2025
The application was a blended assessment. There was no time limit to complete the whole application. Before the application was sent, I had to submit my grades and work experience.
Situational judgement
The assessment required me to read short case studies and then answer situational judgement questions, where I had to rank options from what I would most likely do to what I would least likely do.
The case study was to do with Irwin Mitchell securing a client and an example of a question was “what would you do if a report included mistakes but the associate was on holiday?”.
Video interview
Throughout the assessment, there was a video interview questions where I had 30 seconds to prepare and 2 minutes to respond. The questions included:
Scale questions
There was a section, where I had drag responses that I felt were most appropriate into boxes. The boxes were: not important, slightly important, somewhat important, very important, extremely important. The responses included statements such as “meet all set goals”.
There were also questions where I had to drag a slider along a scale to represent how I am in certain situations, such as working in a team.
Proofreading task
I was provided with a draft template document to change a company’s name and a Sale and Purchase Agreement, then had to answer questions around spelling, grammar and accuracy. For each question, options were given to select from. Questions included the following:
Critical thinking test
There was 32 questions on identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, judging arguments and deducting conclusions. This section was similar to the Watson Glaser test.
2024
Application
I had to choose whether to apply for business services or personal services, give the date I would be available to start (the Irwin Mitchell training contract involves studying for the SQE at the same time as doing the training contract itself), set out my education history (I secured a 2.1 in Law at a highly-ranked university, although it’s blind screening so this isn’t considered throughout), and provide my personal information.
Online assessment
The blended assessment consisted of situational judgement questions, personality sections, and verbal reasoning/critical thinking questions. The platform used was Cappfinity. Timed wasn’t considered, so I could take as long as I liked (I took around 3.5 hours to complete it).
Situational judgment test
This was based on mock scenarios involving me acting as a trainee at a fictional law firm. There were various “tiles”, each linked to different scenarios based on different law firm departments. I was shown some emails and voice messages from fee-earners (e.g. trainees, associates and partners at this mock firm), which usually related to a task/matter they were working on and a challenge that had come up (for example, the partner in charge had been called elsewhere, a colleague was struggling with something, a fee earner had been brought onto the matter last minute etc.). I then had to rank my ‘most likely’ to ‘least likely’ responses to these challenges.
Many of the questions asked related to whether I would feel confident rising to the challenge, reach out for help/support, ask more questions or try to figure it out myself etc. My tip would be to consider that whilst it’s important to show responsibility and initiative, this doesn’t always mean being a lone wolf! Try and rank them according to what you actually think makes the most sense in practice - you will often think ‘it depends, I need more information!’ but you can only go with what they give you.
Verbal reasoning/critical thinking questions
There were also some Watson-Glazer type questions centred on assumptions, where I was given a few lines of information, followed by a question/statement. I then had to determine whether the question/statement was ‘probably true’, ‘certainly true’, ‘probably untrue’, ‘certainly untrue’ etc.
It seems simple and it generally is, but watch out for superlatives and where they’re trying to catch you out. Use your attention to detail, whilst being careful not to read too much into the question.
Personality section
I was then given a list of character traits and situational/personality examples and had to slide a scale to say how much each represented me. Examples include:
I was informed by email 1 week after the test that I had progressed to the video interview stage. I also received a feedback report very soon after completing the online assessment stating two personal areas of strength and 1 area for improvement.
2021
(Q1) From your background, what three skills have you gained that would be most beneficial to the role of a trainee solicitor. Why do you feel these skills are relevant? (3000 characters)
I have learned time management skills. I balance three part-time jobs with my extracurricular activities, while also gaining high marks in my degree. This year I have been working from home and have learned to keep strict personal deadlines in order to manage external responsibilities. I have learned to prioritise and I manage potentially stressful situations by planning my time and focusing on the most important tasks first, setting manageable deadlines to stay focused.
This will prepare me well for the role of a trainee solicitor as the ability to work to deadlines is crucial and has real consequences for the team and the client. Time management is an important skill for prioritising urgent tasks and helping to make a good impression on clients while also managing their expectations. My ability to balance and conduct work effectively within sensible timescales will support the team, reduce stress and help with the success of the overall task.
I have also gained research skills. For my degree, I access a wide range of databases and identify relevant materials to read, summarise and analyse. I have developed the ability to translate and interpret this quickly and accurately in my own writing. I completed an independent research project over the summer, based on my own research questions. This was published in the form of a blog post on the blog for my department at University, demonstrating my ability to communicate research to a wide ranging audience. In my role as Content Writer for [redacted online publication], I developed this skill further, researching and writing weekly commercial awareness articles which covered a wide range of business and legal news stories. The ability to present information to non-specialist audiences is important in the role of a trainee solicitor. My non-legal research skills will therefore be an asset to me when conducting effective legal research to help support the team in dealing with different issues.
Finally, I have gained interpersonal skills. I am able to connect with both clients and colleagues and convey information in a clear and concise way. Through volunteering for Student Switch Off, a campaign to encourage students to save energy, I encountered a diverse range of people and developed my communication and people skills through building relationships with and advising them. I also worked part-time as a Tearoom Assistant, where I encountered and adapted to a wide range of situations and customer needs. Through both of these client-facing positions I have developed my written, oral and listening skills and have learned how to gain and maintain trust. It is important that clients feel comfortable and confident in the ability of the firm to advise them, and as representatives of the firm, trainee solicitors must therefore be able to build a rapport with them. As a trainee solicitor, my interpersonal skills would help me to work closely with clients and to form long term relationships with them.
A little bit more about you
(Q2) We are looking for ambitious and well-motivated individuals who have a real commitment to the law. What are your three key personal motivations to undertake a training contract at Irwin Mitchell? (2000 characters)
One personal motivation is the focus at Irwin Mitchell on the expert hand with human touch. Volunteering at Citizens Advice with clients with complex needs gave me an insight into the
practical and personal application of law and helped me realise the importance of building long-lasting relationships with clients. I gained a real sense of the motivations of the firm from its social media channels, which reflect the importance of client and community support. Irwin Mitchell's commitment to changing the law if necessary shows its focus on human touch. I am interested in the Public Law department, which shows innovation in challenging local authorities and central government to protect human rights.
The wellbeing support available at Irwin Mitchell stands out to me. As a note taker for disabled students I have an understanding of the need to provide accessibility support. I am impressed by Irwin Mitchell's commitment to a broad range of diversity groups such as IM Able. These are essential to helping colleagues feel safe and able to work to their full potential. Speaking to trainees has highlighted the inclusive and supportive culture of the firm. This focus stands out to me as producing a positive environment and the wellbeing hub demonstrates that this is really taken seriously.
Another personal motivation is Irwin Mitchell's innovative approach to business. I am interested in both personal legal issues and business strategy and the firm allows trainees to be involved in both. Daryna Plysaks' co-authored legal technology handbook highlighted to me the forward thinking nature of the firm, which has also demonstrated quick responses to events like the pandemic and implemented innovative schemes such as the digitalisation plans. I am interested in being involved in the innovation forum, to ready the business for the future in legal technology. I am keen to undertake a training contract at the firm given its commitment to and preparation for expansion.
(Q3) Our clients have lots of legal advisors to choose from. As a trainee solicitor you will speak with new clients on a day to day basis, therefore it is important to understand how Irwin Mitchell can support them.
After a busy day at the office, you begin your journey home on the train. The passenger next to you notices you are reading a legal journal and mentions that they are currently looking for a new firm of solicitors as they are not happy with their current firm.
How would you promote Irwin Mitchell to the potential client? (2000 characters)
I would first outline the firm's commitment to understanding and helping individuals and highlight the firm's priority of making a difference to every person and business it supports. I would comment that, as the largest full-service firm in the UK, Irwin Mitchell is best able to provide every type of legal support, both personally and from a business perspective. I would say that this means the potential client would receive one integrated plan which takes into account all of their legal needs. I would say that the multiple locations around the UK mean that the firm is in a great position to be able to help with relevant advice wherever the potential client is based, while also highlighting that the firm is well equipped to deal with legal issues online, by phone and also internationally.
I would also call attention to the recognition the firm has received, such as its recent ranking as second in the UK for litigation turnover and the figures showing it as one of the top three busiest law firms in the UK courts by The Lawyer. I would explain that despite the pandemic, Irwin Mitchell is making pioneering efforts to innovate and has successfully managed to speed up and implement a digitalisation plan, reassuring the potential client that the firm can offer the best support despite current restrictions. I would say that this demonstrates the ability of the firm to handle all legal disputes with expert care.
Explaining that the feedback of clients is continually of great importance to the firm, I would say that the potential client would be in a position to comment on how the firm could support their particular needs. I would promote the wide range of events and the podcast that the firm offers, and explain that they provide an opportunity to ask for legal advice from the experts at the firm. I would end by asking if the potential client had any questions and by providing my contact details and those of the firm for any further enquiries.
(Q4) As a trainee you will need to be flexible in your approach to everything, as each day will bring different demands to your time.
Please tell us about a time when you have had to manage multiple tasks or responsibilities. What was your role, what did you do and what was the outcome? (2000 characters)
I often encounter times where I have to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities as I have three part-time jobs alongside my degree and extracurricular activities. Recently, I had a week of university that had a particularly high number of important deadlines. I had an essay due at the start of the week, and two portfolio submissions due at the end, on top of my regular lecture schedule, note-taking role and my weekly responsibilities on top of a training day for my role as Campus Representative for the University of Law.
I planned in advance to prioritise tasks for different days, making sure I had prepared for the extra time it would take to complete my university assignments. I delegated tasks for my role as Secretary for the [redacted student society #1] at University, as this was a lower priority that week. I also made sure I had completed my tasks for the [redacted student society #2] before the start of the week, as I had a few emails to send to the charity we support. As the week began, I split each task into manageable sections and set small deadlines for each one, to ensure I could track my progress. I regularly attend non-timetabled seminars and events, however I decided not to that week and emailed the hosts well in advance to let them know. This prioritisation meant that I had time to complete my assignments and stay on top of my commitments without losing out on sleep.
As a result of my careful planning, scheduling and delegating, I managed to complete my assignments and submit them on time. I also attended all of my timetabled lectures, and managed to keep on top of my job requirements. Although I did not manage to attend the extra events I would normally have attended, I was able to be flexible with this time as I planned in advance and prioritised my health. I have so far received a first class mark, and am waiting on the results of my other assignments, however I am confident that I completed them to the best of my ability.
(Q5) Trainees need to be resilient to change and have the drive to succeed. When have you demonstrated resilience to overcome a significant challenge? Why did you find this challenge significant and how did you approach it? What was the outcome and what did you learn from this experience? (2500 characters)
As a result of the pandemic, I moved to my family home from university during the second semester of my second year. It was, and continues to be, a stressful and challenging time for most people. I have been lucky in many ways, however I encountered significant challenges with completing the semester at home. My course was changed abruptly as a result of the move to online teaching. One of my modules, an independent research project that I had spent considerable time on, was cancelled completely. The assessment for my other two modules was changed from being exam and coursework based, to being completely based on one essay per module. For these essays, I relied on the resources that were available online. On top of this, I am a note taker for disabled students, and had to adapt my notes in order to make them accessible for students learning online rather than in person. I also had applied for a paid research project over the summer, which was cancelled before the applications were reviewed.
This seemed overwhelming, however I decided to take a few days to plan how best to work around these challenges. I approached this time by carefully planning and making revisions to my schedule to adapt to the new learning environment. I scheduled calls with my tutors to ensure that I had easy access to support. When my classes were moved fully online, I contacted the disability support service for advice on how best to structure my notes to help with accessibility. For the essays, I prioritised the weekly content that would best support them and dedicated most of my time to reading and planning for them, having regular contact with my tutors to get feedback and adjust my plans accordingly. I also reached out to the tutor I had planned to work with over the summer, and arranged to work with them on an unofficial project based on my initial research interests.
As a result of this, I received two high marks in the essays, one of which was the highest I had received in my degree so far. I managed to take effective and high quality notes for the disability service and submitted them all on time. By the end of the summer, I had completed my research project and published it in the form of a post for the department's blog, which has helped prepare me for researching for my dissertation. I learned that reaching out to people for support is crucial in getting through significant challenges, and that planning time and prioritising tasks is the way I stay most productive.
(Q6) We understand that everybody's situation is different, be it business or personal. As experts in our field we must analyse every client's needs and demonstrate initiative to achieve a positive outcome.
Please describe an original solution that you developed to solve a problem. Why was it important for you to implement this? What did you do and what was the outcome? (2000 characters)
I had a group video presentation deadline for my degree during a period of industrial action. This meant that we did not receive any of the usual guidance from our tutor, who was striking. The task was to research and create a short video presentation to peers followed by a question and answer session. This required a considerable amount of research and preparation before the video was even filmed. There were several members of the group who were unhappy filming themselves. They were concerned that we would not be able to finish the project in time and began attempting to gain an extension, which was unrealistic as the tutor had made it clear that the deadline could not be moved.
I took the lead on the project and encouraged the group to work to the set deadline. I set up a meeting in which I divided the reading and research tasks between us to complete, making sure we were contributing equally but that everyone was happy and working to their individual strengths. I scheduled a feedback session with enough time to complete the reading, during which we wrote a script and prepared answers to some potential questions we could be asked. I divided up the tasks so that each member of the group was knowledgeable on a different section of the topic. For the video, I suggested that we recorded a scripted voice over, and found software that produces illustrations so that the group did not have to video themselves.
Our group was made up of people with different strengths and weaknesses, and in recognising this I was able to navigate the project to play to these. This meant that the group became comfortable with the task and confident in completing their own delegated sections. We managed to submit the piece ahead of the deadline and all developed specialist knowledge of different aspects. The tutor was impressed with the content and different style of the video and we received first class marks.
(Q7) As a full service law firm we have expert teams who work together collectively as OneIM to achieve positive outcomes for our clients.
You are collaborating on an urgent project which is due to be completed in five days. You haven't worked with these colleagues before and everyone has different ideas on how the project should run. Conversations are getting quite heated.
How would you move this forward whilst ensuring everyone remains engaged and feels valued? (2000 characters)
The dynamic of a new team can often be challenging, especially when there is a looming deadline. I am flexible and able to adapt my role in teamwork situations depending on what is needed. In this situation, I would take the opportunity to lead people towards a conflict free solution.
Reminding my colleagues of the shared goals of the project is the most important first step. To do this I would talk to each team member privately, maintaining a non-confrontational attitude, in order to determine their individual ideas and concerns. I would then work with each person to develop a solution to their problems, encouraging them to meet halfway. I would attempt to translate these ideas to the other members of the group, taking care to recognise each contribution. Stressing the importance of compromise, I would ask for each to be evaluated and for members to decide which ideas should be implemented. Then I would help the team to delegate tasks in line with the individual strengths of my colleagues, to be completed independently. I would set a reasonable deadline for these tasks to be completed and schedule a meeting for feedback. At this meeting I would again check in on individuals to ensure they continue to be engaged in the project and feel their contributions are being recognised.
It is important for members of a team to support and take care of each other. I would take the time to check on each person and offer help to them where required. Recognising the contributions of each of my colleagues, I would make a point of sending thank you emails to individuals to let them know they are appreciated. I would also publicly support individuals' efforts during meetings. This willingness to collaborate and compromise, as well as play to each of the team members' individual strengths, would help the project to succeed.
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