Paralegal Apprentice Review

by Irwin Mitchell

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

10/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Every day is mixed, I will be document drafting/reviewing. Setting up and answering enquiry calls. There will be networking events to attend and frequent meeting with the team and department. I am also on hand to help with Clinic work as well as pro-bono opportunities.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes, my written and oral communication has drastically improved. I have also become much more confident speaking to people outside of my team and the firm too. Multi-tasking has been made easier by incorporating a frequently check-on task-list too.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have really enjoyed the programme so far, perhaps more so than I previously thought possible. I had undertaken an apprenticeship in an area of law that I did not know much about and have thrived in it.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It is well structured, with allocated study days and meetings with my Skills coach and apprenticeship manager. - I am able to balance work and study well.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

As much as I need, I tend to try and tackle issues independently but can definitely rely on my team to support where necessary.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Lots of support, I have bi-annual progress meeting with my skills coach and additional ones if requested. They really help me to stay on track with my portfolio etc.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The modules I study are not directly linked to the team I am in (Immigration), but Public Law and Contract Law (studied so far) can be incorporated. A great deal of my learning comes from on-the-job experience.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I am part of the football team and occasionally the netball team. There are also frequent networking events that I can be a part of.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Irwin Mitchell to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is a very inclusive firm to work for and being the largest full-service law firm in the country, it has an area of interest for everyone.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Irwin Mitchell?

To be themselves, do their research on the firm and really focus on communicating their previous experience/transferable skills. The firm wants to know what you have done more than what you have learnt.