Training Contract
If you're a law student in your penultimate year or beyond, you can apply for our 2-year training contract.
As a trainee you will rotate through four practice areas to give you experience across the breadth of law we practice, and help you find the area you would like to focus on. A thorough induction kicks off your life as a trainee, introducing you to all the resources you will need to support your work and training.
Learn more - Create your own story at Ashurst
What we can offer you
PCLL sponsorship & stipend
All our trainees must complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) prior to commencing a training contract. We offer a stipend during your 1-year PCLL studies and reimburse the full costs for the course once you start your training contract.
Welcoming culture
Our people make our culture! We have a culture focused on collaboration, communication and equality across all levels of roles. Our Partners are especially supportive of our Trainees and want to help you succeed.
Secondment opportunity
One of the four seats is likely to be an international secondment to one of our overseas offices.
The recruitment process
To be eligible you need to be on track for a strong 2.1 in your law degree. Strong English and Chinese skills are also required and any additional foreign language skills are welcome.
If you haven't met this criteria and there are mitigating circumstances there will be an opportunity for you to provide us with this information in your application.
Showcase your talent by sharing why you want to be a lawyer and why you want to join Ashurst. By providing concise responses to our online application, you can share your insights into the legal industry and more details about yourself.
Shortlisted candidates will be emailed a link to complete three aptitude assessments:
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Cognify – is a game-based assessment that measures cognitive aptitude, including your problem-solving and analytical skills. It's designed to evaluate how well you can acquire, retain, and use new information effectively.
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Emotify – requires you to complete a few interactive mini-games measuring your ability to accurately perceive emotions and effectively understand the connections between emotions, and situations that lead to specific emotional reactions.
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Values Fit (or Workplace Alignment Assessment) – helps us identify candidates who share similar values with Ashurst and our people. It evaluates key work factors and the importance you place on each one, ensuring the best cultural fit for both yourself and Ashurst.
The assessments only take about 45 to 60 minutes to complete
You will meet face-to-face with our lawyers and members of our People & Culture team for a conversational interview that is designed to assess your personal and technical skills.
It’s also an opportunity for you to find out more about us, so please come prepared with your questions.
If you progress to the next stage following your interview, then you will be required to complete a written assessment to showcase your language capability.
Key dates
Applications open
7 September 2024
Applications close
5 January 2025
Events
Hong Kong Law Fair
7 September 2024
Connecting with Future Legal Leaders at the 2024 Hong Kong Law Fair
On 7 September 2024, our Hong Kong team engaged with aspiring lawyers and trainee solicitors at the Hong Kong Law Fair. Beyond recruitment, we made a social impact by pledging HKD200 per QR code scan to the Centre for Refugees, totaling HKD50,000. This initiative reflects our commitment to community support and professional excellence. Learn more about our responsible business practices.
Campus Talk CUHK
5 November 2024
Campus Talk HKU
13 November 2024
Testimonials
"Prior to qualifying into the Hong Kong Dispute Resolution team, I spent two formative years training at Ashurst. From assisting with international transactions and contentious matters, to completing a six-month client secondment at an esteemed international investment bank, my experiences have all been varied and positive. Ashurst's strong value for its people has fostered a supportive, collaborative and welcoming environment, which I think every junior can come to appreciate. I have received all the guidance and support needed to build a solid foundation for a longstanding legal career (and perhaps a few too many invitations for office drinks). It is also a welcome bonus that the firm strives to drive legal innovation, having invested greatly into technology, the results of which now assist our work daily."
Flora Cheung, 2021 Trainee, 2023 Newly Qualified Lawyer
"My journey as a trainee and now a newly qualified lawyer in the Corporate Transactions team here at Ashurst has been immensely rewarding. The firm's collaborative culture has enabled me to build invaluable relationships throughout the firm and to work alongside people who I can always learn something from. The support and guidance I received from partners and associates have also been instrumental in my professional development, which has not only equipped me with a solid technical foundation but also the ability to approach unfamiliar issues with confidence. A highlight of my traineeship would be my secondment to Ashurst's London office, which provided me with unique insights into cross-border transactions and the opportunity to build my professional network and immerse myself into some interesting and challenging work. My time at Ashurst has been marked by personal and professional development, and I am grateful for the opportunities and support that have shaped my journey so far."
Christy Wong, 2021 Trainee, 2023 Newly Qualified Lawyer
Applicant Resource Hub
For answers to all your frequently asked questions and information on application & interview tips, the benefits we provide, life at Ashurst, our L&D programmes, and our IDB initiatives.
Visit hub
Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging
Our inclusive and diverse culture stands at the heart of everything we do. For more information on our initiatives and the support we provide please follow the link below.
More informationContact us
If you can’t find answers to your questions on this page or on the Applicant Resource Hub then please contact our Early Careers team.
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.
Speak up!
Ashurst is committed to ensuring an accountable workplace culture. Candidates are encouraged to report any ethical or conduct concerns to our confidential email address: ethics.counsel@ashurst.com.
Please note that this email address should not be used for general enquiries about, or applications for, job positions available at Ashurst as they will not be passed onto the relevant team. Any recruitment enquires should be directed to globalresourcing@ashurst.com.