Firm Profiles
Ashurst
Ashurst
A Silver Circle Firm
A Silver Circle Firm
Year 1 Trainee
£57,000
Year 2 Trainee
£62,000
Newly Qualified
£140,000
Ashurst is a global law firm with a history dating back to 1822. With more than 1,700 lawyers across 31 offices in 18 countries, the firm advises corporates, financial institutions, and governments on complex, international matters. Its core strengths lie in corporate transactions, finance, disputes, antitrust, and regulatory work. The firm expanded its global presence through a 2012 merger with Australian firm Blake Dawson, strengthening its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.
TC Number
40
Seats
4
Secondments
Yes
Offices
31
Ashurst recruits around 40 trainees each year through a four seat training contract. Trainees rotate every six months and are required to complete a seat in finance and a transactional practice area. International secondments are available in offices such as Singapore, Tokyo, Dubai, Paris, and Brussels, offering trainees the chance to experience international work firsthand and build strong global relationships.
Rankings in Chambers
47
Category
Silver Circle
Ashurst was named “Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia-Pacific (Headquartered outside Asia-Pacific)” at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards 2024, recognising its commitment to legal innovation across the region. The firm also received the “Innovation in Improving Client Experience” award at the FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Europe 2024 for tools such as Ashurst Origin and XB Adviser, which support clients in navigating complex regulatory matters.
The Application Process
Vacation Scheme Deadline
TBD
A-Levels Requirements
N/A
Degree Requirements
Degree Requirements
2:!
Application Writing
The application focuses on an applicant’s academic history, work experience, and motivation for a career in commercial law. Each section has a word limit, so responses should be clear, concise, and specific. The work experience section is especially important, offering applicants the chance to demonstrate transferable skills through part-time jobs, volunteering, or extracurricular involvement.
Assessment Centre
Candidates are given approximately one hour to review a commercial scenario and produce a written report. The task assesses commercial awareness and the ability to structure and communicate advice clearly. Legal knowledge is not required; instead, the focus is on analysing business information and making reasoned recommendations.
The first interview is usually with a member of the graduate recruitment team and focuses on competency-based questions, such as teamwork, resilience, and motivation for a legal career. The second interview is often conducted by a partner or senior associate and may involve a discussion of a case study or hypothetical scenarios to assess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Interview Stage
Ashurst’s video interview is a one-way, pre-recorded format where applicants answer a set of timed questions. The interview typically includes around five questions covering motivation, competencies, and situational judgment. Each question allows limited preparation time (about 30 seconds to 1 minute) and a timed response window (usually up to 2 minutes).
Application Writing
Psychometric Testing
The application focuses on an applicant’s academic history, work experience, and motivation for a career in commercial law. Each section has a word limit, so responses should be clear, concise, and specific. The work experience section is especially important, offering applicants the chance to demonstrate transferable skills through part-time jobs, volunteering, or extracurricular involvement.
Ashurst’s psychometric assessment includes three parts: Cognify, Emotify, and Values Fit. Cognify uses game-based tasks to assess problem-solving and analytical thinking. Emotify tests emotional intelligence through tasks involving facial expressions and emotional scenarios. Values Fit checks alignment with the firm’s core values. The assessments are untimed, but must be completed within three days of receiving the invitation. Applicants are encouraged to review the format in advance to feel confident with the process.
Psychometric Testing
Ashurst’s psychometric assessment includes three parts: Cognify, Emotify, and Values Fit. Cognify uses game-based tasks to assess problem-solving and analytical thinking. Emotify tests emotional intelligence through tasks involving facial expressions and emotional scenarios. Values Fit checks alignment with the firm’s core values. The assessments are untimed, but must be completed within three days of receiving the invitation. Applicants are encouraged to review the format in advance to feel confident with the process.
Interview Stage
Ashurst’s video interview is a one-way, pre-recorded format where applicants answer a set of timed questions. The interview typically includes around five questions covering motivation, competencies, and situational judgment. Each question allows limited preparation time (about 30 seconds to 1 minute) and a timed response window (usually up to 2 minutes).
Assessment Centre
Candidates are given approximately one hour to review a commercial scenario and produce a written report. The task assesses commercial awareness and the ability to structure and communicate advice clearly. Legal knowledge is not required; instead, the focus is on analysing business information and making reasoned recommendations.
The first interview is usually with a member of the graduate recruitment team and focuses on competency-based questions, such as teamwork, resilience, and motivation for a legal career. The second interview is often conducted by a partner or senior associate and may involve a discussion of a case study or hypothetical scenarios to assess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Firm Profiles
Ashurst
A Silver Circle Firm
Year 1
Trainee
£57,000
Year 2
Trainee
£62,000
Newly
Qualified
£140,000
Ashurst is a global law firm with a history dating back to 1822. With more than 1,700 lawyers across 31 offices in 18 countries, the firm advises corporates, financial institutions, and governments on complex, international matters. Its core strengths lie in corporate transactions, finance, disputes, antitrust, and regulatory work. The firm expanded its global presence through a 2012 merger with Australian firm Blake Dawson, strengthening its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.
TC Number
40
Seats
4
Secondments
Yes
Offices
31
Ashurst recruits around 40 trainees each year through a four seat training contract. Trainees rotate every six months and are required to complete a seat in finance and a transactional practice area. International secondments are available in offices such as Singapore, Tokyo, Dubai, Paris, and Brussels, offering trainees the chance to experience international work firsthand and build strong global relationships.
Rankings in Chambers
47
Awards
Category
Silver Circle
Ashurst was named “Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia-Pacific (Headquartered outside Asia-Pacific)” at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards 2024, recognising its commitment to legal innovation across the region. The firm also received the “Innovation in Improving Client Experience” award at the FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Europe 2024 for tools such as Ashurst Origin and XB Adviser, which support clients in navigating complex regulatory matters.
The Vacation Scheme Application Process
Application Writing
The application focuses on an applicant’s academic history, work experience, and motivation for a career in commercial law. Each section has a word limit, so responses should be clear, concise, and specific. The work experience section is especially important, offering applicants the chance to demonstrate transferable skills through part-time jobs, volunteering, or extracurricular involvement.
Psychometric Testing
Ashurst’s psychometric assessment includes three parts: Cognify, Emotify, and Values Fit. Cognify uses game-based tasks to assess problem-solving and analytical thinking. Emotify tests emotional intelligence through tasks involving facial expressions and emotional scenarios. Values Fit checks alignment with the firm’s core values. The assessments are untimed, but must be completed within three days of receiving the invitation. Applicants are encouraged to review the format in advance to feel confident with the process.
Interview Stage
Ashurst’s video interview is a one-way, pre-recorded format where applicants answer a set of timed questions. The interview typically includes around five questions covering motivation, competencies, and situational judgment. Each question allows limited preparation time (about 30 seconds to 1 minute) and a timed response window (usually up to 2 minutes).
Assessment Centre
Candidates are given approximately one hour to review a commercial scenario and produce a written report. The task assesses commercial awareness and the ability to structure and communicate advice clearly. Legal knowledge is not required; instead, the focus is on analysing business information and making reasoned recommendations.
The first interview is usually with a member of the graduate recruitment team and focuses on competency-based questions, such as teamwork, resilience, and motivation for a legal career. The second interview is often conducted by a partner or senior associate and may involve a discussion of a case study or hypothetical scenarios to assess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Vacation Scheme Deadline
TBD
N/A
A-Levels Requirements
Degree Requirements
2:!