Ashurst is one of the oldest and most respected law firms in the world, with a history dating back to 1823. Founded by William Henry Ashurst, this firm has grown from a small London practice to a global powerhouse with offices in over 30 countries. Known for its expertise in areas like finance, infrastructure, and telecommunications, Ashurst serves top-tier clients, including major investment banks and energy companies. The firm offers 40 training contracts annually, emphasizing comprehensive legal education and professional development. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and pro bono work, Ashurst fosters a supportive and dynamic work environment.
Ashurst: A Storied History
Ashurst is one of the oldest law firms in the UK, with a rich history that spans over two centuries. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this prestigious firm.
- Founded in 1823 by William Henry Ashurst, the firm has a long and storied history.
- 200th Anniversary was celebrated in 2023, marking two centuries of legal excellence.
Global Reach and Specializations
Ashurst has grown from a small London-based practice to a global powerhouse with a presence in over 30 countries. Its expertise spans various legal specializations.
- Global Presence includes offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
- Legal Specializations cover projects, infrastructure, telecommunications, transport, and banking and finance.
- Finance Practice is particularly strong, known for a slightly gentler culture compared to Magic Circle firms.
Client Base and Training
Ashurst serves a diverse range of top-tier global clients and offers comprehensive training contracts to aspiring lawyers.
- Client Base includes major investment banks, private capital firms, real estate companies, and energy organizations.
- Training Contracts offer 40 positions annually, with a rigorous application process involving online tests and an assessment center.
- Training Environment emphasizes moving trainees beyond technical knowledge, focusing on developing well-rounded lawyers.
Social and Cultural Environment
The firm maintains an active social calendar and supports various employee networks, fostering a warm and inclusive culture.
- Social Calendar includes events like away days in Barcelona, projects ski trips, a summer party, and an annual ball.
- Employee Networks such as the Christian Group, Women's Network, Multicultural Network, and Spectrum & the LGBT Network.
- Culture is characterized by a "work hard, play hard" philosophy, encouraging participation in clubs and societies.
Leadership and Financial Performance
Under strong leadership, Ashurst has achieved significant milestones in financial performance and partner promotions.
- Global CEO Paul Jenkins has driven the firm's growth and strategy, leading to a 9% increase in global revenues to £961 million.
- Financial Performance has been robust, with an average profit per equity partner growing 14% to £1.34 million.
- Partnership Promotions have reached a record number for the third consecutive year, with eight new partners joining in 2024.
Employee Benefits and Office Space
Ashurst offers competitive remuneration, unique office spaces, and various employee benefits to ensure a positive work-life balance.
- Pay Bumps for juniors in the London office have taken NQ salaries to £125,000, with trainees earning £52,000 and £57,000 in their first and second years.
- Unique Office Space in the London Fruit and Wool Exchange features terraces, an in-house exercise studio, on-site GP, and wellbeing suite.
- Employee Benefits include free drinks on Thursdays, free lunch on Mondays, and access to an in-house exercise studio and wellbeing suite.
Pro Bono Work and Women's Rights
Ashurst is committed to pro bono work and has a significant history of female representation and women's rights activism.
- Pro Bono Work involves activities like working for the Center for Reproductive Rights.
- First Female Solicitor and the first three female partners have been significant milestones in the firm's history.
- Women’s Rights Activism includes Caroline Ashurst Biggs advocating for women's right to vote.
Family Legacy and Corporate Practice
The Ashurst family has a complex history, and the firm is known for its strong corporate practice.
- Muswell Hill Brigade was a hub for intellectual and social gatherings, including women's rights activist Clementia Taylor and Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini.
- Family Tree is complex, with multiple branches and notable figures like William Henry Ashurst.
- Corporate Practice is strong, especially in banking, solidified by the merger with Blake Dawson in 2012.
Secondments and Training
Ashurst offers secondment opportunities and comprehensive training to ensure employee development and growth.
- Secondment Opportunities allow employees to work in different offices, gaining diverse experiences.
- Training and Support include first-class training in every seat, both on-the-job and classroom-style.
Community Involvement and Innovation
Ashurst is actively involved in the community and is known for its innovative approach to legal services.
- Community Involvement includes various charitable activities and support for local organizations.
- Innovation is a hallmark of the firm, continuously seeking new and better ways of doing things.
Global Strategy and Office Locations
Ashurst's global strategy aims for significant growth, supported by diverse office locations.
- Global Strategy includes aiming for £1 billion in revenues by 2027, with a rebranded logo and new strapline: ‘Outpacing change’.
- Office Locations include the unique London Fruit and Wool Exchange, designed to be both functional and comfortable.
Employee Development and Client Relationships
Ashurst places significant emphasis on employee development and building strong client relationships.
- Employee Development includes various training programs and opportunities for professional growth.
- Client Relationships are built on teamwork and collaboration, ensuring exceptional service.
Legacy and Future
Ashurst's legacy is built on its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service, setting high standards for the legal profession.
- Legacy includes a long history of legal excellence and community service.
- Future Goals include continued growth and innovation in the legal industry.
- Diversity and Inclusion are core values, promoting an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
- Employee Networks support diversity and inclusion, fostering a supportive work environment.
Ashurst's Legacy and Future
Ashurst stands tall as one of the oldest and most respected law firms globally. Founded in 1823 by William Henry Ashurst, the firm has grown from a small London practice to a global powerhouse with offices in over 30 countries. Known for its expertise in finance, infrastructure, and corporate law, Ashurst serves top-tier clients worldwide. The firm offers 40 training contracts annually, emphasizing comprehensive legal training and personal development. With a strong culture of diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility, Ashurst fosters a supportive work environment. Leadership under Global CEO Paul Jenkins has driven significant growth, with revenues reaching £961 million. The firm's commitment to innovation, employee development, and community involvement ensures it remains at the forefront of the legal industry. As Ashurst continues to evolve, it upholds its legacy of excellence, setting high standards for future generations of lawyers.
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