1. WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS FIRM?

I was interested in training with a litigation firm. After doing extensive research on several litigation firms, I found that Kennedys met all the criteria I was looking for. As a medium sized City firm, Kennedys is large enough to attract exciting and influential industry clients and offer excellent quality and variety of work. However, Kennedys is small enough to provide trainees with a training contract that includes early responsibility and client contact as well as a more personal bespoke approach than you would get at a much larger City firm.

2. WHAT AREAS HAVE YOU WORKED IN?

My first seat was in Clinical Negligence and I am currently doing my second seat in Construction Litigation.

3. WHAT TYPE OF WORK HAVE YOU DONE IN EACH OF THESE AREAS?

During my Clinical Negligence seat I was involved in instructing Counsel and experts, as well as arranging and attending conferences with Counsel and experts. I was also tasked with drafting witness statements after attending the initial interviews with witnesses, drafting letters of response, and reports to clients.

Within the Construction Litigation seat I have been heavily involved with one particular case, which is shortly going to trial. Therefore, I have been involved in disclosure of documents, taking witness statements, serving witness statements and liaising with the other side to ensure exchange of information.

In both seats I have attended meetings with clients, supported Counsel in court and attended Case Management Conferences, Pre Trial Reviews and Trials.

4. WHAT CLIENTS HAVE YOU DONE WORK FOR?

• NHS 
  
• Lambeth Council
  
• Mitsui
  
• Road Management Group
  
• Allianz

5. HAVE YOU HAD MUCH CLIENT CONTACT?

Yes, I have had plenty of client contact during my first two seats.

On my first day of my first seat I was invited to a client dinner, which was an invaluable opportunity for me to understand more about the client’s work and introduce myself as a new member of the team.

Subsequently, I have had direct contact with clients on a variety of cases and have been encouraged to develop good working relationships with them by becoming a point of call to answer queries or provide updates and supply them with the relevant information that they require.

6. HAVE YOU BEEN GIVEN MUCH RESPONSIBILITY?

At the beginning of my second seat I was given my own file to manage. As this was a new instruction, it gave me the opportunity to make the first contact with clients, undertake the necessary research and draft replies to the other side in an attempt to settle.

In a separate matter I have also been responsible for exchanging witness statements and disclosure documents with the other side, ensuring the court timetable is complied with.

7. WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING HAVE YOU UNDERTAKEN AT THE FIRM?

Aside from the mandatory PSC lectures, Kennedys offers internal training such as interviewing skills, writing skills and presentation skills.

There are also regular internal lectures on various aspects of the law to ensure trainees and staff alike are aware of any changing legislation or legal updates.

8. WHAT HOURS DO YOU GENERALLY WORK? WHAT IS EXPECTED?

Working hours tend to vary from team to team. Normal working hours at Kennedys are from 09:30 to 17:30, however if you are working to a deadline it is often necessary to stay later. Over the past few weeks I have been working alongside a Partner, preparing a case for trial. While this has meant a longer working day the hands on experience it has provided me with and the day to day involvement in such a big case has been invaluable.

9. HOW HAVE YOU RECEIVED FEEDBACK ABOUT YOUR PERFORMANCE?

As a trainee I work closely with a supervising Partner, who assess and reviews my performance throughout my six months within their team. There is always an initial meeting at the start of the seat to discuss goals and training, and a final review at the end of the seat. Depending on time and work pressures, supervisors will also meet with trainees throughout the six months to address any concerns or identify training needs.

10. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE FIRM?

The culture within Kennedys is friendly and approachable; this is demonstrated in part by Kennedys open plan lay out.

Kennedys also supports a good work like balance, which I believe to be a fundamental aspect of the firm’s success.

11. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING FOR THE FIRM?

The variety of the work that Kennedys offers is a real advantage to trainees, as there is the opportunity for four distinct seats in different areas of the law to give you a well rounded training experience.

There is also a culture of approachability in which every member of the firm at every level is available and willing to answer any questions or take a moment to explain something. This is not only an important aspect of my training but also important to feeling a part of the firm.

12. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE APPLYING TO YOUR FIRM?

Ensure you do your research. Know what it is Kennedys does, who their clients are and what the values of the firm are.

13. ANY OTHER COMMENTS?

Law fairs and talks given by firms at Colleges are also an invaluable way to find out essential information when completing application forms. Ask as many questions as possible to ensure the firm is a good match for you.