This UK firm’s two US coastal offices pack a mighty punch in the world of public-private partnerships.
Ashurst has carved quite the reputation in public-private partnerships (known as PPP or P3), working with government agencies and local public authorities as well as project sponsors and lenders. Ashurst has just two domestic offices: the original in New York, and Los Angeles which opened in 2020. Look globally and you’ll realize this is far from a boutique: Ashurst has 28 offices worldwide and associates told us they work regularly with their colleagues overseas, handling the US aspects of any given deal. Projects and projects finance is the name of the game: it’s in these that the firm scores its sole Chambers USA ranking.
View the firm's Chambers USA rankings here>>
Associates say…
"The projects group was growing and that was what drew me."
"I chose the firm because of its market-leading projects and project finance group."
"The US banking group allows me to do cross-border deals which is what I wanted."
Strategic recruitment focuses 2022
Strategic recruitment focuses: Banking & finance*, project finance, M&A
Key clients: Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Georgia Department of Transportation, City of San Jose, the Metro Flood Diversion Authority
Recent highlight: Advised Austin Transit Partnership on Project Connect, a $7.1 billion transit expansion plan in Central Texas.
Ashurst's banking and finance arms encompasses global loans, securities, capital markets, and derivatives work.
Read more about the firm's New York office here.
International opportunities and secondments
International secondments: London
Client secondments: ANZ, Barclays, J.P. Morgan, Macquarie and Lloyds
Career development & the path to partnership
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3 |
1 : 2 |
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lateral associate |
associate:partner |
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The view from the firm: Ashurst provides associates with training and Development; guidance on business development; leadership opportunities, and mentoring.
Associates say…
“I like the the way people are building up one another’s careers.”
Hours & compensation
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Salaries |
2,000 Billable hours |
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The view from the firm:
As of January 2021, associates and counsel in the US offices will be eligible for year-end bonuses based on a combination of factors. In awarding bonuses, the firm will consider, among other things, the following factors:
•Fee earner meeting the discretionary 2,000 billable hours requirement, which will allow credit for
◦(a) up to 100 hours for pro-bono matters,
◦(b) up to 52 hours for Knowledge and Expertise work, and
◦(c) in the firm's sole discretion, other productive time, including but not limited to, Business Development, Diversity & Inclusion, Recruitment, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and L&D initiatives.
•Fee earner must be employed by the firm and in good standing when bonuses are awarded and paid. This includes:
◦meeting applicable performance measures;
◦admission to the NY or CA state bar (applicable only to non-US lawyers who are requalifying in these jurisdictions);
◦time-entry delay (TED) of 1.0 or less (reported to 1 decimal place) as reported in 3E or applicable time keeping system.
All bonus awards are discretionary and will reflect the final decisions of the US partners. Hours targets and bonus awards are subject to customary pro-ration for, among other things, start dates, part-time working arrangements, secondments and unpaid leaves of absence, and as otherwise determined by the firm.
Is Ashurst the right firm for you?
The view from the firm: We employ lawyers of the highest calibre with technical knowledge, industry experience and regional know-how to create a bespoke teams to best meet the needs of our clients. We seek talent that represents a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and paths to success.
What stands out about the firm's culture?
“It is collaborative, supportive and inclusive.”
Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing
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44% |
25% |
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of partners |
of partners |
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The view from the firm: Our Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging strategy allows us to offer exceptional service to our clients and create an extraordinary place for our people to work. Click here to find out more.
Pro bono
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33 |
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average pro bono |
The view from the firm:
We are committed to creating a leading pro bono practice on a global scale. We consider pro bono as a stand-alone legal practice. This results in quality legal services for our pro bono clients. These legal services are provided in accordance with our established pro bono criteria which states that pro bono is the provision of legal assistance free of charge:
to disadvantaged and marginalised people of limited means;
to non-profit organisations and social enterprises assisting people who are disadvantaged and marginalised, where payment of legal fees would unreasonably deplete the organisation's economic resources; and
in matters for the public good of broad public or community concern.
Our global pro bono practice has four priority areas including: Citizenship & Global Displacement; Gender Rights & Diversity; Racial Justice; and Modern Slavery. Our pro bono team also has expertise in law reform and the role pro bono can play in responding to crises.
We have had a global pro bono partner since the merger between Ashurst LLP and Ashurst Australia in 2013. Prior to that Ashurst Australia had a national pro bono partner, appointed in 2007. Our global pro bono and corporate responsibility partner, Sarah Morton-Ramwell, aims for each of our offices to operate a leading national pro bono practice. Sarah also recognises the importance of taking on cross-border pro bono projects which enable our offices to work together to tackle global and regional social justice issues. Alongside our pro bono legal work, we also play an active role around the world in supporting the development of local pro bono culture, infrastructure and collaboration.
Sustainability and CSR
The view from the firm: Sustainability is an issue that affects everyone. Ashurst is committed to the fight against climate change through the work we do and the decisions we make with regards to our business. We have appointed a Global Sustainability Partner, Anna-Marie Slot, to assist clients navigate the strategic challenges and opportunities presented by sustainability issues. These roles will work alongside sustainability advocates in each of the firm's offices around the world to drive sustainable initiatives both with our clients and within the markets that we operate. We believe our integrated approach to climate change risk, green finance and wider environmental issues is how we can best achieve our aim of becoming a leader in sustainability.
Contact
See opportunities at the firm here>>
Recruitment contact: Alexandra Pecora, US Recruiting and Professional Development Advisor, Careers.US@ashurst.com
Visit the firm's website here>>