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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Travel team and gain hands-on experience while studying to become a solicitor.
- Company: Global law firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Earn a salary while you study, plus access to professional development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with a unique training programme that values your background.
- Qualifications: Passion for law and a willingness to learn in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career progression and a friendly team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
We asked Philippa Tizard to give some insight into her role as a Trainee Solicitor in our London office and to give an idea of what it’s like working for a global law firm.
For more insight into what a typical day in the life looks like working at Kennedys, visit ourlife at Kennedys page.
Q&A
What team are you a part of at Kennedys?
I work as part of the Travel team in the London office, currently undertaking the SQE Programme at Kennedys. The SQE programme is a 30 month training programme where I will remain in the Travel team for the duration. It involves working at Kennedys four days a week and one day a week to study at BPP.
How did you start your career?
I began my career at Kennedys working in the Marketing team within Business Development (BD). In BD you are exposed to a variety of work, but I mainly worked on thought leadership.
I worked on the fourth edition of the firm’s coveted Claims Handling Guide, liaising with around 80 lawyers who had authored various chapters on their specialisms. Working with the content gave me a greater understanding of the plethora of work the firm covers and made me start reconsidering a legal career. Prior to Kennedys I had worked in retail, recruitment, media and au paired a few times.
What do you like most about the SQE Programme?
The SQE Programme makes becoming a solicitor far more financially viable and accessible. Kennedys was one of the first law firms to implement this programme as part of their training offerings. It was the first time post studying law at university I had seen a training programme that appealed to me. I like that I am studying at the same time as working and that I have a salary. It does present its own challenges too – good time management is essential!
What are your biggest achievements so far?
Being accepted onto the SQE programme was a big achievement in itself for me. The application process can be quite lengthy and a lot of personal time is invested, so it was incredibly rewarding to be successful.
What is the environment like at Kennedys?
You will often hear people say that it’s the people that make Kennedys stand out, and it’s true, colleagues look out for one another. My marketing colleagues were immensely supportive when I first informed them that I was looking to apply to the SQE Programme and very encouraging of me pursuing my goal.
Within the travel team I am well-supported. My supervisors recognise when there are opportunities for me to attend remote trials and help on larger, more complex files, to continue to build on my understanding on the legal issues faced by the travel sector. It’s encouraging to see team members progress through their careers at the firm and that there’s a clear pathway.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start the SQE Programme?
The SQE programme at Kennedys provides a unique opportunity to become more specialised in a particular area, so I would recommend taking a look at the typical work you’ll be exposed to on the Kennedys website.
It’s important to see value in whatever path has led you to this point, all experience can be relevant in different ways. You will be amazed and intrigued by the backgrounds of your trainee cohort and it definitely is never too late to go for it.
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Meet Philippa Tizard, Trainee Solicitor, London employer: Kennedys Law
Contact Detail:
Kennedys Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Meet Philippa Tizard, Trainee Solicitor, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current trainees or solicitors on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face as a trainee solicitor. Role-play with a friend or use mock interview platforms. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for law! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share what excites you about the legal field and why you want to work at their firm. Authentic enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored just for you. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Meet Philippa Tizard, Trainee Solicitor, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for law and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the role at Kennedys. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the SQE Programme and the Travel team. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting send, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so take the time to polish it up. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedys Law
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’ve done your homework on Kennedys and the SQE Programme. Familiarise yourself with their values, recent cases, and the specific work of the Travel team. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you understand how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Journey
Philippa’s path to becoming a Trainee Solicitor is unique, and so is yours! Be ready to discuss your background and how your previous experiences, whether in retail or marketing, have shaped your interest in law. Highlighting your journey can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Time Management is Key
Since the SQE Programme involves balancing work and study, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time effectively. Share any strategies you use to juggle multiple responsibilities, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a demanding environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the firm and the role. Inquire about the support available for trainees or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
