An introduction:
Ashurst LLP is a prominent multinational law firm headquartered in London. Ashurst is considered as part of the “Silver Circle” of law firms. The Silver Circle is a group of elite corporate law firms headquartered in London that has evolved significantly as the UK legal market has been affected by globalisation and mergers. At a Silver Circle firm like Ashurst, trainees can expect high-quality work, based around a gentler culture than a firm part of the “Magic Circle.”
Facts about the firm:
- With a 2020 revenue of £644 million, Ashurst is 25th in the list of 100 largest law firms in the world by revenue and 7th in the list of largest UK law firms by revenue.
- Though odds of making equity are statistically slim, profit per equity partner stands at £903000, as of 2020.
- Ashurst has a global network spanning 27 offices! This global network can provide the opportunity for lawyers to work on stimulating cross-border transactions or cases.
- Ashurst dishes out roughly 40 training contracts per annum, with roughly 1500 applicants fighting for these spots. Although, the firm does offer 65-75 vacation scheme spots per annum, according to Chambers Student.
- Amid the A-Level grading scandal in August, Ashurst did away with their A-Level grade requirements of AAB. Could this lead to a swathe of applicants becoming attracted to the firm?
- Ashurst also offers a 1st-year scheme, entitled “Ahead with Ashurst”. Incoming freshers, like myself, will certainly want to keep an eye on similar schemes. This involves a blend of work experience, mentoring, support, and training, and will lead to the priority given for a vacation scheme spot.
- The firm defines its core competencies as analytical ability, academic ability, commercial instinct, communication skills, teamwork/interpersonal skills, flexibility, determination, and drive.
- The firm recently raised salaries, as part of an ongoing pay war in the City. First-year trainee remuneration comes in at £47k, while second-years receive £52k. On qualification, £90k plus a discretionary bonus is paid.
Key practice areas:
Given Ashurst’s position as a “full service” global firm, key practice areas are incredibly varied in nature. Thusly, students who seek a varied training experience may find great comfort in Ashurst’s prominence in each of the following areas:
Capital markets; Commercial contracts; Commodities; Competition; Construction; Corporate (M&A); Dispute resolution; ETI (Energy, Transport, and Infrastructure); Employment; Finance; Intellectual property; Investment funds; Planning; Private equity; Project finance; Real estate; Restructuring, insolvency, and special situations; Tax.
Notable recent deals:
- Ashurst is advising Morrisons on their proposed $6.3bn takeovers by Oppidum Bidco Limited.
- Ashurst is currently acting for Geopacific Resources on a US$100 million financing for Woodlark Gold Project in Papua New Guinea
- Ashurst advised St William Homes LLP on its proposed redevelopment of the former gasworks at Lea Bridge in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, which was granted planning permission by the Council on 9 July 2021. Deals of this nature are often undertaken by Ashurst’s planning team.
- Ashurst advised BAI Communications on a concession agreement with TfL which will enable mobile coverage on the whole Tube network in London. This could be a revolutionary change for users of the tube.
- Ashurst is advising the long-standing client and leading global media and leisure business Time Out Group plc on its £17 million capital raising.
- For the Greggs fans among us, Ashurst has advised Barclays and Lloyds Bank concerning a new syndicated £100 million revolving credit facility for Greggs plc.
- Ashurst advised Facebook on 2Africa, one of the largest subsea projects in the world, connecting 23 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
To keep up with the latest legal news, click on legal to get your daily dose.
Donate & Support