Social Inclusion & Mobility

Widening access to careers in law

We understand that breaking into the legal profession can be challenging, especially for students without existing connections or prior exposure to the sector. Through our Access Ashurst and Access Law programmes, we are committed to widening access to the legal sector and creating clear routes into careers at Ashurst. These initiatives provide practical experience, targeted skills development and sustained mentoring, enabling talented students from low socio-economic backgrounds to progress, succeed and thrive.

Access Ashurst

Access Ashurst is our longest-running social mobility programme. Since 2011, it has created new pathways into the legal profession for students from low socio-economic backgrounds. The programme provides paid work experience at our London office and with our commercial client partners, enabling students to build confidence, networks and insight into life in a commercial law firm. Many alumni have gone on to establish successful careers in the legal sector, including at Ashurst.

"Participating in Access Ashurst was a turning point for me as it made me believe that a legal career was possible, even with the personal struggles that I had faced. Growing up in a working-class area, I had very little understanding of how to access the legal profession and many people told me to lower my expectations when I expressed an interest in a legal career. Access Ashurst provided me with the necessary knowledge and support to pursue this career, but most crucially it helped instil a belief that I could belong in the legal field."

Watch this short video to learn more about our Access Ashurst and the positive impacts that the programme has had.

• Since 2016, we have welcomed over 260 students to our London office as part of the programme.
• Students have joined from over 150 schools across London and other parts of the UK.
• Each year, 200+ volunteers from Ashurst and our clients take part, sharing skills, experience and guidance.
• In 2021, we became one of the first law firms to pay Access Ashurst students the London Living Wage.
• To date, we have welcomed (or will soon welcome) five Access Ashurst alumni to our London office as solicitor apprentices or trainee solicitors.
• In 2022, we launched the Access Ashurst Award to support alumni with the costs of studying at university.

For further information, visit our Access Ashurst page.

Access Law

Access Law is a virtual programme that offers interactive information sessions on law as a career, alongside support to develop employability skills and commercial awareness. Students receive mentorship from Ashurst lawyers and have access to career guidance. The programme was created in recognition of the disparity in opportunities across the UK and the need for high-quality careers advice for students, irrespective of their geographical location.

"Participating in Ashurst's Access Law programme was transformative. The virtual sessions offered valuable insights into a legal career and helpful tips. Coming from a low socioeconomic background, it gave me the confidence and knowledge to navigate the legal industry. Engaging with professionals who shared their social mobility journeys made pursuing a legal career feel attainable."

Programme highlights

• Since 2022, we have welcomed over 480 students onto the programme.
• Students have joined from more than 390 schools across the UK.
• Each year, 60+ volunteers from Ashurst and our clients contribute their time, insight and support.

For further information, visit our Access Law page.