Graduate training programmes

Related links

• Early careers
• Legal apprenticeships
• Hong Kong trainees
• Singapore trainees
• Careers at Kennedys

Training Contract 

Over two years, you’ll rotate through different practice areas, gaining hands-on experience with high-profile clients, complex cases, and real commercial challenges. You’ll be trusted to contribute from day one, building your confidence and developing your

knowledge to succeed as a lawyer. Before starting a training contract, we ask all our future trainees to undertake the LLM SQE1&2 course at BPP, before sitting the SQE exams. Non-law graduates will be required to complete a law conversion course before embarking on the LLM SQE1&2. We know that funding your studies is a big commitment, so we make sure you’re fully supported. At Kennedys, we will fund your course fees and provide a maintenance grant  to help with living costs while you study.

To assist you along the way, Kennedys Mentoring Scheme connects you with experienced colleagues who can offer guidance, share insights and help you navigate your career journey. By combining legal skills training with digital learning and personalised development, we’ll give you the confidence, knowledge and support you need to thrive. Plus, you’ll have the chance to participate in pro bono and community work, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while developing valuable skills in a collaborative environment.

How to apply

Applications for our 2028 training contracts open on the 1 September via our website.

Graduate Apprenticeship

The 30-month training programme will involve working in one of our legal teams to develop legal expertise whilst working alongside our experienced lawyers. From day one, you’ll be part of the team, gaining practical experience that brings your studies to life.

 Along the way, you’ll develop the technical knowledge, professional skills and commercial awareness to kickstart your career. Over the course of the programme, you will gain Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) whilst studying towards a Level 6 CILEX qualification and the SQE with BPP. Graduates looking to start the programme must have completed a law degree or a non-law degree and a law conversion course, prior to starting with Kennedys.

Applications for our 2027 graduate apprenticeships open on the 1 September via our website.

Scotland traineeship

Our two-year traineeship in our Edinburgh and Glasgow offices is your chance to step straight into the world of law with real responsibility from day one. You’ll be involved in meaningful work, gaining hands-on experience while developing the skills that shape confident, capable lawyers. You’ll explore a range of legal areas, including insurance and reinsurance and liability defence, building broad experience and commercial awareness along the way. Working closely with experienced legal professionals, you’ll be supported, challenged and encouraged in a collaborative environment. All of this helps you grow in confidence as you work towards your PEAT 2 qualification.

Before you join us, you’ll need an undergraduate law degree and the Diploma in Legal Practice. Kennedys funds your Diploma course fees and provides a maintenance grant during your studies, so you can focus on preparing for an exciting start to your legal career.

More information about the diploma in legal practice can be found here.

Applications for our Scotland traineeships open on the 1 September via our website.