Chartered Legal Executive Review

I work as a personal injury lawyer and my role is to get compensation for those who are seriously injured. I obtain evidence from medical experts and present my client's losses based on the evidence they provide. I also take detailed instructions, and witness statements, from my clients on a daily basis.

I have become a lot more confident generally and a lot more confident when speaking to new people. I often have to have difficult conversations with clients when explaining their case to me and I feel a lot more comfortable doing this now. I also feel my writing style has improved over the years as I draft more legal documents.

I completed my programme in August 2023 and I really enjoyed it. I loved being able to learn on the job and obtain a lot of practical skills that I could apply to my own cases, as well as studying at the same time and understanding the legal arguments that underpin the cases I run.

I feel there is a very clear plan as to what the apprenticeship involved and I always understood what module I was doing next or what work I had to do. This was told to me at the outset and I liked knowing this so early on in my apprenticeship.

My employer was fantastic and incredibly supportive. Everyone I worked with understood my position and were very accommodating. I never felt at a disadvantage knowing all my colleagues knew what work I was doing and that I had external pressures of exams/coursework. Overall, I couldn't fault the support I was given.

I had a few issues with my training provider personally and I felt that a few people in the organisation did not know what they were doing, did not understand their role and, in turn, did not know how to support me. Towards the end of my apprenticeship, I was given mixed messages from individuals at the training provider which had an impact on my qualification date and I was very disappointed.

I feel my qualification helps me perform in my role well. I was able to work and study at the same time and so I have picked up invaluable skills from being exposed to the work environment whilst I was obtaining my qualification. This was a fantastic way for me personally to develop my skills and confidence.

I do a lot of business development and volunteering in my role. I support our clients by attending charity events and I also work closely with police forces who have an ongoing relationship with our firm. I always try to get my name out there and build as many professional relationships as I can.

Yes

Irwin Mitchell are a very supportive firm. They are very flexible and understand the importance of a work-life balance. I always feel very supported and can go to anyone if I have any questions or if I am unsure of anything. Overall, they are a great firm to work for.

Just be yourself. Everyone has the necessary qualifications but they need to know you will provide excellent client care and that you stand out from the rest. The job is not just about being able to draft legal documents, it is about being approachable, personable, friendly, kind, supportive. So you need to show that side of you when you apply.