About Howes Percival
What is Howes Percival?
Howes Percival is a commercial law firm that began "in the Northamptonshire town of Towcester in 1790" and now describes itself as "a mid-sized firm with an outsized heart". Its own vacancy pages point to "a rich heritage spanning over 200 years", and the practice spans corporate, commercial property, dispute resolution, employment, planning, insolvency, agriculture, private client and residential conveyancing work. The firm's positioning line is "life more sure": helping clients "plan for the expected and the unexpected" so they can "face the future with increasing confidence".
Where will I work?
Howes Percival has seven offices: Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Norwich and Oxford. Many vacancies open in several locations at once; a recent Charity Solicitor role listed six. The firm treats that geography as central to its character: "Our offices are in very different cities with very diverse communities. That fact has a big influence on the make up of our firm." One thing to note before applying: Howes Percival does not publish a firm-wide hybrid or remote-working policy, and at least one current advert describes a "full time office based role", so it is worth asking about working pattern for the specific job.
What is the Howes Percival team like?
"People join Howes Percival for many reasons but everyone has a good reason to stay," the firm says, describing "a genuinely supportive working environment across all departments" and "a high level of respect between people at every level of office or seniority in the firm". Its lawyers come "from a variety of backgrounds, many from larger and City firms, some from in-house". The values are set out as HP DNA: think team, be positive, inspire trust, act agile and always approachable. Development is structured — a mentoring scheme offering coaching throughout your career, personalised career development frameworks, and LEAPS (learn, explore, achieve, perform, stretch), the leadership programme open to people in every role.
Work-Life Balance
Time off starts at 25 days plus bank holidays and rises to 30 days with long service, with the option to "buy or sell" holiday and one paid charity day each year. A career break policy is published for people who need extended time away, and an "emergency leave policy when regular care arrangements break down" covers sudden caring needs. Beyond that, the firm says its policies "offer enhanced support across a wide range of life events, from family leave, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, to caring responsibilities and compassionate leave". The wellbeing programme adds an Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, wellbeing days, mindfulness sessions and "a year round calendar of activities to promote connection, health and balance".
Perks and Benefits
- Pension with matched contributions up to 5%, via salary sacrifice
- Lump sum life assurance benefit and group income protection insurance
- Profit share scheme and discretionary bonus
- Comprehensive private medical cover, optional family cover, plus Medicash cash plan
- Optional dental insurance cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support and wellbeing days
- Career break policy
- Option to buy or sell holiday, plus one paid charity day a year
- Enhanced family leave and pregnancy loss support
- Enhanced support for fertility treatment
- Perks at Work discounts, season ticket loan, cycle to work and electric car schemes
- Mentoring, career development frameworks and the LEAPS leadership programme