Irwin Mitchell Hosts Northern Heats Of National Competition

National law firm Irwin Mitchell is showing its support to the next generation of lawyers by hosting the northern heats of the Client Interviewing Competition of England and Wales, where dozens of undergraduates battle it out for the title and the chance to enter the international competition where they will compete against teams from over twenty countries.

The competition is an annual event which focuses on the invaluable skills of interviewing and counselling. Law students will work in teams of two to interview and advise a client on a legal problem, giving them a chance to showcase their communication skills and legal knowledge.

This year marks the 30th year of the Client Interviewing Competition and the long-established law school skills event will see thirty universities competing for a chance to represent their country in the International Client Consultation Competition, which is being held in April in Puerto Rico.

Irwin Mitchell is hosting the Northern regional heats of the competition on Saturday 25 January at its Sheffield Office, as well as providing their own trainees to act as clients for the competitors. On the same day, there will be regional heats in London and Cardiff.

Laura Ralfe, a specialist medical lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this event by hosting the Northern regional heats and to be able to support the next generation of lawyers in the UK.

“Our clients are at the centre of our business and client interviewing skills are essential to allow us to investigate our cases accurately and to achieve fantastic results for our clients.”

Julie Price, Co-chair of the Client Interviewing Competition, said: “We are so pleased to have Irwin Mitchell on board to help us host our annual event. It is hard to believe that we are now in our 30th year and we are looking forward to seeing what talented young lawyers will be entering into the regional heats this year.”

The team members who ultimately win the National Final in March will receive prizes of £250 each and the winning law school receives £1,000 from the Law Society of England & Wales.