Trainee Recruitment. Trainee Recruitment

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1 Trainee Recruitment Trainee Recruitment 1

2 Welcome to Kennedys At Kennedys we have a distinctive culture that makes us a successful firm where people enjoy coming to work. Our culture is a source of strength and differentiates us from our competitors. We are very conscious that as a diverse and international firm we need to ensure that everyone, whoever or wherever they are in the firm, shares and embraces our values. Our values are the DNA of our firm: they are at the core of our culture and guide us in everything we do. I wholeheartedly commit to them and challenge all Kennedys people to make a positive difference each and every day. Nick Thomas Senior Partner 3

3 About us Kennedys is an international law firm with specialist expertise in litigation/dispute resolution and advisory services. Our growing network of offices delivers straightforward legal solutions to the insurance, corporate and public sectors. Our expertise We have a particular focus on the insurance/reinsurance and liability industries, defending insurance claims. In addition, we have a strong workplace team who specialise in employment, environmental, regulatory, and health and safety matters. We also have an active company and commercial practice specialising in banking and finance, commercial disputes, contracts, corporate recovery, M&A, restructuring and insolvency, and real estate. We handle both contentious and noncontentious legal services for many industries including: Insurance and reinsurance Aviation Construction and engineering Healthcare Maritime and international trade Public sector Retail Transport, rail and logistics Travel Our network We have a growing network of over 1,250 people across the UK and Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. The success of Kennedys in all the markets we operate in around the world is based on the quality of our people and our committment to our clients and chosen industries. Asia Pacific Europe Latin America Middle East Kennedys office Associate office Ireland Our international network of 19 offices and 10 associate offices enables us to meet the current and future needs of our clients and the aspirations of our people. United Kingdom Belgium Denmark Poland Kennedys worldwide France Spain Miami (for Latin America) Hong Kong Colombia Singapore Chile Brazil Portugal UAE Our vision is to handle every class of insurance business, in every jurisdiction which our clients require. Nick Thomas Senior Partner, London Pakistan India Australia New Zealand 4 5

4 Our culture and values Our values are at the core of our distinctive culture. The driving goal across our values is to make a difference. This is the very heart of what makes us a great firm to be part of. Culture What we re proud of 29 offices and associate offices around the world 11 countries in which we have an office Kennedys is known for its vibrant practice and exudes a culture where people are at ease with each other and where they undertake work because they enjoy it. We deeply value the relationships we build both as a team and with our clients and the industries we work in. We believe that by being human, friendly and accessible we all work together better. 1,250 people currently making it happen for our clients million turnover has increased by 91% in the last five years Our values At Kennedys we make a difference. We do this by being: We are rated best value for money in the London market. Gracechurch Report: Insurance Legal Advisors, 2013 We are the third fastest growing firm over the past 20 years (by revenue). Legal Business 100, 2013 approachable straightforward We are 24 th, by revenue, in the UK law firm rankings. 2 nd most likely firm to be shortlisted by insurance company claims teams. supportive distinctive Legal Week Top 50, 2014 Gracechurch Report: Insurance Legal Advisors, 2013 Kennedys is proud to be regarded as a firm which really lives its values. The core values of being straightforward and approachable are at the heart of the service we deliver to our clients and the working environment we share with our colleagues. This unique culture quality does not go unnoticed in the market and makes us stand out from competitors to both clients and prospective employees. Kathryn Lumby Kennedys has a positive and open work environment which encourages interaction between apprentices, paralegals, trainees, solicitors and partners. This promotes the sharing of knowledge and ideas which cultivates well-rounded skill sets in each team. I have found partners right through to support staff very friendly and forthcoming to help solve any problem. Robert Calleja 6 7

5 Market standing Chambers UK 2014 Ranked Band 1 Aviation (UK wide) Clinical negligence: mainly defendant (UK wide) Health and safety (UK wide) Professional negligence: insurance (London) Professional negligence: legal (London) Professional negligence (Somerset) Transport: road: regulatory (Northern Ireland) Chambers UK 2014 says The firm offers intellectual firepower, solid advice and breadth of experience. Definitely a market leader it is extremely efficient and capable of achieving good results for clients. Legal 500 UK 2014 Ranked Tier 1 Clinical negligence: defendant (East Anglia) Clinical negligence: defendant (London) Health and safety (London) Health and safety (South East) Personal injury: defendant (South East) The Legal 500 UK 2014 says Kennedys provides sound, pragmatic advice, and has an awareness of the reality of commercial pressures. Kennedys is strong in all areas of defendant work What is important to us? We understand that our staff work hard and deserve to have a life of their own. We re a social bunch and get together regularly as a firm for social and sports events. Work life balance People who come to work at Kennedys are amazed because we really do have a good work/life balance. Diversity Our commitment to equality and diversity is essential to the way our firm operates. As a growing international firm, it allows us to understand and meet our clients needs more effectively, and as a result, enables us to provide them with a higher quality service. Our principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity apply not only to our staff, but to the way we treat our visitors, clients, customers and suppliers. Corporate social responsibility Our corporate social responsibility programme is an integral part of our firms ethos. We believe there is more to work than your day job and want to ensure that our employees have the opportunity to give back in whatever way they can. CSR is a huge feature of the Kennedys culture and trainees play a large part in this. From day one of your training contract this becomes apparent and we all get involved. Whether it s organising the annual Insurance Quiz, ensuring plenty of external client contact, or taking part in the annual domestic or international charity challenge. Similarly, trainees are encouraged to bring up and run with their own CSR initiatives. Lawrence Vahey Trainee, Birmingham 8 9

6 Who are we looking for? We recruit people who are professional, approachable and easy to work with. We look for strong academics and an enthusiasm for law. We recruit approximately 12 trainees in London and six throughout some of our regional offices. To be considered for a summer placement or training contract you will need to have achieved, or are on course to achieve, a 2:1 degree not necessarily in law and have 300 UCAS points or equivalent at A-level. Please note General Studies will not be considered. We welcome applications from law and non-law students, graduates and candidates with previous work experience who are seeking a career change. The trainee experience At Kennedys we offer a vibrant and supportive working environment built upon our core values. Early responsibility We find giving trainees early responsibility produces excellent solicitors capable of running their own caseload once they qualify. Client contact We realise how important it is for our trainees to develop an understanding of our clients and how they work from an early stage, building long term client relationships. In my experience, Kennedys recruits very down-to-earth and friendly people. Kennedys win cases and clients by being friendly, straighttalking and trustworthy and they do so by having a culture which cultivates such qualities. Stephen O Dea Throughout the first year of my training contract I have been given regular opportunities to meet clients through meetings, seminars and events organised by the firm. It really helps your understanding of the market Kennedys operates in. Benjamin Loechner For me, one of the reasons I wanted to join Kennedys was that I found all the people I met throughout the recruitment process, from trainees, to partners to HR, were all extremely down to earth people. Its a given that everyone here is hard-working and high-achieving but we also appreciate that to perform well we need to gel together as a team. The dynamic here is encapsulated in our core values: being approachable, straightforward, supportive and distinctive. Louise Campbell Trainees are given plenty of responsibility from early on and the quality of work is of a very high standard. Whilst in the corporate/commercial department, I assisted with drafting an aircraft finance lease, amended a software license agreement and have liaised with the Hong Kong office in regards to an ongoing arbitration which involved the translation of extensive documents from Spanish to English. The work I have been provided has been varied and extremely interesting. Simon Namnyak 10 11

7 Quality of work Our trainees are given a good level of responsibility early on and are involved in some of our most interesting cases. We encourage our trainees to be proactive and expect them to contribute from the start whilst working alongside experienced solicitors and partners. Our open plan environment allows trainees to become valued members of the team early on and provides the ideal way of developing key skills through learning from those around them. Trainees often experience attending court, trials and mediations and are regularly invited to client meetings and events. Secondment opportunities Some of our trainees are given the opportunity to undertake a trainee secondment to Hong Kong or work for one of our clients on secondment for up to six months. I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on secondment for one of the firm s clients, working within their in-house litigation department. Not only it is a fantastic way of getting to know Kennedys clients and strengthen relationships, it also gives you a chance to excel as a trainee. If you re given an opportunity to go on a secondment - take it! Hayley Texeira Trainee, Chelmsford The level of responsibility and trust given to trainees at Kennedys is fantastic. Within my first year I ran several files (with supervision) and had important roles in several large cases. The best way to learn to be a solicitor is by practising, and that is exactly what they let you do here. Stephen O Dea As a trainee at Kennedys you are given a great deal of exposure to the different types of work undertaken in the various seats. Work is diverse; from contacting witnesses to obtain a statement, to drafting applications and attending trials or mediations. The all-round experience provides an understanding of the various stages and development in cases and will provide a real base to work from when qualifying. Anne Marie Cassidy Trainee, Manchester I have spent five months working as a claims handler at a major insurance client and highly recommend the experience. Not only have I been given a case load and real responsibility, which has developed my confidence and legal skills, I have gained a valuable insight into what clients are looking for from their legal counsel. I have also built relationships with junior claims handlers which I hope to be able to develop further when I qualify. Roshan Sidhu The third seat of my training contract was spent on client secondment at a firm of insurance brokers in Chester. I had the chance to work with the claims team, assisting in handling claims and also worked closely with the legal director, which involved reviewing construction contracts and policy documents. It was a brilliant opportunity which provided me with a greater insight into how the insurance industry operates. Chloe Gallagher Trainee, Manchester 12 13

8 Training contract structure After securing a training contract, our future trainees are assigned a current trainee to keep in touch with prior to joining ensuring they feel part of the firm from day one. Trainee seats The two years are split into four six month seats giving trainees the opportunity to experience work and liaise with clients across a variety of industries and develop skills in contentious and non-continuous work. Trainees are asked for their seat preferences before each seat allocation which we do our best to accommodate ensuring trainees have a say in their individual career paths. During each seat trainees are assigned a senior solicitor as a supervisor who is responsible for the trainees work load and appraisals which take place mid way through and at the end of each six month seat. Learning and development Trainees undertake a week long induction to help them get to know the firm and culture, our clients, the range of work we do and our colleagues. As well as the induction, trainees complete the three core modules of the Professional Skills Course (PSC) at an external provider. Kennedys has developed one bespoke PSC elective to ensure training is focused on what trainees really need to know Introduction to Insurance Law. Qualification It is our intention to offer trainees a position on qualification and our retention rates are continually impressive. Trainees then continue to receive structured learning throughout the training contract including attending in-house seminars. All our trainees are required to sit the Lloyd s & London Market Introductory Exam to provide a good overall knowledge of the insurance market which ensures they get the most out of the two year experience with us. 20 of our partners began their life in law as trainees with us including our senior partner. The structure of the training contract at Kennedys allows trainees to gain experience in a variety of different practice areas whilst still maintaining exposure to high quality and diverse work. I will be fortunate enough to go on a client secondment in my third seat allowing me to gain experience in non-contentious work, having already experienced contentious work in both liability and insurance. The whole process is supported by trainee supervisors who evaluate performance effectively allowing trainees to develop continuously as they move through their training contract. Lawrence Vahey Trainee, Birmingham We put a lot of thought and effort into our trainee programme because we know that a good stock of new lawyers joining the firm does not happen by chance. From planning the selection process, to sitting our trainees alongside experienced specialists, we do all we can to nurture each intake of trainees so that they are prepared for qualification. It is an integral part of the firm s growth strategy to do all that we can do to retain our trainees on qualification. Andrew Coates Professional Practice Partner and Training Principal 14 15

9 Summer Placement recruitment We take on 15 Summer Placement students across two, two-week schemes in London during June and July. How to apply? Applications open on the 1 November and close on the 31 July each year. Summer students will be given the opportunity to experience life at Kennedys from the inside enabling them to gain a real insight into the firm s work and culture. A solicitor is responsible for their work load and a current trainee will ensure integration into the sports and social side of the firm. Summer students are also set a group project so they work as a team and find out about the firm in the process. Training contracts Please visit our website for information on the offices where we are recruiting trainees and for which years they have positions, as this varies across our offices. In 2014 Over 90% of our summer placement students were offered training contracts Summer placements Applications open on 1 November 2014 and close on 31 January Application process To make an online application for either a training contract or summer placement scheme and obtain further information, please visit our website. The selection process If you progress through our selection process you will be asked to complete an online critical thinking test. If you successfully complete this and your application is selected for the next stage you will be invited to a telephone interview before attending one of our assessment days, which includes a partner interview, group task and written exercise. Kennedys Summer Placement was a fantastic opportunity to understand what Kennedys really does. Having the opportunity to experience life in the firm before starting a training contract really gave me confidence that I would love working for this firm. The work that I was assisting with was very similar to the type of tasks I now do as a trainee. It was two weeks of good experience, good people and good fun - with a training contract offer at the end! Anya Butler Have you ever left an assessment day and thought actually, that was really quite fun? That s how I felt after my assessment day. The exercises are clearly specially developed to draw out the skills and values we look for at Kennedys. They aren t trying to trip you up or catch you out and they help you to put your best self forward. Louise Campbell 16 17

10 Salary and benefits Our salary rates for 2014 are (depending on location): 25,000 34,000 during your first year 28,000 37,000 during your second year As well as a competitive salary the firm offers discretionary benefits as follows: 25 days annual holiday entitlement increasing to 27 days after five year consecutive service Employer Pension Contribution into Group Personal Pension Scheme Private Medical Insurance Permanent Health Insurance Life Assurance Interest free season ticket loan Childcare assistance schemes Employee assistance programme Subsidised gym membership Corporate GP (London office only) Eye care vouchers Cycle to work scheme For further information on trainee recruitment please contact: Graduate Recruitment Support hradmin@kennedyslaw.com 18 19

11 You can find more information about our areas of practice and our team on our website at uk/careers/graduates/trainingcontracts 20 Kennedys is a trading name of Kennedys Law LLP. Kennedys Law LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC353214)