Ashfords Solicitors - What we would expect from you as a trainee solicitor

We are delighted to announce that we won the 2006 LawCareers.net trophy for best training provided by a medium-sized regional firm and have been a Lex 100 listed firm in an amazing fifteen categories over the past two years, with work-life balance and friendliness gaining particular praise.

Academic ability:

We normally expect our Trainees to have obtained a 2:1 degree, or the equivalent. If however you have for some reason not reached your potential at University, please let us know why - we may still be able to take your application further.

Willingness to contribute:

It goes without saying that you will be expected to work hard during your Training Contract with Ashfords, and to play an active role in all of the client matters with which you are involved. We will also expect you to contribute in other ways to the continuing success of the firm, for example through marketing and going the extra mile for clients. Active teamwork is also always regarded very highly, both in professional and social terms.

The ability to take a creative commercial view:

The biggest difference between studying and practising law is the fact that clients are interested only in what can be achieved for them, and not in points of academic interest.

Clients' interests therefore always come first with us, and whether they are a large international company or a matrimonial client, they will always want to obtain the most creative and commercial result. This may be in pure monetary terms, or might take into account any continuing relationships with other people or businesses.

We will therefore expect you to develop your creative thinking and commercial awareness during your Training Contract.