Meet Emily - Trainee

What is your role, when did you join the firm? 

I am a trainee solicitor in the Real Estate and Construction team, and I joined the firm just over a month ago.

What inspired you to apply?

I was inspired to apply to Kennedys because of its reputation as a leading global insurance firm with a genuinely down-to-earth and supportive culture. During my work experience before I joined the firm, I was immediately struck by how approachable everyone was. I had expected a more formal or hierarchical atmosphere, but instead found a workplace that felt warm, open, and collaborative.

One experience that particularly stood out to me was when a partner took time out of his schedule to have a coffee with me and check in on how I was finding things. That small gesture spoke volumes about the firm’s approachable ethos and that there really is no “closed-door” mentality. Partners make themselves available, encourage questions, and treat trainees as future colleagues rather than subordinates.

What does a typical workday look like? 

Every day at Kennedys is different, which is part of what makes the training contract so rewarding. I usually start my morning by having breakfast in the firm’s canteen with some of my trainee cohort then heading back to my desk to check my emails and review my task list. In the Real Estate and Construction team, my work ranges from preparing Land Registry applications and first registration bundles, to drafting instructions to counsel and conducting legal research for ongoing disputes.

The work is fast-paced and varied, but there’s always a strong support network in place. Associates and partners are generous with their time, and there’s an open culture where no question feels too small to ask.

I’ve also attended hearings and meetings with counsel, which has been invaluable in seeing advocacy and strategy in practice. The firm also hosts regular team meetings where trainees are encouraged to present on a topic of interest – I’ll be presenting at one soon, which is a great way to build confidence and share knowledge.

Outside of client work, Kennedys places real emphasis on wellbeing and community. During Wellbeing Month, I joined events like a paint and sip session and met colleagues from other departments. I also volunteer at the firm’s annual charity quiz, which brings together professionals from across the insurance industry, and attended the Law Society sports day to support the Kennedys teams in rugby, football, and netball. It’s this blend of professional responsibility and social engagement that makes life as a trainee here so dynamic.

And of course, being based in the Walkie Talkie building has its perks - we have access to the Sky Garden, which is always a nice way to take a breather and appreciate the view after a busy morning.

How would you describe the culture at the firm?

Kennedys’ culture is best described as approachable, supportive, and refreshingly unpretentious. The firm genuinely lives by its values rather than just listing them on its website. There’s a real sense of community across departments and offices, and everyone, regardless of title, is encouraged to collaborate and communicate openly.

From my first day, I noticed how approachable the partners were. You can walk over to their desks and ask for guidance without hesitation. The open-plan layout reinforces this accessibility, breaking down barriers between teams and creating a sense of shared purpose. It’s a place where you can do excellent, high-quality work without losing the human connection that makes teamwork enjoyable.

The supportive environment extends beyond day-to-day work. My assigned buddy checks in with me every two weeks, and the Early Careers team regularly organises sessions to discuss wellbeing and career development. 

What I find most unique is the balance between professionalism and warmth. There’s a lot of laughter in the office, and colleagues genuinely celebrate each other’s successes. It’s the kind of place where people work hard but maintain a sense of humour and perspective and that makes all the difference.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee? 

The most important thing I’ve learned is that initiative and curiosity go a long way. At Kennedys, trainees are given the trust and autonomy to take ownership of their work, but it’s also up to you to seek out opportunities and ask questions. Whether it’s volunteering to write an article for the firm’s website, presenting to the team on a new case, or simply asking to sit in on a client meeting, the firm encourages you to be proactive. My current team is made up of several sub-teams, so I found reaching out to different people helpful as it allowed me to gain a broader understanding of different areas of real estate and construction law. 

I’ve also learned the value of resilience and adaptability. In a fast-paced environment, priorities shift quickly, urgent matters can arise, deadlines move, and new instructions come in. The ability to stay calm, organised, and communicative is essential. I use a tool on Teams to organise my to-do list and utilise the option of organise my tasks chronologically or by urgency which really helps to stay on top of things. It’s also important to manage expectations by checking in with your team, for example, by sending capacity emails so your colleagues know to what extent you are available to assist. 

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

My top tip would be to really understand the firm’s values and think about how you’ve demonstrated them in your own experiences. Kennedys looks for people who are approachable, straightforward, supportive, and distinctive, qualities that go far beyond academics. You can show them through teamwork, customer service, volunteering, or any setting where you’ve worked with others and shown empathy or initiative.

I’d also encourage applicants to reach out and speak to current trainees. Kennedys has a very open culture, and trainees are always happy to share their experiences. When I got my training contract I spoke to several potential applicants on LinkedIn or via zoom to offer my insights and advice as I remembered how invaluable this was for me when I applied. Also make the most of career fairs, early careers events and open days as this is a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the firm.

One resource I found especially useful was Forage, a website offering free virtual job simulations, on which many firms have virtual work experience opportunities. As I didn’t have any legal work experience at the time of applying, I found this to be invaluable, especially as you are able to include this on your CV which shows a willingness to learn proactively and gain practical insight into the work of a commercial law firm.

Finally, be authentic. Kennedys values individuality and a genuine interest in the work it does. The firm isn’t looking for a “type”; it’s looking for people who care about doing the right thing, who work hard but remain kind and curious. If you approach the process with openness, enthusiasm, and humility, that will come across in your application and interviews.