Kennedys - True Picture

Kennedys training contract review 2025

The Firm

It’s not often you come across a firm that’s been around since the Victorian era but Kennedys, which was founded in 1899, makes the cut. So, what brings a firm such as this success for such a long time? Well, as one trainee astutely put it, “there will always be business because we’re in insurance, and there’s always business for insurance.” It’s true, Kennedys covers a wide range of insurance matters, from aviation and motor liability to medical malpractice and more. Insurance factors into every one of the firm’s practice groups in one way or another, as evidenced by its Chambers UK rankings. The guide has awarded the firm gold-star rankings for its UK-wide work in clinical negligence, personal injury, health & safety, contentious insurance, transport, travel and product liability. Kennedys is also highly ranked in professional negligence in the North West and Northern Ireland. Naturally, most of the trainees we spoke to were drawn to the firm’s prominence in insurance, which comes with the opportunity to work with some of the biggest clients in the field: “I came to the firm because most of its clients were large insurers with international reach, and not just claimants.” Thanks to this global reach, Kennedys picks up additional top rankings for insurance from the Chambers Globalguide in the United Arab Emirates, Latin America and, of course, the UK.

“… a balance between cultivating enthusiasm for work while also considering the needs of young people starting their careers.”

Having been in the game for well over a century now, Kennedys has managed to spread its influence across five continents, with 32 overseas offices in 20 other countries. It still has very solid footing here in the UK, with 13 offices dotted all over England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Newcastle was its most recent domestic office addition in 2023 and does not take on trainees; training contracts are only offered in London, Manchester, Bristol and Leeds. Aside from insurance, interviewees had also heard plenty about the firm’s reputation for offering a great work-life balance. For trainees, this was seen as “a balance between cultivating enthusiasm for work while also considering the needs of young people starting their careers.” More specifically, one newbie was “worried we’d be working all hours of the day but I come in at 9am and leave at 5pm – it’s been amazing!”

The Seats

Kennedys adopts the standard training contract structure of four six-month seats, while also offering a more unconventional SQE training contract. More than a third of trainees are on this route, which differs from the normal contract as its participants study for the SQE while working for the firm, with an allocated non-working study day per week. Sources who were taking this path explained that “we have a whole day to focus on the SQE, and the firm ensures that people use that time wisely. It shows that they want us to succeed both at work and in the SQE.” This TC option is 30 months long – as opposed to the standard 24 – and is essentially one long seat, meaning that new trainees join one department with the aim of eventually qualifying into that group.

For those on the traditional route, however, seat allocation is simple. HR send a list of available seats about a month before the rotation, and trainees can submit a top three list of preferences. Priority is usually given to second-years when seats are doled out.

As insurance takes centre stage at Kennedys, one of the busier seats on offer is serious and catastrophic injury. According to one source, “it’s a huge team so it’s split into hubs. There are one or two partners in each hub, and they split the work that way. So, if a partner specialises in injury cases, for example, that’s all that hub does.” Even with such a large team, trainees still get plenty of responsibility: “There’s so much scope and variety. I’ve been reaching out to and dealing with witnesses, which is a great opportunity to get your hands dirty and gain experience first-hand.” Tasks range from drafting documents and defences to calling experts and organising appointments, but trainees more generally noticed “a great sense of freedom, especially with the number of interesting cases that come our way.” Case in point: Kennedys is currently working with World Rugby on a massive case in which 300 claimants have stated that they have developed various degrees of brain damage from playing the sport. The matter is ongoing and estimated at £500 million.

“After easing me in, they gave me the chance to have a few of my own matters by the end.”

Professional liability was another common seat according to our trainee interviewees as “it’s one of the bigger groups at the firm, and that also means we deal with bigger matters.” For example, the team has defended construction company, Prater, in a £199 million claim relating to issues with the Sky Central building in West London.We heard that construction was a big focus across the team, with clients ranging from the Financial Conduct Authority to individual architects. A lot of cases go to mediation and may settle at that stage or earlier, meaning that the team “will work on disclosure for multimillion-dollar claims, providing legal research on niche areas of coverage for partners and senior associates.” On top of drafting and research, we heard that there are plenty of opportunities to pick up more responsibility: “After easing me in, they gave me the chance to have a few of my own matters by the end.” Newbies explained how it’s important to be direct with supervisors so that “you can get what you want out of it. We have targets such as attending a mediation and things like that, and supervisors will ensure you have a well-rounded experience of the seat.”

The cyber and data risk team offers a taste of something a little different. To put it simply, if a law firm were a hospital, this team would be the first responders, dealing with data breaches as they happen in real time. This means that work comes fast, as one insider summarised: “Things can take months to years in litigation, but here you have to act quickly. The timelines are often short and strict, so it feels really high octane.” As you might expect, clients need quick action from the firm after experiencing a data breach so, once they ring the team’s hotline, “we very quickly jump on the call to deal with their claim and the safety of their data.” Even with such technical work, these instances still require a very human touch, so trainees will be part of “reassuring the client and taking the pressure off them. We’re more hands-on than some other areas of law.” Naturally, the cyber and data risk team runs a tight ship, and this requires lots of teamwork to make sure everyone is on top of their work. Tasks for trainees here include drafting regulatory motions, defences and claims, all while keeping up with responding to claims within minutes of a call.

Trainee Life

“Joining a City law firm can be intimidating, but I can’t stress enough how welcoming they’ve been.”

A TC at Kennedys comes with plenty of regular training. After an initial onboarding process, trainees enter the Junior Lawyer Academy, an in-house training programme designed to develop trainees’ knowledge of the practice groups they’re sitting in and the wider firm. Sources spoke highly of this, explaining how “it’s really useful to get those deep dives into practice areas while getting grounded in other aspects of the firm.” However, many especially valued the opportunity to learn from supervisor feedback, noting how “they’re not just kind and understanding, they have a genuine interest in helping. I work closely with mine and I think that’s invaluable.” One London trainee also appreciated supervisors’ open-door policy, explaining how “joining a City law firm can be intimidating, but I can’t stress enough how welcoming they’ve been.”

Interviewees had lots to say about the friendly and supportive culture, and explained that it’s present across all of the firm’s offices. Many were pleasantly surprised upon joining the firm, with one trainee sharing: “I had a preconceived idea that it would be very regimented, but it’s been the complete opposite. We regularly go out together as a trainee cohort and partners bring us along to events such as client meetings as well.” This means that many felt valued by their teams, even at such a junior stage of their career: “It’s really helped with my confidence,” one source shared. “The support from my team and other trainees has been amazing.” This support was also appreciated in the context of diversity, with insiders explaining that the firm is keen to make sure that it’s not just lip service. Kennedys recently launched the Embrace network, which is “an employee group for anyone not from a standard English background, with a huge push for and focus on retention and recruitment from a diverse pool of talent.”

We heard that the hours are merciful by City standards, with sources reporting that most trainees can stick to a nine to five, with no expectation to work weekends or past 6.30pm in many cases. This was reportedly the case across all seats, though hybrid working might vary across departments. Most stuck to three to four in-office days per week, and interviewees explained that “trainees get priority desk booking, but it’s okay to work from home if you don’t manage to get one. The firm has been more than accommodating in setting up home working.” Those in London were split on the hot-desking system, however, with some noting that “there are just not enough desks for everyone right now,” while others appreciated “getting to move around and meet new people.” Despite this, interviewees in the capital were quick to brag about the perks of their base in the Walkie Talkie building: “We’ve got good healthcare and a discount to the sky garden just upstairs!” The Birmingham office will also be relocating soon.

“Long hours aren’t expected, and I get my weekends and evenings.”

When it comes to salary, trainees agreed that “even though other firms may offer slightly more, the pay-off is worth it. Long hours aren’t expected, and I get my weekends and evenings.” That being said, NQ salaries seemed to be shrouded in mystery, as trainees reported that it can vary “depending on seats and how many people applied for a vacancy.” There was also some confusion surrounding qualification for SQE trainees since the alternative training contract is still new to the firm, but insiders assumed that “we’ll know in advance if we’re likely to stay on or not since we’re the only one in the seat.” For those on the standard route, the qualification process kicks off two months into their final seat. Qualifiers discuss their preferred departments with HR, before submitting an NQ portfolio and completing an interview with the groups that are hiring. In 2024, Kennedys kept on 15 out of 19 trainees. However, when it comes to long-term plans, trainees noticed that there are a lot of Kennedys lifers at the firm: “I think that can only be a sign of the firm’s positives and I, too, can see myself staying here for a long time.”

How to get a Kennedys training contract

Training contract deadline: 29 November 2024

Training contract and SQE training programme

“Kennedys offers training contracts and graduate solicitor apprenticeships for graduates who wish to qualify as a lawyer. Trainees gain hands-on experience in a supportive and inclusive environment and are able to participate in ongoing professional development to set them up for success. You will be given a good level of responsibility early on, dealing with varied areas of work, and will be a valued member of the team from the start, working alongside experienced lawyers and partners in a relaxed and open plan environment.”

Kennedys generally offers around 25 training contracts in its UK offices each year. Applicants need at least 120 UCAS points and a 2:1 degree to pass the initial screening.

Applications and assessments

Both types of application kick off with an online form. The firm typically receives around 2000 training contract applications. “We want to understand why you are applying to Kennedys specifically, what interests you about the firm and the work we do, as well as why you should be selected for a training programme above other applicants,” senior early careers manager Hannah Worsfold says. She advises applicants to “showcase the knowledge and enthusiasm they have about the firm throughout all stages of the application process.” Shortlisted candidates are then invited to undertake a timed situational strengths assessment online.

The firm then selects applicants to take an automated video interview, focusing on their application form and reasons for applying to Kennedys. Around 100 candidates are then invited to attend an assessment centre. The day includes some micro exercises that involve a video response, plus a written task and an interview with a senior associate.

Worsfold tells us “We value transferable skills like initiative, time management, and communication, which can come from any experience. Our strengths-based approach and blind CVs ensure we focus on your skills and potential. We're looking for trainees who will thrive in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.”

From here, trainees are chosen. For those aiming to crack offices outside of London, a further follow-up interview in their chosen office is held before the final decision is made.

Training Contract

Leeds (example seats include disease, public sector, casualty, claims services, motor)

London (insurance and reinsurance, liability, commercial)

London/Bermuda (insurance and reinsurance, liability, commercial)

Manchester (insurance and reinsurance, liability, commercial)

Taunton (insurance and reinsurance, liability)

Scotland (insurance and liability)

Birmingham (Healthcare)

Cambridge (Healthcare)

Sheffield (Healthcare)

SQE Training Programme

Birmingham (professional liability)

London (casualty coverage,  property, energy and construction, Professional Liability and Cyber & Data Risk)

Manchester (Cyber & Data Risk)

Taunton (Claims Handling and Cyber & Data Risk)

Interview with training principal Andrew Coates

The Firm

Chambers Student: How would you describe the firm and its position in the market?

Andrew Coates: The last Gracechurch client survey found that our clients believe us to be the go-to  firm for client service in the insurance market, which reflects a growing sense of the self-confidence of the firm. In terms of the mix of work about 90% of what we do involves dispute resolution right across the insurance sector globally and those clients want certainty at the end of the day. I think our clients get what they want and what they need. They want the best advice they can get and they want to resolve disputes for the lowest settlement payment. We’re not high profile in terms of appearing in the news but all the major incidents and accidents reported in the national news will usually have a Kennedys lawyer advising an insurer or insured entity behind the scenes which makes the work topical and interesting. There was a 12% increase in the number of lawyers compared to last year and a 17% growth in revenue and we’re aiming for double digit revenue growth next year.

CS: Are there any highlights from the last year you think it would be helpful for our readers to know about?

Coates: We have a mix of rotating trainees and SQE trainees, and we want to offer as many genuine routes into the firm as possible. We also want to be the employer of choice. We think the SQE is a great way for young people to make it into law. What appeals to us is that it delivers a very complex piece of further education in the most pragmatic way. Our SQE training contract is a 30-month programme with us and BPP and there’s no rotation. We have such a high quantity of work that we don’t need a rotating system, frankly. Those trainees who stay for two year in the same team have a large amount of work on which to cut their teeth, and they know it’s highly likely they’ll be qualified into their team. They know that every piece of work they complete over that period helps to demonstrate their competence so  there is less pressure on a final selection process.

The Training Contract

CS: How would you describe the training environment/culture that you have aimed to create at the firm?

Coates: It’s part of the reason laterals join us. We think relationships are important and we pride ourselves on building relationships based on trust. People who can do that really thrive here. Some people may like a cutthroat or dog-eat-dog environment, but the reality is most of us don’t. I trained here and I feel that the culture hasn’t changed from what it has always been and that is one of the firm’s strengths.

We have an employee support program to help people here face any issues they might have. We have mentorship programs that are popular as well. ESG is important to us, and we make it real by having committed to the UN Global Compact 10 principles and our five priority sustainable development goals, which were voted on by everyone and therefore reflect the things our people value. Our five goals include good health and wellbeing, quality in education, peace and justice, reducing inequality, and climate action.

Applications & Recruitment

CS: What sort of person thrives at the firm? How can a candidate really impress at interview?

Coates: We’ve got a blind CV policy because, even though it’s very tempting to look at candidates’ experience, I want interviewees to look at their strengths and not their past. The process is about giving them scenarios and seeing how they respond. Having a conversation around how applicants would approach things is more useful and interesting on both sides. The people who hit the ground running have the makings of a good lawyer and are not necessarily the finished product. Our questions are different because we’re looking for different outcomes.

CS: Does the firm have any set recruitment targets around diversity?

Coates: We’ve made several internal partnership promotions this past year, and there are more women than there are men. Now, that needs to trickle down. We have a lot of diversity focus groups and forums where people at all levels across the firm can discuss issues that are important to them.

CS: And finally, do you have any advice for those thinking about pursuing a career in law? Either at your firm or more generally?

Coates: Come to Kennedys because it’s a great firm! You have to ask yourself what you want out of a job. Personally, I think law is a fascinating area to get into as many of the issues we advise upon are in a state of flux, so I felt really engaged from the time I joined. People are interested in the forensic nature of law and the legal pathology of determining responsibility for an event – how you get to a resolution. If you do enjoy analysing and finding solutions to problems, that’s something to emphasise in your applications. Some of our best trainees didn’t study in law at all, so don’t get hung up on the apparent requirements of being a lawyer – sell yourself and what makes you unique.