Forage – trainee perspectives

Future trainee: Albert

How straightforward is the process of signing up for Ashurst’s virtual work experience on Forage?

Signing up for the virtual work experience is very easy, and anyone can do it. All you need is a Forage account, which you can create in just a few steps using your email address. . Altogether, it takes around 5 minutes. Once you are signed into Forage, simply search for the Ashurst Virtual Work Experience, and within a few minutes, you can start completing the tasks. You do not need any prior experience and there is no application process.

What are the main benefits of completing a virtual work experience with Ashurst compared to traditional in-person placements, and what type of tasks do you get exposure to?

One of the biggest benefits of this experience is its accessibility. You can complete it at your own pace and place of choice, without the stress of an in-person placement. It is important to note that it serves as an excellent preparation for in-person placements, providing an opportunity to gain a strong foundation and to start learning relevant legal skills. You can also repeat the tasks as many times as you like, allowing you to reflect on feedback and improve your work until you are completely satisfied. I found this especially useful.

The experience is open to everyone and far more accessible than an in-person placement. There’s no competitive application process. A genuine interest in the topic is enough. It also offers a greater variety of tasks than you might have time or opportunity to experience in person. This gives participants the opportunity to explore their strengths and weaknesses and perhaps even help in their future seat selection.

During the experience, I reviewed a Facilities Agreement and encountered new legal terms such as “material adverse effect.” This exposure to legal terminology is one of the key advantages of the experience. I also completed a negotiation exercise for the acquisition of a business, where I reviewed and drafted amendments to an exclusivity clause, and worked on drafting and amending board minutes. During my Vacation Scheme, I was able to rely on my knowledge from the virtual experience, in many instances.

What did you personally learn from completing the Ashurst virtual work experience?

I expanded my legal terminology and learned about the main structures of agreements. This included identifying various clauses and what is their significance in an agreement as well as the processes behind signing and completion. The experience showed me the practical side of law, which was a great extension to my legal studies. I was able to use the knowledge I gained in practice. Each task taught me something new. For example, I learned about the significance of MR01 forms and was able to complete further research into registering charges in the UK. All in all, everything helped me to improve my commercial awareness.

How does completing a virtual work experience with Ashurst enhance your applications for opportunities at Ashurst?

A key to a successful application is clearly demonstrating both a genuine interest in law and a desire to be part of Ashurst. Completing this virtual work experience is an excellent way to show this commitment. Knowledge learned during the work experience can be key in successfully completing interviews and case studies during assessment days. It enables you to discuss legal concepts and processes in greater depth, showcasing to the lawyers involved in your application that you are well-informed, commercially aware, and genuinely engaged in legal research.

Are there any tips or advice you would give to students considering signing up for the Ashurst virtual work experience on Forage?

My main advice is not to be afraid to try it and even if you won’t successfully complete each task on your first try, don’t give up. The virtual work experience is a great learning opportunity and everything that you learn will become valuable in your future career as a lawyer. Take your time and truly explore each task even beyond the instructions.

Future trainee: Emily

How straightforward is the process of signing up for Ashurst’s virtual work experience on Forage?

The Forage platform is easy to navigate and creating an account is simple. Access to the virtual work experience is immediate.

What made you sign up to do a virtual experience programme?

I wanted practical exposure and first-hand insight into the type of work Ashurst trainees are entrusted with. The virtual programme gave me a chance to step into the role of a trainee, tackling realistic tasks. It was also a great way to show my genuine motivation to join the firm and to build knowledge that I could apply to future opportunities.

How does the virtual work experience help students develop commercial awareness and other key skills?

The programme goes beyond isolated legal analysis by placing every task in a business context. When completing a drafting task, I had to consider why a clause mattered for the client’s commercial objectives and how to adapt my drafting to protect their position. The emphasis on the business implications of legal advice develops genuine commercial awareness.

How much time does the virtual work experience typically take to complete, and is it flexible around other commitments?

It can be completed in 4-5 hours, but it is entirely self-paced. I found the experience easy to fit around work and other commitments. The Forage platform saves your progress, making it easy to pause and resume the programme.

Would you recommend the Ashurst virtual work experience to other students, and if so, why?

Yes – it is an accessible way to experience Ashurst’s work, build key skills as a prospective Ashurst trainee, and understand commercial law in practice.

Are there any tips or advice you would give to students considering signing up for the Ashurst virtual work experience on Forage?

Treat it like a real work experience placement at the firm. Take notes, reflect on each task, and think about how the skills link to your career goals and motivations for applying to Ashurst.