Our trainee solicitors are our future lawyers and partners. Each one has followed their own path and brings a unique set of qualities and skills to the firm. Take a look through their profiles to find out more:
Rose Woolterton James Iron Lily Stagg Charlie Watkins Hugo Persad
Dylan Owen Eleanor Feltwell Harry Smith Zumiqo Johnson Imogen Fraser
A day in the life of Charlie Watkins, Trainee Solicitor, Leathes Prior
Departments to date: Family Team (first seat); Commercial Property Team (second seat)
University : University of East Anglia
Degree: LLB Law
My Training Contract with Leathes Prior began in September 2024. My first seat was with the Family Team, followed by six months in Commercial Property and I am now sitting with the Wills, Trusts and Probate Team. Since joining the team just over a week ago, I have already worked on an exciting variety of matters for a wide range of clients. This has included working on matters providing tax planning advice, drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and assisting with estate administration on behalf of executors.
I have a short walk to the office and arrive at around 08:45. I start my day by catching up with my supervisor, grabbing a drink from the kitchen and greeting colleagues on the way back to my desk. I check my emails, dealing with any quick tasks immediately to settle into the day and add other matters to my to-do list.
I then begin drafting a letter explaining and enclosing the Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney we had recently drafted for our clients. The Wills contain some complex provisions regarding asset distribution, so this was a good learning opportunity. After submitting my draft, I receive some helpful feedback from the fee earner running the matter on how to present these points more clearly and accessibly for our clients.
My next task involves drafting mirror Wills for a husband and wife, along with a letter explaining their effect. I had attended the client meeting the previous week with my supervisor and prepared a detailed attendance note which formed the basis for the drafting. As this was my first experience drafting Wills, I take my time to ensure the clauses accurately reflect the clients’ wishes. I also apply the feedback I received earlier in the day when drafting the accompanying letter.
At lunchtime, I head out with two of my colleagues from different teams. Our office is ideally located within the beautiful Cathedral Close and nearby many great places to eat and drink. Leathes Prior is a very sociable firm, offering plenty of opportunities to network both internally and externally across the city.
This seat offers plenty of client contact, and this afternoon reflects that well. I first speak with the daughter of one of our clients who has sadly passed away. She requests a copy of her Mother’s Will and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) that we hold. After confirming the correct procedure with my colleague, I retrieve the documents from storage to check that she is named as an executor and therefore entitled to collect the Will. I also check whether the EPA has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. I then advise her that she can collect the documents from our reception, provided she brings a copy of the death certificate and her ID for certification.
I then return a call to the son of two of our clients, who wanted to know whether he was listed as an attorney on his parents’ EPAs. After retrieving the EPAs from storage, I check the documents and call him back to confirm his appointment as attorney. During the call, he asks about the process for activating the EPAs and I explain that I will discuss this with my supervisor and revert with next steps.
I finish the working day with a research task on the steps required to amend a charitable company’s objects. I review the draft special resolution and supporting documents provided by the client, research the process for making the proposed amendments and summarise my findings in an email to the partner who had assigned the task.
After leaving work at 17:30, I attend the Norwich Law Walk, an event organised by the Norfolk and Norwich Law Society to raise funds for the Norfolk Community Law Service and Norfolk Citizens Advice. It was a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues I don’t see every day and to network with trainees from other firms in the city - some familiar faces and some new connections.