Cody’s insights into securing a trainee solicitor role with Irwin Mitchell

We recently caught up with Cody about securing a trainee solicitor role with Irwin Mitchell, top tips for the application process and how Bright Network helped in securing the role.

What stood out to you about Irwin Mitchell?

Irwin Mitchell had always been my dream firm throughout university and it was always a huge aspiration of mine to secure a Training Contract here. With Irwin Mitchell being such a large, reputable, full-service law firm, I knew I would be given a very well-rounded trainee experience.  I decided to apply to the Manchester office because of my love for the city and because of the number of opportunities that would be available to me. Being such a vibrant and exciting city I knew that I would get the opportunity to grow my professional network and to work with some big name clients.

However, what really stood out to me from day one was the sense of community that is present from your first interaction with Irwin Mitchell. Everyone is very welcoming, supportive and keen to make you feel supported and included. This is the first place I have worked where everyone actually seems to enjoy the work they do, care for the people around them and actively hope to see the firm succeed. My initial impressions of Irwin Mitchell were all correct and my experience of the Training Contract journey has been excellent.

How did you make your application stand out?

It might sound cliche but I made sure my application was 100% true to me as an individual, from the initial stage right through to the final stage interview. 

I honestly think it is pivotal to let your personality shine through. Not only does it make you unique, it shows those reviewing your application that you are confident and it helps your ambition and determination to stand out. 

I used some of my most bizarre past experiences as examples during my interviews and managed to link them back to what the question was asking. Because the examples I used were genuine I could really show my enthusiasm in my answers and I could demonstrate problem solving skills where I was linking non-legal based examples to law firm based scenarios.

What part of the application process did you find the most challenging?

I think the most challenging part of the application process is the assessment centre. I say challenging rather than difficult because the tasks are not designed to catch you out, and with the right preparation they are designed to help you succeed; and overall it is a very good learning experience, regardless of the outcome. I think what makes the assessment centre so challenging is that it is a whole day of testing you through various different tasks. It can be very easy to get swept up in the day and to over analyse your performance on each task. The key thing to do is to try and stay focused, don’t get too hung up on your performance on each task and treat each new task as an opportunity to do your very best. 

Another important tip is to have fun with the experience. Use it as a learning opportunity, meet new people and to ask questions. If you can treat the day as an opportunity and stay as relaxed as you can, your answers and performance will really stand out and so will your confidence.

How did Bright Network help you secure this role?

Bright Network was a really great resource I used during university and during my search for a Training Contract. I attended events and networking opportunities regularly. My favourite was the Commercial Law Internship, we covered: researching and drafting advice on M&A transactions, amending an NDA, a due diligence report, and advising on ADR, as well as networking with key contacts from a number of great firms.

These opportunities really helped to boost my confidence when it came to applying for Training Contracts. The resources were really helpful for gaining a deeper insight into the role, especially when I had a lack of legal experience. It was also an amazing opportunity to meet new people and start building my professional network. When it came to my application to IM I felt much better prepared than in the past and used the knowledge I gained to create the best application I could.

Did you get any feedback in the past that helped you with your application?

I think the one piece of feedback I received that helped was, I should continue being myself. When I first started applying I was too anxious about being too personable in my applications, and on reflection my applications lacked any real character. I was putting on a persona of what I thought the recruiter wanted to see.

Once I got past this anxiety and started being myself and started including my variety of past random experiences I saw much better results and I also noticed a key difference in my confidence.

What are your top tips for tackling tough interview questions?

• Take your time and think the question through before answering - it really helps to stay on topic.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for your interviewer to repeat the question if you didn’t quite understand.
• Try to structure your answer. My structure was to summarise what the issue/task was asking of me, I would then discuss how I would go about it, I would follow this up with an example of a similar situation I experienced (it can literally be anything if relevant), link that example back and summarise.
• To stand out I also liked to raise other little bits to consider that the question gives rise to or how my approach may differ - it shows you can think ahead and shows you can use your initiative.

What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?

1. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone.
2. Don’t let knock backs deter you from your dreams.
3. Take every opportunity to grow your network and ask questions.