"I am currently working in the Private Client department, having previously spent 6 months in both the Family and Commercial Litigation Departments. Overburys practice in a range of sectors and I have particularly enjoyed the varied and unpredictable nature of working for a high street firm. Working for Overburys has not only offered variety, but ample opportunity to gain ‘hands on’ practical experience. I have been involved in almost every aspect of work that a fully qualified solicitor would be expected to undertake from interviewing and advising clients, representing individuals in the family courts, billing and accounting and general firm marketing. My highlight has been working on the preparation of a matter before the Court of Appeal, and sitting being junior and leading Counsel for the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Despite a high level of responsibility, I can honestly say that I have never felt overwhelmed. The reality of working for a busy regional firm is that you are expected to pull your weight and learn quickly – but the fact that I have worked in close proximity with experienced solicitors has meant there is always someone around to point you in the right direction. Throughout each of my seats I have been supervised and trained by one of the firm’s equity partners which has provided me with first hand access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Norwich is a great place to live with a significant legal scene, and is a vibrant alternative to living and working in London. I would recommend working at Overburys to anyone seeking a challenging training with the opportunity to engage with clients and get involved in real work from day one.

"I am currently in my third seat at Overburys training in the Property Department. I spent my first seat within the Family Department and my second seat within Private Client. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far within the firm and feel that not only have I been offered support, guidance and practical training from day one, but also, I have been given a level of hands-on experience within the firm that has really allowed me to develop the skills I require to become a qualified solicitor. Qualifying need not be a daunting jump from photocopying and scanning to managing case loads and clients and at Overburys the quality of training makes qualification seems a natural and fulfilling progression from your role as a trainee.

Overburys values its staff and appreciates that the quality of the work and learning achieved in each department as a trainee plays a valuable role in shaping your career in the future. In my first seat within the family department I was given endless opportunities to attend court, conduct hearings, meet with clients, prepare statements and saw through numerous Children Act care cases from opening the file itself to the barristers closing submissions. My second seat in Private Client provided me with more experience in dealing with clients, administering multi-million pound estates, drafting Will’s, executing Lasting Powers of Attorney and providing IHT advice. This level of learning and responsibility has provided me with invaluable experience and goes above and beyond that offered by other mid-tier regional firms. Now I am in the Property Department I await the multitude of exciting challenges ahead of me!

I would highly recommend Overburys to prospective trainees. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, the fee earners at all levels from Partner to the Managing Partner take an interest and active role in your progression to qualification and the firm has a high retention rate of its trainees. The training is hands on but fully supported and I would strongly recommend anyone who is motivated, keen to learn and committed to a career in law to apply. "

"I am currently in my second seat at Overburys working in the Family department. Much of my work at the moment revolves around child law. My first seat was in the Company & Commercial department where I was involved in a wide range of work including contract disputes, drafting shareholder agreements, landlord and tenant issues and employment matters.

"I am in my second seat of training at Overburys and currently in the Family Department. Currently the majority of my work is public and private child law. I have also gained experience in divorce and ancillary relief. Prior to this seat, I trained in the Company and Commercial Department where I dealt with landlord and tenant disputes, employment actions and commercial disputes.

I would recommend a training contact with Overburys to anyone that is committed to training in Norwich. Overburys has a high retention rate for trainees and are keen to expand the practice so I would encourage anyone with ambition and motivation to apply."

"I am currently in my second seat in Overburys in the Company/Commercial department, having begun my training in Conveyancing. It is often said by law firms that their partners have an open door policy- in Overburys this is not simply a cliché. There is a great balance struck between, on the one hand being given work of a high quality and stimulating nature, but on the other receiving support and advice from colleagues too. All fee-earners are always more than willing to assist and the secretarial staff are great in helping- no matter how silly the question nor how busy they may be!

Although each day is busy there are regular opportunities to unwind after work with a social drink and all the other trainees at Overburys regularly attend Norwich TSG and YPG events. I am looking forward to completing my training at Overburys and hope to remain in the firm long into my legal career. "

"My training struck a great balance of allowing independence, maximising client contact and encouraging the use of initiative with friendly and approachable support and guidance throughout. The work given to me was both varied and of a high quality. The training was challenging and interesting and the atmosphere of the firm is such to allow trainees to feel a valued member of a great team.

I enjoyed training with the firm and feel that it has given me a great foundation for my career ahead. The responsibilities you acquire training at a busy firm like Overburys provide a great insight to life post qualification and I was delighted to have the opportunity of remaining with the firm as a solicitor upon qualification"

"I am currently a trainee and I am in my final seat in the Family Department, where I have been largely involved in private and public childcare law. During this seat I have had the opportunity to conduct my own hearings at Court, attend Counsel at final hearings and to interview clients to prepare their evidence to be placed before the Court.

My previous seats have been in the Private Client, Conveyancing and Civil Litigation departments. Each seat has provided me with hands-on experience and this has enabled me to become confident in a number of different areas of law, which has in turn helped me to decide where I would like to specialise in my future career as a solicitor.

Overburys is a friendly firm to work for and whilst day-to-day life as a trainee is busy there is plenty of support available from other trainees and members of the firm and there are always the social events to look forward to including the Christmas and summer parties!

Overburys has provided me with the perfect balance between practical experience and supported training and I would highly recommend Overburys to others looking for a varied training contract."

"I am a third seat trainee at Overburys, currently in the Private Client department dealing with wills, trusts and probate. I have previously worked in Company/Commercial, Civil Litigation and Residential Property. During this time I have had significant client contact, interviewing and research experience and have completed various drafting assignments. I have experienced the Employment Tribunal, Family Proceedings Court, Mediation and the Court of Protection.

I have found at Overburys that you are given responsibility from day one and expected to use your initiative. The work given to trainees is very hands on, always challenging and diverse. Trainees are able to manage their own files and interview clients unaccompanied. I have definitely gained more independence as a trainee than my friends working in larger firms. To assist with your training, everyone is friendly and helpful and the Partners have an open-door policy. As a trainee at Overburys you will experience a full range of departments and an excellent work-life balance.

Overburys look for trainees with outstanding skills and qualifications and the ambition to succeed. There is a good retention rate and the Partners are keen to expand with junior lawyers. The Partners treat trainees as a valued element of the firm and I have also been involved in marketing, social events and local TSG activities. The firm is very sociable and are keen to recruit individuals who will fit in with this atmosphere. There is the opportunity of flexible working and the office is in a great location on Tombland. I would highly recommend the training contract at Overburys for someone committed to training in Norwich. "