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 Ina Beurich
Solicitor
I originally came to Norwich back in 2002 (from Germany) in order to study for a Master’s degree in International Commercial and Business Law at the UEA, having completed a German law degree prior to that. I started my training contract at Leathes Prior in September 2006 (having attended the training recruitment day in 2005) and I have just qualified as an Assistant Solicitor into the Corporate Recovery and Insolvency team.
Upon receiving my degree, I then did the classic thing; I applied to most of the large London firms as I thought this was the only option available to me given that, at the time, I wanted to do business law with an international aspect. Following some interviews, I very quickly realised that the London firms did not actually suit me (and I guess I did not suit them either). They were huge, impersonal and their trainees certainly seemed to take a back seat in proceedings. I wanted to walk to work, not spend a fortune on rent and not spend several hours a day commuting.
Following this period of self discovery, I was recommended to Leathes Prior as a firm that offered excellent training and one that was well respected for its expertise, particularly in Business Law and that would enable me to stay in the fantastic city of Norwich. What stood out to me at Leathes Prior was the extremely high percentage of current solicitors and partners who had started off as trainees with the firm. I can now confirm that the firm’s attitude towards trainees is that they view them as investments: they are happy to spend time and money on them as they hope they will become the future of the firm. In my year there were three trainees: Katie, Eleanor and me, and all three of us have been offered permanent positions at Leathes Prior.
Having got through the recruitment day (which was an eye opener to say the least) I was lucky enough to be offered a training contract and the rest is history. During my time as a trainee I have completed seats in Insolvency, Commercial and Corporate and believe that applying to Leathes Prior was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I do not think I would have been offered better training anywhere else. As a trainee, you share an office with a partner and therefore get the opportunity to get involved with their caseload and learn first hand by hearing them on the phone, dictating, etc. I was also given cases which I could run completely by myself (albeit under supervision) and got to sit in on interviews and be involved with all types of clients. Whilst there is some photocopying involved, I can confirm that the horror stories that you hear about the “basements” in the London firms do not apply to Leathes Prior.
Everyone I work with at Leathes Prior is extremely supportive and they always appear happy to take time to explain things to me (even if in reality they have better things to do). An added bonus is that Leathes Prior is a very sociable firm, outside of work; Friday nights are usually well attended and our sponsorship of Wymondham Rugby Club means we get to attend some fantastic events.
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