Ashfords LLP

About the firm

CEO: Louise Workman

Other offices: Exeter, Bristol, London, Plymouth

Who we are/what we do: Ashfords is a valued legal partner to a wide range of corporate, public sector and private clients across the UK and internationally, counted on by clients to get the right result – whether that’s delivering commercial objectives, protecting assets, making investments or solving disputes.

With four UK offices and an international network, we are able to draw on legal expertise in over 70 countries worldwide.

What we’re looking for: There is no magic recipe for the perfect trainee. However, at Ashfords, there are characteristics that we value. We are looking for individuals who are curious, ambitious and willing to put forward innovative ideas. We need excellent communicators who are adaptable and ready to accept the variety of challenges that a career in law can throw at you. We expect our trainees to get stuck in and integrate with each team they are a member of, so an open mind and personable, can-do attitude is essential!

We want our trainees to be our partners of the future, which is why we ‘recruit to retain’. Our commitment to this is demonstrated by our consistently high retention rates (100% in 2023). We’re really proud of this achievement, and our trainees choosing to remain at Ashfords to grow their careers is testament to our collaborative and supportive culture, combined with the high-quality work that we offer.

What you’ll do: You will experience four areas of law during your training contract, spending six months in each seat. You can choose to apply for a Bristol or a South West-based training contract. Our South West trainees will have the opportunity to work across our Exeter and Plymouth offices. We also offer flexibility for trainees to complete a seat in another office if the opportunity arises, including London.

As an Ashfords trainee, you will be immersed in the life of a full-service law firm. We offer hands-on experience, early responsibility and client involvement. You can expect to be working alongside experienced lawyers and partners, who are leaders in their field, on a daily basis, to develop your technical skills and broaden your commercial awareness.

Perks: 26 days holiday + bank holidays + Ashfords day, rising to 31 days with 10 years’ service; holiday purchase (option to buy up to one week additional leave); health cash plan – ability to claim back certain medical expenses; free flu jabs; free access for you and up to five others to the Calm App; gym discounts and free onsite gym in Exeter office; retail discount portal – savings and cashback with hundreds of retailers; dental insurance – voluntary benefit, corporate rates; health screening – payable over 12 months; Cycle to Work Scheme – save money on a bike and accessories through salary sacrifice; free eye tests – every two years plus discounted glasses for VDU use.

Sponsorship

We cover the cost of SQE1 and SQE2 prep courses (and GDL if relevant), the SQE exams, up to £500 travel/accom and £4,000 maintenance grant per course (up to £12,000 for non-law grads and £8,000 for law grads).

Seat options

Real estate; planning; residential and rural property; construction; property litigation; employment; commercial/IP; commercial litigation; corporate; banking and finance; trusts and estates; family.

Tips from the recruiter

1. Be firm-specific – you need to know exactly why you want to train with Ashfords.
2. Be authentic – there are no ‘magic’ skills or characteristics that we specifically look for in applications.
3. Be proactive – if you have a question, reach out!

Diversity and inclusion