Careers

People & Culture Consultant - Early Careers

Ashurst's (People & Culture), London

Recruitment

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com .

Department/Role overview

To facilitate the smooth running of day to day trainee HR and development matters through efficient execution of operational practices and duties. Assisting in attracting and recruiting top-quality trainees and vacation visitors to the firm through campus engagement and events.

Main responsibilities

Programme Management

• Collaborate with the Early Careers team to manage all aspects of trainee solicitors' induction.
• Offer initial guidance and advice to trainees regarding practice and procedures, emphasizing performance management and personal growth.
• Systematically coordinate seat moves, communicate with Trainee Partners, and escalate issues to the Senior HR Manager when needed.
• Ensure the smooth operation of client and international secondment processes.
• Meet individually with trainees regularly to monitor workload, development, and ensure appropriate division assignment.
• Initiate appraisals and mid-seat reviews, providing support to supervisors as needed.
• Conduct supervisor training and where applicable provide coaching for effective performance discussions.
• Oversee the supervision and performance of trainees with Trainee Partners and relevant HR managers as needed.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes.
• Coordinate with the ASC People team to update the HR database every six months with seat/secondments, level codes, and payroll modifications.
• Support the Senior HR Manager with the qualification process.
• Facilitate a smooth transition to qualifying departments for those remaining within the firm.
• Serve as the main point of contact for future trainees, managing the Keeping in Touch program.
• Communicate with the University of Law to track the performance and development of future trainees.
• Enhance the graduate program's return on investment by refining candidate experience, attraction to Ashurst, selection and assessment processes, and the development of legal skills and practice.

Attraction & Recruitment

• Helping the early career team screen application forms
• Interviewing candidates for vacation schemes and training contracts with the Early Careers Team.
• Using feedback to aid in hiring decisions.
• Using CV Mail for reporting with the Early Careers Team.
• Assisting with vacation schemes, including briefing supervisors, organizing senior speakers and events, distributing tasks, and speaking at presentations.
• Supporting the National HR Manager in recruiting top trainees and vacation visitors, particularly through campus programs and vacation schemes.
• Helping vacation visitors with firm queries, applications, and interviews; conducting feedback sessions with the Early Careers Team.
• Contributing to and presenting at in-house recruitment events.
• Supporting the Early Careers Team with all attraction and recruitment activities as needed.

Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in HR and the graduate/higher education market
• Confident communicator at all levels with excellent relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of HR best practices and employment law
• Strong client focus and attention to detail
• Persuasive, confident, and hardworking, with the ability to manage workload independently, especially during busy times
• Flexible and proactive with a positive attitude and ability to generate new ideas
• Team player who contributes to the success of the Early Careers team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

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