Kennedys to roll out senior associate promotions annually

Forty-five solicitors from the UK and Ireland will be promoted to senior associate roles at international firm Kennedys.

The firm posted a 10 per cent increase in turnover for 2013/14. The new position will be rolled out globally during the coming year.

Senior associate promotions will take place annually in September with the hope that the new role will create a stronger career structure and will be part of the firm's new 'Future Leaders' training programme.

The international firm is also currently in the process of reviewing the promotion structure for non-qualified legal staff and plans to implement a new role in 2015 to further strengthen the firm's career framework.

Investment in people at all levels is part of the firm's growth strategy. Kennedys has already grown its apprentice intake to 20 at various levels across the firm and has taken on 18 trainees this year.

Caroline Wilson, human resources director at the firm, said: "The new career framework will ensure that our solicitors have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

"The creation of the senior associate role is one part of a wider drive to invest in our people across the business, whether it's those at the start of their careers through mentoring, apprenticeships and our trainee scheme, or by recognising the dedication and contribution of our senior fee-earners through our career development structure."