Careers

Trainees

We believe that the more diverse our people are, the more successful we'll be as a business. This starts with our future lawyers - our trainees.

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Vernon Dennis, Partner

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From day one as a trainee at Howard Kennedy, you get real responsibility and great client contact. You feel like the work you do adds value to the matter, helps  your colleagues, and you build proper relationships with clients. This means when you qualify you feel like you already have been doing the job.

Adam Fellows, Trainee Solicitor 2019

We know that there isn't just one path into the law. This is why we consider applications from those with previous experience, both in and out of the legal world.

We strive to hire people from a diversity of backgrounds based on merit and personality.

But what can you expect when you get here?

You'll be encouraged to be yourself. We know that people perform better if they feel welcomed, included, and valued. Coupled with a supportive culture, we'll help you grow through development and skills building so you can become the lawyer you want to be.

You'll also have access to interesting work and impressive clients. And you'll have the opportunity to work directly and collaboratively with people at all levels.


You'll play an active part in the social and charity committees at the firm, while also attending client events and assisting with pro bono work.

Three people working. One person pointing at a document.

Meet our first year trainees

Our first year trainees are busy embedding themselves in their teams and the wider firm. They're getting to know our sector offering and the practicalities of the law firm as a business. They're also starting on their internal training programme giving them insight into developing relationships (internally and externally) and coping with the demands of being a lawyer.

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Meet our second year trainees

Our second year trainees are  building on the skills learned in their first year, with increased client exposure and responsibility. Now more integrated into the firm the second year trainees are encouraged to build their internal brand. The second year training programme focusses on transitioning to becoming a qualified lawyer and building on their business development skills.  

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FAQs

Have some questions about completing a training contract at Howard Kennedy? We've compiled answers to some of the most frequently posed questions. 

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  1. When will you start accepting applications?
    We recruit one year in advance, applications will be accepted from the beginning of January each year for Training Contracts starting in September of the following year.
  2. What is the closing date for applications?
    The closing date is the first week of May each year. The exact date is confirmed on the application. 
  3. Do I need to have completed my LPC at the time of application?
    You must have completed your LPC, or be due to complete your LPC by July of the year your training contract will start. 
  4. Do you offer any paralegal positions?

 
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We have a non-hierarchical culture and a relatively small group of trainees. No matter what level, we are all encouraged to make the most of opportunities and develop our own relationships with clients. We get high quality work to equip us for qualification and always feel like a valued member of the teams that we sit in.

Nikita Sellers, Trainee Solicitor 2019

Trainee diary

What's it really like to be a trainee at Howard Kennedy? Hear it from our trainees themselves. 

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