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.

Applications for our 2024 training contracts are now open! Read on for more.

"Two people with one writing on a whiteboard.
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I chose Howard Kennedy for the breadth of practice areas and wide range of clients. I thought that this would provide the best training and the opportunity to find out which area of law is right for me.

Anna Trafford, Trainee Solicitor 2023

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.

Inside of office.

Q&A with our trainees

Our current trainees answer some of the most frequently received applicant questions from how to get involved in business development to work-life balance.

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Trainee tips from the top

Last year some of our trainees sat down with partners (virtually speaking) to talk about the latest developments in their areas of expertise and their lockdown experiences. 

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Meet our trainees

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 and top tips as they settle into life at Howard Kennedy.

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 for our 2024 training contracts opened on 5 January 2023 and are now closed.

  2. What is the closing date for applications?
    The applications for our September 2024 training contracts have now closed.

  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 September of the year your training application starts i.e. if you apply for a September 2024 contract you must be due to finish your LPC by September 2024. If you do not meet the transitional arrangements to be able to study the LPC you must have completed the PGDL at the point of application.

  4. Will you be offering the SQE route to qualification?
    Our September 2024 Trainees will qualify via either the SQE or the traditional training contract route. As an SQE trainee, you will complete your SQE1 and 2 exams before starting a 24 month period of qualifying work experience with us. Howard Kennedy will fund your SQE1 and 2 exams and prep courses.

  5. 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.

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Shortly after joining Howard Kennedy, I applied for a place on the trainee editorial board. We work closely with the firm's marketing team to promote trainee recruitment initiatives. This has given me a chance to develop business development skills.

Jim Fairlie, Trainee Solicitor 2023

Trainee diary

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

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