Patrick Richmond, Trainee Solicitor

"I first came into contact with Irwin Mitchell, when I completed a vacation placement. My placement was in the Clinical negligence department, where I spent a week shadowing one of the solicitors. I found the department absolutely fascinating.

I started my training contract with Irwin Mitchell in September 2006 at the Sheffield office. The first few days were exciting in that we got to see the new Sheffield offices and meet all the new trainees properly for the first time. The induction week was very useful and prepared me nicely for all the new systems and software that I would have to get used to using. All the trainees were based in Sheffield for the induction week, so there was ample opportunity for socialising after work.

The seats I have undertaken to date have been in Clinical Negligence, and Commercial/Property Litigation I have found these interesting, enjoyable and at times demanding. The work I have been involved in has been largely diverse, ranging from taking witness statements and attending court hearings, to conferences with Counsel. I am shortly due to move to my next seat in Insolvency. My last twelve months have been a huge learning curve and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing my confidence grow and my work improve.

Life as a trainee at Irwin Mitchell is not just about work there is a social side too. The firm is great at putting on departmental “Away Days” and Summer/Christmas parties. There is a great atmosphere between trainees, with many of us socialising together outside of work. Being a keen sportsman, I have also been involved in the 5-a-side corporate football tournament representing IM and played for the firms cricket team. This has been a great way to get to know other employees within the firm. In short, IM cultivates a work hard and play hard mentality. This coupled with the fact that IM is genuinely a friendly place to work, is the reason my experience so far has been so rewarding".