Find out more about #LifeAtIM

• LinkedIn - follow or connect with our trainees, fee earners, and Early Careers team
• X - follow us for key dates and information about our recruitment campaign and the work we do
• Instagram - follow us for videos and information about our different teams, different locations, and different trainees within Irwin Mitchell
• See our upcoming events.

Find out what it's like to work here from colleagues across Irwin Mitchell.

Our responsible business pages show you how we work with the community and interact with our environment.

Learn more about our charity work.

Read our clients' testimonials on how we've supported them.

Find out more about our diversity networks on the Aspiring Solicitors' webpage.

Meet our Training Principal

Our Training Principal, Emma Rush, describes her #LifeAtIM.

How long have you worked at Irwin Mitchell?

18 years

What do you do at Irwin Mitchell?

I am the firm’s Training Principal and so responsible for the quality of training received by all of our trainees, as well as making sure they meet all SRA regulatory requirements. I have has worked at Irwin Mitchell since qualifying in 2009, having completed my training contract at the firm. I specialise in medical negligence and represents patients who have suffered life changing injuries.

What skills do you need to be a good trainee solicitor?

Communication, organisation, pro-activeness, willing to give things a go.

Describe #LifeAtIM

Challenging (in a good way!), varied, rewarding and definitely somewhere to meet best friends for life.

What do you do in your spare time?

Cycling, walking in the countryside, music festivals.

Supporting our colleagues through diversity

A current Solicitor Apprentice and 1st year Trainee tell their stories of how #LifeAtIM's dedication to diversity helped them to thrive in their careers.

Sara Ahmed (Paralegal, Commercial, Leeds)

I joined Irwin Mitchell as a Paralegal Apprentice at just 18 years old and fresh out of sixth form! I completed my two-year apprenticeship in the Commercial team, and I have stayed on in the team as a Paralegal.

As someone who is of an ethnic minority and as a practicing Muslim, I was worried about how my colleagues would react to certain religious obligations and boundaries I have. However, my team have been incredibly understanding and respectful of my decisions, and they have always been willing to accommodate me where necessary!

Working at Irwin Mitchell is genuinely enjoyable and a lovely place to work, everyone is kind and welcoming. There is plenty to be getting involved in, whether that be various groups (such as IMRespect) or other networking/social events to get to know your colleagues across the firm.

My manager and team have supported me in my personal and career development throughout the time I have been at Irwin Mitchell. They are always happy to give me feedback on my work, to ensure I can continue to learn and improve.

My advice to candidates would be yourself, interviewers don’t just want to know about your skills and academic achievements – it is equally important for them to get to know you as a person. Also, always ask questions at the end of an interview!

Blake Pidcock (Trainee Solicitor, Medical Negligence, Sheffield)

I joined Irwin Mitchell as a Paralegal on the Legal Helpline at the age of 22, fresh out of university, and spent three years in the role. It was an excellent introduction to the legal profession, giving me the chance to support people through a wide variety of legal issues and develop skills that I will carry forward in my career.

During this time, I also went through some of the most difficult personal challenges of my life, losing both my mum and younger brother within just a few months of each other during the pandemic. Despite this, I never once felt alone at work. Irwin Mitchell supported me with understanding and flexibility, whether that was time off to care for my mum, compassionate leave, or simply knowing I had a team who valued my wellbeing.

After this period, I became a member of the management team on the Legal Helpline before recently securing a training contract with the firm. This progression has shown me that Irwin Mitchell truly values and invests in its people, recognising talent and supporting long-term development.

Irwin Mitchell is exactly what it promises to be: an approachable, caring employer that truly supports its people.

My advice to prospective candidates is to be your genuine self. Confidence and authenticity go a long way, and Irwin Mitchell is a place where you can bring both to your career.

Events

Some of you may have no connections in law, so feel there is no-one to ask about the recruitment process or #LifeAtIM. Some of our trainees who recently qualified found themselves in the same position and are happy to be contacted on LinkedIn to take questions about #LifeAtIM and some detail below what they did to help themselves.

Nikeshia Brissett-Grant – Newly Qualified Solicitor (August 2025) in Leeds (Medical Negligence)

"Applying for training contracts in a law firm can be a daunting, especially when you don’t know anyone that works in the field and are not sure whether you will be the “right fit”. To help with this process, I would encourage any aspiring lawyers to consider getting a mentor, take time to reach out to current employees, and consider other roles available within the firm."

Hannah Davies – Newly Qualified Solicitor (August 2025) in Bristol (Court of Protection)

“My first day in a law firm was the first day of my training contract. I didn’t have any legal connections or paralegal experience, so didn’t know what to expect from the application process. So, I made sure to do my research, reach out to people in the firm, and just be honest that this was all new to me. I found the firm to be really welcoming, understanding, and willing to answer any questions I had.” 

Leah Corbett – Newly Qualified Solicitor (August 2025) in Manchester (Employment)

"I made the most of all the opportunities that university had to offer. I used my first year to attend law fairs and practise networking, to better understand the industry. In my second and third years, I got involved in pro bono legal clinics and advice services, which involved interviewing clients and drafting advice under supervision from paralegals and solicitors. I also applied to be part of the university’s mentor schemes, which connected students with practicing solicitors in Manchester.

"This was invaluable in understanding what law firms look for in candidates and the type of work I might be involved in day to day. I would encourage anyone in a similar position to do the same."

Other trainees who are happy to be contacted:

• Rachel Greig – Newly Qualified Solicitor (March 2025) in Southampton (Medical Negligence)
• Victoria Crozier – Newly Qualified Solicitor (August 2025) in London (Construction)
• Aaron Ford – Newly Qualified Solicitor (August 2025) in Birmingham (Private Client Advisory)
• Amber Tomlinson – Newly Qualified Solicitor (August 2025) in Newcastle (Serious Injury).

View our upcoming events