Students and Graduates Frequently asked questions

You can, but think carefully about whether it’s worth it before spending time making an application. We look for the strongest candidates and we receive many applications each year from people who are academically strong. If there are mitigating circumstances surrounding your grades, please let us know in the relevant section of our application form. We’ll ask for supporting documentation later.

Please see our UK pages for specific advice regarding UK qualifications.

Please email any proposals directly to the graduate recruitment team.

No, not at all. Current employees studied at literally hundreds of different universities and we value the diversity of thought this brings. We want applications from people who are likely to excel here, regardless of where they’ve studied

No. But if we invite you to an interview, we strongly advise you to tell us about your disability and let us know whether we need to adjust our interview process so you can perform at your best. If you’d like us to make adjustments, we’ll give you a dedicated contact in our team who’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.

Unfortunately we’re not able to take on students for informal work experience. Eligible candidates are encouraged instead to apply for a place on one of our schemes or programmes.

Please see our UK work experience page for details of our Access Ashurst programme, available to Year 12 students in London.

Our paralegal rosters co-ordinate with university semester timetables. We maintain relationships with, and emphasise our commitment to, former attendees on our schemes or programmes by giving them priority for paralegal work in their final year of study. Our schemes and programmes meet most of our paralegal needs, however, we do occasionally recruit paralegals outside this and advertise any vacancies on our website.

No. In order to ensure we get all the information we need, we ask that you complete the online application form. We do not accept applications by email or post.

We prefer candidates to be in the penultimate year of their degree but we will consider applications from finalists if they were not able to complete a scheme or programme in their penultimate year.

Yes – although we do ask that you complete a new application form. Before starting, be honest about whether your academic record and application will be different enough this time, and describe any skills and experience you’ve gained since you last applied.

Our recruitment periods vary between countries and offices, so you'll need to investigate the relevant key dates on your location page. We can’t accept applications that are late or not submitted via our application form.

We recruit on the understanding that you may go on to join one of our schemes or programmes when you complete your law degree.

If you are successful in being invited to interview, you will be asked to provide your availability over the coming weeks and we will work with you to secure a suitable date.

No. We require all successful candidates to interview in person at our offices.

We encourage applications from anyone who has the appropriate experience and qualifications, which includes mature graduates and those who are changing career.

We host evening events in a number of our offices. Check your relevant locations page for upcoming events.

Please see our UK pages for specific information on the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme and more.