About Us
Founded in Norwich, 150 years ago, Leathes Prior Solicitors has grown into one of East Anglia’s leading full-service law firms, trusted for our experience, our high service levels, and the relationships we build.
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Introducing the LP Way
The LP Way defines how we work with our clients, our colleagues and our wider community. It is built on long-standing relationships, mutual support and a belief that trust is earned through openness, honesty and approachability. For more than 150 years, clients have chosen Leathes Prior not only for legal knowledge, but for lawyers who take the time to listen, understand and act in their best interests.
We value individuality and recognise that our strength lies in the people who make up the firm. Different perspectives, skills and experiences allow us to deliver advice that is thoughtful, balanced and tailored, not templated. Collaboration across teams ensures our clients benefit from the full breadth of the firm, while receiving a service that is efficient, responsive and consistently high in quality.
The LP Way is also about growth and success, for our clients and our people alike. We are ambitious, forward-thinking and agile in how we develop, continually improving the way we work while staying focused on what matters. Our focus is on achieving the best possible outcomes, supporting long-term success and building a firm that continues to evolve with confidence and purpose.
Our Vision and Values
Relationships
Our social culture focuses on life-long mutual support and connections
Trust
We build trust by being open, honest, and approachable
Individuality
We recognise and embrace the unique strengths, perspectives and skills each of us brings
Service
Delivering the highest quality of service, in an efficient, responsive and professional manner
Growth
We strive for excellence, adopting an agile approach to development
Success
We are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our clients and staff
The Perks and Benefits
We have a wide range of competitive benefits, designed to meet everyone’s needs.
Corporate Discounts with Local Businesses
We have a list of businesses where we have got a discount arranged to encourage staff to use their services. We aim for these to be local to give back to the community. The list has been curated over the years for staff, by staff, and it keeps growing.
Travelling to Work and Relocation
If you are dreaming of relocating to sunny Norfolk, we’ve got you covered, offering a range of resources and support for those wishing to relocate to join us. Commuters are also offered discounted travel passes with local providers. For drivers, we have subsidised parking close to our City Centre offices.
Firm-Wide Bonus Scheme
We have run this scheme for two financial years since inception, and in both years all employees have been paid 10% of their salary as a bonus. Great start so far. We all work towards the same goal to achieve this and everyone gets the same reward.
Work-Life Balance
Options for flexible working to suit everyone, offered from day one. In a hurry and need breakfast? We’ve got you covered. And every five years, you can choose an extra week of holiday or a bonus payment to treat yourself to something special. Oh and we also close every Christmas and New Year.
Healthcare Funding
The firm partners with external providers offering cover for essential health costs including health checks, dental, optical, physio, as well as private medical insurance for senior positions. We offer funded on-site flu clinics too, for those avoiding the winter lurgy.
Wellbeing Support
We take a holistic approach to wellbeing at LP, with opportunities to get pro-active with initiatives and benefits (if you enjoy Pilates, we’ve got you covered) whilst also offering a wide range of mental health support options for those who need it. We also offer a plant for your desk, in case you aren’t lucky enough to see the Cathedral Close from your window.
Support for the Whole Family
For expectant parents, we offer enhanced maternity and paternity pay and easy to arrange flexibility for everyone when things don’t go to plan. For dog parents trying to make arrangements when doggy care falls short - we welcome well - behaved pups into the office too.
Our Timeline
Leathes Prior, founder of the firm that still bears his name today, is born in the Saugor (Sagar) territory of British India.
Leathes Prior was appointed as an apprentice to the solicitor William Nicholas Harwin Turner.
The legal practice firm Turner and Prior is established in Norwich.
Leathes Prior marries Fanny Ellen Bolingbroke in Christchurch, Eaton, Norwich and their first of five children, Bernard Henry Leathes Prior, is born.
The firm Turner and Prior is located, according to the 1879 Kelly’s Directory, on Upper King Street in Norwich.
Bernard Henry Prior is appointed as Second Lieutenant (supernumerary) in the 1st Volunteer Battalion, the Norfolk Regiment.
Bernard Henry Leathes Prior is awarded the South African Medal for service in the Boer War.
Leathes Prior becomes Lord Mayor of Norwich
Bernard and Charles work with Leathes Prior at his law firm, now located in Tuck’s Court on St Giles Street, Norwich.
Leathes Prior's grandson, Bernard Oliver Leathes Prior, is born in Blofield. He was the last member of the Prior family active in the firm. Meanwhile Leathes Prior himself is appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
Bernard Henry Leathes Prior travels to France to command the Norfolk 9th Battalion
London Gazette: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty..a splendid example of coolness and courage under most trying conditions..gallant resistance by his battalion was largely due to his magnificent example of fearless determination".
Norwich City Football Club incorporated in March 1919 with the help of Charles Bolingbroke Leathes Prior
Leathes and Bernard Henry Prior are listed as solicitors and commissioners for oaths. Charles Prior is instead an official receiver in bankruptcy for Norwich and Great Yarmouth, based at the firm on Prince of Wales Road.
The founder of the firm, Leathes Prior, passes away aged 82.
Bernard Oliver Leathes Prior is appointed Clerk of the Peace for the City of Norwich.
Bernard Oliver Prior is appointed H.M Coroner for the City of Norwich and Clerk to the Great Hospital Trustees.
Leathes Prior's grandson Baron James Prior is given the title of 'Right Honourable'.
Leathes Prior move into 74 The Close – This continues to be the head office today.
Having come to England eight years previous, the trainee said that her achievement helped "break the stereotype of Filipino women".
Our Head of Regulatory and Defence Team Tim Cary, who is still with the firm as a Consultant today then moved into the office at 15 The Close to grow the firm's personal injury offering.
After cupboard doors slamming shut, calendars sent swinging and clock pendulums defying gravity, the firm contacted the Norfolk clerics appointed by the bishop to deal with exorcism and the paranormal.
One of the first major UK firms to opt to close down its Legal Aid departments, the firm chooses to re-focus the firm solely on its private and business clients.
The firm signs up as sponsors of Wymondham Rugby Football Club and continued to support the club for 10 years following.
In 2006 the firm took on further office premises in Tombland, dedicated to servicing our growing corporate and commercial client base.
Our much-heralded Employment Manual, successful for over 20 years, re-launched as an online service; the birth of our employmentor offering.
Leathes Prior's Partner Dan Chapman launches boutique sports law offering, Full Contact represented organisations and individuals across the country.
Cole & Co becomes part of Leathes Prior, bringing its conveyancing and private client expertise to the team at Leathes Prior. Since the merge, what was the Cole & Co office has become Leathes Prior's dedicated conveyancing office.
Having previously sponsored the cricket club's junior teams, the firm increases its support to become main club sponsor. The firm also signs a deal to sponsor the 'Leathes Prior Grand Prix' running series.
Leathes Prior's sports offering, Full Contact helped place Alex Albon into the Torro Rosso team for the 2019 season. Alex was soon promoted to the full Red Bull Team and now races for Williams.
Leathes Prior’s Senior Partner, William Reginald Conduit Riley is set to retire after 48 years of service at the firm.
The survey awarded LP winners in 5 categories with 2 being a national top spot: ‘Vacation Schemes’ & ‘Social Life’.
Leathes Prior excited to release new LP Brand Video to show off the new LP logo.
Leathes Prior relocated from 23 Tombland to our new office at 15 The Close. We also proudly opened a new office in Ipswich at 159 Connexions, home to our Crime and Regulatory Team.
Leathes Prior awarded 'Law Firm of the Year' at the Norfolk & Norwich Law Society Annual Excellence Awards Dinner.
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Life at LP
We believe in fostering a working environment where individual strengths and diverse perspectives are celebrated, and where firm-wide collaboration helps us deliver the highest quality professional service.
What our clients say
Service is of the highest standard, the firm's efficient and quick service makes it extremely easy to work with.
Experienced, enthusiastic and caring, clients are left delighted with the timely, well-considered service.
Competence, speed and understanding of clients’ needs.
