The people are very important to the firm and its culture. As a trainee you are really involved in the matters which you work on and are encouraged to take responsibility and offer up your views.
Rosie Morris, Trainee Solicitor 2020
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.
Our trainees quickly embed themselves in the firm, getting to know our sector offering, our services and understanding the commercial aspects of working in a law firm. Click below to read their impressions of life at Howard Kennedy.
Alex Wood
Trainee Solicitor
Alex Wood
What skills have been most important for your training contract?
Good organisation is key for when the work piles up. But most important is probably good communication. The people at Howard Kennedy are really responsive.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
Use Teams as much as possible to speak with people and integrate into your team.
Anna Cooke
Trainee Solicitor
Anna Cooke
What have been your impressions of Howard Kennedy after a year at the Firm?
In December, I will have been at the firm for nearly four years having paralegalled before starting my training contract. One thing that continues to stand out as I work in different teams and departments around the firm is how lovely and approachable everyone is. The people at Howard Kennedy are what makes it such a great place to work.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
Make your own routine and keep your workspace separate from the rest of your house.
Caitlin Spence
Trainee Solicitor
Caitlin Spence
What has been your best moment so far?
Being trusted to deal with the client relationship on a matter in it's entirety - it's great to feel valued enough to be entrusted with that responsibility.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
Keep checking in with your team - it ensures they know your availability and it's also more office-like!
Ellie Skinner
Trainee Solicitor
Ellie Skinner
What have been your impressions of Howard Kennedy after a year at the Firm?
The client base and work is excellent and trainees are entrusted with a high level responsibility from a very early stage.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
Try to go outside and get some fresh air each day (even if it's just a walk to a local café for a coffee!). In addition, make sure to separate out "work" and "home". When I finish work for the day, I like to make a point of turning my desk back into a dining table.
Jack Richards
Trainee Solicitor
Jack Richards
What has been your best moment so far?
Having an opinion piece written with one of the partners get published by The Times. The article was regarding The Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to quash the ban UEFA handed to Manchester City following alleged breaches of the financial fair play regulations.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
When you have the chance, be sure to supplement working with exercise and down time. When working from home it is easy to devote all of your time to work, which is unsustainable. Your work output is of a higher quality when balanced with other activities.
Lucy Bowdery
Trainee Solicitor
Lucy Bowdery
What has been the most difficult moment so far?
The unique quirk of a training contract is moving to essentially a brand new job every six months. You have a brand new area of law to contend with and a new team to work with. Naturally it can be challenging to get to grips with a new area of the law every six months, especially when you haven't come across them since your LPC (mine was in 2014/15!). But this is easily overcome with the help of the virtual training sessions the Firm has run for us.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
Teams is your best friend - just check what's in your background!
Michael Burman
Trainee Solicitor
Michael Burman
What have been your impressions of Howard Kennedy after a year at the Firm?
My impression is that whilst Howard Kennedy is a friendly firm, it is also a very ambitious firm that has a good amount of young people in it to help drive it into the future.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
Pay attention to the feng shui of your working environment and how it makes you feel! The difference between working in clutter and tidiness can be enormous when it comes to the clarity of your thought and the quality of your work.
Rosie Morris
Trainee Solicitor
Rosie Morris
What skills have been most important for your training contract?
Being organised, having good attention to detail and a positive attitude.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
It can be easy to fall into a habit of always being "connected" to work when you are working from home as you aren't physically leaving the office. I would suggest that when you finish for the day (if possible) try and switch off your phone and laptop to get a proper break.
Sanchita Agrawal
Trainee Solicitor
Sanchita Agrawal
What have been your impressions of Howard Kennedy after a year at the Firm?
I think what has stood out to me the most is that the people are friendly and approachable across departments.
Top tip for those who are working remotely for the first time
Take breaks! When we first started working remotely, I felt like I had to be in front of my computer every second, but realised quickly how tired I was getting by early afternoon. Also, buy loads of fruit or you will end up snacking on the unhealthiest things in the pantry (at least I did!).
FAQs
Have some questions about completing a training contract at Howard Kennedy? We've compiled answers to some of the most frequently posed questions.
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.
What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date is in May each year. The exact date is confirmed on the application.
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.
Do you offer any paralegal positions?
We regularly have opportunities for Paralegals to join us in various departments, these vacancies will be advertised on the careers pages on our website.
The firm provides trainees with all the opportunities wanted and more to take responsibility and improve as solicitors. Personally, I have found this to be a great environment to undertake the first year of my training contract.
Jack Richards, Trainee Solicitor 2020
Trainee diary
What's it really like to be a trainee at Howard Kennedy? Hear it from our trainees themselves.
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