Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in Norwich
Leathes Prior is one of East Anglia's leading law firms, offering a comprehensive range of legal services to organisations and individuals in Norfolk and beyond. Established in 1867, our firm has maintained a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality client service while adapting to evolving legal landscapes. Our expertise spans commercial law, family law, residential property, and niche specialisms, supported by a team of dedicated professionals invested in building long-term client relationships. With offices in Norwich and Ipswich, we combine local market knowledge with a forward-thinking approach to legal solutions. Our history of innovation includes pioneering debt recovery services, launching market-leading mediation offerings, and expanding our expertise through strategic mergers.We prioritise personal service, ensuring legal processes remain accessible and straightforward for clients. Recognised in industry surveys and awards, our firm continues to invest in talent and technology to meet client needs effectively. Our charitable initiatives and community engagement reflect our commitment to social responsibility. As a regulated practice, we adhere to the highest professional standards, ensuring transparency and trust in all our operations.
Services
Commercial Law
Family Law
Residential Property
Corporate Law
Criminal Defence
Employment Law
LP Sports
Training
Probate
Wills
Highlights and features
- We offer over 150 years of legal expertise in East Anglia
- Our team specialises in commercial and residential property law
- We provide tailored legal solutions for individuals and businesses
- Our mediation services are ranked number one in the UK
- We maintain a client-first approach with personal service
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Expert legal knowledge
Responsive team
Personalised service
Excellent results
Trusted advisors
Services
Commercial Law
Our commercial law team advises businesses on contracts, mergers, and regulatory compliance. We specialise in corporate restructuring and commercial property transactions. With decades of experience, we provide strategic legal solutions tailored to business needs.
Family Law
We handle divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements. Our solicitors prioritise amicable resolutions while protecting client interests. Services include prenuptial agreements and domestic violence injunctions.
Residential Property
Our conveyancing specialists manage home purchases, sales, and leasehold transactions. We offer clear guidance on property disputes and landlord-tenant matters. Services cover Norfolk and Suffolk regions with dedicated support teams.
Criminal Defence
We represent clients facing criminal charges in magistrates' and crown courts. Our solicitors specialise in motoring offences, fraud investigations, and regulatory compliance defence. We provide urgent representation for police station attendances.
LP Sports
This niche practice advises athletes and sports organisations on contracts, disciplinary matters, and sponsorship agreements. We've represented Formula 1 drivers and local sports clubs, combining legal expertise with industry knowledge.
People
Paul Warman
Managing Partner
Paul Warman leads the firm's strategic direction with over 30 years' experience in commercial law. He specialises in corporate restructuring and business acquisitions, maintaining the firm's commitment to client-focused legal solutions.
Sarah Appleton
Partner
Sarah Appleton heads the employment law team, advising businesses on HR policies and dispute resolution. With 15 years at the firm, she provides practical guidance on workplace investigations and tribunal representation.
Dan Chapman
Partner
Dan Chapman leads the LP Sports division, specialising in athlete representation and sports governance. He negotiated contracts for international motorsport professionals and advises on sports regulatory compliance matters.
Tim Cary
Consultant
Tim Cary provides expertise in regulatory defence and criminal law. As a former head of department, he continues advising on complex cases involving professional misconduct and licensing issues.
Lucy Whipps
Partner
Lucy Whipps specialises in residential property law, overseeing conveyancing transactions and leasehold disputes. She manages a team handling over 500 property cases annually across East Anglia.
Questions
What areas of law does Leathes Prior specialise in?
We specialise in commercial law, family law, residential property, criminal defence, and sports law. Our services cover Norfolk, Suffolk, and nationwide.
Does Leathes Prior offer online legal services?
Yes, we provide digital consultations and document management through secure online platforms. Our Employmentor service offers online HR support for businesses.
What makes Leathes Prior different from other law firms?
We combine 150+ years of local expertise with innovative legal solutions. Our client relationships, mediation services, and sports law specialism distinguish us in East Anglia.
How much do Leathes Prior's services cost?
Fees vary by service complexity. We provide transparent pricing estimates before work begins. Commercial clients can access fixed-fee packages for regular legal support.
Can Leathes Prior handle international legal matters?
While primarily serving East Anglia, we collaborate with international legal networks to assist with cross-border transactions and disputes.
Reviews (5)
Thomas Howard
Apr 10, 2022
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Leathes Prior is an outstanding firm full of professional, diligent, and hard-working solicitors. I had a case that had been abandoned by my former solicitor and I had extreme difficulties finding a firm that could help me pursue justice and bring back my disability discrimination claim. Leathes Prior took on my case and my application to bring back my claim, despite the opposition from the defendant, recently got granted by the District Judge at County Court.
I feel I am in safe hands and I am glad that I have such an outstanding team representing me as I move forward in my disability discrimination claim. Specifically, thank you to Polly Langford and her amazing team at Leathes Prior!
I feel I am in safe hands and I am glad that I have such an outstanding team representing me as I move forward in my disability discrimination claim. Specifically, thank you to Polly Langford and her amazing team at Leathes Prior!
Helen Payne
Mar 03, 2022
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We have just used Leathes Prior to assist us in a Lease extension having been recommended by family members. Dean was absolutely brilliant in explaining everything to us with no legal jargon and steered us through a very stressful and time consuming process. Finally after a very drawn out 12 month period (due to the Freeholder dragging his heels) we have a nice long Lease and have managed to sell our flat and can look forward to the future. We will definitely be using Leathes Prior for our conveyancing as we have been so happy with their service. Thanks again Dean!
Carole Gent
Feb 25, 2022
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We recently received an outstanding level of professional diligence, expertise and exemplary client care during the complex sale of our business - which was handled throughout by Nina Ryan. Nina went above and beyond on every aspect, always making herself available to us by providing thorough guidance and support to bring the sale to a timely conclusion, despite numerous challenges incurred along the way.
We had previously used Lucy @ LP to review and renew our business premises lease and we were equally impressed by her attention to detail and expert professional advice. We would highly recommended this professional company and their team based on our experiences.
We had previously used Lucy @ LP to review and renew our business premises lease and we were equally impressed by her attention to detail and expert professional advice. We would highly recommended this professional company and their team based on our experiences.
Danny White
Dec 21, 2021
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Really good firm for getting the job done properly, very thorough and efficient. The only issue we had was with clear and honest communication and being shown any form on empathy or emotion towards our house purchase. We expressed this concern and we're then called and argued with by a partner in the firm who was initially very defensive over our comments however a second conversation was had and apologies were issued and the air was cleared.
We were unfortunately hit by the cyber breach on the third party solicitor at the time of purchase which had a nasty knock on effect and delay in our purchase which understandably made Leathes Priors job more difficult. Other than that we have every confidence in them getting the job over the line in the new year!
We were unfortunately hit by the cyber breach on the third party solicitor at the time of purchase which had a nasty knock on effect and delay in our purchase which understandably made Leathes Priors job more difficult. Other than that we have every confidence in them getting the job over the line in the new year!
Zena Riley
Aug 07, 2021
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Huge thank you to Carla Morphett for handling my complex divorce. She was always available when needed and ensured I understood matters clearly. It's always a worry when you feel vulnerable and need to appoint a professional to deal with matters you have no idea about. Carla is very knowledgeable and professional. A huge thank you once again.
