Irwin Mitchell |

Why Irwin Mitchell?

I initially joined Irwin Mitchell as a Paralegal in the Court of protection team. My experience during this period was very positive and a big contributing factor as to why I chose to apply for a training contract at the firm. From an early stage I had exposure to a variety of cases and was given responsibility to manage my own cases. The firm encouraged progression for everyone regardless of their education and work background. The inclusive nature of the firm was key in my decision making and I knew that this is a firm where I can see a longstanding career with the opportunity to continuously progress whilst being challenged and motivated.

What your role includes e.g. typical activities and key responsibilities?

As a trainee Solicitor each day varies. I have very recently moved into my third seat in Serious Injury and previously completed seats in the Court of Protection team and Medical Negligence team. Typical activities within Court of Protection included preparing for and attending annual review meetings, preparing annual deputy reports, applications to the Court of Protection, managing the client’s income and expenditure and attending beauty parades with Investment firms. I was involved in supporting deputy clients on a day-to-day basis and ensured all their financial and care needs were being met. I worked on a variety of trust matters either where there was a minor client or an adult client who had regained capacity. I assisted on property adaptations, property sales and purchases, statutory Wills and general applications to the local authority such as funding and benefits.

Whilst working within Medical Negligence activities included attending client meetings, reviewing medical records, attending conference with Counsel, instructing medical experts for evidence, and attending joint settlement meetings. I drafted various documents such as witness statements after taking instructions from clients, letters of claim, notices, draft court Orders and many court applications.

In addition to this I have had the opportunity to take part in several business development initiatives alongside my day-to-day responsibilities.

A project you enjoyed working on

During my seat in Medical Negligence, I supported the team by taking new enquires. This required me to review details of a case and call the client or their representative to discuss the case further and obtain all relevant facts. I then presented the case at the daily new enquires meeting to our medical researcher and senior legal team, who then made a decision as to whether we could assist the client with their case. I really enjoyed taking part in this as the experience gave me exposure to the different types of injuries that can be sustained as a result of a medical professionals’ negligence and build relationships with new clients at an early stage.

The best and worst pieces of your job

Best

The seats I have undertaken have allowed me to work with seriously vulnerable and injured clients. For me, the best part of this has been knowing that I have helped make a difference or a positive impact on someone else’s life. Often these clients will come to you at the most difficult time of their life, some of whom are going through a traumatic experience while others are having to learn to live with serious life changes. To be able to support these clients through this journey is highly rewarding.

Worst

My experience has been very positive but one challenge I have faced has probably been learning to adapt quickly to various new systems used by each department. However, there is always lots of training at hand and support within teams to help navigate through this.

What training have you received?

I have competed the professional skills course and have also had ongoing training at the start of each seat which is specific to that particular department, as well as ongoing training and support to help improve the service I provide. In addition to this I have received general firm wide training which enables me to keep up to date with legal and regulatory requirements.

How has your career has progressed at Irwin Mitchell?

Having started my journey with Irwin Mitchell as a Paralegal, I have been fortunate enough to secure and start my training contact. I now look forward to qualifying in the near future and continue progressing throughout my career at the firm.

Any networks you are involved in?

I am part of a number of networks at Irwin Mitchell including the IM Respect National and Birmingham team. Being part of the group has enabled me to organise and host events at our Birmingham office, as well as taking part in a mentoring scheme where I have mentored a student at university. The experience was very valuable to me and something I know I would have benefitted from when I was at university. As part of my ongoing involvement with the group I will soon be mentoring my second mentee.

I am a member of the Birmingham Law Society’s Social mobility committee, and I attend networking events organised by the Birmingham Law Society, Birmingham Solicitors Group and the Birmingham Trainee Solicitors Society .

What makes your organisation a great place to work?

Irwin Mitchell is a great place to work as the firm offers all employees the opportunity to be challenged and to progress. The nature of work undertaken is very diverse and fulfilling. The firm promotes inclusivity at all levels and helps employees fulfil their potential at the best of their ability. There are a number of benefits available to employees such as flexible working, Westfield Private Health care and rewards and many wellbeing initiatives. Business development activities are encouraged and are a fantastic way to build networks and develop yourself further. The firm also offers the opportunity to spend two full days volunteering for a cause that matters to you each year.

I’m Janine King and I’m the partnership finance manager.

I joined Irwin Mitchell because I thought the role sounded really interesting and I liked how it built on my existing skills, prioritised flexibility and emphasised opportunities for growth.

I used to be able to see and now I can’t, but I don’t think that affects me as a person. I don’t mind being called disabled because it’s relevant, but I don’t want it to define me.

A Sudden Change

When I was 18, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour which damaged my optic nerves. It very quickly changed the way I lived. I can’t see out of my left eye and my right eye isn’t great, so I’ve got no depth perception. The vision I do have is quite blurry.

For the first couple of months, during my A-levels, I just soldiered through, pretending it hadn’t happened. I then did some work with the Royal National Institute of Blind People. It was just taking phone calls, but it involved training on using a screen reader and it really increased my confidence ahead of going to university.

On a day-to-day basis, being blind is quite disruptive with getting around, navigating new places and working in general. But I tend to do most things on my laptop or phone, where they read things out loud, which is helpful.

My Support Network

Since my brain tumour, my friends and my family have been great. They’ve always been really caring and they’ve never changed the way they treat me.

My colleagues are also important to my success. We work well together and everyone’s been really supportive. I talk to my team regularly and they’re always on hand to help if I have any questions. They’re all really easy to talk to.

When I joined Irwin Mitchell, I liaised with the occupational health team and they provided me with my preferred screen reader and software. They really listened and responded to my needs – that’s the human touch that matters to me.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve also made the Irwin Mitchell website more accessible for screen readers, which I’m really proud of.

Passion For Numbers

I’m a chartered accountant and I’ve worked in a variety of roles throughout my career from audit to corporation tax roles. This role is more focused on personal tax, with a bit of corporation tax and some wider accounting.

I work closely with the partners here and deal with their finances. It’s partly a tax role, partly accounting and also educating them. I talk them through how to deal with being self-employed. I’ve always loved numbers, so this job suits me very well. I also enjoy explaining concepts to people who aren’t familiar with them in plain English.

The Value Of Balance

I really appreciate the flexible by choice policy here. I prefer working from the office and I’ve grown used to seeing the same people in reception every day. I like the fact that I can work from the Leeds office or the Sheffield office, as well as having the opportunity to work from home.

I find it refreshing that we don’t have to commit to always being in once place, and I can stay at home when I need to. This flexible approach also allows me to balance my time around my doctor’s appointments and that’s always been really beneficial.

An Inclusive Culture

I think it’s important to recognise people who’re similar to you in an organisation. It helps you to understand that you could also fit in well.

I’ve heard about the diversity group IM Able, which focuses on issues relating to disability and long-term health issues at work. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in this group in the future once I’ve got to grips with my new role.

Work For Us

I’d encourage anyone to apply for a job at Irwin Mitchell. I only joined this year, but I’ve been welcomed and supported from the very beginning. You’ll really enjoy the support, the culture and the opportunities to learn and grow – it’s simply a great place to work.