Next Gen
The journey to becoming a next generation LP lawyer starts here.
Introducing next gen
The legal landscape is always evolving and so does the approach we take to recruiting and developing the next generation of legal talent at LP. Leathes Prior has always believed in developing talent from within and giving the next generation of lawyers the platform to thrive. As a full-service firm with 150 years behind us, we bring a wealth of experience to share both with our clients through our work and amongst lawyers, encouraging a lifelong learning approach to development.
Our paralegals, trainees and junior lawyers work directly with experienced Partners, gaining early exposure to high quality legal work and the confidence that comes from genuine involvement. We invest heavily in structured training, mentoring, and regular discussions around development to create strong technical foundations whilst offering staff opportunity to shape their own career paths.
Over half of our current Partners started their legal journeys with LP, and that track record reflects the environment we work hard to maintain. Supportive, ambitious, and focused on helping future lawyers develop into well-rounded professionals who deliver excellent client service and lead our teams.
training contracts
For those looking to obtain a training contract with LP and qualify as a Solicitor.
vacation schemes
Want to spend a week experiencing what it would be like to train at LP? Take a look at our Vacation Schemes.
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Welcome to our ‘Next Gen’ page! As Training Principal at LP, my role is to ensure that our next generation of lawyers have an exceptional experience, from their first application through to qualification. I believe recruitment is a two-way process, and we strive to make all our trainees feel welcomed, well-supported, and connected from day one.
Working closely with you and your supervisors, I make sure you have access to top-class work, early responsibility, and exceptional feedback, mentoring, and support throughout your training contract. I oversee this process with regular check-ins and reviews, and my door is always open for any questions or guidance. We’re committed to helping you grow into a confident and capable lawyer.
Welcome to our ‘Next Gen’ page! As Training Principal at LP, my role is to ensure that our next generation of lawyers have an exceptional experience, from their first application through to qualification. I believe recruitment is a two-way process, and we strive to make all our trainees feel welcomed, well-supported, and connected from day one.
Working closely with you and your supervisors, I make sure you have access to top-class work, early responsibility, and exceptional feedback, mentoring, and support throughout your training contract. I oversee this process with regular check-ins and reviews, and my door is always open for any questions or guidance. We’re committed to helping you grow into a confident and capable lawyer.
Frequently Asked
See below some of our most frequently asked questions to help you with your application.
If you still have questions, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team via the form below.
Do you offer any financial support for SQE study?
Yes, we offer all our future trainee solicitors financial support, by means of either (or both) an interest free loan, and / or a contribution payment towards fund their SQE course fees.
I am a first-year student, do you have opportunities available for me?
Choosing your Training Contract is a big decision and if you are starting your search in your first year then we commend you for being so pro-active! The event to aim for is the Summer Vacation Scheme before you start your second year of study. Applying earlier than this may just mean you will have very little law study so you may find other applications are chosen over yours. We also encourage first year students not yet ready to apply, to connect with us on social media and stay in the loop with our news and events.
Can I study the SQE whilst completing my training contract?
Our standard practice is to start the training contract after the completion of the academic stages but if you are looking to take on the challenge for a particular reason then let us know and we can discuss this with you. The SQE is not an easy exam to take on or prepare for so and we like to offer our trainees are real client work from day one. Our approach helps ensure our trainees are able to put 100% into their development at the firm and achieve a good work-life balance.
Do you have a preferred SQE preparation course provider?
We do not have a preference so will let you make this decision. It will have no impact on your offer, nor will it affect any financial support we offer you.
How do I apply to attend a Trainee Assessment Day?
We don’t like long application forms so all we ask for is a CV and a cover letter to tell us a little bit about you, why you want to join us for the day, and why you wish to train with LP. We take all applications by email to traineerecruitment@leathesprior.co.uk.
I am not sure whether my grades will be sufficiently high, should I still apply?
Whilst we do like to see top grades, we will not filter out applications purely based on this. That being said, we do receive high volumes of strong candidates so if your grades are lower, we would be looking to see something else on your application to make you stand out from others with stronger academics
How far in advance do you recruit trainees?
The short answer is no, we do have an intake of trainee solicitors at a fixed point each year, but we do not recruit for specific years at our assessment events. If you do have a preferred start date in mind, let us know how what that is and how flexible you are on that front, and we will do our best to accommodate the successful candidates.
Get in Touch
When I first joined Leathes Prior, I had just started my CILEX journey, which I have since successfully completed. My initial area of specialism was Residential Property, but since my qualification, I now specialise in Agricultural transactions.
I joined the LP reception team in 2017 from the education sector, with no experience working in law. I knew I wanted to forge a career in this sector and what drew me to this firm was knowing how supportive they are of their staff progressing within the firm. Within a year, I was working with the Dispute Resolution Team, assisting with administration. The role gave me lots of exposure to different work and I developed a passion for personal injury and clinical negligence claims. I am now lucky enough to be working as a paralegal in the Personal Injury Team, whilst also studying CILEX.
My decision to join LP hinged on the promise the firm made to unequivocally back the development of my personal brand, and by desire to build my reputation in Norfolk’s legal scene and beyond…it took very little time for the firm to deliver on that promise! Whether it be joining the Norfolk YPG Committee, participating in charity boxing matches, or taking up the mantle as a Director of the Norfolk & Norwich Law Society, the firm have supported me every step of the way. For every opportunity that has come my way, my colleagues have been the first to encourage me to throw my hat in the ring.
In 2016 I moved from a secure job in my beloved home county of Cumbria, to embark on an exciting new venture in Norfolk with Leathes Prior. It was a big risk at the time, but one I’m delighted I took. I am now proud to call Norfolk home, and LP the firm for me.
Award Winning
LP are a regular feature in the Legal 500 Future Lawyers category winner tables, ranked by our own trainee solicitors.
