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Applicant Resource Hub

Our Applicant Resource Hub is here to answer your questions! Whether you're thinking about applying for a role or currently interviewing with us, we want to make sure that you get insight into life at Ashurst. We also have tips to ensure your application and interview stand out.

If you have any questions that can't be answered here or on our careers pages pleasecontact us.

Life at Ashurst

Your career at Ashurst is more than the work you do on a daily basis. We offer you a range of opportunities and support that enhance your life and career with us.

Ashurst provides opportunities for our employees to grow and develop their careers within the firm. Ashurst's global footprint has grown in the past few years and it continues to expand and evolve. Ashurst is committed to providing career development for staff throughout the network and by taking a consistent and coordinated approach to global mobility, the firm can provide our people with new opportunities to develop their skills and careers.

bob正常玩会被黑吗艾舍斯特为我们的人提供了一系列的选项bob博彩合法吗ncluding, short-term international assignments, overseas client secondments, long-term assignments and permanent international transfers.

We are committed to creating working environments across our offices where people are supported to perform at their best. We prioritise high performance, flexible work practices, authentic connections, personal authority and choice, and accountability.

Depending on the nature of your role and the location you're in, our hybrid working model enables you to work across different locations, choosing the best location to optimise performance and efficiency. This may involve working in our office, from your home or another location such as alongside a client in their office. It also enables you to work at the times of the day when you can perform at your best.

Ashurst is one of the first law firms to become a signatory of the Mindful Business Charter (MBC), representing a collective commitment to changing avoidable working practices that can cause mental health and wellbeing issues for employees.

The MBC is a commitment by the firm to prioritise the wellbeing of its people. The MBC achieves this through a framework which is designed to promote and enable conversations on this topic, and directs us all to move towards more thoughtful and considered methods of working that can reduce unnecessary individual and team stress.

In addition to the initiatives that are part of the MBC we also provide a range of wellbeing benefits including free access to Headspace (a wellbeing support tool).

Our Social Impact programme focuses on increasing access to opportunities for communities and individuals experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage, financial exclusion and/or hardship. Our work centres around utilising the professional non-legal skills of our people to support those in need, as well as our partner community organisations across our global network.

Volunteering forms a pivotal part of our Social Impact work and is a rewarding way for our people to give back to the community, develop new skills and gain greater perspectives.


More information

Outpacing change starts with a learning culture committed to thinking differently


At Ashurst, we know that optimal learning involves a combination of on the job experiences, learning from others and structured development opportunities (70:20:10 concept). Our approach to learning reflects this mindset and throughout your career at Ashurst, you will be empowered and enabled to develop your knowledge and skills in this way. From attending career transition programmes, to ongoing supervisor feedback and mentoring opportunities, to engaging in interesting work and projects, these are just a few of the many experiences you will have that enable you to learn and create the extraordinary at Ashurst.

Ashurst Academy brings together our offerings into four inter-disciplinary areas, delivered in formats ranging from global summits, to short on demand tutorials, live virtual workshops and high-potential 1:1 coaching

  • Activateis specifically designed for clerks, graduates and trainees and incorporates technical legal and business skills training. Activate ensures you have a holistic view of the legal markets in which we operate and sets you up for success in creating the extraordinary throughout your career. Sessions are conducted by internal and external subject matter experts, including partners.


  • Accelerateprovides a range of courses to build on your existing knowledge and experience, and enables you to enhance your capability across the skills and competencies required at the firm. From MBA essentials to our Award winning Foundation Series, these courses are delivered face-to-face, online or through the live online virtual classroom, and provide an opportunity to collaborate with your peers across the office or region.


  • Ascendcovers our global career transition programmes, celebrating your career milestones, and equipping you for the next step in your career. Our global career programmes, run globally, regionally or locally, provide the same high quality learning experience, wherever you work.


  • Apexrepresents the peak of the Ashurst Academy offering to partners, directors and heads of function. From our global new partner programme, Elevate, to our global leadership programmes, this suite supports our leaders to outpace change and create an environment that fosters deep relationships with colleagues and empowers your growth..

  • "My experience with Ashurst Academy as a whole, is that I've never left a session questioning what the purpose was or why I have attended. The themes offered are very real and we encounter them every day"
    Senior Associate, International Projects Group – Dubai

You will experience several types of mentoring and coaching relationships at the firm, to ensure you are equipped to outpace change. In a high performance culture, this is the most effective method to raise and maintain individual performance. As an approach, this is consistent with the direction of the firm that emphasises developing and supporting people to think differently, collaborate, and realise their full potential.

The firm also offers study support for approved further education, to enable you to study further in the areas you wish to pursue.

The heart of everything we do

Ashurst’s vision is to outpace change. Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging is key to that. We build diverse teams who work together to offer exceptional service to our clients. Plus we create an extraordinary place for our people to work.

Our inclusion, diversity and belonging team work with people from across our firm to remove barriers and create more equitable opportunities for everyone. The team also works closely with our clients, because progress is a collective effort.

Please see below for more information on our key areas of focus

Many of our people have caring responsibilities. They need access to the right tools and policies to help them thrive in their careers, and balance the needs of their families. We empower our people to use the flexibility they need to manage their varied life responsibilities.

Our market-leading global FamilyCare policy offers 26 weeks fully paid leave to any eligible staff member becoming a parent irrespective of gender identity (including through adoption, surrogacy, foster and kinship care). It also includes provisions for pregnancy loss and fertility treatments.. The policy also provides support for parents when they return to work.

We are committed to creating inclusive and accessible premises and work environments. Our Workplace Adjustments Passports allow us to support anyone needing adjustments, ensuring they can work at their best while not needing to continually disclose or advocate for their needs. We provide training for leaders and teams on disability inclusion.

We are proud members of the Australian Network on Disability, and the UK Business Disability Forum.

We are founding signatories to the Mindful Business Charter and are committed to prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our people. We have a network of people trained in mental health first aid and provide access to the Headspace app, and mindfulness and wellbeing experts.

We are committed to improving gender equity across the firm. We have a target for our partnership to be 40% women, 40% men and 20% flexible by 2026. In order to achieve this target we are continuing to focus on ensuring equitable opportunities and support for women and non-binary lawyers on their pathway to partnership.

Our commitment to gender equity is led from the top. Our CEO Paul Jenkins is a member of the Champions of Change Coalition in Australia, and was one of the first law firm CEOs to join.

We celebrate the diversity of the LGBTI+ community and create a safe workplace for all LGBTI+ people. Our Spectrum network is made up of LGBTI+ people and allies from across the global firm. The network celebrates days of significance for the community including IDAHOBIT, Wear it Purple and Pride days, as well as contributing to policies that make our firm a more supportive and equitable place.

One of those is our Gender Affirmation Policy, which provides support for trans people or anyone transitioning at the firm. We also have guidelines for allies, and a glossary for anyone learning how to be a better ally. We regularly benchmark our progress by participating in the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

We embrace and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes us all unique, while actively working to eliminate racism in our firm. We have strategies focused on the attraction, retention and promotion of racially marginalised people across all offices. This includes our Reconciliation Action Plan in Australia, and targets we have set in the UK.

In order to support our people to increase their racial literacy and understanding, we have built a Global Anti-Racism Hub. The Hub is an educational space for our people to better understand the historical and current implications of racism worldwide.


We recruit, retain and promote the best people from the broadest talent pools. The playing field is far from level for many individuals. We are taking active steps to appeal to those who do not have a "typical" background or pathway and whose talent and potential may not be recognised by traditional assessment standards. We want to ensure that Ashurst is an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, no matter their background or home situation.

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Helping you succeed

While each of our locations and teams interview slightly differently, depending on the role and what interview stage you are at, the following guidance should help you structure and prepare your application and interview in a way that puts you in the best possible position.

Reading your application is the first time we "meet" you, so it's important that we get a clear and detailed understanding of who you are and why you're interested in joining Ashurst. We've put together some tips below to help you prepare your application.

Your CV:

  • Ensure your personal and contact details are correct and clearly displayed

  • Double check your employment dates are accurate and include relevant details such as reasons for moving roles, the type of role held, for example whether is was a contract role, and when you may have had career breaks

  • Make your CV easy to read and not too long (2-3 pages is standard). Prioritise your most recent roles at the beginning of the document and use bullet points to summarise your experience and achievements.

Your application and/or cover letter:

  • Upload any required and relevant documentation

  • Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight why you're interested in the role, what value and experience you can bring, and what you're hoping to achieve working with us. Ideally keep it concise. Use bullet points where possible and note what kind of working arrangements you're seeking (e.g. full time or part time)

  • 你可以定制你的审查工作描述cover letter to the role

  • Note any visa requirements

  • Proofread your application before you submit

  • Speak to your Talent Acquisition/People & Culture contact if you have any questions about the role or what the interview will entail

  • Review the job description and your CV so you can clearly explain your work experience, achievements, and your understanding of the role

  • Thoroughly research Ashurst, the team you are interviewing for and who you are meeting. We recommend taking a look at the Ashurst website, LinkedIn and any other relevant sites

  • Prepare some examples of work situations you've been in to highlight certain skills or experience. This could include working with a team and clients, working to deadlines, and overcoming challenging situations, to name a few

  • Prepare your own questions to ask the interviewers as this is your chance to help you decide whether we're the right fit for you

  • Plan ahead including what you'll wear, how you'll get there and if you need to bring anything.

  • Arrive a few minutes early so you can feel calm and prepared

  • The interview is a good opportunity to build rapport with the interviewers and get an impression of the team

  • The interview will generally cover your motivations for applying and employment history (including specific examples of the work you've done), an overview of the team and role, and an opportunity for you to ask questions

  • In many instances you will be asked behavioural questions which provide the opportunity for you to give a specific example to highlight a skill or how you've handled a situation in the past. We use behavioural questions to gauge if you have the skills that are required to succeed in the role.

    • One way to answer these questions in a clear and concise manner is by using the STAR methodology. STAR is an acronym that stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result

      • S - Situation. Outline the situation or challenge you faced

      • T - Task. Describe the task or problem that needed to be solved

      • A - Action. Explain the actions that you took

      • R - Results. Summarise the results. Illustrate a clear correlation between your action and the results

  • 这种方法将确保你回应clear beginning, middle and end. In advance of your interview think of some behavioural questions that might come up and prepare using the STAR method. The questions are designed to see how you react under pressure so if you are asked one then keep calm and the STAR methodology will enable you to tell a clear and concise story

  • Make sure you ask at least one to two questions when asked if you have any questions. Even if you've already had your questions answered during the interview just mention what your planned questions were but that they were already answered

  • Make sure you thank the interviewers for their time at the end of the interview.

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you consider yourself to have a disability or a long-term health condition, please feel able to be open about this at any point during the recruitment process. If you are not sure what adjustments you require, we will work with you to establish the most suitable adjustments at each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that our online application form includes a section which allows you to advise us of any extenuating circumstances that are relevant for us to consider when reviewing your application form.

If you would like to talk to a member of our team in relation to any queries you may have on your disability or long-term health condition and the recruitment process, pleasecontact us. Any information disclosed on your disability will remain strictly confidential.

Coming soon

Frequently asked questions

Please see the answers below to frequently asked questions regarding early careers in Australia.

If you have any questions that can't be answered here or on our Australian programme pages pleasecontact us

In your application it is important that we get a clear and detailed understanding of who you are and why you're interested in joining Ashurst. We've put together some tips below to help you prepare your application.

Your CV:

  • Make your CV easy to read and not too long (two pages is standard). Prioritise your most recent roles at the beginning of the document and focus on using bullet points to summarise your experience and achievements

  • Tell us in your own words what you have achieved, what you're proud of and your strengths - don't just list skills

  • Share all of your previous experiences (legal experience is not essential)

  • Attention to detail is a key requirement in the role of a lawyer. Please ensure your CV has a consistent format, with no typos or grammatical errors.

Your application and/or cover letter:

  • Upload your cover letter, CV and academic transcript (official or unofficial)

  • Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight why you're interested in being a clerk at Ashurst and what value you can bring to us. Ideally keep it concise (one page), using bullet points where possible. Remember this is your opportunity to share your key strengths with us.

  • Proofread your application before you submit it.

  • Review your CV and cover letter so you can clearly explain your work experience, achievements, and answer any questions that we may ask you

  • Thoroughly research Ashurst and your interviewers. We recommend reviewing the Ashurst website, LinkedIn and any other relevant websites

  • Prepare some examples to answer behavioural based questions

  • Prepare your own questions to ask the interviewers as this is also your chance to decide whether we're the right fit for you

  • Plan ahead including what you'll wear, how you'll get there and if you need to bring anything.

  • Arrive early so you can feel calm and prepared

  • The interview is a good opportunity to build rapport with the interviewers and get an impression of the team

  • The interview will generally cover your motivations for applying, information from your cover letter, employment history and any extracurriculars / hobbies. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions

  • In many instances you will be asked behavioural questions which provide the opportunity for you to give a specific example to highlight a skill or how you've handled a situation in the past. We use behavioural questions to gauge if you have the skills that are required to succeed in the role

    • One way to answer these questions in a clear and concise manner is by using the STAR methodology. STAR is an acronym that stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result

      • S - Situation. Outline the situation or challenge you faced

      • T - Task. Describe the task or problem that needed to be solved

      • A - Action. Explain the actions that you took

      • R - Results. Summarise the results. Illustrate a clear correlation between your action and the results

    • 这种方法将确保你回应clear beginning, middle and end. In advance of your interview think of some behavioural questions that might come up and prepare using the STAR method. The questions are designed to understand your previous experiences so keep calm and the STAR methodology will enable you to tell a clear and concise story. Make sure you ask at least two to three questions when asked if you have any questions. This shows that you are interested and well researched

  • Make sure you thank the interviewers for their time at the end of the interview

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you consider yourself to have a disability or a long-term health condition, please feel able to be open about this at any point during the recruitment process. If you are not sure what adjustments you require, we will work with you to establish the most suitable adjustments at each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that our online application form includes a section which allows you to advise us of any extenuating circumstances that are relevant for us to consider when reviewing your application form.

If you would like to talk to a member of our team in relation to any queries you may have on your disability or long-term health condition and the recruitment process, pleasecontact us. Any information disclosed on your disability will remain strictly confidential.

Where can I meet representatives of the firm to find out more about Ashurst?

  • Throughout the recruitment cycle we run a large number of events including campus events, in-house events and a large number of virtual events. Please check out the events section on each programme page to find out more. Many of these events will also be advertised via your University Law Society.

Can I arrange ad hoc work experience?

  • 我们鼓励所有申请者通过参观公司ugh one of our programmes, Clerkship, Ahead at Ashurst or Graduate Programmes and therefore we are unable to offer any form of in-house work experience outside of these programmes. We encourage candidates to visit our Emerging Talent Hub which has a range of different resources that are open access Virtual Experience Programmes. We have a large number of different virtual internships available.


    Emerging Talent Hub

Do you recruit casual paralegals?

  • We generally offer paralegal positions to our clerks first. However, we do occasionally recruit paralegals outside the clerk programme and advertise any vacancies on our website.

Can I apply using my own CV rather than complete the application form?

  • No. In order to ensure we get all the information we need, we ask that you complete the online application form. We do not accept applications by email or post.

I don’t have a consistently strong academic transcript. Can I still apply?

  • Yes you can still apply, we are looking for well-rounded and diverse candidates to join us. A strong academic record is only one factor that we consider when reviewing applications. We are looking for candidates who have outstanding communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, analytical ability, motivation and commercial awareness.

    If there are mitigating circumstances surrounding your grades, please let us know in the relevant section of our application form.

Do you accept applications from non-penultimate year students for your clerkship programmes?

  • We accept candidates in their penultimate or final year of their law degree.

Can I apply for more than one Australian office?

  • No. We prefer candidates to choose which office they wish to apply for and make one application.

Can I apply for a programme if I am an international law student?

  • Australian candidates must have citizenship or permanent residency at the time of application for a clerkship. Students wishing to apply for the Canberra office must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.

Can I apply directly for a graduate position?

  • We offer our graduate positions to our previous clerk cohorts. Occasionally we will have vacancies on our Graduate Programme which we will advertise on our website.

Can I attend my interview virtually?

  • While we thoroughly enjoy welcoming candidates to our offices, we are more than happy to be flexible in making virtual arrangements for candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Please see the answers below to frequently asked questions regarding early careers in the UK.

If you have any questions that can't be answered here or on our UK programme pages pleasecontact us.

I am seeking sponsorship for a university club/society. Who do I contact?

Where can I meet a representative of the firm to find out more about Ashurst?

  • Throughout the recruitment cycle we run a large number of events including campus events, in-house events and a large number of virtual events. Please check out the events section on each programme page to find out more.

Can I arrange ad hoc work experience?

  • 我们鼓励所有申请者通过参观公司ugh one of our merit based programmes or schemes and therefore we are unable to offer any form of in person work experience outside of these programmes. We encourage candidates to visit our Emerging Talent Hub which has a range of different resources that are open access Virtual Experience Programmes. We have a large number of different virtual internships available.


    Emerging Talent Hub

Can I apply with my own CV rather than complete the application form?

  • No. In order to ensure we get all the information we need, we ask that you complete the online application form. We do not accept applications by email or post.

Can I reapply for a vacation scheme or Direct Training contract if I was previously unsuccessful?

  • 我们只允许一个应用程序在每个招聘ment cycle. Therefore if you have been unsuccessful for a Vacation Scheme you are not permitted to apply in the same cycle for a Direct Training Contract. However you may apply again in the next cycle.

    If you do wish to reapply we encourage you to complete a new application form and include any skills and experience you’ve gained since you last applied.

Do you reimburse travel expenses for candidates who are invited to attend an in person interview?

  • Yes, we offer reimbursement of travel expenses for candidates up to the value of £100.

Can I attend my interview virtually?

  • While we thoroughly enjoy welcoming candidates to our offices, we are more than happy to be flexible in making virtual arrangements for candidates.

When will the SQE be implemented for future trainees at Ashurst?

  • Our future joiners will start to commence SQE from September 2023

If I am a law graduate, can I chose to complete the LPC route to qualification rather than SQE?

  • No. If you are yet to complete post graduate studies the firm requires all future joiners to complete this via the SQE route.

I have already completed the LPC, am I still eligible to apply?

  • Yes, we are delighted to receive applications from students who are yet to complete their post graduate studies, as well as those who may have already completed these.

Will the firm permit me to shorten the length of a training contract if I have already gained QWE with another employer or training provider?

  • No, in order to be eligible to apply for a NQ position upon completion of your Training Contract at Ashurst, the firm requests that all trainees complete the full 24 months of their Training Contract

Frequently asked questions

Please see the answers below to frequently asked questions regarding early careers in Spain.

If you have any questions that can't be answered here or on our Spain programme pages pleasecontact us.

Can I arrange ad hoc work experience?

  • 我们鼓励所有申请者通过参观公司ugh one of our programmes or schemes. However, occasionally we may be able to offer an ad hoc work experience role that we will usually advertise through our Careers Portal. You can always send us your application as well through our "Solicitud espontánea", so whenever we have a specific need, we can consider your application.

Can I have an international experience/secondment?

  • 无论是客户借调或在一个乏味的人工作of our international offices, going on a secondment is, in our eyes, a pivotal aspect of your development. We’ll encourage you to take one if you can.

    Trainees and associates who’ve experienced one come back with a better appreciation of different cultures and approaches, a greater understanding of clients and the way they work, and better relationship and communication skills.

I don't have a consistently strong academic record. Can I still apply?

  • Yes, you can still apply. We are looking for well-rounded and diverse candidates to join us. A strong academic record is only one factor that we consider when reviewing applications. We also look for candidates who have outstanding communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, analytical ability, motivation and commercial awareness. If there are mitigating circumstances surrounding your grades, please let us know in the relevant section of our application form.

Can I apply with my CV rather than complete the application form?

  • No. In order to ensure we get all the information we need, we ask that you complete the online application form. We do not accept applications by email or post.

Does my application need to be filled in English?

  • No. However, we are an international law firm, and a big part of our recruitment process will be conducted in English, so your English level will be tested at different phases of the process. If you wish to send us your application fully in English, please do so.

Can I reapply for a different opportunity if I was previously unsuccessful?

  • Yes. If you have been unsuccessful applying for our Summer Programme, you can still apply for our Graduates Programme. If you do wish to reapply we encourage you to fill out a new application form and include any skills and experience you’ve gained since you last applied.

Can I attend my interview virtually?

  • While we thoroughly enjoy welcoming candidates to our offices, we are more than happy to be flexible in making virtual arrangements to interview candidates who do not live in Madrid. However, at least one of the interviews will need to be done in person.

Agencies

Agency submissions and candidate introductions will only be accepted with prior approval from a member of the Ashurst Talent Acquisition team. To submit or introduce a candidate, an agency must have valid agreed terms of business in place with Ashurst. Any agency submissions or candidate introductions made without prior approval or without the agreed terms of business in place will be considered invalid.

Diversity

We are committed to offering a safe and welcoming environment for our employees and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. With diversity and inclusion at the heart of what we do we place a strong emphasis on working with people from diverse communities and aim to make a positive impact through our Social Impact programmes.