Trainee Solicitor Review
at Ashurst
Graduate Job
Commercial Law, Legal/Law
Spitalfields
Review Submitted: July 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Ashurst?
I am part way through my second seat at Ashurst Perkins Coie (I am currently on a client secondment!) and have had a fantastic experience during my training so far. The people at the firm are second-to-none, the work is enriching and stimulating, and colleagues put a lot of trust in the work that you produce. I couldn't think of a better place to train than Ashurst!
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My first seat was Real Estate (Construction) and my second is a markets client secondment. In Construction I did a lot of drafting, document review, and liaising with contractors, consultants, and counterparties. My favourite aspect of Construction was the tangible improvement week on week in the calibre of my work and also my self-confidence. It was also lovely walking around Bank and other areas of central London and seeing projects I was working on - some of my work was certainly very glamorous. My client secondment has, thus far, taught me very complementary skills that I didn't get as much exposure to as a first seat Construction trainee; I do a lot of negotiation day to day and am on the phone to others constantly. I have loved the pace, the trust Ashurst have in me, and the opportunity to make connections at one of our biggest clients.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
Whenever I tell my colleagues that I would like to get involved in a matter or develop a skill, they are immensely supportive of it. I have found both of my teams have been great in terms of providing recognition of my contributions and also general improvement.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
On client secondment I don't use it so much but the gym subsidy was extremely helpful. I also really enjoy the ability to do payroll giving and the health insurance provisions are really good.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I think staying open-minded during my training contract has meant that I have decided on a legal specialism I would never have dreamt of wanting to qualify into. The improvement in my skills has, of course, been significant and I feel extremely confident for my future career.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
In Construction (a small team at Ashurst) my training was a lot more hands on, ad hoc, and by doing. I really enjoyed learning in this way, though we had fewer structured sit down lessons. Rather, my supervisor encouraged me to ask as many questions as I needed or wanted to. We have a general training programme at Ashurst that covers other practical and commercial skills and this is highly structured. I know other teams are more structured.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
I can't thank HR and mentors enough. Everyone at Ashurst is extremely generous with their time. When I was struggling with the adjustment to corporate life, I was paired with a Wellbeing Ally without whom I would have struggled much much more.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
I have fantastic work-life balance - I could not have better, to be honest!
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The culture at Ashurst is unparalleled. I have always been encouraged to get involved with pro bono (and have relished the opportunity) and my teams have been flexible where I want to go volunteer. We receive regular emails on opportunities in this space so it truly feels like the firm are enthusiastic to facilitate you taking part. I have been fortunate that my experience with various Ashurst teams has been extremely egalitarian and I can get help from, and develop relationships with, extremely senior people at Ashurst. The partners have been, so far, incredibly approachable and down to earth.
How would you rate Ashurst initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
The various networks at Ashurst have, in my experience, given a hundred percent effort in putting on events and spotlighting the support and community available for underrepresented backgrounds in the legal profession. I currently sit on the social mobility committee and am extremely proud of the outreach schemes that the firm hosts (including Access Ashurst) and the visibility we give to colleagues and students from backgrounds like mine.
How would you rate Ashurst CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
I have been able to get involved with a plethora of events and initiatives and I am extremely grateful for this. I have volunteered with CREATE, spending meaningful time with vulnerable older people in our community doing arts and crafts, and assisted with the Big Legal Lesson which was an incredibly rewarding civics programme for young people - while those two experiences stand out, there have been ample others. In terms of pro bono, I've supported charities with my research (ASYLOS and REPRIEVE) and looked at public bodies in support of the National Oversight Mechanism development scheme. My favourite has probably been getting involved with APPEAL, a wonderful London-based criminal appeals charity that does hugely meaningful work. There is truly a pro bono/CSR initiative for everyone and if not, the team are supportive of you founding something.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Ashurst to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think reading my previous answers, there is nothing Ashurst could be doing better for a training contract.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Ashurst has met my expectations and exceeded them.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Ashurst?
I would say try to enjoy your interviews and build a rapport; everyone at Ashurst is extremely down to earth and approachable. My best interviews were a pleasant experience and felt more like a dialogue than a grilling. I know this is easier said than done but I think it's important to relax and treat them as an opportunity to show what is unique and interesting about you - everyone has great credentials and panic-read the centre pages of the FT that morning!
