KATE GODBER

Joined September 2005

Why Harvey Ingram LLP?
I initially chose Harvey Ingram as it has a great reputation in both the city and the county and being a Leicestershire girl, I was aware of this. 
When I applied to Harvey Ingram I had no legal training at all.  I had done a degree in Italian and Business Studies and planned to convert to Law.  Despite having had no legal training, I was accepted onto the vacation scheme for a week and was made to feel very welcome.  My lack of legal knowledge was not a problem and all of the staff were really friendly. Being in the firm for a week gave me a good idea of what it would be like to work there.

How did you feel when you first joined Harvey Ingram?
I was offered my training contract two years before commencing at Harvey Ingram and during that time, I was invited to the Christmas and summer parties.  This had made me feel part of the firm from the moment I accepted the position. Just before I started, the new trainees were invited out with the existing trainees, so we at least knew a handful of people on my first day.
When I started working at the firm, everyone was really welcoming and helped whenever I needed assistance.

Experiences as a Trainee
I qualified as a solicitor in September 2007 and was offered a position in the Trusts and Probate team.
My experiences as a trainee at Harvey Ingram have all been positive. From the first day, I was included by the firm and always felt like I could ask questions if I was unsure of anything.  The firm does such a broad range of work and it was great to experience the majority of the departments throughout my training contract. Despite there being so many departments in the firm, it is very cohesive and the support given to the trainees throughout the two years is first-rate.

What are the benefits of a firm like Harvey Ingram LLP?
Harvey Ingram is a highly thought-of firm.  The training is excellent and not only do you experience a number of departments, each department provides with a range of skills which you can take with you to your next seat.

The firm places a high emphasis on also having a life outside work, which they see as being important. Although you are expected to work hard whilst at work, once you have finished, you are also expected to go home! There are a number of social activities organised by the firm which allows you to get to know people who you wouldn’t see on a daily basis and relax in an informal environment.

SOPHIE BROWN

Date Joined
July 2004 - Paralegal within the Personal Injury Department
May 2007 - commenced Training Contract

Why Harvey Ingram LLP?
I worked as a Paralegal for Harvey Ingram LLP for around 1 ½ years before applying for my training contract. Prior to joining Harvey Ingram LLP I had worked as a Paralegal for a large national firm. After working for Harvey Ingram LLP for some time I knew that this was the firm where I wanted to complete my training. Harvey Ingram LLP has a great emphasis on retention of staff and internal training. This was a big comparison to my experiences in my previous firm. I was also aware, having previously worked in the legal field, that Harvey Ingram LLP has a reputation for being an excellent firm with high standards. Harvey Ingram LLP is a practice which is driven to uphold its standards of work and client care. The firm is also a fast growing practice.  We now have two offices in Birmingham.

How did you feel when you first joined Harvey Ingram?
Starting at a new firm for the first time can be a daunting experience. I was uncertain when I first joined; the working environment was vastly different to what I had been previously used to. This did not last long. Staff in the firm are very friendly and approachable. I did not feel restricted in asking for help on any issue, no matter how small.  The induction training I was given was comprehensive and covered areas such as the IT systems and time recording. If you requested any further training then arrangements are made for this to take place.

Experiences so far as a Trainee
My experiences so far have been excellent. I have been heavily involved with a broad spectrum of personal injury and clinical negligence work. I have attended many client, counsel and expert witness conferences; both in locations across the Midlands and in London. On one particular case I attended a round table meeting where Queens Counsel was instructed on both sides to negotiate a settlement.  I have also had the opportunity to attend client meetings, take witness statements, draft Instructions to Counsel, draft various Court documents, calculate and draft schedules of financial losses and conduct research into many areas of civil litigation. I have daily interaction, feedback and support in respect of this work with my training supervisor.

What are the benefits of a firm like Harvey Ingram LLP?
Harvey Ingram LLP is an excellent choice of firm to complete your training. There is a huge emphasis on a high quality of training. As a trainee you have a wide choice of seats such as personal injury, commercial property, family, employment, trusts and probate, civil litigation, corporate and commerce and technology. You are given responsibility to carry out real work on real cases. Harvey Ingram LLP also promotes a good work and life balance. There are many social opportunities for trainees to become involved in, such as the Leicester Young Professionals our football team and netball team.