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Your career as a Kennedys trainee solicitor will be dynamic, challenging and rewarding. Our two-year training contract in Dublin is more than a starting point, it’s the foundation for an exciting and successful career with a leading global law firm.
From day one, you’ll be trusted with real responsibility and the chance to work directly with clients. Through three eight-month rotations in our core practice areas Insurance, Healthcare, and liability Defence, you’ll gain broad experience and discover the full range of expertise across our teams. By the time you qualify, you’ll be confident in managing your own caseload and making decisions that matter.
We’re committed to supporting your growth every step of the way. You’ll be guided by senior solicitors and partners who are dedicated to mentoring you, helping you develop into a skilled, commercially astute lawyer with a global outlook.
If you’re ambitious, motivated and eager to make your mark in the legal world, we want to hear from you. At Kennedys, we’re proud to nurture the next generation of legal talent. Take the first step towards a rewarding and successful career.
Apply Now
- Applications for our 2026 Dublin Training Contract are now open. Apply here.
- Internship Applications: Applications for our 2026 Internship will open in November 2025.
Why Kennedys?
Join a global law firm offering hands-on training in a supportive environment. As a trainee, you’ll work with international colleagues and clients while based in Dublin, rotate across insurance, healthcare and liability defence, and take on real responsibility from day one. You’ll benefit from structured training, workshops and regular feedback, with direct mentorship from senior lawyers, while gaining experience on complex, high-profile cases that make a real impact.
At Kennedys, our Early Careers programmes provide an excellent foundation for a successful career in law. To gain further insight, hear from our former intern and current trainees about their experiences.
Kennedys Internship Program
Our 14-week Internship, based in our Dublin office and running across January – April offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into an exciting and rewarding career with a global law firm. During the Internship, you will apply the legal knowledge gained in your undergraduate studies while acquiring hands-on experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Find out more and apply here.
What Kennedys Offer:
- Hands-on experience: Engage in real legal work across our core practice areas Liability Defence, Healthcare and Insurance - including legal research, document preparation, client interaction and court attendance.
- Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from experienced solicitors, including our trainees, associates and senior partners, to enhance your learning experience.
- Training and development: Access tailored training sessions, in-house and external seminars and a vast array of online learning resources to build your skills and confidence.
- Career progression: Our program is structured to equip you with the skills needed to transition into a trainee solicitor role, setting you on the path to a successful legal career.
Embark on a rewarding journey with Kennedys and set the foundation for a successful legal career.
A message from our local managing partner
Local managing partner, Joanne O’Sullivan gives a message to potential future trainees as you embark on this exciting next chapter our your legal profession.
Thank you for considering Kennedys as the place to begin your legal career. Deciding where to train is an important step, and I am delighted you are exploring what our Dublin office has to offer.
As Local Managing Partner, I am proud to introduce you to a firm with both a strong global presence and one of the largest dedicated insurance practices in Ireland. In Dublin, we are recognised for our expertise in the insurance, casualty and healthcare sectors and are particularly known for our defence of high profile litigation claims.
From your very first day, you can expect to be involved in meaningful work which is supported by approachable supervisors and experienced mentors. Our training contract is designed to give you a broad foundation across each practice area, while helping you identify your strengths and interests. You will be encouraged to ask lots of questions, take on responsibility early and learn from colleagues who are experts in their fields.
What sets Kennedys apart is our culture. We are a friendly, collaborative and inclusive office. We believe that supporting diversity, wellbeing and work-life balance allows everyone at Kennedys to succeed, including every trainee who joins us.
If I could share one piece of advice, I would encourage you to be curious and to see every piece of work as an opportunity to learn. At Kennedys, we value potential and we are committed to helping you discover yours.
We look forward to welcoming the next generation of talented lawyers to Kennedys Dublin and supporting you as you take the next step in your career.
If I could share one piece of advice, I would encourage you to be curious and to see every piece of work as an opportunity to learn.
When do Training contract applications open?
Our Dublin training contract 2026 intake will open for applications in September 2025.
How long is the training contract with Kennedys?
The training contract is 24 months long. During this period of time, you complete rotations in all of our departments and cover our three main practice areas, Liability, Healthcare and Insurance. You also complete the Professional Practice Course (PPC) with the Law Society at Blackhall Place during your training contract.
Do Kennedys pay the Law Society for PPC?
Yes, we pay all Law Society fees
Do you pay trainees during the training contract and while they are on courses at the Law Society?
Once successful you will receive a competitive salary and benefits package during your training contract, including while you are at Blackhall Place.