Training Contracts
Explore our award-winning programme to take you through to qualification as a Solicitor.
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Introducing our training contracts
Whilst of course this is not always the case, a training contract marks the first step into full-time legal practice and, in some cases, follows a relocation for the role. This means that LP becomes much more than just a place to gain experience and training; it also has to offer those all-important social support networks and become the gateway into our fantastic local legal community. And we work hard to do this for our trainees from day one.
We pride ourselves in offering opportunities for our trainees to not only learn the ins and outs of good legal practice but to also get involved with enriching experiences inside and outside of LP, so they qualify as not just a good lawyer but an excellent one. If you are looking for a training contract offering top tier work and regular client contact from day one, we absolutely have this. But what we also have, is a chance to feel involved in so much more than client matters.
What we offer
Financial Support
In addition to the firm-wide benefits, we also 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.
Opportunity for Growth
We are a full-service firm, which means our trainee solicitors have a choice of eight areas to experience during their training contract. Our size allows us to provide close-knit support from lawyers of all levels and fantastic opportunities to progress and develop. During your training with us, you will have regular reviews and guidance with your supervisor, the training principal, and the People & Culture Manager. You will also be paired with a qualified lawyer 'buddy' offering more informal support. Once qualified, our lawyers then pair up with a mentor who supports their career progression to Associate, Senior Associate, and Partner levels.
Firm-Wide Support
We are an exceptionally social firm and have won the ‘most sociable firm in the UK’ award for many years in The Legal 500 Future Lawyers survey. The teams at LP all work closely together and trainee solicitors are encouraged to get involved in activities across all teams, not just the team where they sit. Aside from the work trainees take on to develop their legal knowledge and ability, they are also given opportunity to develop other skills by taking part in firm-wide events and local community initiatives.
Early Responsibility
Our trainee solicitors are treated as important lawyers from day one which means the work which is given is on real matters and with real clients. Working alongside our partners and their teams, trainee solicitors are expected to be ready to face challenges and pressure early on to get the best out of their experience.
Find your training opportunity
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.
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.
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.