Read our profiles of trainees past and present to see why they applied for a Training Contract at Harvey Ingram and what they say about life as a trainee. You will be relieved to know, it’s not all work and no play!
Tim Evans
Date Joined
September 2008
Why Harvey Ingram LLP?
The majority of law firms are very similar, although differing in the services that they provide. I wanted to look beyond this aspect of law firms and concentrate on the working environment and how colleagues fit into the picture. By doing this I was able to establish which firms suited my personality and skills. Having completed a vacation placement at Harvey Ingram, it became apparent to me that the working environment was supportive with an open door policy and an emphasis on high standards, which is just what I wanted.
How did you feel when you first joined Harvey Ingram?
Harvey Ingram made me feel welcome from the moment I was offered my Training Contract. During the two years before I was due to commence my training I had numerous opportunities to meet employees at various social events such as the Christmas Party. All the employees at Harvey Ingram made an effort to speak to me which made the integration into the team a smooth one. Everyone within the firm is friendly and approachable, which made it easy to ask for help when needed and ask questions, no matter how trivial.
Experiences as a Trainee
My first Trainee Seat was in the Personal Injury department (PI). As a PI trainee, I carried out a variety of tasks from research to drafting, attending conferences with counsel and hearings. PI also offers plenty of client contact through letters, telephone calls and numerous client interviews, which involved me making a few home visits. Being provided with so much responsibility was a great seat to start to my Training Contract.
My second seat was in the Corporate Finance and Transactions department. I completed my LPC before the Companies Act 2006 came into force so my first research task was to familiarise myself with the changes. During my time in Corporate, I drafted documentation for Share Buybacks, Shareholders Agreements, and Articles of Association, to name but a few. I was also given the opportunity to go on various marketing events, one of which was styled on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den in Stoke. Being a Corporate trainee provided me with an opportunity to see a client’s business from the inside and to assist in the management and success of their business.
Trainees are actively encouraged to attend marketing and networking events, which helps build an important skill of client relations.
What are the benefits of a firm like Harvey Ingram LLP?
The training is excellent and where possible you get to sit in a Partner’s office, which allows you to learn a lot. The trainees are respected within the firm and there is a lot of support available. Harvey Ingram’s Training Contract is divided into 6 seats, which allows you to experience a number of departments.
There is a strong emphasis on a good work and life balance. Harvey Ingram is a very social firm and there are plenty of opportunities to sign up to a variety of events, such as the Leicester Young Professionals and the football and netball teams.
Chloe Vaughan
Date Joined
September 2010
Why Harvey Ingram LLP?
I had worked at a large accountancy firm before deciding to pursue a legal career. Based on my previous experience, I knew that I wanted a firm with a strong reputation for high quality work, but one that was small enough to give me hands on experience, early responsibility and where I would be valued for who I am. Having undertaken a vacation scheme at a few different law firms, I knew that Harvey Ingram was big enough for me to learn and develop, but small enough for me to make a difference.
I also like that there are offices in three major UK cities, meaning I don't have to stay in Leicester if I want a different experience or a move to a larger city.
How did you feel when you first joined Harvey Ingram?
I was excited. I had met a few colleagues-to-be at the Christmas parties and various trainee events in the two years preceding my training contract. Harvey Ingram is a very friendly, supportive environment in which to work and so I knew that whilst I had a lot to learn, the people around me would be willing to help.
Experiences as a Trainee
My first seat was in Construction and Engineering - not something I would have chosen as I knew nothing about this area of law! However, it turned out to be a great introductory seat. Our Training Principal, Kathryn Hart, thinks very carefully about each trainee and what would suit them best. I'm happy to say that I am hoping to repeat this seat at sometime in my second year. I have also had seats in Dispute Resolution and Commercial Property and Corporate.
As I develop, I am starting to gain more responsibility in terms of the level and the amount of work I get. Whilst everything is monitored and checked by a supervisor, I am growing in confidence and I am a better lawyer now than I was twelve months ago. It's amazing what you learn in one year as a trainee.
On the social side of things, there is always something going on, from football and netball to tennis and trips to Alton Towers. I'm a keen sports player, so I play football for the firm once a week, have taken part in the annual tennis event in Bedford, attended regular client cycling trips, ran in the Harvey Ingram half-marathon relay team and enjoyed a trip to the snow dome. I also partake in organised social events such as the Leicester Futures, Young Professionals and the Young Institute of Directors. These events are great as they allow you to meet other young professionals in a relaxed setting. I have had some memorable nights out and built some good friendships as a result.
What are the benefits of a firm like Harvey Ingram LLP?
There are three main reasons why I enjoy being at Harvey Ingram; the quality of work we do and the exposure I have to high level transactions; the friendliness of staff and the lack of a hierarchical system (we all pull our weight and we all do what we can to provide our clients with the best level of service possible); and finally because I matter and I feel valued.
As our managing partner once said, we all bring different skills and experiences and they help make Harvey Ingram the success it is today.
Navdeep Basra
Date Joined
Commenced training contract in January 2008, having previously worked as a Paralegal at Harvey Ingram for a few years.
Why Harvey Ingram LLP?
I worked at Harvey Ingram LLP for around two and a half years in the firm’s Personal Injury team as a Paralegal before securing my Training Contract with the firm. As I am from the Midlands originally I was aware of Harvey Ingram’s excellent reputation and prowess within the legal field. My study of Law took me from Nottingham to York and then back to Leicester again, commencing employment with Harvey Ingram.
I quickly found that Harvey Ingram had a friendly and relaxed environment. This working culture was ideal for me and suited my inquisitive nature! I knew that Harvey Ingram is where I want to continue my professional development and base my career.
How did you feel when you first joined Harvey Ingram?
From the first day, I have had the pleasure of working in a friendly atmosphere. I have found staff to be approachable and do not think twice about asking for help, no matter how trivial a question may seem! Even though the firm is a medium sized practice, I have always felt valued as an individual as opposed to just one of many. Harvey Ingram has an emphasis on providing a high standard of service and client care which is impressive.
Experiences as a Trainee
Where do I begin? My experiences as a Trainee have been extremely positive. I have had exposure to complex and high value personal injury and clinical negligence work. As a Trainee I have handled my own caseload which has allowed real responsibility and I have been trusted to deal directly with clients, enhancing my client care skills. I have found each day a new experience. I have attended trials, an inquest at the Coroner’s Court, conferences with Counsel, prepared Court applications and attended hearings, to name just a few. I am now nearing completion of my seat in Commercial Property which has been diverse and very hands on. The training and exposure to good quality work is second to none. Throughout my training, I have been provided with regular feedback and support which I feel is invaluable.
What are the benefits of a firm like Harvey Ingram LLP?
The firm provides good quality training, excellent support and a work/life balance. You have an opportunity to get involved with community initiatives as Harvey Ingram supports Leicestershire Cares, an organisation which is dedicated to making a difference to the local community through projects such as Right to Read. As a Trainee, you are encouraged to get involved with these rewarding schemes. Outside of work, Harvey Ingram has many social events which provide an opportunity to meet others within an informal environment through membership of Leicestershire Young Professionals, annual quizzes and other events organised by the Firm’s Social Committee.