Daniel Giblett is a second-seat trainee solicitor in our Norwich office. Here he explains what attracted him to Howes Percival and how the firm compares against his initial expectations.
It is a somewhat daunting experience when you are progressing through your legal education knowing that applications for Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts loom every year. What is equally as challenging is working your way through the plethora of firms that are available to apply to. It is often difficult to determine from a gleam of a website or press release whether a firm will be the right fit for you.
Whilst there is an attraction to apply to the big Magic Circle firms in London on reputation alone, I would stress that it is crucial to consider from the outset what motivates you and what you want a firm to provide for you. Once you have identified firms that match your criteria, it will only strengthen your applications through taking a targeted approach.
For me, the three main factors that I sought in a law firm were;
I enjoyed studying in London and the life that accompanied it, but I quickly realised that I did not want to begin my career in the City. Norwich is a place that has great affinity with me and I was eager to return to the region. Whilst this factor is not strictly exclusive to Howes Percival, do not be afraid to consider personal circumstances when applying to firms. I quite openly spoke about my love for Norwich City and my eagerness to return and watch them most weekends!
Throughout university, I took a keen interest in Land Law. Whilst this is very different to the operation of the law in practice, I knew that I wanted to apply to firms which demonstrated breadth and strength in property-related areas. Howes Percival matched this ambition and boast teams in Commercial Property, Construction, Property Litigation and Planning. It was not only important for me to find a firm that offered a wide-range of land-based areas, but also one that held an exemplary reputation for the service provided.
Finally, I wanted to be at a firm where even as a trainee, I would be engaging with high quality work. One hears horror stories of trainees being resigned to photocopying or making coffees, which undervalues you after multiple years at university. Through contacting employees on LinkedIn or reading publications from trainees at Howes Percival, I knew that this would not be the case. The firm boasts large clients along with high-value and interesting work but most importantly, trainees are given responsibility to get involved with such matters from the outset.
At the time of writing, I have been at Howes Percival for nearly 8 months. During my time here so far, I have been provided with networking opportunities, attended careers events on behalf of the firm, and crucially undertaken work on interesting matters.
A Training Contract at Howes Percival is full of challenges. The responsibility that you are given so early into your training naturally brings with it obstacles and you are not expected to get things right first time. Examples that I have faced include researching a complex area of law to assist with a transaction or dealing with a problem that has arisen on a matter. Being entrusted, however, to produce drafts, liaise with clients and oversee completions thrusts one into an environment where it is important to have your own opinions and showcase your ideas. It is warming to be met with such confidence, which is accompanied by thorough and exhaustive feedback to enhance your learning. It is these challenges and being on the forefront of matters, which undoubtedly have developed my skills as a junior lawyer.
Howes Percival also offer a wide range of practice areas for trainees to experience during their four seats. Whilst preferences are taken into account, you may find yourself working in a team for 6 months that you never imagined experiencing. I found myself move from the Commercial Property Team to the Estates Team in Norwich, where I now primarily focus on Wills, Tax, Trusts and Probate. Naturally these areas are wide apart in terms of content, but they also require completely different skills. For example, the tone and manner in which one communicates with clients in Estates requires much more pleasantries, consideration and in some instances, empathy. Adapting to a new environment and fine-tuning a different set of skills is crucial throughout your Training Contract. It is this very nature of working in a full-service firm, accompanied by exposure to varying practice areas, which will enhance my development as a lawyer.
It is important to attain a healthy work life balance and I have thoroughly enjoyed all the social events that accompany being a trainee at Howes Percival. Whilst COVID has still lingered throughout my time at the firm, it has not inhibited the energy of my colleagues to arrange events where we can all mingle and get to know one another better. In addition to external networking events, I have attended an AGM, after-work drinks within teams, as well as charity fundraisers for various important causes. Everyone at Howes Percival is friendly, approachable and welcoming, therefore the eagerness to arrange social activities with one another comes as no surprise. The ability to unwind with colleagues is vital for me and Howes Percival promote this kind of behaviour as much as possible.
It would be erroneous to say that there are no difficult days at Howes Percival. Given the nature of the legal industry, the occasional late finish or unexpected problem with a matter should be expected. Whilst these do exist, it is important to stress that they are few and far between. Howes Percival have exceeded my expectations so far and I feel valued, challenged and welcomed. Although I still have over a year until qualification, I feel that the firm will continue to place me in situations that will shape me into a better lawyer. I would therefore urge you to also decide what motivates you and highlight firms that will be right for you – that may even be Howes Percival!
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