Ashurst launches NewLaw Virtual Experience Programme for students

Global law firm Ashurst announces the launch of its Advance Virtual Experience Programme for students as part of the Ashurst Advance team’s commitment to innovation in talent and initiative to promote access to careers in NewLaw.

This is a free to access programme that gives students the chance to increase their commercial awareness through experiencing an alternative legal career path that encourages innovation in an ever-evolving legal marketplace. Completing tasks that replicate the work of the Ashurst Advance team, participating students will gain an understanding of how to shape and manage a NewLaw service delivery model for a client's lending project.

The practical skills and experience gained through completing this self-paced programme are invaluable for students considering a career in either NewLaw or traditional law. Whilst the programme provides information on alternative careers it also develops an understanding of how the legal landscape is changing and how firms are adapting to its changes. Students looking to apply for traditional roles are expected to have an understanding of the changes happening in the industry and the skills gained from this course can be used directly in their resume.
With the launch of the new Ashurst Advance – NewLaw module, Ashurst now offers seven virtual internship programmes that immerse participants in the world of law. In addition to legal skills programmes the firm has content on employability skills and has just launched a programme on Commercial Awareness. Ashurst’s Virtual Experience Programmes provide equal access to high quality learning resources to students regardless of their background and have so far reached nearly 10,000 participants globally.

Ashurst Advance is Ashurst's full service NewLaw offering which works to transform legal services and delivers innovative and holistic legal and business solutions across five core NewLaw capabilities: Advanced Delivery, Legal Managed Services, Digital, Legal Operations and Flexible Resourcing.. Ashurst Advance offers a structured graduate career pathway "Ashurst Advance Pathway Programme" beginning from graduate level entry into the Legal Analyst team with a range of potential roles and skills development opportunities.

Carolyn O’Connor, Senior HR Manager, National Early Careers Programs at Ashurst, said:

“We as a firm have long been committed to promoting access to careers in law and as the legal industry develops, it’s important to show the next generation the wider variety of opportunities available to them. We’re proud to launch our Advance Virtual Experience Programme that will give students an insight into NewLaw as a service and the progress Ashurst Advance has made within the sector in developing new solutions that reshape clients' experience and add value to their businesses.”