You get the advantages of a more intimate atmosphere in a smaller office with the benefits of a larger network of lawyers across the country. You ll always be able to communicate with someone at the firm who knows the answer to your question even if they are 150 miles away. At the top regional firms you will find great quality work. They compete with the finest in the City. They often win.
Many firms prefer to recruit trainees with strong local connections.
They suffer badly from the pull of London on qualification. Older trainees often appeal to the regional players. Not only do they have deeper roots locally but they sometimes bring first career skills and contacts that help the firm build its niche areas of work. Pay is good in Leeds, Birmingham etc. You ll work hard for less money but the cost of living is lower.