Trainee Insights by Kelsey Reid-Jones

Tell us about you and your journey to Ashurst

I am a third-seat trainee currently sat in Global Loans. I have previously completed seats in Corporate Transactions and Financial Regulation. I came to Ashurst through the Direct TC route after having completed legal work experience elsewhere.

As someone who loves to learn and enjoys being challenged, I was attracted to a career in law. The need to constantly evolve e.g., because of legal and regulatory changes, market trends or new ways of working is exciting to me. I was also drawn to the ‘human side’ to law: working in teams to collaborate on transactions and meeting clients from a variety of industries.

What made Ashurst stand out for you?

Aside from the Ashurst’s market-leading departments and impressive client roster, I was attracted to the firm’s international presence. Ashurst’s business structure means that I work with other Ashurst offices as one cohesive team on cross-border matters. Furthermore, Iwas drawn to the firm’s commitment to innovation through its NewLaw division whereby Ashurst Advance (the firm’s legal technology and alternative resourcing teams) sits alongside the traditional legal pillars of the firm. Therefore, departments can use legal tech (whether third party or in-house curated) and cost-efficient resourcing in a seamless way on transactions.

What does a typical day look like in Global Loans?

I always begin my day by checking through emails and creating a to-do-list (usually with my three priority tasks of the day highlighted). I’ll then begin completing tasks e.g. drafting and reviewing transaction documents and being responsible for general transaction management. On a Wednesday I’ll attend Global Loans departmental training covering knowledge recaps and recent deal trends. I’ll then complete further tasks and/or receive instructions from deal teams on next steps. Later in the afternoon I might grab a coffee with friends in my cohort before checking-in on the Citizenship and Displacement-focused pro-bono matter I am working on; tasks often include drafting documents and carrying out legal research.

Have you had much client contact?

I receive a lot of client contact in Global Loans; I am expected to help push the deal along by e.g., emailing clients with draft documents for sign-off, sending queries and status updates. I have also attended in-person client meetings and networking events which are a great way to build relationships.

How would you describe the culture of the firm?

I would describe the culture at Ashurst as being collaborative, supportive and innovative. Departments take a genuine interest in your learning and development and people are very happy to take time out of their day to answer any questions. Ashurst is also committed to making changes to meet its strategy. For example, I am a member of the Social Mobility Executive Committee which is just one of the firm’s Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging strands that is committed to improving the firm’s culture and practices.