Firms

Farleys Solicitors LLP

Survey results

Survey results

 

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 

 ''The reputation that firm carries throughout the North West'; 'friendliness of the people when I attended one of the offices for the interview'; 'great opportunities for training and development'; 'staff and fee-earners were extremely welcoming and friendly'; 'I felt that it was a firm where I would fit in'; 'very well geographically located'' 

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 

 ''The opportunities at this firm appear to be greater'; 'pay is not great compared with other firms'; 'in terms of training, the firm is up there with the best'; 'lots of responsibility'; 'work is hands on'; 'good variety of tasks are given'' 

Best thing about the firm? 

 ''The solicitors in the firm are very approachable'; 'friendliness of the staff'; 'people are always willing to assist when questions arise'; 'work/life balance'; 'very friendly firm from support staff to managing partners'; 'firm puts a lot of faith in its trainees and puts you in positions to gain experience'' 

Worst thing about the firm? 

 ''The pay'; 'work can at times be very stressful'; 'would sometimes like a more structured approach to career progression'' 

Best moment? 

 ''The amount of court experience gained within the family department'; 'attending a trial when the client was deservedly acquitted'; 'going to inquests across the country including spending six weeks in South Wales'; 'attending a two-week inquest in Blackpool'' 

Worst moment?

 ''Appraisals with partners'; 'been asked to do an injunction last minute under time pressure, but it's the best way to learn!'; 'when our junior was off sick for two weeks and I had to photocopy seven bundles''

The Lex 100 verdict

 The Verdict

The firm

Based in Blackburn Farleys has over 80 lawyers and is well regarded for its Crime department. The firm has offices in Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley, Shadworth and Manchester where they have just moved office. Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Commercial Litigation are other areas of strength. 

The star performers

Crime.

The deals

Debt recovery solutions for local companies; commercial property issues; personal injury claims; PPI.

The clients

Individuals, SMEs.

The Verdict

'The friendliness of the staff and their willingness to assist no matter how busy they are' is just one reason trainees are full of praise for North West firm Farleys, a new entrant into Lex 100 this year. With a strong reputation throughout the region, the welcoming atmosphere at the firm impresses trainees and it is a Lex 100 Winner in an impressive six categories; job satisfaction, friendliness, firm living up to expectations, quality of work, client contact and confidence in being kept on. Current trainees see its size as an advantage, as many are drawn by the fact that 'a medium-sized firm specialising in a wide variety of areas provides great opportunities for training and development at the start of your legal career'. Over the training period one trainee noted that 'the work is hands on and you are given high levels of responsibility throughout' and another that 'the fee-earners are easy to approach and learn from when you need the guidance'. There is the sense that the trainees get a genuine taste of life as a junior fee-earner and are kept busy with experiences that include 'going to inquests across the country including spending six weeks in South Wales' and 'attending the Royal Courts of Justice in London'. Not withstanding their confidence in being kept on some trainees would like a 'more structured approach to career progression'. They are also happy to accept increased stress levels at times: 'sometimes one is asked to do an injunction last minute under time pressure, but it's the best way to learn!' And there is a similarly philosophical view on wages: 'the pay is lower than at some other firms in the area but you do have to weigh it up against the work/life balance and the enjoyment of the work'. There is a real sense of community at this firm and tales of group 'fish and chips' celebrations after a successful result. A good choice for those wanting to put down roots in the North West and looking for a no-nonsense, hands-on training experience.