Why did you choose Howard Kennedy for your training contract?

A predictable but honest answer is that it's the culture of the firm. Regardless of your seniority, you are appreciated as an individual. Howard Kennedy is also involved in a varied mix of interesting and high-profile cases, and the firm's drive for ambitious growth makes it an exciting place to work. As a trainee, you are given the opportunity to be a part of that growth.

What non fee-earning activities are you looking to get involved in at Howard Kennedy?

Running the half-marathon next year for the firm charity, Making the Leap, along with other similar fundraising events.

Why did you choose Howard Kennedy for your training contract?

The support network at the firm. I started here as a paralegal in 2021, and back then, my supervisor and peers were genuinely interested in nurturing my personal and professional development. Having returned as a trainee, I confidently say this remains true. Trainees benefit from an assigned buddy, mentor and a supervisor within their team. There are also regular training sessions on the soft skills essential for being a successful lawyer, as well as on technical areas of law relevant to your seat.

Top tip for agile working?

When I'm in the office, I try to make the most of it by catching up with colleagues and absorbing knowledge and skills through observation and exposure to others, which you can't get when working from home. I also try to reserve my bigger and meatier tasks  for my work-from-home days, as I can get my head down with little distraction.

Why did you choose Howard Kennedy for your training contract?

Having previously worked at the firm as a paralegal, I knew that the training programme and the level of support provided to trainees were incomparable to those at other firms. This has helped the transition from paralegal to trainee feel much less daunting!

Another key reason was the people. The firm fosters a great culture; everyone is so friendly and approachable, which is reassuring when you're a trainee and have lots of questions to ask!

What skills do you think will be most important for your training contract?

An open mind! Even if you do not want to qualify into the seat you are in, give everything you do 100% effort and make the most of every learning opportunity. You could end up enjoying it! Plus, there are lots of transferable skills that will come in handy.

Why did you choose Howard Kennedy for your training contract?

I chose Howard Kennedy because not only does the firm have a fantastic balance of high-quality work, interesting clients and a great quality of training, but it also exhibits a friendly and welcoming culture, largely due to the people who work here. The firm truly embodies the value of being yourself and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Also, the free breakfasts and lunches are always a winner!

What are you most looking forward to?

I am really looking forward to a new level of exposure that will allow me to gain further insight into different areas of law and develop myself as a lawyer.  I am also excited about the opportunity to build relationships with many new lawyers at the firm, both through work in the team and other interactions. 

Why did you choose Howard Kennedy for your training contract?

The small trainee cohort size, I feel that my training is very personal as a result of this, I am very well supported and have already been involved in transactions from the outset of my training contract. Also, the culture at Howard Kennedy is unmatched, the community feel of the firm is something unique.

What non fee-earning activities are you looking to get involved in at Howard Kennedy?

I participate in the Netball team 'legally blondes', we play matches every Wednesday and it has been great getting to know people outside of my immediate team. I have also signed up for the Schools Consent Project, a volunteering project within the firm that aims to teach secondary school children about the legal and social implications of consent.

Why did you choose Howard Kennedy for your training contract?

I was a paralegal at Howard Kennedy for three years before becoming a trainee at the firm. I knew that Howard Kennedy had a positive culture that genuinely embraced its  values, especially “be yourself”, which is important to me.

The firm also has a great range of departments in which I’d like to try a seat.

What are you most looking forward to?

I was a Property Paralegal for 6 years before my training contract, so I’m looking forward to experiencing work in new departments!

What advice or top tip would you give to trainees in the recruitment process?

When going through the interview process, it's not just a chance for the firm to get to know you; it's also an opportunity for you to learn about your potential employer. Use this time to understand how the team operates and how you can develop professionally with the firm. Ask insightful questions to get a clear picture of whether the firm aligns with your goals and if it would be a good fit for you.

What are you most looking forward to?

Coming from an in-house background where I handled a wide range of legal issues, I am excited to develop my expertise in corporate M&A at Howard Kennedy. I look forward to collaborating with experienced senior lawyers and engaging directly with clients.