Learning & Development
We believe that trainee development is essential for the firm’s organic growth. To ensure the firm retains its competitive edge in the market it is committed to investing in its trainees, solicitors and support staff. Our culture, values and people reflect the quality of work and client relationships we have. Investing in the learning and development of our staff ensures our employees’ behaviours across all roles and levels mirror the firm’s core values and therefore the overall success of the firm.
Development
We allocate all trainees a training supervisor, who will either be a senior solicitor or partner; they will be responsible for your day-to-day supervision while in their team. They will also provide support through coaching, monitoring and delegation of work. In addition to informal fortnightly meetings, you will benefit from a formal appraisal held with your training supervisor before the end of each seat.
Training
By means of introduction to Kennedys and your training contract with us, you will be expected to attend a full induction programme. This programme will provide you with knowledge about the firm and our culture and will allow you to form good working relationships with your colleagues. During the programme you will also attend bespoke courses, which will develop your drafting, cognitive interviewing and IT skills.
Throughout your time as a trainee, and in order to qualify, you will also complete the Professional Skills Course (PSC) as required by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA). The three core modules are Client Care, Advocacy & Communication Skills and Financial Business Skills and these will be completed within your first two weeks with Kennedys as part of your induction programme. You will also be required to complete 24 hours of electives which you can select from a variety of options and which can be spread over the two years.
Learning and development is an area that is promoted throughout your career at Kennedys. Upon qualification you will attend the New Lawyer Programme, a two-day initiative delivered on an annual process during October and November. This programme is designed to help with the transition from trainee solicitor to qualified solicitor and will cover areas such as billing, enhancing your personal impact, working with secretaries and networking skills.
