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‘It’s about the things we offer’: How Ashurst attracts and retains staff
The Ashurst team is focused on delivering a “great place to work” for its people, which it credits for its fourth-place ranking in this year’s Legal Firm of Choice Survey.
Naomi Neilson
Head of HR Australia Richard Knox said the firm offers its people “an exceptional place to work” and its results in the survey “reinforces we’re on the right track”. Ashurst offers its staff new technology and innovation to keep up with the changing needs of clients.
Mr Knox said the firm is aware of the changes that are happening in the sector and in the client’s own world, and so are driven by the need to be innovating service offerings.
He added Ashurst has a “strong emphasis internally” to encourage staff to look for “the new and best way to do things”, including a collaboration across its global offices and drawing on the expertise available at the firm and beyond.
“We are also conscious that people want to bring their whole selves to work, so aside from our reputation for legal expertise and excellence, which is obviously a key reason people choose a firm and why clients retain us, it’s the other things we offer,” he said.
Ashurst has implemented a number of leadership programs focused on diversity and on putting global policies around domestic and family violence in place. This includes offering its people flexible working if an unavoidable situation arises.
“We are absolutely committed to welcoming talented candidates from all walks of life and backgrounds, and have been for many years,” Mr Knox said.
Mr Knox added the firm is also in the midst of a “full technology refresh”, and its these kinds of changes that attract new people to work at the firm. This comes down to how the firm recruits its people – including direct engagement with law schools, an active social media account, its day-to-day work with other firms and its media coverage.
“Retaining people is always a challenge because of all the prospects out there for the types of high-performing people attracted to Ashurst,” Mr Knox said.
“But really, it’s all about making sure people have the opportunities they want and need to progress and grow, which we can offer as a firm.”
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
