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Kingsley Napley
A London law firm combining leading criminal, regulatory and immigration practices with family, private client and commercial expertise.
About Kingsley Napley
Founded in 1937, Kingsley Napley advises individuals, businesses and organisations from its London office. Its practice combines criminal litigation, investigations and professional regulation with family, immigration, private client and commercial work.
Many instructions involve sensitive circumstances in which a client’s career, reputation, family relationships or financial position may be at stake. The firm’s breadth allows lawyers to work together where these issues overlap, such as an investigation involving employment, regulatory and criminal concerns.
For prospective trainees, Kingsley Napley offers exposure to both personal and business matters. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in the legal work alongside an understanding of the judgement, discretion and clear communication needed to support clients through difficult situations.
The two-year training contract comprises four six-month seats. Trainees submit preferences, although allocations depend on available opportunities. Options span criminal litigation, dispute resolution, employment, family, immigration, medical negligence, private client, public law, property and regulation.
Each seat has a supervisor who also acts as a mentor. Trainees have weekly supervisor catch-ups and meet the Training Principal at least once per seat.
The firm funds SQE preparation and assessments, including SQE Plus. Current maintenance grants are £9,000 for SQE study and £7,000 for the PGDL. Its FAQs also list £10,000 for trainees who have completed the LPC. Candidates with an existing LPC can discuss the appropriate qualification route.
Practice areas & rankings
Kingsley Napley has 27 ranked departments in Chambers UK 2027. Band 1 practices include Crime, Financial Crime: Individuals and Family/Children Law in London. UK-wide Band 1 rankings include business immigration, extradition, professional discipline, public inquiries and proceeds of crime work.
The firm won Financial Crime & Investigations Team of the Year at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2025. This recognition complements its established criminal defence practice and its work for individuals facing complex investigations.
It was also shortlisted for Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year in the midsize firm category at the 2025 STEP Private Client Awards.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 1 for Crime and Financial Crime: Individuals in London in Chambers UK 2027, Kingsley Napley advises on criminal investigations, prosecutions and related proceedings. Its expertise includes fraud, money laundering, tax investigations and international crime. The work can require urgent advice and careful coordination where criminal allegations intersect with professional or reputational concerns.
Ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business, UK-wide, in Chambers UK 2027, the immigration practice advises employers and individuals. Its work includes bringing overseas employees to the UK, personal immigration applications and challenges to Home Office decisions. The team works with other departments where immigration issues overlap with family circumstances, criminal proceedings or private client advice.
Ranked Band 1 UK-wide in Chambers UK 2027, the regulatory practice handles investigations and professional disciplinary proceedings. It acts in matters concerning professional conduct and fitness to practise, including work involving healthcare professionals. Investigating allegations, evaluating evidence and understanding the consequences for both professionals and the public are important features of this work.
Ranked Band 1 for Family/Children Law in London in Chambers UK 2027, Kingsley Napley advises on sensitive matters affecting children and families. Its wider family practice includes divorce, financial remedies, relocation and prenuptial agreements. Cases can involve international elements and require cooperation with immigration, private client and disputes lawyers.
Awards
Financial Crime & Investigations Team of the YearChambers High Net Worth Awards 2025
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Apply directly for a training contract through the online application system. The official website says applications for the September 2029 intake will reopen in December 2026. Applications are reviewed after the deadline.
The form covers personal details, academic history, work experience and topical questions that change annually. These explore motivation for law, interest in Kingsley Napley and understanding of commercial challenges.
Law students can apply from their penultimate year, non-law students from their final year, and graduates and career changers are welcome. Prior legal work experience is not required.
Explain why the firm’s combination of practices appeals to you. You could explore how one client problem might involve several teams, then connect that interest with your own experience or research.
Use examples showing sound judgement, empathy and responsibility. Describe your actions precisely and explain their effect. Strong answers should demonstrate that you understand the practical work behind a case, including handling evidence, communicating with clients and managing deadlines.
Kingsley Napley: quick answers
How much does Kingsley Napley pay trainees?
Kingsley Napley pays first-year trainees £44,000, rising to £48,500 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Kingsley Napley earn £66-84k.
When is the Kingsley Napley vacation scheme deadline?
Training contract applications for the 2029 intake reopen December 2026 · Work experience applications for summer 2027 reopen in the new year Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Kingsley Napley take on?
Kingsley Napley takes on around 8 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Kingsley Napley use in its applications?
Successful applicants complete online testing designed to assess their potential for a legal career. The firm confirms that prior work experience is not required. The current official description does not identify the provider, question types or time limits. Use the instructions supplied with the invitation to guide preparation. Practise analysing unfamiliar information carefully and distinguishing evidence from assumptions. Read each question closely and check whether your answer follows from the material provided.
What grades do you need to apply to Kingsley Napley?
To apply to Kingsley Napley you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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