 Scott Chatterton
 | College / University | University of Bristol | | Degree Course | Hispanic Studies | | Job Title | Trainee Solicitor | | Joined | March 2007 |
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What made Ashurst stand out from other firms?
Having studied Spanish and Portuguese at university I wanted to work in an international law firm in order to incorporate my languages into my career. Ashurst stood out as a progressive and dynamic international law firm. It had won awards for its high profile quality work and had an excellent reputation, acting for high profile multinational clients. It was also known for its friendly and collegiate working environment.
Has the role lived up to your expectations?
In many ways the role has surpassed my expectations. I have been working in small deal teams on large financial transactions in the international finance department. I have been an integral member of the team and I have been given high levels of responsibility from an early stage. The work has been interesting and engaging, and, at times, the transactions have been ground breaking I helped to close the largest collateralised loan obligation in my first three months.
What does your job involve? How much have you used your degree?
There is a large amount of drafting, analysing and reviewing legal documents. The analysis of literature and history along with writing essays during my degree has been very useful grounding. As a trainee on the deal team you are responsible for the smooth running of the transaction, co-ordinating the distribution of documents and keeping the parties informed. I have also used my language skills, speaking Spanish with members of the firm's Madrid Office.
How diverse is the role? Is there a typical day?
The role is quite diverse and a trainee is often working on several deals at the same time. The cyclical nature of the transactions means that some tasks are repeated from one deal to the next. However, different client demands mean that the work has to be tailored, creating new challenges. The days are typically busy, especially leading up to the completion of a deal when the parties are finalising the outstanding issues. Post-completion drinks are always a nice way to celebrate the hard work and meet up with the client.
What has the scheme offered you?
The training at Ashurst is broad and well structured. I sit with a supervisor, who reviews my work and offers feedback. There is an appraisal system for trainees with an informal appraisal after three months within a department and a formal, written appraisal after six months. Also throughout the training contract we have had regular talks to further develop our understanding of different areas of law. |
Sian Williams
 | College / University | Cardiff University | | Degree Course | Law | | Job Title | Trainee Solicitor | | Joined | September 2006 |
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What made Ashurst stand out from the others?
I worked as a paralegal in a number of law firms in the City, before joining Ashurst's litigation department. This experience gave me an insight into the firm and its unique culture; as you would expect, everyone is intelligent and driven, but also friendly, approachable and down to earth. This, coupled with the firm's reputation for high quality work and clients, makes Ashurst stand out as one of the best law firms in the City.
Has the role lived up to your expectations?
I spent my first six months in the international finance department and I am currently sitting with a partner in the corporate department. The work is diverse, and although challenging at times, I have the support I need and I feel that I am gaining excellent experience and training. I have been involved in a number of high profile transactions and have been encouraged to take on as much responsibility as possible. People are friendly and enthusiastic and I feel that I am making a valued contribution to the team. Working at Ashurst has certainly lived up to my expectations.
What does your job involve? How much have you used your degree?
My work is quite varied and I would be pushed to describe it in a short paragraph! It can be anything from drafting and reviewing documents, such as articles of association or agreements, to attending signing and client meetings. I read law at university, which has provided me with a good basis of understanding the key elements of the work we do. Some departments are more "law based" than others, such as litigation, where you are more likely to put your degree to good use. The LPC is much more practical and useful on a day-to-day basis.
How diverse is the role? Is there a typical day?
I am yet to encounter a "typical day". You are involved in a number of transactions and things can change from one day to the next, which makes life all the more exciting. In the morning you could be negotiating documents with third parties or liaising with local counsel and in the afternoon you could be attending a signing meeting.
What has the scheme offered you?
Ashurst is a fun and friendly place to work everyone works hard but with that comes a sense of satisfaction and team achievement. There are also plenty of activities to get involved with outside work, including pro bono schemes and sporting and social events. The training contract at Ashurst is extremely well structured and I feel that I am getting the best possible training at a firm in which I hope to build my future career. |
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