{"id":14648,"date":"2026-08-19T10:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T10:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=14648"},"modified":"2026-10-07T14:34:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:34:26","slug":"leathes-prior","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/leathes-prior\/","title":{"rendered":"Leathes Prior"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[828],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-14648","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2026-27"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"lex-profile-list-intro\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Leathes Prior<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/leathes-prior-2026.jpg\" alt=\"Leathes Prior law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/leathes-prior-2026.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 74 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DR<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.leathesprior.co.uk\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: info@leathesprior.co.uk?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 01603 610911<\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/leathesprior\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/leathes-prior\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"facebook contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-facebook\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-facebook\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LeathesPrior1876\">Facebook<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/leathesprior\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Leathes Prior is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 7 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-happy-at-your-law-firm\/' target='_blank'> Happiness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-given-good-quality-work\/' target='_blank'> Work quality<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-has-good-camaraderie-and-a-supportive-culture\/' target='_blank'> Culture<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leathesprior.co.uk\/next-gen\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leathesprior.co.uk\/trainee-assessment-days#assessment-days\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><span class=\"profile-link\">View Profile<\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"below_title":"<div class=\"letterhead\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Leathes Prior<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/leathes-prior-2026.jpg\" alt=\"Leathes Prior law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/leathes-prior-2026.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 74 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DR<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.leathesprior.co.uk\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: info@leathesprior.co.uk?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 01603 610911<\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/leathesprior\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/leathes-prior\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"facebook contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-facebook\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-facebook\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LeathesPrior1876\">Facebook<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/leathesprior\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Leathes Prior is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 7 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-happy-at-your-law-firm\/' target='_blank'> Happiness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-given-good-quality-work\/' target='_blank'> Work quality<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-has-good-camaraderie-and-a-supportive-culture\/' target='_blank'> Culture<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leathesprior.co.uk\/next-gen\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leathesprior.co.uk\/trainee-assessment-days#assessment-days\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><\/div><div class=\"survey-scores\"><h2 style=\"color: #111;\">Trainee Feedback<\/h2>\r\n<ul style=\"list-type:none; color: #111;\">\r\n<li style=\"width:88.0%\">88.0<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:91.0%\">91.0<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">91.0<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:88.0%\">88.0<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:88.0%\">88.0<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-14648\" class=\"post-14648 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2026-27\">\n\t\n\t<header class=\"entry-header\">\n\t\t\n\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<div class=\"survey-results tab-listing\">  \n   \n        \n<h2>Survey Results - Trainee feedback on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Leathes Prior<\/span><\/h2>\n\n           <style>\n#chartdiv {\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 800px;\n}\n\n<\/style>\n            \n  <!-- Resources -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/core.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/charts.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/themes\/animated.js\"><\/script>\n            \n<!-- HTML -->\n<div id=\"chartdiv\"><\/div>\n        \n<!-- Chart code -->\n<script>\n\/\/ Themes begin\nam4core.useTheme(am4themes_animated);\n\/\/ Themes end\n\n\/\/ Create chart instance\nvar chart = am4core.create(\"chartdiv\", am4charts.XYChart3D);\n\n\/\/ Add data\nchart.data = [{\n  \"question\": \"Satisfaction\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your overall job satisfaction?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Expectations\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How far has the firm lived up to your expectations?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work quality\",\n  \"result\": \"88.0\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"91.0\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"91.0\",\n  \"explanation\": \"If you did a vacation scheme with your firm, how would you rate it?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Confidence\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How confident are you that you will be kept on at the end of your training contract?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Remuneration\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"88.0\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"88.0\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How approachable are your supervisors?\" \n}];\n\n\/\/ Create axes\nvar categoryAxis = chart.yAxes.push(new am4charts.CategoryAxis());\ncategoryAxis.dataFields.category = \"question\";\ncategoryAxis.numberFormatter.numberFormat = \"#\";\ncategoryAxis.renderer.inversed = true;\n\nvar valueAxis = chart.xAxes.push(new am4charts.ValueAxis()); \n\nvalueAxis.title.text = \"Survey Score (\/100)\";\nvalueAxis.min = 0;\nvalueAxis.max = 100;\n\n\/\/ Create series\nvar series = chart.series.push(new am4charts.ColumnSeries3D());\nseries.dataFields.valueX = \"result\";\nseries.dataFields.categoryY = \"question\";\nseries.name = \"Income\";\nseries.columns.template.propertyFields.fill = \"color\";\nseries.columns.template.tooltipText = \"{explanation} {valueX}\";\nseries.columns.template.column3D.stroke = am4core.color(\"#fff\");\nseries.columns.template.column3D.strokeOpacity = 0.2;\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/div>        \n        \n           \n\t\t\n\t\t    <h2 class=\"tab-listing\">The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Leathes Prior<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose to join this firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Sociable atmosphere which makes everyone more approachable\u2019,\u00a0\u2018the city is beautiful and the firm is midsized so I\u2019m given actual legal work\u2019,\u00a0\u2018the firm\u2019s culture and values as demonstrated at insight evenings\u2019,\u00a0\u2018they choose their employees by people they would like to work with, rather than purely academic achievements\u2019,\u00a0\u2018locality, reputation, training opportunities, high-quality work\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the best thing about the firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018The exposure to clients and responsibility you get from day one\u2019,\u00a0\u2018the work-life balance\u2019,\u00a0\u2018culture, people, work-life balance, quality of work\u2019,\u00a0\u2018it is really sociable, and everyone is so lovely\u2019,\u00a0\u2018I have been taught that there are no stupid questions\u2019,\u00a0\u2018the people\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What could the firm do to improve?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Higher salary would be nice, especially for trainees that have to pay the firm back for the LPC sponsorship\u2019, \u2018salary\/benefits are lower than some others locally\u2019, \u2018hybrid\/remote working where possible\u2019, \u2018be more flexible and understanding for parents, especially single parents\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u00a0has been\u00a0the best moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Going back to my university to do a panel\u2019,\u00a0\u2018a partner being very encouraging and helping\u00a0me build my confidence\u2019,\u00a0\u2018the moment where it suddenly clicked that I knew the area I wanted to qualify into\u2019,\u00a0\u2018observing and taking note at a successful final hearing\u2019,\u00a0\u2018leading a client meeting for development bridging finance\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the most challenging moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Moving seats was challenging as you would get comfortable and confident in what you were doing and then have to start over again\u2019,\u00a0\u2018my first seat was difficult but I learnt a lot about resilience and myself\u2019,\u00a0\u2018work-life balance, with my newborn son\u2019,\u00a0\u2018dealing with\u00a0personal life issues while also juggling the work of the training contract\u2019<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Leathes Prior<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p>At Leathes Prior, trainees find serious legal work with a distinctly personal touch. The Norwich firm is \u2018large enough to get an exciting client base and small enough to know all of your colleagues and have a real support network\u2019. Recruits were drawn to its \u2018family and community feel\u2019 and \u2018supportive and social culture\u2019, while assessment-day partners came across as \u2018very personable and approachable\u2019. Leathes Prior is a firm that \u2018appreciates individuals for who they are\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>That approachability carries into day-to-day training. Trainees describe a culture where support is available \u2018no matter the seniority\u2019 and colleagues often become friends. The firm\u2019s size is a repeated strength: small enough to feel like \u2018a family and community working environment\u2019, but big enough for work \u2018on par with larger and more commercial firms\u2019. For trainees, this brings genuine responsibility, including being \u2018heavily involved in matters from start to finish\u2019 and having opportunities \u2018to network and build our own personal brands\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Best moments reflect this early trust. Trainees spoke of finding an area they \u2018really enjoy\u2019 and want to qualify into, leading client meetings and completing transactions from beginning to end. One recruit recalled becoming \u2018an integral member of the team\u2019 on a company sale, getting to know the clients and their business before completion around the client\u2019s kitchen table, which was \u2018very rewarding\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Challenges include \u2018balancing workload from competing partners\u2019, adjusting to new seats and managing personal pressures alongside training. Trainees consider pay, benefits and hybrid working as areas for improvement.<\/p>\n<p>For high-quality work and hands-on responsibility in a firm where trainees are valued as people as well as future lawyers, take a closer look at Leathes Prior.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">A day in the life of... Dylan Owen, Trainee Solicitor<\/h2>\n\t\t <p><img height=\"200\" width=\"200\" alt=\"Dylan Owen, Leathes Prior\" class=\"ditl-photo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/leathes1109_006bcompressed.jpg\"\/>\t\t <p><strong>Departments to date:<\/strong> Corporate &amp; Commercial (First Seat); Residential Property (Second Seat); and Criminal &amp; Regulatory Defence (Third Seat).<\/p>         \n\t\t \t\t <p><strong>University: <\/strong>\n\t\t \t\t Durham University\t\t \t\t Cardiff University\t\t \t\t BPP University\t\t \t\t <\/p>\n\t\t         \n\t\t <p><strong>Degree:<\/strong> BA (Hons) Theology and Religion; Graduate Diploma in Law; and Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (SQE 1 &amp; 2 Passed).<\/p>    <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><p>I joined Leathes Prior as a Trainee Solicitor in September 2025. I am currently training within the Criminal &amp; Regulatory Defence Team, following previous seats in the Corporate &amp; Commercial and Residential Property departments.<\/p>\n<p>The work within the Criminal &amp; Regulatory Defence Team is incredibly varied and no two days are ever quite the same. We advise and represent both individuals and businesses facing criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings, meaning the work is often fast-paced, engaging and highly fulfilling. As a Trainee, the variety of matters I am exposed to makes for an exciting and dynamic seat.<\/p>\n<p>I am fortunate enough to be based at Riverside, and one of the highlights of my morning is the walk along the River Wensum. There is something remarkably calming about watching the city wake up: the pigeons bathing themselves in the water, the swans emerging for the day and the ducks quacking as they make their way along the riverbank.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps one of the best habits I picked up during my Corporate &amp; Commercial seat was becoming an early riser. I usually aim to be at my desk by 8:00am, giving me time to enjoy a white coffee, a bowl of cereal and a quick glance through the Law Society Gazette before the day begins. After that, I work through my emails, respond to any outstanding queries and review my to-do list. Taking into account both my own diary and my supervisor&#8217;s commitments, I then prioritise the tasks that need my immediate attention and map out the day ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Although I cannot go into the specifics of the work itself, client confidentiality and all that, I am currently involved in a number of research-heavy tasks. Having come from a transactional seat where much of my day was spent drafting legal documents and liaising with clients and third parties, this has been a welcome opportunity to develop a different skill set.<\/p>\n<p>My days are currently filled with exploring reports, reviewing legislation and, perhaps most importantly, scouring Westlaw for relevant case law. It makes for a refreshing change of pace and, to be perfectly honest, I am thoroughly enjoying it. There is something particularly satisfying about uncovering new information, adding it to my armoury of knowledge, and using it to substantiate an argument.<\/p>\n<p>Once I am satisfied with my work, I send it to my supervisor for review and, at a convenient time for us both, we go through it together. These discussions are invaluable. They provide an opportunity to see what I have done well, identify areas where I could have improved and, hopefully, confirm that the latter list is not too long.<\/p>\n<p>Later that morning, I sit in on a client meeting, namely a new enquiry. These meetings are often the first step in establishing whether we are able to assist and what support we can provide.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst the solicitor leads the discussion and narrows down the key facts, my role is to take a detailed attendance note. It is an absolutely fundamental skill, requiring careful listening and the ability to record every material point accurately. I like to think my typing speed has gone through the roof since starting my Training Contract.<\/p>\n<p>More importantly, I learn a huge amount simply by being in the room. Through a process of osmosis, I pick up legal knowledge, learn what questions I would ask in similar circumstances and observe how experienced solicitors build rapport with clients.<\/p>\n<p>These meetings often take place at difficult and uncertain times in a client&#8217;s life. Whilst legal advice is naturally at the heart of the discussion, it is not always the only thing a client needs. Reassurance, empathy and clear communication can be just as important, and observing these conversations has shown me that being a good solicitor is about understanding the person as much as the legal issue.<\/p>\n<p>At around 12:40pm, I make my way up to the Corporate &amp; Commercial department to meet two good friends, Hugo Persad and Jake Knight. Once a week, we make our customary trip to Bread Source to catch up on how our weeks have been going, discuss the latest video game releases and, if I am particularly fortunate, make plans for a trip to the cinema over the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>When I return, my first task is to review the attendance note from the morning&#8217;s client meeting, ensuring it is accurate and free from any grammatical or typographical errors. Once that is complete, the afternoon can take several different directions. I may continue working through my research and drafting tasks, attend another client meeting or, on the more exciting days, accompany a solicitor to court.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it is a short walk through the city or a train journey further afield, attending court is always a highlight. Seeing the practical application of the law and supporting clients immediately before a hearing is both fascinating and rewarding. My role is, once again, to take detailed notes whilst remaining on hand to assist the solicitor in whatever way I can.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever the afternoon has in store, I try to end the day by making sure my tasks are in a good place for Friday Dylan to take over.<\/p>\n<p>This particular evening is a little different, as it is the firm&#8217;s annual Pub Challenge. For those unfamiliar with the event, it combines pub quizzes, treasure hunts, games and a healthy dose of competition between teams from businesses across Norwich. This year, I have the important responsibility of serving as a Games Master alongside my buddy, Edmund Ramsdale. Our job is to run one of the challenges, keep score and, most importantly, ensure that everyone has a fantastic evening. I am very much looking forward to it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>The firm:<\/strong> Leathes Prior is a leading East Anglian full-service law firm providing a comprehensive legal service to a variety of organisations and private clients, both locally and nationwide. We are a traditional law firm (established over 150 years ago) with a very modern and collaborative approach to our work.<\/p>\n<p>Our offices are located in the heart of Norwich (voted The Best City to Live in the UK by The Sunday Times 2026), set in the beautiful grounds of Norwich Cathedral and Tombland, with a fifth small office hub in Ipswich. We are growing and currently have over 140 staff in total.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The clients:<\/strong> CVS (UK) Ltd; Angling Direct; Suffolk New College; Rainbird Technologies; The Great Hospital; Norwich University of the Arts; Alex Albon; Hitech Grand Prix Limited; Norfolk Broads Direct; British Horseracing Authority.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Senior partner:<\/strong> Mike Barlow<\/p>\n<p><strong>Managing partners:<\/strong> Dan Chapman, Richard Guthrie, Darren Bowen<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other offices:<\/strong> Four offices in central Norwich, either in the Cathedral Close or Tombland, with a fifth small office hub in Ipswich.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who we are: <\/strong>Leathes Prior is a traditional full-service law firm with a modern and collaborative approach to our work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we do:<\/strong> Employment, Corporate &amp; Commercial, Litigation &amp; Dispute Resolution, Family, Commercial Property, Residential Property, Wills, Trusts &amp; Probate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we&#8217;re looking for in a trainee:<\/strong> Our trainees are self-motivated and proactive with their learning. While academic qualifications are important to us, we also ensure the right fit with the firm.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll do:<\/strong> We aim to design training contracts according to the individual trainee solicitor. Our trainees normally complete four seats across the firm, spending six months in each seat.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Perks: <\/strong>Healthcare cash plan, firm-wide bonus scheme, wellbeing support in-house and via an employee assistance programme, annual flu vaccination, free eye tests, free breakfast and fruit, free railcard, enhanced parental leave, discounted bus travel, subsidised city centre parking, pension based on full salary, corporate discounts, interest-free SQE loan.<\/p>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\">Diversity\/inclusion<\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percentage of female associates:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 60%<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Percentage of female partners: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">40%<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n            \n      \n            \n                 \n            \n              \n       \n                 \n        \t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-## --><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-2\">   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"profile-contents\">\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Contents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"contents\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#verdict\">The verdict<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#ditl\">A day in the life of...<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>  <li><a href=\"#diversity\">Diversity\/inclusion<\/a><\/li>          \r\n<li><a href=\"#facts\">Facts and figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n        \r\n<\/div> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"application-process\">\r\n \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Application process for Leathes Prior<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>How:<\/strong> By sending CV and cover letter to traineerecruitment@leathesprior.co.uk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s involved in application:<\/strong> If applying direct, as opposed to the vacation scheme, shortlisted candidates will be invited to the trainee assessment day where they go through a selection of assessments plus interview. A pre-assessment day chat with the People &amp; Culture Manager may also be used to aid the shortlisting process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Person in charge of recruitment:<\/strong> Jessica Bullimore, People &amp; Culture Manager.<\/p>\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div id=\"vacation-schemes\">\r\n  \r\n <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Vacation schemes at Leathes Prior<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Spring:<\/strong> April 2027 (apply by 17 February 2027)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>Summer:<\/strong> September 2027 (apply by 21 July 2027)<\/p>\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n <div id=\"facts-figures\">\r\n \r\n  <h2 id=\"facts\" class=\"widget-title\">Facts and figures<\/h2>\r\n  <p><p><strong>Total partners:<\/strong> 21<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other fee-earners:<\/strong> 50<\/p>\n<p><strong>Total trainees:<\/strong> 9<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trainee places available for 2028:<\/strong> 5<\/p>\n<p><strong>Percentage interviewed:<\/strong> \u202f5-10%<\/p>\n<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\t  \r\n\r\n    \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">If  were a fictional character it would be\u2026<\/h2>\r\n        \t\t\r\n<br><\/br>\r\n<br><\/br> -->\r\n\r\n   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"videos\">\r\n\r\n       \r\n\r\n        \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- <div id=\"twitter-feed\">\r\n<a class=\"twitter-timeline\" data-height=\"550\" data-theme=\"light\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/leathesprior\"><\/a><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\r\n<\/div>  -->\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\t\r\n<\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles\/14648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/profiles"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"jurisdictions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jurisdictions?post=14648"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=14648"},{"taxonomy":"cities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cities?post=14648"},{"taxonomy":"firms_companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/firms_companies?post=14648"},{"taxonomy":"universities_colleges","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/universities_colleges?post=14648"},{"taxonomy":"lex_survey_questions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/lex_survey_questions?post=14648"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publications?post=14648"},{"taxonomy":"tc_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tc_location?post=14648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}