How did you get to your current job position?
I received my current graduate job through the Ashurst clerkship process. In January 2021 I clerked in the International Projects Group (Energy) team, where I was exposed to a variety of different front-end renewable energy and electricity work. The clerkship process was an invaluable experience both professionally and personally, as I was able to gain practical experience working in a busy team as well as connecting with, and receiving guidance from, those in the office. I was fortunate enough to paralegal after my clerkship and later received an offer to commence my graduate position with Ashurst in March 2023.
How did you choose your specialisation?
As a Graduate, I am currently rotating through the Project Finance team. One of the reasons I chose banking and finance is because it is not an area of law that my university offered any specific units on, however, it interrelates with a variety of other practice groups. As banking and finance are not tied to State legislation, the prospects of working on cross-border matters with international clients were appealing and within my first month, I have already assisted on matters run out of our Singapore office. Project Finance has exceeded my expectations.
What was your interview process like?
My interview with the Counsel (now Partner) and HR was conversational which instantly made me feel more comfortable (as interviews can be quite nerve-racking!). I felt as though both interviewers took the time to consider my cover letter and resume so that the questions related to me personally. The interview felt like a two-way street, allowing me to get to know more about Ashurst's values and collaborative culture, whilst the interviewers gained insight into my skills and experiences.
What are your areas of responsibility as a junior lawyer?
As a junior lawyer, I have been fortunate to work on a range of interesting and challenging legal work, including drafting various finance and security agreements, conducting due diligence enquiries, and preparing presentations. I work closely with all members of the team at all levels from Partner to Associate. The work is exciting and varied, and is providing me with great insight into life as a banking and finance lawyer!
Can you describe a typical workday?
My typical day generally starts by getting a coffee with some of my fellow graduates and reading through my emails. I will then create a daily plan of the work I need to complete (factoring in any meetings or training I need to attend) and start working through that list. No two days are the same, so my daily plan is constantly changing but I enjoy being kept on my toes. At the end of the day, I find it helpful to email myself a summary of where I am at with tasks and any additional steps required so that I don't have to re-familiarise myself the following morning.
What are the career prospects for your job?
My graduate role will provide me with the opportunity to progress within the firm. Ashurst has a clearly defined program to assist graduates and lawyers in understanding what is required in order to progress to the next level, whether that be admission to practice or becoming a Senior Associate or Partner. My current goal is to develop my legal skills from the various practice groups I will rotate through this year. Additionally, there are opportunities to be seconded to different Ashurst offices around the world or to clients.
What do you love the most about your job?
I feel really fortunate to work at a supportive firm and be part of a team who cares about my development. The work I have been given so far has not been limited to tasks that my team knows I can complete, but rather tasks that consistently push me out of my comfort zone.
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current university student?