Ashurst

Ashurst is a multinational law firm with headquarters in London and a global presence. Founded in 1822, the firm has a rich history and is named after its founder, William Henry Ashurst. With 31 offices spread across 15 countries, Ashurst combines a global reach with in-depth knowledge and understanding of local markets. The firm boasts a team of over 3,600 progressive thinkers driven by a strong desire to assist clients in achieving their goals.

Ashurst is known for its exceptional legal services and is home to more than 400 partners, who are lawyers of the highest calibre with industry experience and expertise. The firm's areas of expertise encompass mergers and acquisitions, corporate and structured finance, investment funds, antitrust, energy, transport and infrastructure, intellectual property, IT, dispute resolution, financial services, tax, real estate, regulatory matters, telecommunications, and employment.

Recognized for its excellence, Ashurst has received numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding work. With a strong focus on delivering top-tier legal services, Ashurst continues to be a leading law firm, ranking 56th in the list of the world's 200 largest law firms by revenue and 7th in the list of the largest UK law firms by revenue.

Ashurst's dedication to providing comprehensive legal advice across a wide range of practice areas, combined with its global presence and commitment to client success, solidifies its position as a prominent player in the legal industry.

Ashurst, originally known as Ashurst Morris Crisp, has a long and storied history dating back to its establishment in 1822 at 6 Old Jewry in the City of London. The firm was founded by William H. Ashurst, John Morris, and Sir Frank Crisp. In 2003, the firm rebranded as Ashurst LLP and faced challenges with lagging profits and the risk of a contracting workforce. However, under the leadership of senior partner Geoffrey Green and managing partner Simon Bromwich, the firm began to see progress. They actively managed the partnership, improved the M&A practice, strengthened investment banking links, and addressed quality issues in their foreign network. Despite the global financial crisis in 2008, Ashurst steered itself out of trouble and experienced a resurgence in profits and revenue.

In 2012, Ashurst merged its Asian business with Australian law firm Blake Dawson, which was subsequently renamed Ashurst across all offices. Blake Dawson had a rich history of its own, tracing back to 1841 when James Hunter Ross established a practice in Melbourne. Over the years, Blake & Riggall and Dawson Waldron emerged as significant players in the legal systems of Victoria and New South Wales, respectively. The merger brought together lawyers from major commercial centres in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, expanding Ashurst's presence and resources. With the combination, Ashurst became a global firm with 1,600 lawyers and 2,820 staff across 24 offices, operating in various sectors such as energy and resources, infrastructure, and financial services.

Today, Ashurst continues to thrive as a multinational law firm with a strong reputation and a global network of offices. The firm's rich history, mergers, and growth reflect its ability to adapt and provide comprehensive legal services to clients worldwide.

Ashurst's mission is to be a highly progressive global law firm that provides comprehensive and expert legal advice to corporates, financial institutions, and governments. With a history spanning over 200 years, Ashurst has been at the forefront of advising clients on complex transactions, disputes, and projects. The firm's global network enables them to offer extensive reach and valuable insights into local markets.

As a socially and environmentally responsible firm, Ashurst is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its organization. They prioritize creating an inclusive, diverse, and belonging environment where every individual is valued and respected. They also dedicate resources to pro bono work, aiming to assist marginalized and disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Ashurst recognizes its social impact and strives to deliver positive outcomes for its employees, clients, the legal profession, the environment, and the community. They are dedicated to sustainable business practices and understand their role in addressing climate change as a global business.

The firm's values underpin their culture and guide their interactions with one another, clients, and broader stakeholders. These values serve as a foundation for their commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, and client-centricity. By upholding these values, Ashurst aims to maintain its position as a trusted and forward-thinking legal partner in an ever-evolving world.

Ashurst's vision is to be a highly progressive global law firm that continuously adapts and excels in a rapidly changing world. They aspire to be at the forefront of legal innovation and deliver exceptional value to their clients. With a rich history of over 200 years, Ashurst combines their deep expertise with a forward-thinking mindset to anticipate and address the evolving needs of their clients and the legal industry.

As a visionary firm, Ashurst seeks to go beyond traditional legal services and embrace a holistic approach to client solutions. They understand that providing excellent legal advice is just the starting point, and they strive to add value by offering strategic insights, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of their clients' industries and markets. By staying ahead of emerging trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, Ashurst aims to be a trusted advisor that clients can rely on for guidance and support.

In addition to their commitment to legal excellence, Ashurst is driven by a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility. They envision a future where diversity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental principles within their firm and the broader legal profession. They actively work towards creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.

Ashurst also recognizes their role in promoting sustainability and addressing global challenges such as climate change. They strive to be leaders in sustainable business practices, integrating environmental considerations into their operations and advising clients on navigating the complexities of environmental regulations and responsibilities.

Ashurst offers a comprehensive range of legal services to cater to the diverse needs of businesses. With a 360° view of the business landscape, their team of experts provides valuable advice and solutions to help clients navigate legal complexities, maximize opportunities, and overcome challenges.

Their legal services cover various areas including Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Competition & Antitrust, Corporate and M&A, Digital Economy, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Financial Regulation, Intellectual Property, Investigations, Investment Funds, Projects, Real Estate, Restructuring, Insolvency & Special Situations, and Tax. Whatever the legal requirement, Ashurst's experienced professionals possess the knowledge and expertise to deliver effective solutions tailored to each client's specific needs.

Additionally, Ashurst provides services in the field of risk advisory through their Ashurst Risk Advisory division. This includes offering strategic advice and solutions to manage and mitigate risks, as well as providing board advisory services to assist organizations in enhancing their governance practices and decision-making processes.

With a deep understanding of the economic, political, and market conditions that impact businesses, Ashurst combines legal expertise with a commercial mindset. This enables them to deliver not only sound legal advice but also strategic guidance that aligns with clients' business goals. By keeping a pulse on the latest industry trends and regulatory developments, Ashurst ensures that clients receive up-to-date and relevant advice that helps them stay ahead in a competitive business environment.

Ashurst's commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience is evident in their dedication to understanding their clients' businesses inside out. By taking a holistic approach and considering the broader context in which clients operate, Ashurst goes beyond the traditional boundaries of legal services to provide comprehensive and tailored solutions.