Hannah Lee

1. Why Howes Percival?

Howes Percival appealed to me for a number of reasons. I was attracted by the firm's high profile client base and their reported friendly atmosphere. As I am from the local area, I knew of the firm's strong presence in the region and I was also impressed by the firm's excellent reviews in the Legal 500.

My initial thoughts were confirmed after I completed a vacation scheme at the Northampton office. During my week at the firm everyone was extremely friendly and I was introduced to the wide variety of exciting work undertaken at Howes Percival.

Since joining Howes Percival my view has not changed and it is a great place to work. It is often thought that you have to work in London in order to gain the best legal training. After a year of working here I can confirm that this is definitely not true!

2. Describe the recruitment process

After completing my vacation scheme I was invited to an assessment day. On the day we first got the chance to meet some of the trainees and other staff over lunch, which was a great ice breaker. After lunch, I had a formal interview and presentation followed by a maths test and a commercial awareness test.

3. What is the best thing about the job?

From day one at Howes Percival I have felt like a valued member of the team. The fee-earners are keen to involve trainees in a variety of work and you are actively encouraged to take responsibility for your own matters where this is possible. You are also given the opportunity to work with all fee-earners, from newly qualified solicitors up to partner level, which allows you to benefit from their broad range of skills and experience.

I spent the first six months of my training contract in our employment department. During my seat I assisted with a wide range of work such as defending Employment Tribunal claims, as well as helping to prepare employment contracts and handbooks for clients. I was also actively involved in marketing for the department, helping to prepare seminars and presentations. The firm are keen to involve trainees in marketing from day one and this is invaluable experience.

For the second six months, I worked in our corporate commercial department. Again, I assisted with a huge variety of work, including a section 110 re-organisation, an academy conversion and organising the AGM of a high profile client. You certainly do not just sit by the photocopier as a trainee at Howes Percival!

The firm are also keen to allow trainees to have direct contact with clients during their training and I have thoroughly enjoyed building up a relationship with clients over the past year. By developing these relationships I have been able to understand the client's business needs, which is a key part of providing tailored, commercial advice.

4. ...and the worst?

Unfortunately, the nature of this job does mean that you sometimes you have to work to very tight deadlines whilst dealing with new and complex areas of law, which can be stressful. However, with such a supportive team there is always someone to ask for help and there is a great sense of achievement when you accomplish what your client wants!

5. What are the hours like?

In general, I find that the hours at HP are very good, and the firm like to encourage their staff to have a life outside work. Obviously hours vary depending upon your department and your workload, but no one is expected to stay late for appearances sake.

6. What is the social life like?

There are lots of opportunities for trainees to get involved in social activities at Howes Percival. The trainees have an annual party in September, and this is an excellent way for all the trainees to get to know one another. Throughout the year trainees also hold a range of informal social events and you are encouraged to attend local networking events where you can meet other young professionals. Firm events such as the AGM and the Christmas party are also a great opportunity for all staff to get together, and you even get to wear fancy dress!

7. What next?

I have had a fantastic time at Howes Percival so far and the first year of my training contract has flown by. I am now settling into my third seat in the litigation department and I am confident that I will have another happy and successful year training at Howes Percival.


Georgina Euden

1. Why Howes Percival?

I was looking for a commercial law firm that would provide me with excellent training. I was drawn to Howes Percival because of the firm's outstanding reputation and strong presence in the East Midlands region. As a result of this, the firm is able to offer the quality and variety of work that you would not normally find outside London.

Before obtaining my training contract I was able to undertake a vacation scheme at the Leicester office. During the placement I found the firm had the perfect balance of a dynamic working environment with a friendly atmosphere. I was able to participate in some interesting work and obtain constructive feedback during the week. This assured me that Howes Percival would be an excellent place to start my career and develop the skills I need to be a successful solicitor.

While enjoying a large presence in the region the trainee intake is small enough that you do not simply feel as if you are one of an anonymous group. At Howes Percival everyone takes the time to get to know each other and individual development is encouraged, this ensures that you feel like a member of the team very early on.

2. What have you done to date?

I am currently in my first seat in the commercial property department. Despite only being here for a short time I have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of work. Primarily, I am involved in construction and while this is not an area of law I have had any experience of before starting here I am enjoying developing my knowledge on this subject. I have been involved in matters such as a construction disputes and reviewing and negotiating the complex contracts required in a construction project.

I have also been able to participate in other property work such as drafting leases, licences for alterations and registrations.

3. How much responsibility do you get?

As a trainee you are encouraged to take on as much responsibility as you can from an early stage. I have already had the chance to have contact with clients by attending meetings and becoming involved in negotiations.

Howes Percival is a place where you definitely get to 'hit the ground running'! Fortunately, there is plenty of support from your supervisors and colleagues, if you need it, to ensure you can easily manage the responsibility you are given.


4. Do you get to see the other offices?

All trainees are encouraged to gain experience working in more than one of the firm's offices. I am currently based in the Leicester office and as this is my first seat I have not yet had the opportunity to work in any of the other offices. Many of the trainees I work with have completed seats in more than one of the available locations.

Although I am based in Leicester I have attended courses and seminars at the Northampton office. All the trainees had an induction together in Northampton and definitely feel like part of one group even though we are spread across different offices. I am looking forward to the prospect of working in one of the other offices during my training contract.

5. What are the people like?

While everyone here at Howes Percival is extremely professional and committed they are also genuine, friendly and approachable. Everyone I have had the opportunity to meet at the firm, from support staff to partners, is willing to help if needed. The firm prides itself on the lack of hierarchy, and is reflected in the attitude of the employees.

6. What is the culture?

The firm definitely has a work hard and play hard culture. Everyone here is extremely dedicated and committed to providing the best possible service to our clients.

This is balanced by an excellent social scene where everyone is encouraged to interact in an informal and relaxed setting. During my time here I have attended a variety of social events including the AGM, which was a wonderful opportunity to get to know colleagues in all the firm's offices. There is also a trainee party every year, for both the current trainees and those due to start in the future, which presents the chance to get to know your future colleagues before you start work.

7. What next?

I have only just started my first seat in commercial property. I have another three seats to complete before I qualify as a solicitor and am looking forward to gaining experience in the variety of other areas of law on offer. Based on the time I have spent at the firm so far I am sure I will have a very enjoyable and educational experience during the rest of my training contract.