Irwin Mitchell Provide Winner With Work Placement

Expert solicitors at law firm Irwin Mitchell laid down a legal gauntlet for students at Thomas Rotherham College in the form of a law competition, which saw the successful candidate, win a work experience placement.

Following the success of the previous two competitions at the college, this year’s challenge saw second year BTEC and A2 law students being asked to produce a newspaper report on the law relating to murder and voluntary manslaughter, an evaluation of the law relating to non-fatal offences, or the 'right to die' debate.   

Judging the students’ efforts was Mark Allen, an Associate Director in the workplace illness team, Sinead Hayes a solicitor and former student at Thomas Rotherham College, and Marie Clare, a tutor who specialises in Law at Thomas Rotherham College. 

After several outstanding presentations Kavina Lowry was named the winner after demonstrating exceptional research skills and attention to detail.

She has now been invited to complete a week-long work placement at Irwin Mitchell where she will get experience in the firm’s business and personal legal services.

Runner up, Luke Gray, also impressed the judges by and received £50 in vouchers.

The 18-year-old winner, said: “The task for the competition was daunting because it isn’t something that we’ve covered in our course so far. I’m not used to writing about legal matters in a news style and it was a real challenge to keep such an extensive and complicated topic concise and within the word limit.

“Having to work outside our comfort zones was challenging but I learned a lot from the process and it confirmed even more that a career in law is what I want in life.”

On March 3^rd Mark Allen and Sinead Hayes attended the school to hear presentations from the students about their entries and to offer students helpful advice and tips on different routes into law. 

Former student Ellie Taylor was also on hand to speak to students after winning the competition last year.

Since completing her week of work experience Ellie went on to successfully secure a Paralegal role, at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield offices, in the Motor department.

Expert Opinion

“Taking part in the competition was one of the best things I ever did. I never expected to win or for my work experience placement to lead on to me getting a full time position, and invaluable experience as a Paralegal.

“I hope the current students will be able to look at me and realise just how beneficial it can be to accept these types of challenges. It’s a great opportunity to get a taste of what life is like working in the legal sector and make some fantastic contacts.” Ellie Taylor - Paralegal

Law teacher, Marie Clare, from Thomas Rotherham College, said: “This competition has been popular with students since we first launched it three years ago. It offers our law students the chance to do something slightly different from their normal course work and gives them a chance to gain invaluable experience of working for a law firm. We are extremely pleased with the continued sponsorship by such a prestigious law firm as Irwin Mitchell.

“We were delighted when last year’s winner, Ellie Taylor, was subsequently offered a permanent post by Irwin Mitchell.

 “It’s been lovely to have Ellie back for the day especially as the current students have been able to witness first-hand  how she has progressed from sixth form and is continuing to build the foundations of her career in law.”

For more information about starting a career in law please visit our paralegal apprenticeship programme.