Ashurst (x9)
2025
Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst. (738 words)
I want to work as a commercial lawyer as it is engaging to immerse myself in the commercial aspects of a client's business. For example, as a debt recovery paralegal, I acted on behalf of several 'Big Six' energy providers. I was exposed to the commercial implications of the recent energy crisis and the breakdown in trust between our clients and their customers. I helped to rebuild this relationship by creating a complaints log to refer specific issues, such as Ombudsman complaints, to the client. I also ensured that any complex details were explained clearly to debtors, such as Ofgem guidelines throughout the Supplier of Last Resort process. As a result, our Q2 recoveries exceeded targets by over 150% and we received minimal complaints from debtors. I enjoy considering both commercial and legal issues in conjunction; it highlights the real-world impact that the law can have on businesses. As such, I would embrace the opportunity to work at Ashurst, where lawyers act as commercial, rather than purely legal, advisors.
I am applying to Ashurst specifically as the firm has a friendly and collaborative culture. Whilst all firms state they have a friendly culture, during the Evening with Ashurst Event, I learned that these were principles genuinely embedded throughout the firm. For example, trainee Saba Nasrolahi shared how after just two weeks at the firm, she was involved in high-level social inclusion and mobility meetings. The fact that a trainee can participate in prominent internal discussions highlights that Ashurst is a firm that is accepting of trainees and places value on their input. Personally, I enjoy applying myself within a collaborative and accepting culture. As a team leader at the [redacted university] Students' Union, I was given agency to create new initiatives. I organised a [redacted event] charity event, involving over 25 staff members and raising over £1,000 for Sport In Mind. As someone who thrives in a friendly working culture, I see myself as a natural fit for a career at Ashurst.
Throughout university, I worked as bar staff for my Students' Union. Approaching my role with enthusiasm, I made a significant impact and I was promoted to Team Leader within just two months. As Team Leader, I developed communication, delegation and leadership skills. In freshers week - the busiest time of the year - I managed a different team every night, composed mostly of new staff. To tackle the problems this posed, I formally introduced myself to each team member and explained their role for the night. Additionally, I ensured that experienced staff were spread throughout the venue so that inexperienced staff could learn by osmosis. This approach allowed us to achieve great results. One memorable night included leading the team to a record-breaking revenue of over £20,000 within a single day. As a result of my interpersonal skills, I was also elected as social secretary of the Union staff base, going on to organise various fundraising and social events. I believe that I can apply my interpersonal skills at Ashurst to forge strong relationships with my colleagues, fitting into the open and friendly culture of the firm.
I also possess strong analytical skills that I apply to complete tasks with efficiency and purpose. For example, as a debt recovery paralegal, the firm took on a new client and received an influx of 1,000 cases spread between three team members. Over 100 of these cases were linked to the same debtor. This created confusion and inefficiency for the department as different team members were contacting and researching the same individual. Noticing these issues, I took the responsibility for the cases and considered how best to approach the task. The two issues I identified were (1) the lack of a single contact point to resolve the cases, and (2) the confusion caused by the spread of data across 100+ files. Firstly, I placed all the files in my name so that I could serve as the contact for the debtor going forwards. Secondly, I created a spreadsheet which contained the relevant information from all the linked accounts. Effectively, this collated the cases into a single document, which allowed all parties to easily input information to resolve the disputes. As a result of these actions, the files were closed within 6 weeks and we received a record-breaking payment of over £300,000. I believe I can apply these analytical skills to a career at Ashurst to approach tasks efficiently and effectively.
Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor. (300 words)
The ability to communicate is an essential skill for any commercial lawyer. Whether it is with clients or colleagues, lawyers are frequently exchanging complex information and ideas. For a trainee, even receiving instruction from a supervisor requires clear communication; this lowers the risk of misunderstanding the task at hand and allows trainees to set realistic expectations. As a volunteer at Citizens Advice [redacted region of London], I would regularly hold difficult conversations with clients. One example is where I assisted a client who had difficulties speaking English. Despite language barriers, by using a calm and professional tone, I was able to guide the client through a Discretionary Housing Payment application over the phone. This resulted in a grant of over £3,000. I believe that I can apply my communication skills at Ashurst to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues.
Adaptability is another crucial skill for a trainee to possess. Lawyers face a constantly changing field of work. Sudden deadlines can arrive seemingly from nowhere, and there are also wider technological and legislative developments. As such, it is crucial for lawyers to maintain flexibility in their work. Whilst working through my caseload as a debt recovery paralegal, my client requested that court proceedings be issued on over 50 cases with a strict deadline. As this task was specifically requested by the client, I reprioritised my work to focus on these cases. I also re-evaluated my previous duties, to ensure that any existing deadlines or court dates would not be missed. I was able to quickly adapt to the new 'CPC' online issuing system adopted by the firm to meet our client's request within 48 hours. I believe that I can apply my flexibility to be a successful trainee at Ashurst, adapting to shifting priorities that arise from newly issued urgent tasks.
Please tell us about a recent news article that interests you and how this relates to Ashurst? (300 words)
As outlined by the Financial Times, the proposed Nuclear Energy (Financing) (NE(F)) Bill is set to introduce the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model to finance nuclear power station developments. This model will be used to fund Sizewell C, the first nuclear plant to be constructed in Britain since 1995. Nuclear projects are notoriously expensive and take decades to turn a profit; Sizewell C will cost over £10 billion in construction costs. The RAB model decreases risk for investors by charging a levy against consumer energy bills to subsidise developments. Hence, the NE(F) Bill will certainly promote private investment in nuclear projects.
With the UK's most distinguished projects team - which has a heavy focus on clean energy - this measure could significantly impact Ashurst. The RAB model represents a new tool that Ashurst and its clients can use to finance potential nuclear projects. Ashurst does have experience in this area, having acted on the Thames Tideway Tunnel project which was funded in the same way. The measure may also introduce newcomers to the market, meaning that Ashurst could benefit from increased opportunities and investment within the energy industry.
Taking a wider view, the NE(F) Bill is just one example of the rapidly increasing investment into the energy sector. The ongoing energy crisis has compounded Britain's goal to reach a net-zero economy by 2050. Labour leader, Keir Starmer recently announced his plans to launch Great British Energy - a publicly owned green energy provider - should he come into office, pledging £8 billion for investments into energy projects. This policy would represent further opportunity for Ashurst to advise on major energy developments. However, whilst it is lucrative, this also shows the energy industry is ever-changing. Therefore, Ashurst should maintain flexibility to ensure it can adapt to potential policy changes in the future.
2024 (Winter)
What has motivated you to pursue a career in commercial law and more specifically, why have you applied to Ashurst? (300 words)
I am keen on pursuing a career in commercial law, particularly because of its transactional nature and its close ties to both politics and business. The challenge of structuring deals, navigating regulatory frameworks, and ensuring that transactions align with legal, political, and business objectives is something that I find particularly enthralling.
During a 4-week internship at a top corporate law firm in [Redacted], I gained valuable insights into the political dimensions influencing the regulatory environment in the mining sector—a crucial component of the [Redacted] economy. My role involved conducting legal and political analyses for a significant mining-related transaction initiated by a foreign investor. This experience underscored the importance of political due diligence in understanding how government actions and political stability can influence the legal regulatory framework within a particular jurisdiction. As a result, exposure to such aspects will give me the opportunity to develop legally sound and politically informed solutions for global business challenges.
Therefore, I am particularly drawn to Ashurst’s extensive international network, especially within the APAC region, which was notably strengthened by the firm’s merger with Blake Dawson in 2012. Ashurst’s strategic partnerships with firms in Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and other key Asian markets have significantly bolstered its energy and infrastructure practice across the region. These alliances not only capitalise on the region’s substantial contribution to global GDP but also prioritise renewable energy and decarbonisation investments. My studies in international economic law have deepened my interest in this area, particularly in understanding how ESG factors are increasingly being integrated into financial decision-making processes and how low-carbon technologies are reshaping global markets. Ashurst offers an unparalleled opportunity for trainees to engage in cross-border transactions that align with these critical global shifts while contributing to the firm’s commitment to supporting net-zero targets.
In 300 words, provide some examples of the key skills that you have gained through your work experience, extracurricular activities, or studies that you think would make you a good trainee at Ashurst. (300 words)
As a Bain True North Scholarship recipient, I attended a conference at their London office, which provided insights into consulting. Engaging in workshops focused on the MECE approach to case study analysis refined my ability to structure and resolve complex business challenges. Additionally, I conducted an in-depth interview with the CEO of a nationally recognized public nursery, analysing a real-world business problem and proposing strategic solutions. This experience sharpened my analytical skills and demonstrated how business acumen and strategic thinking can be applied to a career in commercial law.
In my role as a project leader for "[Redacted]," a pro bono initiative aligned with [Redacted] Law Society, I developed key skills in project management and organisation. I have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating equitable opportunities for disadvantaged individuals aspiring to enter the legal field. Organising fundraising events that raised over £500 for charity honed my financial management and strategic planning abilities. I also coordinated seminars with experienced lawyers at schools in [Redacted] and [Redacted], which enhanced my skills in facilitating collaboration and effective communication.
During my first year of university, I achieved a high 2:1 but was determined to attain a First Class in my second year. Through relentless effort, I reached this goal. This experience underscored the importance of setting high standards, maintaining focus, and consistently working hard—qualities essential in Ashurst.
My volunteer work with the [Redacted] since 2023 has reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact. Participating in fundraising activities and distributing essential supplies to children with special needs taught me the value of empathy, attention to detail, and adaptability. For example, when transportation delays threatened a distribution drive, I swiftly coordinated with local contacts to ensure the children received their supplies on time.
In 300 words, tell us about your hobbies and interests. (300 words)
During my university term, I started taking Thai boxing classes weekly as part of my commitment to staying fit and active. This experience has taught me the importance of discipline, resilience, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. Additionally, maintaining a consistent gym routine has further reinforced the significance of self-discipline and incorporating fitness into my daily lifestyle, helping me build both physical and mental strength.
Additionally, I've been an active member of the [Redacted] Asian Society and the [Redacted] East African Society, which have been integral to maintaining a strong connection with my cultural roots. My involvement has included attending and planning various societal events, organising cultural workshops, leading discussion groups on cultural issues, as well as mentoring younger members. Being part of these societies has allowed me to immerse myself in communities that celebrate and uphold the values and traditions that are important to me.
I’m also passionate about traveling and have visited more than six countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa in the past two years. These experiences have taken me out of my comfort zone, teaching me vital skills like budgeting, organisation, and adapting to new environments. Exploring different cultures has broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for diversity.
I firmly believe that making a positive impact is crucial, no matter the scale of the effort. Every summer since 2023, I have embraced this principle through my volunteer work at the [Redacted]. By participating in fundraising activities, I’ve contributed to providing essential supplies like food, wheelchairs, and crutches for children with special needs. Additionally, I dedicated my time each week to distributing these supplies directly to the children, reinforcing my commitment to improving lives and demonstrating that even small actions can create significant, meaningful change.
Can you provide an example of a recent set back you have had, and how you have overcome this. (300 words)
As a Board Member of one of the largest charitable youth organisations in [Redacted], I led a maternity drive to support impoverished women in rural areas. This drive focused on providing healthcare materials to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-natal period. The project was ambitious, and along the way, we hit serious setbacks that tested my resolve and commitment.
Just weeks before the drive, several key volunteers pulled out due to fast-approaching exam dates. Additionally, we had not yet raised sufficient funds, leading some team members to propose scaling back the project. It was a challenging moment—our resources were limited, and the success of the initiative was at risk.
However, I was determined to see the project through as I believed in its importance and was confident that we could overcome these obstacles. I took the lead in rallying the team and spearheading additional fundraising efforts. As part of raising additional funds, we swiftly organised an impromptu raffle, approaching local businesses for last-minute sponsorships to aid with our cause. Their support helped us close the budget gap to meet our goal and further kept the project team’s spirits high.
Despite the significant challenges we faced, the drive ultimately succeeded, and we surpassed our initial goal by providing essential healthcare toolkits to 200 women. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability and effective problem-solving. I learned the importance of maintaining composure under pressure and how to pivot strategically when confronted with unforeseen setbacks. By successfully coordinating with a reduced team and securing additional resources on short notice, I sharpened my ability to think critically, manage complex tasks, and lead with precision—skills that are essential in the legal profession. This experience has since shaped my approach to handling challenges in both academic and professional settings.
2024
Please use this open space to tell us about yourself, you may want to cover why you would like to train as a solicitor, your skills and achievements. (750 words)
An experience at a small firm, [redacted], which specialises in tech start-ups, sparked my interest for a legal career. When performing the due diligence for a biotech start-up, the breadth of knowledge necessary for a successful legal career became clear to me. The competitive nature of the legal industry means that constant re-evaluation is necessary to maintain an advantage. This is an aspect of the career that appealed to my active problem-solving approach. Given [redacted]’s entrepreneurial client pool, I relished the client-facing nature of my role and the importance of concise communication when dealing with complex ideas. Also, the emphasis placed on language and lateral thinking really appealed to my enjoyment of analytical tasks.
During my vacation scheme at [redacted], I built on my intellectual property experience at [redacted] during my Commercial and IP seat. I found the challenges of mitigating risk particularly enjoyable and when sitting in on a client meeting involving a data protection query, I noted the use of both case law and the business’ unique commercial situation to solve the client’s issues. This combination of attention to detail and informed advice echoes my motivations for the multidisciplinary nature of a legal career. On top of this, I appreciated the collaborative environment of a full-service firm. Given the chance to foster relationships inside and outside the firm, I thrived in a wider team working together towards a common goal.
Teamwork is one of my most apparent strengths. As Student Lead of my departmental Gender Equality Initiative, I developed a strong aptitude for collaboration. As the only undergraduate member of the team, I built relationships with senior colleagues, allowing for candid insights into the staff gender equality environment. In turn, I grew the confidence to construct student and staff surveys, leading to over 200% more responses than in previous years. The unprecedented number of responses allowed for a more inclusive discourse within the department, allowing us to make a tangible difference. This culminated in a successful application for the Silver Athena Swan Award, a framework aiming to ameliorate gender equality in higher education. I had a central role in drafting the application, a responsibility which came about due to the strong rapport I had build with my colleagues and their confidence in my organisational skills.
Another area I pride myself on is my innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. My position as Vice President of the Non-Law into Law Society has called upon these skills to ensure a successful and profitable 23/24 year. As part of my role, there is a real emphasis on working alongside the treasurer to regulate the financial side of the society: we are in constant dialogue with the Student Union to ensure that we receive adequate funding. In many ways, the balance of keeping the society members engaged and compromising with the SU mirrors the challenges of the business world. There is also a strong requirement for innovation as part of my role. My idea to publish and edit a Commercial Awareness Newsletter is just one of the projects that was included in my manifesto when I was voted into the role. This has allowed for member participation, an unprecedented angle to the society. As a commercial lawyer, this ability to challenge existing methods is crucial to maintaining a competitive advantage.
In terms of oral communication, my experience with [redacted] Mooting Society has developed my ability to portray complex legal ideas. A recent practice moot related to allegations of Israeli pinkwashing: the referees noted my strong problem-solving skills and concise presentation. These competencies are key to success as an Ashurst lawyer. The act of breaking down complex issues into digestible conclusions is crucial when communicating with the client. On top of this, the ability to treat sensitive topics with care and engage with different perspectives is hugely important in the multicultural environment present at a global firm such as Ashurst. In terms of written communication, my exceptional D1 score at English Pre-U and projected First Class degree show my analytical ability.
Finally, I am a resilient individual who will accept accountability and find solutions when facing adversity. During my work for a sustainable food business, I was granted the responsibility of leading the sales effort at a trade fair by myself. When the expected stock did not arrive, I took the initiative and decided to pitch the product to the prospective clients, securing an exceptional number of online orders. This is just one example of my flexibility and resilient attitude.
Why are you applying to Ashurst and what do you know about the firm? (250 words)
Ashurst’s distinctively broad range of excellent practice areas is a natural point of attraction and the firm’s Band 2 Real Estate Disputes practice particularly stands out to me. The team’s multidisciplinary work combines client-facing advisory work with active dispute resolution in front of a court or tribunal; this variety enthuses me hugely. During the Rural Property seat at [redacted], I enjoyed the collaborative nature and strategic aspects of the team’s contentious work, especially in the build-up to a case. The opportunity to combine with other teams to solve a deal is a key factor which attracts me to Ashurst’s full-service structure. However, where the work at [redacted] was in a singular jurisdiction and only included a small pool of clients, the prospect of advising on high-profile, cross-border real estate cases at Ashurst is incredibly exciting.
Having met Ashurst representatives at the Legal Cheek Law Fair, the training contract structure resonated with me. Ashurst Academy’s training stimulates focused development; I know this will supply me with transferrable skills which will serve me throughout my career. When this is combined with the responsibility and client contact bestowed upon Ashurst trainees, the training experience is uniquely holistic. Finally, the prospect of an international secondment excites me. It is apt that trainees at such a global firm should experience the challenges of working in another jurisdiction. Given my linguistic capabilities and willingness to throw myself into new experiences, as evidenced by my voluntary history, this is an opportunity which I will relish.
In 250 words tell us what a commercial lawyer does. (250 words)
A commercial lawyer’s inherent responsibility is to provide services to clients which allow them to navigate their business challenges and achieve their financial goals. One key aspect of this is helping clients to make decisions; a commercial lawyer must use focused industry knowledge to mitigate risk and illuminate opportunities for their clients.
To exercise this advisory aspect of the role, a commercial lawyer must build trust with clients and ensure long-lasting relationships. This rapport between client and lawyer relies on clear communication. A commercial lawyer must first concentrate their understanding of the relevant statutory and case law. Then, crucially, they must provide a concise explanation of the influence of such legislation on the client’s specific situation.
Specifically, a commercial lawyer’s work might be transactional, involving the negotiation of a loan agreement or ensuring regulatory compliance before a merger, for example. Depending on their specialisation, a commercial lawyer may also undertake contentious work, such as resolving a dispute relating to an international trade sanction. A commercial lawyer must be able to adeptly work as part of a team. Equally, there may be times where individual responsibility is required to reach a goal.
Finally, on an introspective level, a commercial lawyer is an ambassador for their firm. They play a central role in propelling their firm towards their financial and reputational goals. A commercial lawyer’s responsibility falls beyond their own and even their team’s challenges: they must do everything within their power to encourage excellence and catalyse positive change within their firm.
2023
Please address your covering letter to Nick Wong, Recruitment Partner. You should use this space to tell us about yourself. You might want to cover in particular why you would like to train as a solicitor, your skills, achievements and activities, whether at university or otherwise. (1000 words max)*
Dear Mr. Nick Wong,
I am writing to apply for a training contract at Ashurst as advertised on your graduate recruitment website. I am a final year PhD student in law at the University of Warwick.
What attracts me to train as a solicitor is the intellectual challenge of utilising the law to achieve commercial objectives. During my internship at Zhong Lun Law Firm’s London Office, I analysed whether a clause of a preliminary agreement was enforceable under Chinese law for a UK independent school. I explained the implications of this non-binding clause and advised on how the client could move forward with cooperation from its partner Chinese school. This made me realise how commercial solicitors must provide multiple solutions for client problems, whilst anticipating the legal effect of each option. It is this combination of the technical element of law with an up-to-date understanding of business that appeals to me.
I would like to train at Ashurst because of the firm’s expertise in finance and the guaranteed seat in this practice area. Having researched how banking regulators manage bank insolvency risk, I am passionate about discovering how banks cope with risks from their day-to-day lending activities. With Ashurst’s focus on the lender-side work for large banks, including HSBC, I would have access to high-quality cases that suit my interest whilst developing technical skills. Moreover, I believe that Ashurst’s focus on the Asia-Pacific region – as demonstrated by its project finance work for China Development Bank in relation to an Indonesian railway project – aligns with my ambition to contribute to the emerging Chinese market. I would have the opportunity to explore my interest in the financing aspect of large infrastructure projects in this region, including the Belt & Road Initiatives projects.
I have developed many skills that make me well suited to a career at Ashurst. I enhanced my problem-solving skills through a [redacted] entrepreneurial competition in July 2019. Our team entered the competition with a tech-enabled website that helps English learners with fluency. When we were lacking in market insights before building a demo, I devised and tested several market research strategies to reach more potential customers. As a result, we gathered more data than expected and built a better demo which helped us gain eligibility for the final pitch stage. The ability to solve problems is key to success at Ashurst, as was explained by Ashurst trainee Phillip Yung at a November 2019 networking evening event. He shared his experience of liaising with German regulators to tackle the problem of a lack of passporting rights post-Brexit for financial services firms.
As a global law firm, Ashurst trainees must collaborate with multiple lawyers across different jurisdictions on international matters. My range of experiences has left me with excellent interpersonal skills. For example, working with different team members during my shifts at a takeaway restaurant has built upon my adaptability in collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. Whilst working in a high pressured environment, I demonstrate my ability to accurately identify each teammate's personality and working style and adjust mine accordingly to ensure effective teamwork. I am able to work well with colleagues and clients to achieve business objectives under time pressure.
I have taken the initiative to develop my communication and public speaking skills by delivering academic presentations at conferences and joining a Toastmasters club. At the club, I give either one-minute “on the spot” talks or five-minute prepared speeches, and seek weekly feedback from experienced members. Through trial and error, I have enhanced my public speaking skills. I am confident in my ability to tailor my communication to my audience whether I am explaining complex academic findings or giving creative talks.
I embrace responsibility and use it as a chance to grow. Whilst interning at [redacted law firm]’s [redacted location] office, I was able to meet and communicate with clients on my own and work independently to produce due diligence reports for clients. I learnt how trainees are given a high level of responsibility from Ashurst trainee Ankita Sahadev at the Warwick law fair. I would enjoy the exposure and responsibility of working on complex matters to expand my comfort zone.
I have built my resilience during my PhD studies. After two and half years of work, when I had finished over half of my thesis, I received constructive feedback from my supervisor, including a recommendation to change the entire structure of the thesis. This would involve rewriting the whole thesis. Having analysed the feedback, despite the magnitude of the task, I decided to follow his advice. I did not allow this rewriting to affect my motivation, rather I used this experience to develop a more in-depth understanding of my topic. When I defended my thesis, my examiners were impressed and convinced by my original and comprehensive analysis and thus awarded me the degree.
I am keen to use technology to improve performance. I entered another Warwick entrepreneurial competition with the tech-enabled website in October 2019. In a mock marketplace event, I convinced people to try our website and change their traditional learning methods by explaining how this tech-based website could help them. Our product ranked in the top three for popularity and innovation. My interest in technology aligns with Ashurst’s vision and efforts to provide technology-led solutions to help clients respond to changing business environments. I am able to quickly adapt to and utilise the latest technologies in my work and would thus be able to deliver innovative services to meet the business needs of Ashurst clients.
As an Asian woman, studying in the UK and volunteering to help a dementia sufferer, I have been able to meet people with diverse backgrounds and deepened my understanding of diversity and inclusion. My belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion would fit Ashurst’s collegiate culture to support colleagues and clients with international backgrounds.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
Yours sincerely
[redacted]
How is Ashurst different to the other firms you have applied to? (250 words max)*
Ashurst differentiates itself by investing in a research and development arm of technology, Ashurst Digital Ventures. Attending ‘Secrets to Success: Lawtech Special Edition’ with Legal Cheek enabled me to learn about Ashurst’s approach to provide tech-enabled legal solutions. One of the Ashurst’s competitive advantages is its ability to integrate legal advice and tech-enabled products that are developed in collaboration with clients. The award of ‘most innovative firm of the year’ at the British Legal Technology Awards 2019 has further demonstrated Ashurst’s leading position in this regard.
From what I have seen, Ashurst has a clearer strategy than the other firms to strengthen its international presence. Ashurst has planned to enhance its network in Asia Pacific and Continental Europe by appointing several partners in its core practice areas to expedite growth in these regions. This shows Ashurst’s continuous development and explains its strong performance with over 20% revenue growth in Hong Kong and mainland China in the last financial year.
Having met the firm through different events, I have found that Ashurst seems to achieve a better balance between maintaining high performance and having a collegiate culture. I have learnt that Ashurst trainees are expected to reach particularly high standards. Meanwhile, because of Ashurst’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, including Committed to Change and its awareness of multiculturalism, the firm creates a more diverse and supportive working environment. The firm seems to place particular importance on supporting it people and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
2023
Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst.
I am a first-class English literature graduate studying the GDL at the University of Law, Moorgate. With varied and robust legal work experience, I am applying for a direct training contract with Ashurst.
I have decided to become a commercial solicitor because I find the prospect of working on commercial matters exciting. Commercial law requires an understanding of specific industries to assist clients in achieving their strategic goals, including the key risks and opportunities associated with different commercial sectors. This requires a deeper level of business understanding and grasping industry nuances and their wider implications is something I find stimulating. For example, during my internship at XXX, I enjoyed applying my commercial knowledge when identifying a clause that distorted the meaning of an IP contract relating to a music video.
I find analysing the impact of long-term dynamic forces and short-term change on business interesting. The prospect of applying a critical analysis of market trends and industry responses to the execution of transactions is appealing. The opportunity to implement these conclusions, for example, in the way facilities agreements might be negotiated and drafted, now with the inclusion of a force majeure, is something I enjoy. Ashurst's strengths in finance, project finance and infrastructure would mean consistent exposure to work that requires a consideration of evolving commercial climates as a trainee.
The strength of the finance practice at Ashurst in London is particularly attractive. An important experience for me that encouraged my pursuance of commercial law was negotiating with prospective participants when working for [redacted organisation] (a reusable cup scheme in Oxford). I negotiated the terms of their involvement and recruited five cafés to take part in our launch which equated to an 83% success rate. I would anticipate applying these skills when negotiating share purchase or facilities agreements.
I would be excited to train with Ashurst given the continual growth of its London office. The lateral hires of Daniel Franks, Jaques McCheseney, Rhiannon Webster and Etay Katz between 2020 and 2021 indicate the firm's commitment to providing value add to clients. I would relish the opportunity to consistently contribute to quality work for prestigious clients due to this notable offering within the legal market.
Ashurst's key industry focus allowed it to rebound from the Pandemic in 2020 and continue to take market share. Its capacity to assist clients with unprecedented matters, for example, supporting Santander in relation to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan schemes, indicates I would be able to apply my innovative thinking as a trainee to contribute to the firm's ability to generate market-leading work in times of crisis.
Ashurst's commitment to innovation is therefore appealing. I appreciate how the NewLaw Division has had an 11% increase in total firm production hours which strengthens the firm's capacity for client work and results in exposure to varied work as a trainee.
I am impressed at Ashurst's ability to work seamlessly on complex cross-border matters. I understand that the firm's unique full financial integration encourages collaboration between its offices and adds to this strength. Whilst at XXX, I enjoyed observing a multi-jurisdictional dispute and would look forward to the challenge of providing technical solutions to legally complex matters at Ashurst.
I possess the requisite skill set for a career in commercial law. I enjoy problem-solving and welcome challenges as I find the analytical process rewarding. I demonstrated strong skills in this regard when I implemented a three-step process to improve my teams' ability to meet disclosure deadlines when working on the document review for a High Court Construction case at national law firm, XXX.
Applying knowledge in a specific context allows me to draw on my critical thinking skills. My first class degree and current GDL average of 75% demonstrate my ability to tackle intellectual challenges perceptively. I have applied this aptitude in a legal context by successfully annotating a 3000 document litigation bundle.
I am highly organised and take ownership of my workstreams. As a clerk, I prioritised to ensure urgent authorities bundles were completed promptly and that court deadlines were met.
I have built and maintained professional relationships with ease as a clerk, office administrator, and developer of a sustainable scheme. I understand the importance of clear communication and the necessity to build client trust through thoughtful interactions. Through volunteering with a reading charity, I have developed the skill of translating information into digestible concepts. This is relevant to making complex legal concepts accessible to clients which I believe is a vital skill for a commercial solicitor.
Please summarise for us what a commercial lawyer does
Commercial lawyers provide legal advice to clients that is pursuant to their strategic goals or dispute resolution aims. Commercial lawyers cultivate a thorough understanding of their clients' industries and market trends to successfully apply their legal knowledge to a range of commercial situations. Industry nuances and external forces impact commercial strategy, and a perceptive lawyer offers their client a number of legal solutions to achieve this.
Commercial law concerns commerce and is related to the buying or selling of goods. Businesses do not, however, exist in isolation and commercial lawyers deal with their far-reaching implications. For example, a company merger will not only involve drawing up new articles of association but may also involve purchasing a new office (corporate real estate), integrating new employees (employment) and protecting valuable products or information (IP). Equally, if the merger goes wrong commercial lawyers assist their client in finding a solution (dispute resolution).
A commercial lawyer translates complex legal information into digestible concepts for their clients. Alongside reading contracts, balance sheets and technical legal arguments with a critical eye, a commercial lawyer builds and maintains professional relationships to generate business for their firm. When presented with business-critical situations they take care to understand fully the client's desired outcome and provide the best solution whilst guiding them through the legal complexities.
The practice of commercial law has become extremely globalised. Handling multi-jurisdictional matters and coordinating with colleagues or partnered law firms across the globe is key for commercial lawyers to seamlessly execute this complex work.
Please tell us about a recent news article that interests you and how this relates to Ashurst?
Recently, UK ministers announced they wanted to replicate the country's Covid-19 vaccine TaskForce to provide Britain with nuclear power stations at record speed. The strategy, which would increase the UK's nuclear power output, aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and reliance on Russian natural resources.
I find this interesting because the replication of the TaskForce beyond the vaccine role out indicates the impact of catalytic change, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, on government policy. It shows the potential for the TaskForce approach to be applied to a variety of sectors that could likely result in the repetition of trends that accompanied it in 2020.
In 2020 Clifford Chance, Burges Salmon and Pinset Masons were instructed to advise the government on its Covid-19 vaccine programme, granted mandates from the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy. The government also instructed Linklaters and Slaughter and May concerning legal advice for the UK's freight and rail industries post-pandemic. The cumulative total of these contracts was £5 million.
The nuclear power strategy would create business opportunities for Ashurst due to the strength of its project finance, infrastructure and energy practices. The firm previously advised the Department for Business Energy & Industrial strategy on its Capture, Usage and Storage Programme and boasts highly regarded partners such as Patrick Boyle and Anthony Johns who underline its capabilities within the sector.
The move away from Russian resources does threaten aspects of the infrastructure and energy practice. Ashurst suspended ties to Russian state clients, including Russian Railways, and investors may be steering clear of large construction projects due to soaring commodity prices. However, Ashurst's strength in oil and gas pertaining to the Middle East and Africa points towards the firm's current robustness. Additionally, Ashurst is well equipped to assist clients with disputes resulting from price volatility.
2022
Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst. (750 words max)
During my time at university, I have been awarded a Lloyds Scholarship, which has led me to complete 100 hours of skills-based volunteering each academic year. My volunteering experiences have taught me vital transferable skills. These include resilience, when I worked within a team at FoodCycle to prepare a three-course meal for 50 people in one evening. I also developed effective communication skills, for example when I interviewed an NHS foundation trust governor for the NHS at 70 Project. Currently, I am developing my leadership skills in my role as a GCSE Maths Tutor with The Access Project.
In my second year of university, I applied for and was elected to be the Social Secretary of the Jiu-Jitsu club. After March 2020, I had to adjust quite rapidly as a Social Secretary for a contact sports club. Working with other committee members improved my teamwork and innovative thinking skills, as we collaborated to come up with ideas for maintaining the club's sense of community during lockdown. I organised biweekly virtual socials for the club and made use of digital tools such as Discord.
During the first and second years of my degree, I also studied beginner's Japanese. I found it fascinating to study a different alphabetical system, as to me it represents an alternative way which people have historically found to communicate their thoughts. Although learning Japanese was challenging, I enjoyed learning about different aspects of Japanese culture through the origins of linguistic elements. My interest in international secondment opportunities and multijurisdictional work undertaken by international law firms stems from my curiosity for different customs and cultures. I am particularly drawn to Ashurst's Asia-Pacific focus.
My interest in law stems from studying an introductory law module in the first year of my degree, which explored the English legal system, contract law, and tort law. I thoroughly enjoyed the problem-solving nature of law and the nuance involved in applying legislation to a given case study. This prompted me to seek a volunteering opportunity with my local Citizens Advice Bureau, where I completed a weekly shift for 8 months. I learned how to build rapport with clients and how to write up case reports, which improved my attention to detail. This role reaffirmed my desire to pursue an intellectually stimulating career with high client contact.
Commercial law appeals to me due to its business-focused approach. My experience working in retail during my A-level studies, as well as my internships, have led me to be more commercially minded. During the summer of 2021, I interned at PUBLIC. I observed how government contract bids are drafted; I found it particularly interesting to learn how PUBLIC tailored its services to the client's needs. The challenge of tailoring legal advice to clients' needs and sectors appeals to me. As factors such as technology and climate change re-shape business sectors in the next few decades, a career in commercial law will allow me to learn constantly, and be at the forefront of key developments.
Ashurst stands out to me for its effective use of technology and innovation to provide a more seamless service for its clients. Ashurst's ESG ready tool, powered by Ashurst Advance, highlighted to me the firm's commitment to helping its clients navigate complex regulatory developments. Working on the Public School of Technology at PUBLIC increased my appreciation of the value technology can bring to organisations, particularly machine learning and data visualisation. I found it interesting to see how the ESG ready tool not only provides clients with regulatory confidence but also provides advanced insight using data visualisation.
With the use of innovation, in combination with the seamless service it provides for its clients following the full financial integration, Ashurst attracts high-profile clients such as Goldman Sachs and the Luxembourg Government. This puts Ashurst at the forefront of exciting legal developments, deals and projects, which results in a more enriched training experience, as reflected by the fact that the firm is a Lex 100 winner for the quality of work trainees are given. Having spoken to trainees at the firm during the 2021 BPP Law Fair, I grew to appreciate the training experience at Ashurst, due to the responsibility trainees are given and partner approachability. This is important to me, as somebody who is proactive and takes initiative to ask for advice and feedback to improve the quality of my work. I am also attracted to the new pro bono seat option for trainees, following my experience working within CSR at Lloyds Banking Group.
Please summarise for us what a commercial lawyer does
Commercial lawyers provide value for their clients through technical, industry and legal expertise. This takes form in a multitude of tasks, undertaken both independently and as part of a team. A commercial lawyer spends a lot of time conducting research for their clients, particularly around risk, regulations, and legislative and technological changes. It is also crucial for commercial lawyers to develop their knowledge of the challenges their clients face to draft tailored advice. By applying critical thinking and analysis to advise the client, the commercial lawyer produces value.
Working in commercial law thus involves a lot of interactions with clients, whether it be in the form of email correspondence, virtual or in-person meetings. This requires effective communication skills to build rapport with clients and foster collaboration in the future. Client meetings also involve precise drafting of file-notes and meeting minutes to ensure correspondence is organised, and accurately presented to other members in the team.
A commercial lawyer frequently works within a team, to ensure that the clients' needs are met in a timely and sophisticated manner. Teamwork allows large projects to be broken down into tasks that are assigned based on team members' individual strengths. Depending on the deal, commercial lawyers may work on negotiating, reviewing and drafting contracts, undertaking due diligence processes prior to M&A activity, or preparing to represent clients in litigatory proceedings. Some of these tasks have been accelerated by automation, providing commercial lawyers with further opportunities to work with a higher level of technical complexity.
Please tell us about a recent news article that interests you and how this relates to Ashurst?
A recent news article that interested me is titled "UK's debut 'green gilt' sale draws blockbuster demand", published in the Finacial Times on the 21st of September, 2021. This article outlines the UK's arrival into the growing green bond market, and how green borrowing is likely to increase following strong demand. The article also discusses the trade-off between value created for investors and money saved by taxpayers when deciding on the bond's interest rate. This trade-off is made more challenging by post-pandemic considerations, where the government must balance rebuilding the economy and incentivising investment, whilst reducing the budget deficit and taxpayer burden. Furthermore, a growing conversation regarding whether green bonds should be tax-exempt adds another layer of complexity to the discussion.
The UK's first green gilt has also raised important questions regarding greenwashing. Future work in this field should aim to ensure that the criteria of 'eligible green projects' is in line with climate change commitments. Transparency is crucial for the success of green gilts.
My interest in the UK's first green gilt stems from my engagement with a variety of climate change issues in the past years, including greenwashing, the impact of fast fashion and cryptocurrency. Climate change is a defining issue of our times, and thus it will impact every industry and every client that Ashurst advises. Ashurst has already worked within the global green bond market, including working on Shanks Groups' first green bond issue to retail investors in Belgium and Transport for London's first green bond. The UK's debut green bond signifies further growth within this market, and thus more potential work for Ashurst within this sphere, as well as more work with UK government departments on navigating eligible projects which could be financed by this new type of borrowing.
2021
Tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst. (750 words max)
One of my greatest passions is [sport] and I became a professional athlete after racing from the age of four. Committing to my sport instilled my sense of determination, as I trained for five days per week year-round at the expense of a conventional schooling and social life. I overcame mental and physical challenges throughout my career by setting short-term goals and building strong relationships with my team. While travelling alone to attend international competitions, my organisational skills were sharpened as I kept up with online schoolwork and managed my downtime. My achievements include gaining admission to the [Country] National Sports School for athletes with Olympic potential and a place on the [National] team.
Leading and working with teams has established my appreciation for collaboration. Over my tenure as Vice President of the [School] Law Society, I recruited an executive committee, chaired weekly meetings, drafted a winning budget proposal and grew membership from two to forty. As a Citizens Advice Adviser, meeting the needs of vulnerable clients was often complex and required not only my expertise, but the combined expertise of my colleagues. Despite working remotely, I have developed positive working relations by participating in daily meetings and informal team-building exercises. This has allowed me to shorten the client journey and increase the quality of my advice, as I can rely on these relationships for their professional opinions.
I first considered a career as a solicitor after taking part in debate and negotiation seminars during my undergraduate modules in law. I followed this up by advising on a pro bono basis at the [School Pro Bono Clinic], where my passion for commercial law was realised. I was fascinated by the clientele of business owners and directors, as well as the issues brought to the clinic, which often regarded questions of corporate governance and contractual disputes. My business acumen and broader knowledge of this area of law have been built as Director and Editor of the [Law-related publication] and blogger for [Law-related business]. In these roles, I have spent much of my time writing and reviewing articles on commercial case law and industry trends.
A vacation scheme at [City law firm] ultimately cemented my drive for a career as a commercial solicitor. While sitting in Private Equity, I advised a multinational retailer on methods to dispose of their shell and dormant companies. I enjoyed researching each subsidiary and tailoring my recommendations to their unique characteristics, while accounting for the client’s overarching objective - to complete the disposals efficiently. The experience helped me to perceive the value that commercial lawyers bring to businesses, as I was able to assist the parent company in resolving inefficiencies in their group structure. Contributing to the future growth of such a high-profile brand was particularly motivating.
Displaying the firm’s resilience despite the pandemic, Ashurst saw a 10% increase in revenue in Energy and Resources in 2021 – a department that remains Band 1 in the Chambers UK rankings. This strength has affirmed my interest in applying as, through my role as [title] at [Energy Company], I developed an enthusiasm for the sector. At the company, I became acquainted with the Head of Regulation and Compliance and discussed the challenges of aligning business operations and energy policy. My dissertation, on the environmental effects of foreign policy, reflects my regard for ESG – a trend with profound implications for Ashurst’s oil and gas clients, such as Schlumberger. The Ashurst training contract would nurture this interest into a legal capability, as trainees can sit in project finance for their compulsory transactional seat and can complete client secondments from their second seat.
The international scope of Ashurst’s work is another attracting factor. The firm’s work advising the Government of Georgia in arbitration claims totalling more than US$700 million has helped form my view of the client profile that Ashurst represents. The firm’s international reach, with twenty-nine offices, and the opportunity to complete an international secondment, would enable me to explore my enthusiasm for global affairs in practice. However, as an open lesbian, it is crucial that I can bring my identity to work regardless of location. Diversity is upheld at Ashurst through initiatives such as the LGBTI + Workplace Awareness and Effective Ally Training. Through this scheme, the firm has provided training on allyship and workplace inclusion to the Asia-Pacific region - displaying a commitment to inclusivity across the firm, not limited to the UK office.
Please summarise for us what a commercial lawyer does (250 words max)
Fundamentally, a commercial lawyer uses the law to solve business problems and add value to a client’s business. To do this effectively, a commercial lawyer is an industry expert - perceiving the issues affecting a sector and advising clients on how to avoid risks and grow.
A commercial lawyer is responsible for managing and maintaining relationships with clients. These relationships help commercial lawyers in two ways – first, in understanding that specific client’s interests, and second, in building that client’s trust in the firm. A commercial lawyer’s goal should be to instil a client’s confidence that the advice they are receiving will always be in their best business interests, and ultimately be value for money.
On a day-to-day basis, a commercial lawyer may be tasked with resolving a range of problems within a larger project or transaction. For example, when assisting a client through a corporate restructuring, a commercial lawyer may draft, proof and negotiate agreements or repayment schedules with debtors or creditors. A commercial lawyer may also advise on the sale of assets or be responsible for liaising with professionals on their client’s behalf, such as liquidators or accountants.
Additionally, a commercial lawyer takes part in business development, as an ambassador for their firm. This can take place through graduate recruitment events or informational seminars on practice areas. To consolidate their firm’s reputation and to encourage equality in the legal industry, commercial lawyers take part in diversity initiatives such as open days for minority ethnic applicants.
Please tell us about a recent news article that interests you and how this relates to Ashurst? (300 words max)
In 2021, Société Générale was the first international commercial bank to provide sole financing to an Indonesian solar project. The US$20 million financing of the Quantum and Sambelia plants form part of a national strategy to boost electrification, increase the share of renewables and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Having knowledge of UK solar projects in my role at [Energy Company], this article is interesting to analyse how solar is becoming more competitive in other economies.
Although Indonesia has vast potential renewable resources, the national regulatory regime has been regarded by investors as unclear and is one of the biggest obstacles to market growth. However, new policy aims to strengthen the investment environment, such as Regulation 4/2020 - increasing the flexibility of land developers in obtaining financing. Quantum and Sambelia reflect the strategy’s early success as having improved project bankability by reducing some of the perceived risks. The deal was awarded ‘Renewable Energy Deal of the Year (Solar)’ at the Asset Triple A Infrastructure Awards 2021.
Representing Société Générale – this deal exemplifies Ashurst’s position at the forefront of the energy transition. This is significant, as Indonesia is an economy that remains one of the global economy’s major thermal coal exporters. It shows not only the firm’s cross-border agility, advising on English, Indonesian and Singaporean law, but displays the firm’s client profile, advising one of the largest international commercial banks.
More broadly, this deal reflects the project finance strength of the firm despite challenges faced by COVID-19. Société Générale’s decision to provide sole financing for this project displays confidence in the future profitability of the industry – a move which may encourage further investment. This is especially important as investors are cautious given the uncertainty and economic fragility of some emerging economies, in addition to the current pandemic.
2021
Please address your cover letter to Nick Wong, Graduate Recruitment Partner. This is an opportunity to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor.
14th September 2020
Ashurst
1 Duval Square
London
E1 6PW
RE: Winter Vacation Scheme at Ashurst
Dear Mr Wong,
I am writing to apply for the 2020 winter vacation scheme at Ashurst.
Having carried out a variety of open days at city law firms and work experience at a commercial law firm in London, I am certain that I want to train as a commercial lawyer. My primary reason is that I want to work in a dynamic, challenging environment where the legal advice that I provide is tailored to the individual commercial circumstances of my clients. I am fascinated by the impact of economic and political changes on the advice given by commercial law firms. For example, during an insight day at TLT, I learnt how the shock interest rate rise on cheap Treasury loans at the beginning of October 2019 caused a significant delay to real estate regeneration schemes.
Part of my motivation for applying to Ashurst is the firm’s reputation as market leaders for its Projects work. I am attracted to this practice area because I am interested in how infrastructure projects can spur the growth of economies. This interest is a consequence of my passion for global environmental sustainability, having been an active member of Climate Reality Project at university and spending a month in Sri-Lanka planting trees as part of a GreenWave campaign for developing countries. I am fascinated in Ashurst’s involvement in the financial close of the Newhurst Resource Recovery Facility project and how Ashurst’s waste team has closed 56 projects since 2002.
I am also attracted to the firm’s dynamic and entrepreneurial nature, which is demonstrated by its creation of Ashurst Advance Delivery and FinTech Legal Labs. This is important to me because I believe that the future of law will require innovative legal solutions and the use of AI to deliver value for clients. More broadly, I identify with Ashurst’s culture The firm’s commitment to inclusivity is evident from awards such as its commendation for Diversity and Inclusivity at the FT Innovative Lawyers Awards in 2019. As a female from an ethnic minority background, I believe the multitude of diversity initiatives such as “All at Ashurst” and “Committed to Change” will assist my personal development. After speaking to Trainee Lucas Chong at the Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair, I believe that the firm’s core values align with mine.
The extracurricular activities that I have successfully balanced with my degree demonstrate why I would succeed as a trainee at Ashurst. I have built on the analytical skills that I have developed from studying law by acting as Head Research Analyst in Technology for Durham Think Tank. This role requires me to research key technology policy issues and succinctly present my opinion in a published termly report. In addition, competing in the Ashurst First Year Mooting Competition, the Allen & Overy Commercial Negotiation Competition and winning the B G Reid Trophy for Public Speaking at the Northwood Festival, have improved my communication skills. My experience volunteering for Support Through Court and involvement in the Death Penalty Project this year helped me to learn how to tailor my communication to a client-specific context. I hope to continue to develop these skills this year by working on the Negotiations Committee for Durham Law Society and in my role as Brand Ambassador for Taylor Wessing.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Yours sincerely,
[Candidate]
How is Ashurst different to the other firms you have applied to? (250 words max)*
Unlike other city law firms, Ashurst’s medium trainee intake results in a high-level of trainee responsibility in alignment with structured training, and this was reiterated to me after speaking to Nicola Stafford at the Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair. Therefore, as the firm’s deals often require both inter-departmental and cross-jurisdictional co-operation, I am excited to use this high level of responsibility to contribute to such dynamic, multifaceted transactions.
Another factor which differentiates Ashurst from other commercial law firms is its offering of a pro bono training contract seat, which is not available at many of its competitors. = I volunteered for Support Through Court at university, where I provided moral and technical guidance to clients who were facing legal proceedings alone. My volunteering for the Death Penalty Project has meant that I am especially interested in the Death Row and the Criminal Justice System priority area as offered by Ashurst.
Within an industry ever-more dominated by algorithms, Ashurst has set itself apart through the development of Ashurst Advance. Though many law firms are implementing new innovative, legal solutions, Ashurst Advance stands out as it is the combination of innovative service delivery, investment in R&D and technological advancement to improve its offerings to clients.
How is the legal landscape changing and what are the challenges facing Ashurst? (250 words max)*
As we enter this fourth industrial revolution which is dominated by technological advancements, the legal landscape is being affected by the increasing use of data as law firms continue to digitise their assets and operations. Ashurst faces challenges regarding cyber-security and data protection, especially with 48% of the top 150 law firms reporting data breaches since the GDPR came into force. With Ashurst’s creation of Ashurst Advance Digital, the firm will process increasing amounts of highly sensitive, strategic data of clients, resulting in Ashurst needing to meet stringent regulatory requirements. To overcome this challenge the firm must ensure they develop a robust cyber defence and GDPR compliance strategy to avoid data breaches.
Another way in which the legal landscape is being changed is with the introduction of stricter ESG regulations resulting in legal and financial risks for businesses which fail to comply. This presents a plethora of challenges for the firm’s office practice.. Ashurst will be pushed towards going paperless and adopting more environmentally sustainable working styles. Moreover, the outbreak of Covid-19 has exacerbated a shift in the legal industry towards virtual and remote working and Ashurst will face the challenge of managing this change over the next year.
What qualities does a successful lawyer of the future require? (250 words max)*
Clients are looking for lawyers who possess strategic long-term thinking and use this to deliver creative, entrepreneurial commercial advice. For example, lawyers can make use of Ashurst Advance Delivery to provide legal technology solutions such as document automation or contract review and utilise these tools to provide clients with bespoke, data-driven legal solutions. As we enter this fourth industrial revolution, a successful future-facing lawyer must learn how to adopt technological instruments to enhance their quality of advice for clients.
Within a progressively automated industry, lawyers will require much more than just knowledge of the black-letter law and must be able to navigate clients through an unpredictable economic, political and social backdrop in order to provide exceptional service to clients. Flexibility is therefore a vital skill and successful lawyers must be willing to apply their sector-specific knowledge to pre-empt risks for clients before they even arise and consequently find innovative ways to mitigate potential liabilities.
lLawyers who will continue to excel are those who can apply a personalised service. Successful lawyers will capitalise their human attributes such as lateral thinking and soft-skills. Building a strong rapport with clients will become increasingly important and the best lawyers will be able to guide clients through difficult issues with ease and tact.
2021
Personal Statement (750 words)
Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst.
My interest in law stemmed from assisting my father’s business during the process of negotiating a commercial lease. Shadowing meetings with his solicitor constituted my first exposure to the detail-oriented work of a solicitor, sparking my initial interest in the career. I explored this interest by attending work experience at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, during which I proofread legal documents in the context of multi-jurisdictional transactions and networked extensively throughout the firm. I enjoyed learning about the practical application of the law and the international elements of the work involved, leading to my decision to study Law at university. During my degree, I particularly enjoyed the problem-solving and business elements of the modules with a commercial focus, which led to me applying for further work experience.
My experiences at Zaiwalla & Co and Ashurst involved client-facing work and technical legal research. I attended numerous client meetings at Zaiwalla, finding that the client-centric nature of the career appealed to my outgoing nature. I also conducted technical research into the Sharia-compliance of cryptocurrencies and found the challenge of conducting technical research and distilling complex concepts into digestible client advice exciting. This experience was replicated at Ashurst, where I researched the global regulatory issues facing emerging digital sectors. Here, the multi-jurisdictional nature of the work appealed to my international mindset, and I enjoyed the intellectual stimulation of identifying regulatory risks and analysing the potential impact on the firm’s clients. These experiences cumulatively reinforced my commitment to pursuing a legal career.
I have also cultivated skills through non-legal experiences. For example, I intermittently worked at the House of Commons as a Parliamentary Assistant and Intern over a five-year period from 2014 to 2019. In this role, I managed casework files and mediated disputes between constituents and local authorities by acting as a channel of communication. Here I had to use my negotiation, problem-solving and interpersonal skills to communicate an action plan effectively to the constituent and find a compromise that both parties would accept. Additionally, I acted as an administrative assistant for the office by managing communications and maintaining diaries for over 50 cases simultaneously. Although non-legal in nature, this role provided me with a valuable learning experience and skills that will assist me during my legal career.
I am currently a paralegal at DKLM LLP, where I am responsible for drafting loan agreements, handling post-completion and project managing transactions. I have enjoyed constantly working collaboratively in teams in a dynamic environment, as well as the opportunity to learn about client businesses, and would now like to progress my career by training as a solicitor at Ashurst.
My desire to train at Ashurst stems from a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, I am attracted to Ashurst’s pioneering approach to innovation, as demonstrated by the firm’s use of Ashurst Advance to develop software tools to automate labour-intensive legal processes. This is further demonstrated by Ashurst’s new ESG Ready offering, allowing for businesses to easily monitor their compliance with EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. I believe that in the long-term, this commitment will ensure the firm continues to win high profile mandates as clients increasingly seek more time and cost-efficient legal and commercial solutions, underpinned by automation where possible. I am attracted to the professional development that this will offer me through access to cutting-edge work.
Secondly, I am attracted to Ashurst’s stellar reputation across a broad range of practice areas and sectors, indicating that I would have constant exposure to high-quality work during a training contract. I am particularly attracted to the firm’s strength in Real Estate and Projects, as I have enjoyed working across these areas as a paralegal. Thirdly, the firm’s significant commitment to diversity and inclusion – as demonstrated by their recent announcement that one in three new hires will be from ethnic minority backgrounds – aligns with my belief in the benefit that diversity brings to the workplace, in terms of creativity and collaboration. Coming from a minority ethnic background, I believe that Ashurst offers an environment where my diversity of thought will be appreciated and encouraged.
I am determined to pursue a career that will challenge me, give me exposure to market-leading work and allow me to use my skills to provide clients with practical commercial solutions. I welcome the opportunity to do so on an international level and would like to use the Winter Vacation scheme to explore the firm’s work and culture and demonstrate that I have the skills to excel as a trainee and solicitor at Ashurst.
Please summarise for us what a commercial lawyer does (250 words)
Broadly speaking, a commercial lawyer anticipates and solves problems and mitigate risks that may affect their client’s business and profitability. However, the day-to-day role can vary based upon the specialism of the lawyer in question.
For example, a commercial lawyer that works in a transactional area such as banking will likely spend a large amount of time drafting transactional documents in line with client instructions or reviewing documents to ensure that the terms are favourable to their client. Another major part of this role may also be ensuring that documents are drafted in a way that is compliant with market regulations, such as GDPR. Finally, as both sides of a transaction are seeking the successful completion of a transaction, a transactional lawyer will be adept at collaboration and negotiation to complete a matter in line with client mandate.
This contrasts significantly with the role of a commercial lawyer working in a contentious practice area. In this role, a lawyer will likely spend a large amount of time researching case law and statutes or preparing court documentation. Similarly, to transactional work, contentious lawyers may be required to review large volumes of documents to extract salient information from them. However, unlike transactional lawyers, they will need to be adept at using these facts to build a cogent and persuasive argument.
Finally, as a commercial lawyer progresses towards seniority, their role will take on a managerial capacity to manage client relationships and workflow amongst their departments to keep their departments operating smoothly.
Please tell us about a recent news article that interests you and how this relates to Ashurst? (300 words max)
A recent article in The Economist analysed the potential of lab-cultured meat as part of the global food supply chain. The process used to culture meat is still in early development, with companies that are pioneering this technique still figuring out how to synthesise the muscle, connective tissue, and fat so that it is indistinguishable from organic meat. Whilst the industry’s relative infancy may put lab-grown meat far beyond the reach of the average diner for the moment, it does relate to Ashurst and their clients in the short and long-term.
Firstly, it will provide work to Ashurst’s capital markets, as investors will seek to participate in this industry. Long-term global food supply is under significant pressure, fuelled by climate change and population growth. Consequently, cultured meat production looks poised to become a major future industry as governments will look to agricultural technology to ease the burden. This is made more likely by the fact that the process has a far lower carbon footprint than traditional agriculture, allowing countries to meet carbon emission targets. Moreover, the low environmental risk of this industry makes investing an attractive prospect for the increased number of investors seeking an ESG-friendly portfolio.
Secondly, a demand for cultured meat in the APAC region will provide work to Ashurst’s offices the region. For example, Singapore introduced regulations in 2019 allowing for cultured meat to be sold, and this trend is likely to follow across developing APAC countries. There has been a growing demand for meat in these countries, driven by a growing middle class and it is likely that these countries will look to cultured meat to help fill this demand. Ashurst’s industry-specific knowledge of agribusiness and technology will position the firm to win market-leading bids in the APAC region as this industry grows.