Direct Training Contract 2028/2029

Direct Training Contract 2028/2029

We will be accepting applications to start in March and September 2028 and March 2029 from 5 January 2026.

Application Criteria:

You should be on track to achieve a good 2:1 (or equivalent) in your undergraduate degree. If you haven't met this criterion and there are mitigating circumstances, there will be an opportunity for you to provide us with this information in your application. (These may need to be evidenced by a doctor, where relevant, and an academic reference). This information will be requested of you at the appropriate time.

Application Process

• Step 1: Complete an online application form

• Step 2: Once all applications close on 27 March 2026 you will be sent a link to complete our online testing.

• Step 3: Online assessment centre where you will be asked to complete a written case study

• Step 4: In person group task and interview with HR and an Associate/Senior Associate

• Step 5: You will be invited to attend an interview with 2 of our Partners. This will also include a task involving a case study to test your commercial awareness

(Please note that steps 4 and 5 will take place in person in our London office).

Applications are open to final year students and graduates of all degree disciplines, as well as penultimate year law students. Assessment centres and interviews will commence in May and June 2026. Training contracts will commence in March and September 2028, and also March 2029.

Notes:

Online testing links will be sent after the closing date of Friday, 27 March 2026. You will be given a set period of time to complete the assessment. We are unable to provide any extension to this timeline unless there are extenuating circumstances. If you do not complete the tests within the timeframe, we will be unable to proceed with your application. Should you require adjustments please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be on hand to assist.

We do not recruit on a rolling basis and will look at all applications after the deadline.

Please note that if you have already made an application for our Winter Vacation Scheme 2025 or Summer Vacation Scheme 2026 and have been unsuccessful, you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy. We would ask that you reapply again in the next recruitment window which will be August 2026 onwards.

Find out more about us :

If you would like to find out more about Ashurst and develop your skills, why not consider undertaking one of our virtual experience programmes before applying to us. You may also wish to visit our Emerging Talent Hub which has many resources available regarding our application process along with lots of insights from our people. You can access the Hub and our Virtual Experience programmes directly from our Early Careers Web pages.

We will also be running a virtual mini series called Ashurst Unpacked during February and March, the series will give you the opportunity to connect with our lawyers, trainees and early careers team which will give you further insight into our work, culture and values. Visit our UK Events page to sign up to attend, candidates are encouraged to attend as many sessions as they wish and sign up is quick and easy.

For further information on candidate eligibility, our application and assessment process, key dates a well as general FAQs please visit our website.