Meet Anaïs - Trainee

What is your role, and when did you join the firm?
I’m a trainee solicitor in the Kennedys London office, and I joined the firm around two months ago. It’s still early days, but I’ve already been able to get involved in meaningful work and start developing my legal and commercial skills in a supportive environment.
 

What inspired you to apply to Kennedys?
There were a number of reasons why Kennedys stood out to me.

Firstly, having lived in six countries, I was drawn to the firm’s international presence. Kennedys has 47 offices globally, and the cross-border nature of its work really appealed to me. I wanted the chance to interact with colleagues and clients from different jurisdictions and cultures, and to be part of a truly global network. Particularly, being bilingual, I was excited by the chance to use my language skills in the workplace.

Secondly, I have always been interested in insurance law because it sits at the intersection of law, business, and practical risk. It is not just about abstract legal principles; it directly shapes how organisations and people manage uncertainty, loss, and responsibility. Given Kennedys’ strength in insurance and reinsurance, it seemed like the perfect place to immerse myself in meaningful and impactful work.

Thirdly, the culture also stood out from the beginning. Everyone I spoke to during the recruitment process was open, approachable, and genuinely interested in helping. That initial impression has held true since joining. People go out of their way to welcome you and make sure you feel supported.

Finally, I felt that the firm’s values aligned with my own. Kennedys is built around being approachable, straightforward, supportive, and distinctive. These are not just words on a website; they are principles that shape the way people here work and interact.

What does a typical workday look like?
There is not really a “typical” day as a trainee, which keeps things interesting! I usually start my day by checking emails, reviewing my task list, and setting priorities. Sometimes urgent requests come in that completely change the shape of the day.

My main tasks often involve reviewing documents, drafting correspondence, preparing attendance notes, or conducting legal research. I might also work on project management aspects of larger cases.

There are usually meetings or calls to attend as well, whether internal team check-ins or client updates. These are great opportunities to learn how senior lawyers think strategically and communicate advice. In just my third week, I had the opportunity to attend arbitration.

If I have any quieter moments, I like to use them for professional development. The Junior Lawyer Academy at Kennedys has excellent resources and training videos, which are helpful for building both technical and soft skills.

At the end of the day, I make sure all my tasks are logged, deadlines are up to date, and anything that needs following up is flagged for the next morning. The pace can change quickly, so organisation and flexibility are key.

How would you describe the culture at the firm?
The culture is one of the best things about Kennedys. It feels inclusive, collaborative, and genuinely supportive. Everyone, from partners to trainees, is approachable and willing to help.

Something that really stuck with me early on was a comment made by senior partner, John Bruce: “People are one of our pillars to our strategy.” That statement reflects what makes Kennedys special. It is not just about having talented individuals; it is about recognising that people are the foundation of the firm’s success. This philosophy shows up in day-to-day interactions, in mentoring, and in the emphasis on wellbeing. Within my first few weeks I got to attend the Law Society Sports day, in which Kennedys had a tent, which was great for socialising. The trainees make a massive effort to get to know one another and socialise outside of work.

Kennedys also runs Wellbeing Month every year, which focuses on mental health, resilience, and connection. There are activities such as ‘paint and sip’, webinars on financial wellbeing, mindfulness workshops, and creative sessions where people across offices take time to relax and recharge. It is a genuine reminder that the firm values balance and recognises that healthy, happy people do their best work.

The physical environment supports that too. Offices are open-plan with hybrid working options and a “dress for your day” policy, which creates a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. There is also a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, with networks that support gender equality, mental health, disability and neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ colleagues, and different cultural and faith communities. The firm’s approach to inclusion feels practical and people-focused rather than performative.

Kennedys’ values of being approachable, straightforward, supportive, and distinctive are genuinely lived here. Colleagues are generous with their time, transparent about their experiences, and always willing to offer guidance. It is a culture that makes you feel both challenged and cared for, which is quite rare.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?
The most important thing I have learned is that not knowing something is completely fine. Starting as a trainee means encountering new areas of law, unfamiliar systems, and client issues that can feel complex. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness; it shows curiosity and engagement. Everyone understands that learning is part of the process, and the best way to grow is to seek clarity.

I have also learned to view feedback as a positive thing. Constructive feedback helps you improve quickly and shows that people are invested in your development. Learning to accept it, apply it, and move forward with confidence has been one of the biggest personal growth moments for me so far.

What are your top tips for someone applying to a training contract?

Talk to people at the firm.
Reach out to trainees or associates on LinkedIn. Those conversations are invaluable for understanding the culture, the work, and what the firm really values.

Show genuine interest.
You do not need to have extensive experience in insurance or dispute resolution, but you should be curious about how law interacts with risk and business. Read around the subject and think about why it interests you.

Reflect, do not just list.
In applications, do not just state what you have done. Reflect on what you learned from those experiences and how they relate to the firm’s values.

Demonstrate alignment with Kennedys’ values.
Show that you are approachable, collaborative, and authentic. Kennedys looks for people who fit well with its culture, not just those with the best grades.

Be proactive.
Once you are in the role, take initiative. Volunteer for projects, ask for feedback, and show enthusiasm. Kennedys is a place that rewards curiosity and engagement.