Kennedys is a specialist global law firm with unrivalled expertise in litigation and dispute resolution. Kennedys is regarded as a leader, not just because it has some of the most respected legal minds in their field – but because they know the importance of being practical, commercial and approachable. Kennedys prides itself on offering its clients clear legal advice.

Who should apply

We offer a vibrant and supportive working environment built upon our core values; we are approachable and responsive, we show respect for people, we are trustworthy and straightforward and we ensure that we deliver economic solutions for our clients. Our trainees experience early responsibility and client contact as we find that this produces excellent solicitors capable of running their own caseload once they qualify. We therefore recruit graduates who are confident, articulate and sociable, who are team players, self-aware and resourceful.

What to expect from a training contract at Kennedys

The purpose of the training contract is to give the trainees a mix of experience and skills that will set them up in their legal career as a solicitor with Kennedys. The firm’s ability to consistently offer the majority of its trainees positions on qualification is attributable to producing newly qualified lawyers who are competent, confident and commercially driven. A balance of work experience, responsibility, supervision and formal training achieves this. Kennedys ensures that its trainee solicitors are given sound training in the core disciplines. All partners and supervisors are readily accessible and are ready to offer support when needed.

SQE training programme

Kennedys are excited to announce their new innovative training programme for graduates. Their programme will prepare you for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). The SQE training programme will take the form of a graduate solicitor apprenticeship and allows you to start working and earning at Kennedys immediately after university, while gaining qualifying legal work experience in one of our teams before sitting the SQE1 and SQE2 exams to qualify as a solicitor. You will also be awarded a postgraduate certificate from BPP. Prospective trainees looking to start the SQE training programme must have completed a law degree or the GDL/PGDL prior to starting with Kennedys.

The two year six-month training programme will involve working at Kennedys four days a week and having one day off a week to study at BBP. In addition to a dedicated supervisor at Kennedys, you will have a tutor and skills coach at BPP, to ensure that you have all the support you need at work and with your studies.

Read about a day in the life of a trainee and legal professionals here.

Kennedys are proud that they are made up of individuals who come from all over the world and bring with them their own cultures, languages, backgrounds and experiences. Kennedys embrace, value and celebrate difference because we understand that diverse perspectives and experiences help them solve the toughest challenges and make them a better law firm.

Vision

Kennedys view diversity and inclusion (D&I) as a key priority. They understand that it is important to represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities, and to create an inclusive culture in which everyone, regardless of their background, identity or circumstance, can be themselves and thrive at work. Building a diverse and inclusive firm is essential for our future success. It will help us to attract and retain the best talent, drive innovation, and deliver the best experience for our people and clients.

In line with their core values of being approachable, straightforward, supportive and distinctive, they strive to celebrate diversity, empower people and ensure everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.

Commitment

Kennedys are committed to increasing the representation of women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities across the firm, in senior management positions and at partnership level. In 2020 they achieved their 30% female partnership goal and have further set a goal of 40% female partnership by 2030.

In 2020 Kennedys made a commitment to focus on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals – find out more about this on their corporate social responsibility webpage. Kennedys D&I initiatives are aligned with goals 3. Good health and wellbeing, 4. Quality education, and 10. Reduced inequalities.

In 2021 Kennedys signed up to the Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification process in the US and became one of the first law firms to pilot the Mansfield Rule 1.0 in the UK. The Mansfield Rule is a 12-month certification process which aims to boost the representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in law firm leadership.

As a firm, Kennedys are proud of what they have achieved so far but also recognise that more needs to be done and their D&I journey is not complete. This is why they have elaborated a Global D&I Strategy (2022-2025) to help achieve their goals.

Before starting your training contract, we ask our future trainees to attend the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and where applicable the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) at BPP. We will fund your course fees for the LPC and PGDL and provide a maintenance grant during these study periods.

SQE sponsorship

Kennedys will fully fund your training during the SQE programme. If you have studied a non-law undergraduate degree and completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) before starting the SQE training programme, Kennedys will reimburse you for your PGDL fees.

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