Kingsley Napley

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Kingsley Napley

Kingsley Napley attracts trainees with its “friendly culture, work-life balance, quality of work, interesting work and clients” and breadth of practice areas. Many emphasised how the firm’s mix of “Public, Regulatory, DR and employment” aligned with their interests, alongside its “focus on EDI, culture, location of office, smaller size of training cohort.” One simply summed it up: “I like the firm’s culture and the type of work they do.” The firm is also praised for supporting alternative routes, with one trainee appreciating availability of the “apprenticeship route.” Compared with peers at other firms, the training experience is described as “so much better,” with one remarking that while friends at other firms “have said they have cried during their TC due to staff and work pressures, I have not experienced that.” Trainees consistently highlight “far more client contact and responsibility given over individual cases,” a healthier work-life balance, and a sense that “the firm really cares about its trainees but employees more generally.” The people at Kingsley Napley are its standout feature. “The people, everyone is so lovely,” summed up one trainee, while another added, “you learn from the best in their field. There are great learning opportunities and people really want you to succeed and improve.” The “quality of work,” “high profile and cutting-edge cases,” and “wide array of practice areas and the way they interact” were also frequently mentioned as highlights. On the flip side, trainees point to “legal technology and NQ hiring process” and pay as drawbacks. “Maybe pay is on the lower side compared to some other firms,” said one, while others noted “limited legal tech and AI available.” Memorable moments range from “attending a three-day hearing of a complex judicial review” and “leading a witness statement interview independently” to “completing a large deal in tight deadlines.” Less positive experiences included “a partner blaming me for their mistake to a client,” “worry over the lack of job security at the end of the training contract,” and bouts of “imposter syndrome – but that is something every trainee feels and the firm is supportive.” The hybrid working policy is regarded as “good and fair,” with a “minimum two days in the office” and flexibility encouraged across teams. Pro bono and CSR opportunities are described as “excellent,” with trainees praising the “wide range of opportunities” and there is even scope to “develop your own project if there are areas that interest you.” For those who value real client responsibility, supportive colleagues, and a culture that genuinely invests in your development, Kingsley Napley is a strong choice.

A day in the life of... Asha Kaushal, trainee, Kingsley Napley

Departments to date: Immigration; Clinical negligence and personal injury; Employment

University: King's College London BPP University

Degree: BA War Studies, PGDL, LPC LLM in Legal Practice

I am a second-year trainee, currently in my third seat in the employment team at Kingsley Napley LLP.

9.00am: While we officially start work at 9.30am, a lot of us like to get in earlier to catch up with colleagues, get ready for the day, and most importantly head to the fourth floor to get some free breakfast at our lovely restaurant, Lennie’s.

9.15am: After breakfast, I head to my desk and check my emails. I see if anything has come in overnight and organise my ‘to-do’ list, numbering the tasks in order of priority for the day ahead. Today I have several tasks, including drafting instructions to counsel to brief them for a preliminary hearing; reviewing and amending a draft Order following amendments made by the other side; reviewing attendance notes and extracting the significant material for comparison; and reviewing appeal papers for a pro bono matter.

11.30am: I take a break from working to stretch my legs and head to our kitchen to get some fresh fruit. Every floor in the office has its own kitchen with fresh fruit and an excellent coffee machine. Once I’m settled back in, I get to work reviewing the attendance notes I took earlier in the week during client meetings. My objective is to create a comparative table, identifying any common or differing themes raised by the individuals we spoke to during our meetings. This table will be used by the partner overseeing the case to help them prepare questions for future meetings. Once I have produced my comparative table, I save the document to our online system and provide it to the partner to review and comment on.

1.00pm: Often during lunch, the employment team will head to Lennie’s together and if the weather is nice, sit outside on the balcony to get some sun. Today however, barristers from chambers that we work with are coming in to give a talk on immunities from suit in litigation. These talks provide an excellent opportunity for members of the team to deepen their understanding of particular points of law, and allow you to network with other lawyers.

2.00pm: Once back from lunch, I am asked to do an immediate task to call the Employment Tribunal and get a case update. I take an attendance note of what the Tribunal say and send it to the senior associate overseeing the case so that they can consider next steps. Often in litigation, spontaneous and urgent tasks arise. This means that the trainee needs to be able to manage their workload effectively and respond to competing priorities. Once I’ve called the Tribunal, the senior associate asks me to draft an email to the client providing them with an update on the case status.

3.00pm: I take a short break before a client meeting to read through some news reports, judgment summaries and relevant articles that have come into my inbox. Our firm has a distinct research team that provides relevant updates to each practice area to ensure we keep up with the latest legal news and developments. I notice an interesting article on the Employment Rights Bill discussing how the failure to make reasonable adjustments is now to be included in the definition of ‘discrimination’. I save the article in case it could be good material for a blog.

3.30pm: In the afternoon, I join a call with a client who is seeking advice on a settlement agreement. Our team of specialists and highly experienced lawyers help clients to navigate not only the litigation process, but also offer advisory services, ensuring that our clients achieve optimal outcomes.

4.00pm: I take a break and go for a 15-minute walk. I then catch up on emails and update my trainee diary. This is also a good opportunity to check my case load, and identify any areas of work I would like to get more exposure to. Everyone in the department is very approachable and I have found it invaluable to work with colleagues who take such an interest in my professional and personal development. The department provides timely feedback and ensures you obtain a broad range of experience during your seat. Tomorrow, I have my meeting with my trainee supervisor so I prepare a list of my cases and take a note of anything I want to discuss. The supervising senior associate has now provided feedback on the instructions to counsel I prepared in the morning; I make any amendments and prepare to share with counsel.

5.00pm: I have a short meeting in Lennie’s with another trainee who I am working on the pro bono matter with. Together, we are dealing with a disability benefits appeal for our client. Kingsley Napley has a range of excellent pro bono initiatives as part of the responsible business strategy. Trainees are encouraged to participate and it is a fantastic way to develop your practice as a lawyer. We have the opportunity to interview clients, draft submissions and advocate at the tribunal.

6.00pm: I leave the office to get ready to play netball with my teammates. I head down to the basement where our changing rooms and showers are to get ready. Kingsley Napley has a range of sports teams that you can sign up to, and every week the netball team plays a match against other companies in the area. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, meet other people in the firm, and enjoy some friendly competition. Wish us luck!

About the firm

The firm: Kingsley Napley is an internationally recognised, UK-based law firm providing expertise for our clients’ business and private lives, when it matters most. The firm is highly regarded – and often recommended – by other lawyers and enjoys a reputation for being innovative, creative and sensitive in its approach to complex legal issues. Over the years, the firm has played a central role in many cases, having a profound impact on our legal system.

The clients: Clients include regulatory bodies, local authorities and government bodies, as well as large public companies, owner-managed businesses and individuals, many of whom are in the public eye.

The deals: Advised the Independent Schools Council through its High Court challenge against the introduction of VAT on independent school fees; secured a landmark ruling for a client against her ex-husband, who had concealed significant funds through sham trusts.

Senior partner: James Fulforth

Managing partner: Matt Meyers

Who we are: Kingsley Napley is a law firm with a distinguished history, distinctive values and a unique culture. With over 400 people, we are able to provide clients with the best possible advice and service across a wide range of industries and legal disciplines. Our teams enjoy a reputation for being innovative, creative and sensitive in their approach to complex legal issues, and over the years we have played a central role in many cases which have had a profound impact on our legal system. Yet as important as what we do is how we do it. At Kingsley Napley we have created a company where we treat our work, our clients and our colleagues alike with integrity, respect and care. Where diversity of thought, background and culture is not just encouraged, but expected. And where everyone, no matter their seniority, experience or background is given exactly the same opportunity to contribute, progress and develop.

What we do: The firm has expertise in employment law, private client advisory and deputyships, public law, criminal defence litigation, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, family law, medical negligence and personal injury, regulatory and professional discipline, real estate, construction and immigration.

What we’re looking for in a trainee: Our trainees are a top priority for the future of the firm. We look for candidates who are motivated, have enthusiasm and commercial awareness, and a passion for the areas of law we practise in. We want our trainees to be creative and practical problem-solvers.

What you’ll do: As a trainee at KN you’ll be working with a range of highly experienced, exceptional lawyers in each practice across a variety of matters. We like our trainees to progress quickly, so once they’ve learnt the ropes they are given more responsibility and offered the chance to meet clients, be responsible for their own work with appropriate supervision and take part in marketing and client development activities.

Perks: Core benefits: Life assurance, PHI, pension, private medical insurance, cash plan benefit and six free sessions of counselling per year through Self Space.

Flexible benefits: Cycle to work scheme, dental insurance, give as you earn, health screenings, holiday buy/sell/bank, retail and technology vouchers, will writing, GymFlex discounted gym rates, 24/7 available employee assistance available through AIG.

Other benefits: Discretionary performance award, wellness subsidy for use towards a wellbeing activity of your choice, conveyancing contribution, gym loan, holiday accrual with length of service, free independent mortgage advice, long service awards, season ticket loan, time off for good causes, wellbeing events – Pilates, HIIT and yoga.

Sponsorship

All of our trainees now follow the SQE route. The firm covers the full cost of the SQE and provides a £9,000 grant to support trainees during their studies. Those who have already completed the LPC receive a £10,000 grant. Additionally, Kingsley Napley offers a £7,000 maintenance grant to students currently undertaking or who have previously completed the PGDL.

Seat options

Clinical negligence and personal injury; corporate and commercial; criminal litigation; dispute resolution; employment; family; immigration; private client; public law; real estate; and regulatory.

Tips from the recruiter

When applying to KN, it’s important to conduct thorough research—not only into our fee-earning work, but also into our culture, pro bono initiatives, and efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of who we are and what we stand for will significantly strengthen your application.

Diversity and inclusion