Posted on

Kennedys Birmingham Graduate Apprenticeship Opportunity – Apply by 29 May

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026 – Professional Liability 

The 30 month training programme will involve working alongside our experienced lawyers in one of our legal teams, whilst studying with BPP one day per week.

In addition to a dedicated supervisor at Kennedys, you will have a tutor and skills coach at BPP, to ensure that you have all the support you need at work and with your studies.

Over the course of the programme, you will gain Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) by working alongside experienced legal professionals on real cases, whilst studying towards a Level 6 CILEX qualification, developing your legal knowledge and skills.

You will also prepare for and complete the SQE, paving the way to becoming a qualified solicitor.

This route provides an alternative to the traditional rotational training contract and allows you to earn while you learn, building a solid foundation for a successful legal career.

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. Kennedys will fully fund your training during the programme.

For more details and to apply now, click here.

Team

Kennedys’ professional liability team deal with all areas of professional liability and handle claims of all sizes and complexity, including insurers who underwrite some of the world’s largest financial institutions, global law firms, the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms, as well as insurers who underwrite regional, local and smaller institutions and firms.

Clients

Insurers
Self-Insureds
Construction professionals
IT professionals
Insolvency practitioners
Solicitors

To be considered for the SQE training programme, you will need:

To have completed a law degree or a non-law degree and the GDL/PGDL

Close date: 29 May 2026.

Please let us know if you require any additional support or adjustments to be made in order to submit your application to Kennedys.

Please note that this vacancy is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

About Kennedys

Kennedys is a global law firm with expertise in dispute resolution and advisory services. With over 2,400 people worldwide across 44 offices in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and America we have some of the most respected legal minds in their field.

Our lawyers handle both contentious and non-contentious matters, and provide a range of specialist legal services, for many industry sectors but we have particular expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, especially in defending insurance and liability claims.

We’re a fresh-thinking firm, and we’re not afraid to bring challenging new perspectives to the table way beyond the traditional realm of legal services. We empower our clients with a diverse range of ideas, tools and technology to make their lives easier, as well as delivering exceptional results, every time.

What do we have to offer?

We welcome high-performing lawyers, business services professionals, secretaries, graduates and apprentices to join our rapidly expanding global firm. Whatever your role at Kennedys, you’ll be involved in exciting and stimulating work, where your input will make a difference.

Our culture and values form a big part of who we are and we take them seriously. We make a difference by being approachable, straightforward, supportive and distinctive. Our values are at the core of who we are and what make us a great firm to work with and for.

We develop careers in an innovative and collaborative global environment, with our values at the core. We believe that supporting individual growth and development puts us in the best position to attract and retain talented individuals. Regardless of role or level, everyone has access to virtual learning to help you develop your skills, wherever you are in the world. A variety of other exciting opportunities are available including secondments to clients and our global offices as well as a comprehensive benefits package (details are available upon request).

We’ve created a culture based on client service, professional excellence, hard work and trust. We deeply value the relationships we build with our clients and we know that they value our warm, friendly human approach. We are here to provide answers, recommendations, strategy and tactics.

Kennedys is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. We expect all employees to be aware of and comply with all relevant policies and procedures within their jurisdiction, including those relating to Information Security, Data Protection and Quality Management, refer any breach promptly to Risk & Compliance and to complete all mandatory training when requested.

 

Posted on

The National Apprenticeship Show 2026: A debt-free route to becoming a lawyer? Yes please.

Seemingly unbothered by the torrential rain of 2026, school students from all over London and Surrey flocked to Sandown Park Racecourse last week for the National Apprenticeship Show. 

Future Lawyers joined over 30 other exhibitors, including Pfizer, Mercedes Benz, LadBible, British Airways and the Metropolitan Police at the London & South east event. 

For two action-packed days, the Future Lawyers stand was crowded with students – some as young as 14! –  eager to learn about the different routes into a career in law. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there was a lack of awareness about the solicitor apprenticeship, with many students we spoke to unaware of the existence of a route to becoming a lawyer without having to go to university. 

To recap, a solicitor apprenticeship is six years long, with apprentices going to work at a law firm straight after finishing their A-Levels. During the six years, apprentices study for a qualifying law degree, SQE1 and SQE2, and complete a period of qualifying work experience (QWE) before ultimately receiving the solicitor title. 

Most of the students we spoke to baulked at the idea of spending six years doing an apprenticeship. In reality, however, this can sometimes be a quicker way to qualify as a solicitor than going to university. For example, a university student (for whom everything goes smoothly) could spend three years studying an LLB law degree, at least one year doing prep courses for and passing SQE1 and 2, plus another two years of qualifying work experience in a law firm (six years total). 

With apprenticeship salaries starting at around £25,000 (in London), rising to around £40-60,000 by the end of the six years, jumping straight into the workplace is an attractive career choice. What’s more, the employer law firm covers the costs of the degree and SQE, and the apprentice avoids amassing mountains of student debt. Solicitor apprenticeships appear to be a financial no-brainer. 

Despite the fiscal benefits, many students we spoke to were still on the fence as to whether to choose university over apprenticeships. There’s no doubt that going to university is an enriching experience, which offers much more than just academics. Students leave having learnt independence, gained incomparable life experiences and having made life-long friendships.

The Future Lawyers team was often asked which route is best: apprenticeship or university? The answer: it completely depends on the student and their individual circumstances. But with rising student debts now making daily headlines, there’s no doubt that a solicitor apprenticeship deserves some serious consideration. 

Beyond the university issue, there were also some questions the team got asked over and over again. We’ve answered them below: 

Q: Which A-Level subjects should I study if I want to do a solicitor apprenticeship? 

A: Law firms aren’t usually too prescriptive about which subjects candidates (whether apprentices or graduates) should study. Having said that, there are certain subjects which lend themselves well to a career in law.  

When deciding, think about which subjects will allow you to practise skills such as essay writing, researching and analysing. English Literature, History, Politics, Economics, Modern Languages and Business Studies have always been popular subjects for solicitor hopefuls.  

Increasingly, law firms are also looking for students from scientific backgrounds. Sciences and mathematics are looked upon favourably.  

Whilst studying law at A-Level can be useful and a good way to get an insight into the legal profession, it is not a requirement for a legal apprenticeship or to study law at university level. 

Q: What A-Level grades do I need to achieve to get a solicitor apprenticeship? 

A: The answer to this question varies from firm to firm but is typically around ABB/BBB (or equivalent). Please contact individual law firms if you are unsure how other qualifications such as BTEC translate to their criteria.  

If you feel that you have mitigating circumstances and won’t achieve the grades required, make sure to include this in the appropriate place on the firm’s application form. Alternatively, contact a member of the early careers recruitment team directly to explain your situation. 

Q: How can I make my solicitor apprenticeship application stand out? 

A: As with training contract applications/any applications for legal jobs, you need to show the firm that you understand what makes them different from their competitors.  

Law firms look very similar on paper, so you need to show that you’ve done your research and drilled down a bit deeper to understand why the firm you’re applying to is different.  

What is their specialist practice area/what are they known for? Which areas are they trying to grow? Have they expanded recently? Have you read about their deals or cases in the press? You can also read guides such as Future Lawyers to get an idea of what the culture is like. 

You also need to find a way to show the law firm that you are and will remain committed to them for the duration of the apprenticeship. Six years is a long time, particularly for an 18-year-old! The firm wants to know that you’re in it for the long haul.  

Try to apply this to your previous achievements or some other aspect of your life, e.g. have you held down a part-time job for a prolonged period of time, or is there a hobby you’ve been pursuing for a number of years? 

Show some understanding of the legal industry. Law firms won’t expect an 18-year-old to be an expert on all things law and the wider business world, but they will want to know that you understand the industry you’re getting into and how it operates. Read the business pages of newspapers and keep an eye on the news. The law is everywhere! 

Check out our apprenticeship section to find out more. 

Posted on

SRA unveils new report analysing SQE results

Four years on from the first set of Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) results being published, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has produced its most comprehensive SQE report yet. 

The SRA report covers the period between November 2021 and 2025 and analyses the performance of the different groups of candidates sitting the exam. The data for the report was drawn from eight SQE1 and twelve SQE2 exams and includes results from 30,000 candidates in 50 countries. 

Pass rates for candidates sitting SQE1 for the first time have ranged from 46% to 60%. First sittings of SQE2 achieved pass rates of between 69% to 84%. 

Once multiple attempts at the exam were included, pass rates grew to 66% for SQE1 and 85% for SQE2.

Factors impacting performance 

Interestingly, there was too much variance to link demographics to scores. Socio-economic background and ethnicity had very little impact on performance. 

The factors that had the most impact on exam results were the rankings of the universities attended by candidates, past academic achievement, and classification of degree. 

Apprentices performed particularly well, with a 71% pass rate on SQE1 and a 93% pass rate on SQE2. 

Candidates with declared disabilities performed at least as well as other candidates.  

Those who had already completed the LPC did not perform as well as others.

Ethnicity 

The SQE attracts more ethnically diverse candidates than the UK working population. 

 Of those surveyed/reported on, 28% of candidates were Asian or British Asian (compared with 10% of the working population), and 7% were Black or Black British (compared with 3% of the working population). 

Posted on

Future Lawyers at the National Apprenticeship Show 2026

Legal 500 Future Lawyers is thrilled to be part of the National Apprenticeship Show 2026.

We will be attending the London and Southeast show at Sandown Park Racecourse, Surrey. Catch us there on 10 and 11 February 2026.

The National Apprenticeship Show is Gen Z’s chance to explore exciting career pathways and meet employers offering amazing opportunities.

Whether you’re looking for apprenticeships, training, or advice, we’ll be there to help you take the next step with confidence.

Register for FREE tickets:
https://nationalapprenticeshipshow.org/london-se/

See you there!

Posted on

The Best Law Firms for Job Satisfaction

Each year we ask trainee solicitors to rate their job satisfaction. Unsurprisingly, the law firms that do well in this category often do well across the board.

Which makes sense, because the amount you enjoy your job will have a significant impact on your training experience.

In fact, it’s probably the single most important element which influences your overall happiness levels at work.

Factors such as pay, how much support you receive, quality of work, friendly colleagues and interesting clients play a huge role, but getting a kick out of your work is sure to make for a satisfied and therefore motivated trainee.

Recruits at these Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner firms really enjoy their jobs and aren’t afraid to shout about it!

Head to the winners table to find out more and start your research now!

 

Posted on

Trainee retention rates autumn/winter 2025

A law firm’s trainee retention rate is an important thing to consider when applying for training contracts.

After spending around two years training, a trainee should be rewarded with a newly-qualified (NQ) position where they can put their legal skills into action.

And for the law firm, after having invested considerable time (and money) in training a trainee, it’s a time to recoup their investment.

This isn’t always what happens however. Sometimes due to budget constraints and business needs, not to mention personal choice, some trainees leave at the end of their training contracts.

Here is a round-up of the published retention rates of some of the top UK (and Future Lawyers featured) law firms in this autumn winter season.

Kirkland & Ellis  kept on 12 of its 12 qualifiers (100%)

Slaughter and May  kept on 37 of its 41 qualifiers (90%)

HSF Kramer kept on 29 of its 31 qualifiers (94%)

Pinsent Masons kept on 52 of its 71 qualifiers (73%)

Bird & Bird kept on 15 of its 20 qualifiers (75%)

Lewis Silkin kept on 5 of its 6 qualifiers (83%)

Goodwin kept on 11 of its 14 qualifiers (79%)

Mishcon de Reya  kept on 26 of its 30 qualifiers (87%)

Cripps kept on 12 of its 15 qualifiers (80%)

 

 

 

Posted on

Don’t miss vacation scheme deadlines!

If you do anything this month, make it vacation scheme applications. Most law firms set their spring and summer vacation scheme deadlines for the end of December or the end of January, so now’s the time to get your applications in. 

Our handy deadline table helps you keep on top of your applications.

With so many firms now recruiting solely through their vacation schemes, taking part in one really is the best route to getting a training contract.  

What is a vacation scheme? 

A vacation scheme is a one or two-week-long work placement at a law firm. During this time, you’ll usually sit in one or two departments and do trainee tasks, some of which might be assessed.   

You might also attend firm presentations, lunches with other vacation schemers and trainees, as well as social events.   

You’ll be assessed throughout, so be sure to be on your best behaviour, even at evening drinks.  

But you should also let your personality shine through. Ultimately, your potential future colleagues want to know if you’d be a good person to share an office with.

Vacation schemes are usually paid, with some law firms also offering to cover some expenses for the duration of the scheme, 

Why should you do a vacation scheme? 

A vacation scheme is a brilliant way for you to find out if the law firm in question is somewhere you’d like to work. 

There aren’t many other opportunities where you can ‘road test’ the work and office environment before committing to a new job. 

Vacation schemes are also a great way for the firm to see how you work, and whether they think you’d be a good fit. 

Different firms suit different people, and vacation schemes are the best way to find the best law firm for you.

Head to our Winners Table to see which firms have the best vacation schemes.  

Posted on

City of London Law Society and partners launch North East SQE scholarship in honour of Stephen Denyer

A new scholarship for aspiring social welfare solicitors in the North East of England has been launched to honour Stephen Denyer (pictured), former director of strategic relationships at the Law Society.

The Stephen Denyer Scholarship plans to support four individuals through their SQE1 and SQE2 qualifications, with one scholarship available per year.

Established by the City of London Law Society (CLLS), the City of London Solicitors Company (CLSC), the Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund (SWSQF), and the North East Law Centre (NELC), as well as the Denyer Family, the scheme will be funded by a £50,000 family donation.

The SWSQF has also announced plans to match this pledge and fund an extra candidate per year for the next four years.

The scholarship is available to NELC employees.

Stephen Denyer was a partner in legacy Allen & Overy’s global markets team for 36 years, before retiring in 2014. He then worked with the Law Society, as well as the International Bar Association, where he served as co-chair of the Rule of Law Forum. Denyer passed away at the beginning of 2024, aged 68.

Patrick McCann, chief executive of the City of London Law Society and co-founder of SWSQF, said ‘Stephen was a gentle giant – intelligent, wise, and kind in equal measure. He had a gift for making others feel seen and valued, and for quietly moving mountains on behalf of people and causes he believed in.’

He continued: ‘This Scholarship ensures that his commitment to access to justice, to the North East, and to helping others into the profession will continue to make a difference for years to come.’

Helen Denyer, representative of the Denyer family, added: ‘Stephen cared deeply about increasing access to justice and helping lawyers enter the profession.’

‘Having had his own talent unlocked in the North East at Durham, he would be so pleased that his legacy now helps emerging talent qualify as social welfare solicitors here, using the law in the service of their communities.’

Centre director at the North East Law Centre Michael Fawole said the scholarship ‘will allow us to support and train talented future lawyers who might otherwise never have the opportunity to qualify as social welfare solicitors.

‘It strengthens our mission to widen access to justice across the North East, and we hope that others will be inspired by the Denyer Family’s generosity to help support aspiring social welfare lawyers across the UK.’

[email protected]

This story first appeared on Legal Business.

Posted on

Law School is failing to prepare 73% of lawyers for practice, survey finds

Nearly three quarters of US lawyers say that law school did not prepare them for the demands of working in a law firm, according to a survey of 132 attorneys by in-house legal recruiter Paragon. 

73% of those surveyed wish their legal education had focused more on business development and client management, work-life balance strategies, mental health and resilience, and managing their own practice and finances. 

The survey also asked attorneys what they considered to be their top work priority: income, flexibility or prestige. Autonomy and salary were equally important to attorneys (49% each) while prestige was only cited as the main career driver by 3% of respondents.  

“Today’s junior lawyers are choosing flexibility over traditional markers of success, such as fancy titles. Half say autonomy is just as important as salary, and one in four has already turned down promotions to protect it” says Trista Engel, CEO, Paragon Legal. 

But, whilst work-life balance is increasingly important to attorneys, 54% of those surveyed said that they felt the need to hide their desire for flexibility in the workplace. Among Gen Z lawyers specifically, the percentage was even higher at 81%. 

The results point to a golden opportunity for in-house legal departments – which are traditionally associated with more flexible legal careers – to attract and retain ambitious lawyers. 

“Today’s legal careers are far more flexible than many students realize, if you know where to look. The traditional climb through law firms still exists, but it’s no longer the only or even the primary route to a meaningful legal career. Attorneys are prioritizing autonomy, balance, and purpose, and the profession is evolving to meet those expectations. That’s opening doors for new talent to build careers that actually match their lives”, says Engel.

To read the full survey results, click here.

Posted on

How to be a Successful Law Student

Success as a student demands not only strong academic skills, but also effective study habits, disciplined time management, and genuine engagement with your chosen field of study.

In the latest instalment of the Legal 500 Future Lawyers blog,  law student and aspiring barrister Malcolm Glover sets out his tips designed to help you excel in your law – or any other degree programme.

Master the Basics

Understand the core concepts: law is built on foundational subjects such as contract law, torts, public law and criminal law. It is of paramountcy to grasp these topics before delving into more intricate topics.

Study statutes and case law: the law is firmly grounded in case law and statutes. It is essential to read and analyse landmark cases alongside the relevant statutes to understand how legal principles have evolved over time.

Effective Time Management

Prepare in advance: Create a detailed study schedule, breaking down your reading and assignments week by week, then day by day. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so prioritise your tasks according to deadlines.

Don’t be a crammer: Exams often require deep analysis and application of knowledge. Consistently improving by just 1% each day is more effective than pushing yourself with intense bursts of effort, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout for days or even weeks.” Regular study will ensure retention of information.

Consistent study: Set aside a couple of hours each day for study and stick to a rigid routine.

Learning Techniques

Summarise your notes: After each lecture or seminar, take time to review your notes and create concise summaries which reinforce your learning.

Discuss with your peers: Form study groups or discussion circles. Explaining concepts to others helps to deepen your own understanding.

Develop your Writing Skills (NOW!)

Practise essay writing: Most exams and assignments are essay-based.

Practise structuring your essays in a clear, logical and concise manner. Refine your writing by engaging in regular practice—write for the sheer enjoyment of it. Express your opinions on topics that captivate you and then share your work with a friend or family member to find out whether your ideas are conveyed clearly. One of the most effective ways to improve your writing is to immerse yourself in examples by fine writers such as some of my personal favourites Lord Denning, George Orwell and Mark Twain. Cultivate a habit of reading extensively. Read, read, and read some more.

Stay precise and concise: Law is about precision. Avoid excessive jargon. Focus your efforts on clarity in expressing your legal points.

Stay Up to Date with Legal Developments

Follow current events: Stay up to date with the news and ongoing cases to broaden your understanding of ongoing debates and emerging trends in the law.

ALWAYS Seek Feedback

Get feedback on your work: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on assignments, essays, and exam practice from your lecturer. Use this constructive feedback to improve your approach. Apply the feedback from professors or tutors to your next pieces of work.

Look After Your Well-Being

Rest: It’s not all work and no play. Take regular breaks; you’re allowed to rest. A rested mind is more efficient.

Networking and Extra-Curricular Activities

Moot court or debates: Participation in moots court, debates, mini pupillages and vacation schemes provide you with valuable practical exposure to the legal profession.

Discipline rewards diligence, consistency, and remember “Ad astra per aspera” …through hardships to the stars”.

Malcolm Glover