements for college or sixth form students?

  Our work experience programme is only available to students who are in at least the second year of their degree, as it is geared to them applying for a training contract with us. We do not have a structured programme for younger students and are unable to accommodate requests for informal work experience.

• Who can apply for a Legal Work Placement?

  The Legal Work Placement is open to graduates, and undergraduates who are in at least their penultimate year of a law degree, or their final year of a non-law degree.

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• Will I be paid during my work placement?

  You'll receive our Living Wage rate for the two weeks you're with us.

General

• Do we have a brochure to download?

  Yes, you can find our digital brochure here which contains all the content from our website. It also includes information on our DNA, quotes from current trainees, office case studies and more on what we can do for you professionally and personally.

• Can I submit a CV and covering letter?

  To apply for either a Legal Work Placement or a training contract, you must complete our online application form. Alternative formats are available. If you require one of these, please contact earlycareers@irwinmitchell.com.

• Does Irwin Mitchell organise social events?

  Yes, each office has regular social events, which often raise money for charity as well as giving you the chance to socialise with your colleagues.

• Does the firm do anything with local charities and the community?

  Lots - each office has excellent relationships with local charities and we give both time and money in support of nominated organisations. The Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation is an independent registered charity that each year receives a lump sum donation from the partners and regular contributions from employees via the Give As You Earn scheme (GAYE).
  Each office also has a charity of the year that benefits from 12 months of our fundraising efforts. As a trainee you'll have the opportunity (and be encouraged) to get involved in the community and help local charities.

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• How do I apply for paralegal opportunities?

  To apply for a paralegal position, or to see other career opportunities at Irwin Mitchell, you can view and apply for our Current Vacancies on the Irwin Mitchell website. Please note: we are unable to accept speculative CVs and covering letters.
  

• How do I contact the Early Careers team at Irwin Mitchell?

  Please email earlycareers@irwinmitchell.com

• I have a disability and require the application form in an alternative format, can you provide this?

  Yes, we will provide the application form in alternative formats. Please contact us at earlycareers@irwinmitchell.com with details of the alternative format required and a member of our team will get back to you.

• Is the firm involved in pro bono work?

  Pro bono is a core part of our social responsibility programme with many of our lawyers getting involved in local law clinics and law schools around the country. We work closely with organisations such as LawWorks and Business in the Community to ensure that we play a part in meeting unmet legal need in the communities in which we live and work.

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• My degree is not from an English institution, what should I do?

  Please refer to the Solicitors Regulation Authority where you will be able to find out more information about what steps you are required to take in order to qualify as an English solicitor.

• What should I do if I require reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process because of my disability?

  We're happy to accommodate any reasonable adjustments that you require due to a disability. Please email us at earlycareers@irwinmitchell.com to discuss in more detail.

• Can international students apply?

  We welcome applications from all eligible candidates regardless of background and have a sponsor licence as a UK employer of non-EEA nationals who have a tier 2 visa.