Ashurst

Here's what you need to know about the international powerhouse.

The Firm

Ashurst is one of Australia’s top law firms with a strong global presence.

Originally formed in the UK, it became a truly international force after merging with Blake Dawson in 2013. Today, Ashurst combines deep local expertise with a significant global platform, excelling in dispute resolution, M&A, and energy, resources, and infrastructure projects.

Ashurst boasts:

  • 500+ partners
  • 1,800+ lawyers
  • 31 offices globally
$112k
Graduate
$282k
Senior lawyers
$5m
Partner

Its History

Here’s how Ashurst came to be:

Early Days

Ashurst was founded in 1822 in London and grew into one of the UK's most respected law firms. In 2012, the firm merged with Blake Dawson, an Australian institution dating back to 1841. This combination significantly boosted Ashurst's presence in the Australian market, making it a key player in the country’s legal landscape.

The Merger

In 2012, Ashurst merged with Blake Dawson in one of the most significant law firm mergers in Australia. This merger gave Ashurst immediate access to Blake Dawson’s Australian offices, which included locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra, alongside a strong client base in energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors.

Growth and Expansion

Since the merger, Ashurst has continued to expand globally, further cementing its position as a leader in the legal industry. The firm reported £961 million in revenue for FY24, with growth across its international offices.

Recent Developments

Ashurst celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022, marking over two centuries of growth and adaptation. The firm has focused on strengthening its global and Australian practices, especially in areas like renewables, energy transition, and infrastructure projects.

What Ashurst does

Here are some of the firm’s areas of expertise + recent highlights.

Banking & Finance

Ashurst has routinely maintained a highly respected banking and finance practice.

  • Advised EnergyAustralia on its US$630 million syndicated facility, aimed at repaying existing debt and funding general corporate purposes.
  • Acted for CBA and other syndicate lenders in the US$412 million refinancing of Tasman Holiday Parks' portfolio across Australia and New Zealand.

Dispute Resolution

Known for its regulatory investigation and disputes.

  • Advised Noumi Limited in ASIC's voluntary disclosure contravention proceedings against the ASX-listed nuritional producers supplier.
  • Advised ASIC in its successful continuous disclosure proceedings against iSignthis Limited.
  • Acted for ANZ on matters related to the Banking Royal Comission.

Corporate and M&A

Strong player in M&A, frequently advising on big mergers and cross-border transactions.

  • Represented Nippon Life Insurance in its US$8.2 billion acquisition of Resolution Life and the subsequent purchase of MLC Limited from NAB for A$500 million.
  • Acted for Alcoa in its A$5.5 billion acquisition of Alumina Limited.
  • Advised 7-Eleven Australia on its A$1.71 billion sale to 7-Eleven International.

Energy, Resources, and Infrastructure

Strong credentials in energy, mining, and oil & gas, and highly regarded for its work on large-scale infrastructure projects.

  • Advised Vena Energy on financing the Wandoan South Battery Energy Storage System in Queensland, a Battery Storage Deal of the Year.
  • Represented a syndicate of lenders in the Murra Warra II Wind Farm project financing (209 MW, Victoria).
  • Legal advisor to the City of Melbourne on its innovative Power Melbourne community battery project.

(We got you – we keep this section updated regularly)

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The Numbers

Graduate Programs

Here's a breakdown of Ashurst's grad and clerk programs:

Graduate Program

  • Graduates: Ashurst takes ~79 graduates each year.
  • Ranking: Ashurst ranked 64th in Prosple’s Top 100 Graduate Employer Rankings.
  • Program: Ashurst graduates do a 12-month program, rotating in 3 practice areas.

Clerkship Program

  • Clerkship: Ashurst recruits approximately ~165 clerks each year. ‍
  • Ranking: Ashurst ranked within the Top 10 Most Popular Clerkship Employers.

The Competition

Ashurst's competitors include other top Australian law firms as well as global players:

Main Competitors

  • Herbert Smith Freehills
  • King & Wood Mallesons
  • Allens
  • Clayton Utz
  • MinterEllison
  • Corrs Chambers Westgarth
  • Gilbert + Tobin

‍Global Competitors

  • Norton Rose Fulbright
  • Macfarlanes
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