Training Contract - Business Services Group

targetjobs UK; Brighton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell is offering a Trainee Solicitor position in the UK, with exposure to multiple practice areas and hands-on client work. The programme includes structured development, mentoring and on-the-job learning to build a strong legal foundation.

The firm supports SQE progression and offers sponsorship for those who have not completed the LPC, with training contracts commencing in September 2027 and 2028 across several offices including Gatwick/Brighton.

Qualifications

• We sponsor you to undertake the SQE if you have not yet completed the LPC.
• The SQE is the new centralised assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales.

Job description

Who We Are

As one of the UK’s leading national law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Who We Are

As one of the UK’s leading national law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and are trusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join Irwin Mitchell as a Trainee Solicitor, where you’ll gain hands‑on experience across a variety of legal areas and work alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering excellent client service. You’ll be supported throughout your training contract with structured development, mentoring, and exposure to high‑quality work that will help you build a strong foundation for your legal career.

We’re looking for individuals who put clients at the heart of everything they do. We value those who bring energy, determination and a thoughtful approach to their work. People who adapt well to new situations, build strong relationships and take pride in what they do will thrive here. We're also looking for individuals who are curious about how legal services support our clients, understand the wider commercial context of their work, and can balance excellent client outcomes with the needs of a successful business. You’ll be trusted with real responsibility from day one, giving you the chance to learn on the job and develop lifelong skills.

Our trainees need to be flexible, as you may be required to complete a seat in another Irwin Mitchell office, to ensure you gain a breadth of experience across different teams and practice areas.

Our Approach to Reward and Wellbeing

As a trainee solicitor you will receive a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and the opportunity to buy additional leave.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.
• Access to training and development resources to support you during your training contract and beyond.

We also offer a wide range of well‑being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you're fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category.

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)

The SQE is the new centralised assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, introduced in September 2021.

At Irwin Mitchell, candidates who have already completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) are not required to undertake the SQE. However, please note that we no longer sponsor the LPC.

If you are offered a training contract and have not yet completed the LPC, we will sponsor you to undertake the SQE. You must successfully complete both SQE1 and SQE2 before starting your training contract.

Please note: We do not reimburse fees retrospectively.

For more information, please visit our website.

The Recruitment Process

Our selection process is designed to give you the opportunity to showcase your potential and learn more about our firm. It includes the following stages:

• Online registration form
• Online assessment, including video interview questions
• Assessment Centre
• Insight day and final stage assessment

Your application will be considered for a training contract commencing in September 2027 and 2028.

To help minimise the risk of unconscious bias, we use an anonymised screening process when reviewing applications.

Additional Information

As part of joining the Irwin Mitchell Group, all successful applicants are required to complete our employment screening process. We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and understand any criminal records or adverse financial history.

Our onboarding processes are designed to help us maintain the high standards of trust, integrity and professionalism expected by our colleagues, to protect the interests of the Group, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Checks are conducted by trusted 3rd parties and the employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.

The Business Services Group (BSG) typically have 10-15 national trainee roles. This covers 13 teams:

• Banking & Finance
• Commercial
• Commercial Dispute Resolution
• Construction
• Corporate
• Employment
• Intellectual Property
• Pensions
• Planning & Environmental
• Real Estate
• Real Estate Disputes
• Regulatory & Compliance
• Restructuring & Insolvency

Across six locations

• Birmingham
• Gatwick/Brighton
• Leeds
• London
• Manchester
• Sheffield