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CASE STUDY • MARKET HARBOROUGH Office • LEICESTERSHIRE
Jane Whitfield
Solicitor • Private Client
Jane joined GloverPriest Solicitors in 2025 after recognising that the firm was an excellent fit for her both professionally and personally, offering an opportunity to continue developing her specialist expertise in Private Client, trust, and charity law within a supportive and collaborative environment.
Joined October 2025
STEP Qualified
Mentor
Solicitor
Private Client
"What distinguishes GloverPriest for me is not a single defining feature, but a combination of consistent, thoughtful actions that reflect its values."
My route into law didn’t begin with a traditional plan. Early in my career, I worked as a legal secretary in a large City firm. It was there that I began to observe the work of those around me more closely, particularly the solicitors I supported. One moment, in particular, stayed with me. Watching someone carry out a role I instinctively felt I could do myself, I realised that the path I had assumed was out of reach was, in fact, entirely possible.
That realisation didn’t immediately make the journey easy. If anything, it made it more demanding. I committed to studying law part-time while continuing to work full-time in a demanding role. My evenings were spent at college, my weekends were dedicated to study, and much of my personal life was put on hold. After this, I successfully passed all of the qualifications needed to become a solicitor and went into private client work.
What Makes a Career in Private Client Law So Meaningful?
As I progressed through my training, I found myself naturally drawn to private client work, such as Lasting Power of Attorney and wills and probate matters. Initially, this was shaped by circumstance, as much of my training experience was concentrated in this area. However, private client law offered something that resonated deeply with my values.
Unlike more transactional areas of law, private client work requires a careful balance between technical knowledge and emotional intelligence. Clients are often navigating some of the most significant and sensitive moments of their lives, whether that involves planning for the future, managing family dynamics, or dealing with loss. I recognised early on that the role of a solicitor in this space extends beyond simply providing legal advice. It involves building trust, offering reassurance, and guiding people through complex decisions with care and clarity. This human aspect of the work is what has kept me engaged throughout my career.
Why Did GloverPriest Stand Out as the Right Place to Work?
My decision to join GloverPriest came down to a strong sense of cultural alignment. From my initial conversations with the firm, it became clear that the values I had come to prioritise were not only understood but actively supported. The firm’s approach to client work emphasised relationships over transactions, and there was a clear sense of collaboration across teams.
One of the most significant factors in my decision was the firm’s willingness to bring my entire team with me. At the time, my colleagues and I were facing uncertainty due to the closure of our previous office. The opportunity to move together as a team provided continuity, stability, and reassurance. It also demonstrated a level of care and flexibility on the firm’s part that reinforced my confidence in the decision.
This approach set the tone for my experience from the outset. Rather than feeling like an individual joining a new organisation, my team and I were welcomed as part of a wider group, with a genuine effort made to integrate us into the firm’s culture.
What Does Collaboration Look Like in Practice?
At GloverPriest, we work closely together within our office environments, allowing for regular interaction, discussion, and support. This physical proximity creates opportunities for spontaneous conversations, quick questions, and shared problem-solving, all of which contribute to a more connected and effective way of working.
In addition to in-office collaboration, the firm maintains strong communication across its different locations through regular team calls and structured meetings. Leadership plays an active role in maintaining this type of environment, with senior figures remaining approachable and accessible. I think it is incredibly important to be able to ask questions without hesitation, and this openness creates a culture where people feel supported rather than isolated.
Why Is Working in the Office So Valuable for Career Development?
For me, one of the most significant advantages of working in the office is the opportunity for continuous, organic learning. While formal training and structured development programmes are important, much of the most valuable learning happens informally through observation and interaction.
Being physically present with colleagues allows me to gain a deeper understanding of how experienced lawyers approach their work. This includes not only the technical aspects but also the subtleties of communication, decision-making, and client management. For example, listening to how a colleague handles a complex client conversation or reviewing how a piece of advice is framed can provide insights that are difficult to gain in isolation.
I also believe strongly in the importance of developing judgment, which I see as a critical skill in legal practice. Judgment is not something that can be taught directly; it develops over time through exposure to different situations, discussions with colleagues, and shared experiences. An office environment accelerates this process by creating opportunities for these interactions to happen naturally and frequently.
How Does an Office-Based Culture Benefit Clients?
The benefits of an office-based environment extend beyond internal development and have a direct impact on client experience. In private client work, where conversations often involve sensitive or complex issues, the ability to meet face-to-face can make a significant difference. Being physically present allows us to create a more supportive and reassuring environment, helping clients feel comfortable and understood.
Additionally, the collaborative nature of office working ensures that clients benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the team. We are able to consult with colleagues, share insights, and ensure that the advice we provide is well-informed and consistent. This contributes to a higher standard of service and reinforces the trust that clients place in the firm.
What Role Does Mentorship Play Within the Team?
Mentorship is a natural and integral part of the working environment for me and for GloverPriest as a firm. Rather than being confined to formal programmes, it emerges through everyday interactions, conversations, and shared experiences. Senior lawyers play an active role in supporting the development of more junior colleagues, creating an environment where questions are encouraged and learning is continuous.
For me, this aspect of my role is particularly rewarding. I value the opportunity to contribute to the growth of others, helping them develop not only their technical skills but also their confidence and judgment. This focus on development benefits the entire team, creating a culture where individuals are supported in reaching their full potential.
What Makes GloverPriest Feel Different as a Place to Work?
What distinguishes GloverPriest for me is not a single defining feature, but a combination of consistent, thoughtful actions that reflect its values. From the way new team members are welcomed and integrated, to the emphasis on collaboration and support, there is a clear sense that people are valued.
I recall a moment early in my time at the firm when my 25-year anniversary as a qualified solicitor was recognised and celebrated. While this may seem like a small gesture, it had a meaningful impact on me, reinforcing the sense that individual contributions and milestones are acknowledged.