Ashurst LLP

Founded over 200 years ago in London, Ashurst continues to grow worldwide and has established 31 offices in 20 countries. In 2004, Ashurst opened its first U.S. office in New York. Since then, the firm has expanded its national presence with offices in California and Texas. 

Bicentennial Behemoth

William Henry Ashurst founded the firm in 1822. He was an attorney with a heart, and he is celebrated for supporting equal rights and the abolishment of slavery. Ashurst’s son, William, Jr., joined the firm in 1843. In the 1850s, partner John Morris was added to the firm. Morris hired Frank Crisp, who became one of the most well-known company lawyers in London and helped elevate the firm into a London powerhouse. Throughout the next hundred years, Ashurst Morris Crisp expanded—first in Europe, then in Asia and the Middle East, eventually merging with the Australian firm Blake Dawson in 2003. The merger led to the addition of approximately 2,000 lawyers in 16 countries. Shortly thereafter, Ashurst set its sights on the United States and opened offices in New York, California, and Texas.

Global Commitment

Although Ashurst is a global firm, its attorneys have a deep knowledge and understanding of local markets. Their perspectives make Ashurst a go-to firm for public-private partnerships and infrastructure deals. Lawyers often work on cross-border teams handling global lending transactions, structured products, tax and infrastructure matters, and derivatives. Attorneys in Ashurst’s U.S. offices work on major infrastructure projects involving roads, railways, airports, and green energy. 

In addition to stellar legal work, the firm takes a firm stand on social issues. Each office has its own pro bono program aimed at ensuring access to legal services for all. Pro bono efforts are focused on four areas: citizenship and displacement, gender rights and diversity, racial justice, and modern slavery. Ashurst also prioritizes diversity and inclusion efforts and offers affinity groups for women and LGBTQ+ people and advocates for disability awareness and multiculturalism. The firm is a leader in sustainability business practices. Ashurst is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by reducing paper usage and CO2 emissions caused by traveling and increasing water- and energy-use efficiency. 

Growing Talent

Investing in its talent is one of the ways Ashurst increases its success rate. Secondments within the firm and with clients are encouraged. The firm believes secondments contribute not only to attorney development but also to client relationships and business advancement. Associates can seek placement at foreign offices or with big-name clients such as Barclays, J.P. Morgan, and Lloyds. Notable perks include a 60/40 remote/in-office work schedule, a meditation app, and gym membership. Moreover, the firm has signed onto the Mindful Business Charter, placing mental health and well-being of employees atop the agenda.