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Jessica O'Gorman on training at and qualifying with Dechert LLP >>
Training at Irwin Mitchell and life as a Newly Qualified Solicitor
Irwin Mitchell is a friendly firm to work for, a
place where diversity is actively encouraged,
and where individual's strengths are identified
and nurtured alongside a recognition that
the team, and ultimately the firm, benefit
from the wide variety of skills offered by its
employees. Irwin Mitchell encourages a team
approach, and has developed a strong support
structure around the training and development
of each employee.
Looking back at my path to becoming a
solicitor I would say that whilst my law degree
taught me the important principles underlying
the English legal system, it did not really
prepare me for the day-to-day working life of
a solicitor when skills such as client care and
case management, and even common sense
are of utmost importance.
As a medical negligence solicitor, the
principles of tort law need to be fully
understood, and it is therefore important to
be aware of any new developments in this
area. Irwin Mitchell makes this task easier by
making available a dedicated training team,
whose regular sessions allow fee earners to
brush up on their skills and knowledge base.
In a typical day, the morning starts with me
enjoying a coffee from the on-site canteen
whilst checking my task-list and reviewing
new emails. I prioritise my workload each
morning but it is important to be flexible as
it's not unusual to receive an urgent email or
telephone call needing immediate attention
and change of plans.
Clinical negligence investigations are very
hands-on, involving close client contact
in what can often be difficult and emotive
situations. A typical day might involve
conducting a client interview, instructing an
expert and analysing their report, considering
funding issues and applying legal tests. The
work is intellectually stimulating and I learn
something new almost every day.
I particularly enjoy the forensic aspect
to my role. Analysing evidence, such as
medical records and expert reports, can be
time consuming and challenging, but also
extremely satisfying; particularly when a
new angle to the claim is revealed, reviving
what might have seemed at first glance an
impossible case to prove. The general pace
of litigation, driven by the pressure of strict
court imposed deadlines, may be challenging,
but also enjoyable and fulfilling.
My
training contract with Irwin Mitchell
covered a wide range of practice areas. I
spent 6 months in the Court of Protection
team, 6 months working in the Insolvency
Department, and a total of 12 months in the
Medical Law and Patients' Rights team, into
which I later qualified. Every team is different
in its dynamic but the training I received was
of a high quality throughout. I learnt that
client care is of utmost importance, regardless
of practice area, and other important skills
such as drafting and communication were
gradually developed. There was always
just the right balance between being given
responsibility and knowing that there was
always someone willing and competent to
guide and assist me when needed.
Since starting my
training contract I have
achieved a great deal. I am building up my
own case load, becoming more familiar with
the process of running a claim and have even
negotiated a pleasing settlement on my first
case. The client showed his appreciation
through the touching gesture of coming to
the office and presenting me with a box of
chocolates. Achieving a satisfactory outcome
for the client is a real achievement and makes
all of the time and effort you have put in to
the case worthwhile.
In terms of where I see my future career, I
am certain that the team, and Irwin Mitchell
as a whole, will give me the opportunities
and tools needed to develop my role further.
The supportive environment offered at
Irwin Mitchell, coupled with its reputation
as the national leading law firm for clinical
negligence, make it the right choice for me to
advance my career.
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