Silver Circle

Training Contract at Ashurst

Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.

45 trainees/year

£45,000 trainee salary

Deadline: 28 February 2027

Funds SQE

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading international law firm with particular strengths in energy, infrastructure, and project finance. The firm operates across 26 offices in 16 countries and has a strong Australian practice that differentiates it from other UK-headquartered firms.

Ashurst has a collaborative reputation and is noted for genuine investment in trainee development. The firm has made significant recent cultural commitments around wellbeing and flexibility. Trainees often cite strong access to senior lawyers and meaningful responsibility from early in their training contract.

CorporateFinanceDisputesReal EstateInfrastructureProjects & Energy

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake

45 trainees

Seat rotations

4 seats over 2 years

Trainee salary

£45,000

NQ salary

£105,000

Minimum degree

2:1 (or equivalent)

Application deadline

28 February 2027

Once you secure your TC, you'll still need to pass the SQE

Ashurst funds SQE preparation - Ashurst funds SQE preparation and exam fees for all trainees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover personally.

What Ashurst looks for

Academics

A 2:1 in any subject. Ashurst explicitly considers mitigating circumstances and contextual data in applications.

Core values they screen for

Commercial curiosityDriveTeamworkIntegrityAdaptability

Experience

Any commercial, professional, or extra-curricular experience demonstrating initiative. Vacation scheme experience at Ashurst is the primary TC pipeline.

Application timeline

Vacation scheme applications openNovember 2026

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis - apply early.

Online assessmentDecember 2026

Verbal and situational judgement tests.

Assessment centreJanuary–February 2027

Group exercise, interview, and written task.

Vacation schemeJune–July 2027

2-week summer vacation scheme.

Direct TC deadline28 February 2027

Direct applications also considered.

Application tips for Ashurst

Ashurst's energy and infrastructure practice is a genuine global strength - if you have any interest in this space, research it thoroughly and reference it specifically.

The firm has a strong Australian connection - international ambitions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, are worth mentioning if genuine.

Ashurst values candidates who can reflect on their own development. Be ready to discuss what you've learned from setbacks and how you've responded.

Understanding the SQE and how it fits with TC training demonstrates seriousness - Ashurst recruits are often surprised by how many applicants don't know the qualification requirements.

Note on the SQE: Some firms view positively candidates who have already passed or are actively preparing for SQE1. It signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →

Interview & assessment format

Process stages

1Online application
2Situational judgement and verbal reasoning tests
3Assessment centre: group exercise, partner interview, written exercise

Interview tips

•The group exercise rewards thoughtful contributions and the ability to synthesise different viewpoints without dominating.
•The written exercise focuses on structured analytical writing - practise drafting concise, well-organised analysis under time pressure.
•Partner interviews probe commercial thinking deeply. Read Ashurst's recent deal announcements and be ready to discuss what they mean for the firm.

Insider tips

Observations from those who know the firm well.

Ashurst has one of the best infrastructure and projects practices in the UK - this is genuinely world-class work that you won't get exposure to at all firms.

The firm's Australia/Asia-Pacific connection is real - if Pacific secondments appeal, mention this early in your application.

Trainees at Ashurst note that partners are genuinely approachable and invest real time in trainee development beyond formal supervision.

SQE funding at Ashurst

Ashurst funds SQE preparation

Ashurst funds SQE preparation and exam fees for all trainees. The specific provider and maintenance arrangements are confirmed at offer stage. The firm's HR team can provide current funding details on request.

SQE Cost Calculator →Compare SQE providers