updated on 25 October 2022
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Global law firm Ashurst LLP is launching a virtual experience programme for students, as part of an initiative to promote access to careers in the NewLaw division of the firm.
The free-to-access programme offers students the chance to increase their commercial awareness through experiencing an alternative legal career path to encourage innovation in an ever-evolving legal market.
Students will complete tasks that replicate the work of the Ashurst Advance team, allowing them to gain an understanding of how to shape and manage a NewLaw service delivery model for a client's lending project.
The practical skills and experience gained through completing this self-paced programme are invaluable for students considering a career in either NewLaw or traditional law. While the programme provides information on alternative careers, it’ll also help students develop a greater understanding of the ever-changing legal landscape and how firms adapt to these changes.
Students applying for traditional roles must understand the changes happening in the industry and the skills gained from this course can be used to enhance their CV.
The launch of the new programme means that the firm now offers seven virtual internship programmes designed to immerse participants into the world of law.
Ashurst’s Virtual Experience Programmes provide equal access to high-quality learning resources to students regardless of their background and have so far reached nearly 10,000 participants globally.
The programme offers a structured graduate career pathway, starting at a graduate level in the legal analyst team, with a range of potential roles and skills development opportunities available from this point onwards.
Carolyn O’Connor, Ashurst’s senior human resources manager for the national early careers programmes, said: “We as a firm have long been committed to promoting access to careers in law and as the legal industry develops, it’s important to show the next generation the wider variety of opportunities available to them.
“We’re proud to launch our Advance Virtual Experience Programme that will give students an insight into NewLaw as a service and the progress Ashurst Advance has made within the sector in developing new solutions that reshape clients' experience and add value to their businesses.”