Ashurst is a leading international law firm, with a strong presence in the United Kingdom. Known for its expertise across a wide range of sectors and industries, Ashurst operates at the intersection of legal precision and commercial insight.
The firm has built a reputation for delivering high-value legal advice and practical solutions to complex business challenges, both domestically and internationally.
Services Offered
Ashurst provides a comprehensive range of legal services, with key specialisms including:
- Corporate and M&A
Advising on public and private mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity transactions, and corporate governance matters. - Banking and Finance
Expertise in structured finance, debt capital markets, project finance, real estate finance, and asset finance. - Dispute Resolution
Handling complex commercial disputes, international arbitration, regulatory investigations, and litigation. - Real Estate
Advising on investment, development, leasing, and planning matters, as well as high-value real estate transactions. - Employment and Incentives
Covering employment law, workplace investigations, employee incentives, pensions, and benefits. - Energy and Infrastructure
Specialising in large-scale infrastructure projects, renewable energy, transport, and public-private partnerships (PPP). - Intellectual Property and Technology
Advising on data protection, technology contracts, intellectual property strategy, and disputes. - Regulatory and Risk Advisory
Helping clients manage regulatory compliance, risk management, corporate crime, and governance issues.
Ashurst is particularly recognised for its strength in highly regulated industries such as energy, financial services, infrastructure, and real estate.
Company History
Ashurst was founded in London in 1822 by William Henry Ashurst. Over two centuries, the firm has grown from a local legal practice to a global legal powerhouse, with offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the United States.
The firm underwent a significant expansion in 2013, when it merged with Australian law firm Blake Dawson, broadening its reach and strengthening its position in the Asia-Pacific region. This merger created one of the largest law firms in the world by revenue and headcount, while reinforcing Ashurst’s status as a truly international player.
Today, Ashurst continues to evolve, maintaining its London headquarters while embracing innovation, diversity, and sustainable business practices.
Awards and Recognition
Ashurst has received numerous accolades and awards in recent years, reflecting its industry leadership and commitment to legal excellence. Notable awards and recognitions include:
- Legal 500 UK Awards – Frequently ranked in Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories for areas such as Infrastructure, Real Estate, and Banking & Finance.
- Chambers UK Rankings – Highly rated in multiple practice areas including Corporate M&A, Projects, and Dispute Resolution.
- Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards – Recognised for innovation in legal services delivery and digital transformation projects.
- Law Firm of the Year (various regional and sector-specific awards) – Praised for project execution, client service, and international collaboration.
These accolades reflect the firm’s consistent high performance, strong sector specialisms, and client-focused approach.
Client Reviews and Sentiment
Overall, client feedback for Ashurst in the UK is notably positive. Clients frequently commend the firm for its:
- Depth of Expertise – Praised for having specialist teams with deep technical knowledge, particularly in complex and regulated sectors.
- Commercially Minded Advice – Recognised for offering not just legal clarity but also commercially pragmatic solutions.
- Responsive Service – Clients often note Ashurst’s ability to work efficiently to tight deadlines, delivering high-quality advice in a timely manner.
- Collaborative Approach – Valued for its approachable, client-centred culture and ability to work seamlessly across teams and jurisdictions.
While a minority of clients have occasionally highlighted premium pricing as a consideration, the overall sentiment positions Ashurst as a trusted, highly capable legal partner for sophisticated transactions and disputes.
Address:
London Fruit & Wool Exchange, 1 Duval Square, London E1 6PW, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7638 1111
www.ashurst.com