MHC Intern Life: Isobel Lorigan

As part of our MHC Intern Life series, Isobel Lorigan tells us about her first impressions of MHC and being an extra in Home and Away.

What inspired you to venture on this career path/why did you choose law?

When filling out my CAO I was uncertain whether I wanted to venture into the world of business or the world of law. I decided to study Commerce in UCD as it is such a broad course that you can ultimately work in any industry. Although I enjoyed studying commerce, I didn’t like the black and white answers that come with studying accounting and finance subjects as much as I loved argument over the ambiguity of certain laws. I was also won over by the glamorous and exciting lives of the lawyers in suits and the good wife, which I ultimately discovered to be completely unrealistic. It was then I decided that I would complete a post grad in law in hope of being able to us my business and law degrees to work in a corporate law firm.

Why did you choose MHC?

Picking MHC as the firm to complete an internship in was an easy choice. From my first interview I felt that the interviewers had a genuine interest in my experience and why I wanted to study law. I was made to feel very comfortable and although some questions were challenging I never felt like I was trying to be caught out. I was also questioned about my extra-curricular activities and my travels. It was nice to know they were taking an interest in me as a person as well as what I had achieved academically and work wise. I was also really attracted to the relatively smaller number of interns that are hired compared to other firms. It is clear that there is a real value in quality over quantity and ensuring that every intern has a good experience while also being able to display their talents and capabilities.

First impressions of MHC?

In the short time I have been in MHC I have been made to feel very welcome and very much part of the team. The open plan office makes it very easy to approach anyone with questions no matter how big or small. The mix of work I have been given has kept everyday interesting and sometimes unpredictable. I have had the opportunity to write research memo’s, research client query’s, visit the courts and attend presentations from partners in other departments.

What sports/hobbies/pastimes do you enjoy?

I enjoy playing sports. I played Gaelic football for 10 years but sadly had to stop due to time constraints, but I go to the gym a lot instead. I have also played tennis for most of my life, although I don’t seem to have gotten much better over the years. I recently started a beginner boxing class which is really fun and a great workout.

What's your idea of a perfect holiday/favourite place you've ever visited?

After finishing the FE1s I took a long awaited trip to Australia. I spent two weeks in Sydney and a week in Melbourne. Although it was entering their winter season it was still reaching late 20 degrees and it was always bright and sunny! The Australian lifestyle was easy to adapt too. There were so many amazing beaches to swim in and incredibly scenic walks to take. Some highlights of my trip included seeing Harry Potter with a live orchestra in the Sydney Opera house and driving the Great Ocean road to the 12 apostles in Melbourne. I enjoyed everything about Australia apart from the insects and spiders!

One thing most people don’t know about you?

When I was in Australia I visited Palm Beach, where Home and Away is filmed, and managed to be a background extra in a scene that was being filmed.

Head over to our Summer Intern Programme page or the Graduate Hub for more information on our internship programme.