Applicant Resource Hub

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

• Activate is 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.




• Accelerate provides 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.




• Ascend covers 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.




• Apex represents 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.

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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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)

• Review the job description so you can tailor your 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.

• This methodology will ensure you respond with a 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, please contact us. Any information disclosed on your disability will remain strictly confidential.

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:

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

• Proofread your application before you submit it.

• Review your CV 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

  • This methodology will ensure you respond with a 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, please contact 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?

• We encourage all applicants to visit the firm through 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.

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?

• We encourage all applicants to visit the firm through 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.

What time do applications close?

• All requisitions close at 12 noon on the closing date specified.

Will my link to online psychometric tests expire on the application closing date?

• No. You have 3 days to complete the online tests from the date you receive the link including weekends and bank holidays.

Can I apply if I don't meet the 2:1 grade criteria?

• Whilst applicants should be on track for a strong 2:1, mitigating circumstances are taken into consideration when reviewing applications.

Is there a minimum requirement for A-Level grades?

• No, there is no minimum requirement for A-Level grades.

Can I apply if I am an international student?

• Yes. International students are eligible to apply for both vacation scheme and direct training contract opportunities, subject to your visa requirements. Please pay close attention to vacation scheme dates and only apply if this falls outside of term time for those studying on student visas. The firm will sponsor skilled worker visas for those who secure a position on our training contract.

Do you review applications on a rolling basis?

• No, we review all applications after the closing date.

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

• We only permit one application within each recruitment cycle. If you do wish to reapply we encourage you to complete a new application form in the next recruitment cycle and include any skills and experience you’ve gained since you last applied.

Are interviews based in person or virtually?

• All interviews are held in our London office. Please contact the Early Careers team if you are unable to attend in person and would like to discuss alternative arrangements.

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

• Yes, we offer reimbursement of travel expenses up to the value of £100. All expenses must be submitted within 7 days of your interview.

How can I prepare for my interview and assessment centre?

• We run a number of application workshop events throughout each academic year which are advertised on our events page. Interview guidance notes are also provided prior to your interview to help you understand what to expect on the day.

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 the SQE which will be sponsored by the firm.

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

• Yes. If you have already completed your post-graduate study you are eligible to apply. Please note that we are unable to reimburse candidates for retrospective course fees.

Who is your course provider for the PGDL and SQE

• Our course provider is University of Law (ULaw).

Can I start my training contract at an earlier date than advertised?

• No. The intake you apply for is the date you will join the firm unless otherwise agreed in exceptional circumstances.

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.

We partner with several student organisations to support with our Early Careers recruitment.

Can I arrange ad hoc work experience?

• We encourage all applicants to visit the firm through 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?

• Whether it’s a client secondment or working at one 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.