Building Your Legal Career with Kennedys
For aspiring solicitors, securing a training contract is the defining step toward qualification and a successful legal career. If you are considering Kennedys, you are targeting a top 30 UK law firm with a global presence and a reputation as one of the world’s leading insurance law specialists. With offices across the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas, Kennedys offers trainees the opportunity to develop expertise in insurance and dispute resolution while also gaining experience in commercial practice areas.
This article explores what makes Kennedys distinctive, what the firm looks for in its trainees, how the application process works, and how you can give yourself the best chance of securing a training contract.
About Kennedys
Kennedys is an international law firm headquartered in London, with more than 70 offices, associations, and co-operations worldwide. The firm is particularly well known for its work in insurance, reinsurance, and liability law, making it a trusted adviser to many of the world’s largest insurance companies.
Its key practice areas include:
- Insurance and Reinsurance – advising on coverage, claims, and disputes.
- Healthcare and Medical Law – representing healthcare providers and insurers.
- Dispute Resolution – specialising in litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
- Commercial and Regulatory – advising on contracts, corporate transactions, and compliance.
- Real Estate and Construction – acting on property investments, developments, and disputes.
Kennedys is consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers UK for its strengths in insurance, healthcare, and disputes.
Why Apply for a Training Contract at Kennedys?
There are several reasons why Kennedys attracts strong candidates each year:
- Insurance expertise – Trainees gain unparalleled experience in one of the firm’s core strengths.
- International reach – Opportunities for overseas work and exposure to cross-border cases.
- Smaller cohorts – Compared with Magic Circle firms, trainees benefit from close supervision and greater responsibility.
- Variety of work – Training contracts cover both contentious and non-contentious practice areas.
- Strong culture – Kennedys is known for its supportive, approachable, and down-to-earth environment.
What the Firm Looks For
Kennedys looks for candidates who combine academic achievement with an interest in insurance, disputes, and client service.
Key attributes include:
- Strong academics – A 2:1 degree or higher is usually required.
- Commercial awareness – Especially understanding the role of insurance in business and risk management.
- Analytical skills – The ability to dissect complex disputes and legal issues.
- Communication skills – Clear, persuasive written and spoken communication.
- Teamwork – Collaboration with colleagues across offices and practice areas.
- Resilience and adaptability – Handling demanding cases and deadlines in high-pressure environments.
The Application Process
1. Online Application
Applications begin with an online form covering academics, work experience, and motivation.
Tips:
- Tailor your application to Kennedys’ strengths in insurance and disputes.
- Show genuine interest in how insurance supports industries and clients globally.
- Use examples that highlight resilience, teamwork, and analytical skills.
2. Online Assessments
Applicants may be asked to complete psychometric or situational judgement tests.
Tips:
- Practise similar tests online before applying.
- Pay close attention to detail while managing time effectively.
3. Video Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a video interview with pre-recorded questions.
Tips:
- Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Show enthusiasm for Kennedys’ international work and sector expertise.
- Keep responses clear, concise, and client-focused.
4. Assessment Centre
The final stage typically includes:
- Group exercises testing teamwork and problem-solving.
- Written exercises or case studies assessing analysis and clarity.
- Partner interviews exploring motivation, competencies, and commercial awareness.
Tips:
- In group exercises, balance listening and speaking — be constructive.
- In case studies, show client-centred thinking and practical solutions.
- Be ready to discuss trends in insurance and litigation.
5. Vacation Scheme Route
Kennedys, like many firms, recruits a large proportion of trainees through its vacation scheme. Performing well during these placements is often the best way to secure a training contract.
What to Expect as a Trainee
A training contract at Kennedys lasts two years, with four six-month seats across different departments. Typical seats include:
- Insurance and Reinsurance – working on claims, coverage disputes, and regulatory issues.
- Healthcare – advising on medical negligence and healthcare disputes.
- Dispute Resolution – gaining experience in litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
- Commercial or Corporate – supporting transactions, contracts, and compliance.
- Real Estate – advising investors, developers, and businesses.
Trainees at Kennedys can expect:
- Early responsibility – Handling live matters early in their training.
- Client exposure – Direct interaction with clients, insurers, and industry bodies.
- Structured training – Regular workshops and technical training.
- International opportunities – Cross-border work and possible secondments abroad.
- Supportive environment – Close supervision and mentoring from senior lawyers.
How to Stand Out
To secure a training contract at Kennedys, you’ll need to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Here’s how:
- Research thoroughly – Learn about Kennedys’ reputation in insurance, healthcare, and disputes.
- Show sector interest – Demonstrate a real curiosity about insurance, risk, and litigation.
- Demonstrate commercial awareness – Be ready to discuss global issues affecting insurers, such as cyber risks, climate change, or regulatory reform.
- Highlight resilience – Use examples of managing deadlines or overcoming challenges.
- Be authentic – Kennedys values approachable and personable trainees who can build client trust.
Example Interview Questions
- Why do you want to train at Kennedys?
- What do you find interesting about insurance law?
- Tell us about a time you worked successfully in a team.
- How do you think global risks (e.g. cyberattacks, pandemics) affect insurers?
- How would you explain a complex dispute to a client without legal training?
How LawGrad Launch Can Help
At LawGrad Launch, we know how competitive it is to secure a training contract at specialist firms like Kennedys. With its international reach and focus on insurance and disputes, you’ll need more than strong academics — you’ll need to show sector interest, commercial awareness, and resilience.
That’s where we come in. We provide tailored support, including:
- Application coaching – Crafting persuasive applications that highlight your strengths and align with Kennedys’ values.
- Commercial awareness development – Helping you understand issues facing insurers and clients.
- Assessment centre preparation – Practising group exercises, case studies, and written tasks.
- Interview coaching – Building confidence and structure for clear, compelling answers.
We’ve helped law students secure training contracts at leading firms — and we can help you too.
Final Thoughts
Kennedys offers an exceptional training contract for aspiring solicitors who want to specialise in insurance, disputes, and commercial law. With its international presence, sector expertise, and supportive culture, the firm provides a rewarding environment to launch your legal career.
To succeed, you’ll need to demonstrate academic strength, commercial awareness, adaptability, and genuine interest in the insurance sector. By tailoring your application, preparing for assessments, and being authentic in interviews, you can put yourself in the strongest position to secure a training contract.
At LawGrad Launch, we’re here to support you every step of the way — from applications to interviews and beyond.
Get in touch with us today and let us help you secure your training contract at Kennedys.