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. If you join a niche practice, experience in other areas of work may be minimal. You may not be able to qualify into another practice area. So be sure this is what you want to do. Niche practices are subject to fluctuations in the market.