Associate

We are seeking to recruit an ambitious Corporate Associate (ideally with 3-4 years PQE) to support the continued growth and development of our Legal 500 tier 1 ranked Corporate team in either Bristol or Exeter. A friendly and welcoming team who prioritise finding solutions rather than problems, you will take time to understand what our clients wish to achieve and apply your expertise and experience to ensure delivering a desirable outcome.

You will be working with companies from entrepreneurial start-ups to international organisations, advising on a range of corporate transactions including M&A, venture capital, cross-border transactions, private equity investments, joint ventures and restructurings. You will be supported to develop your knowledge and expertise across the sectors, building relationships with a variety of clients encompassing private equity, venture capital and other funds, as well as public and private companies.

If you are looking to progress your career in a firm that can truly compete with the breadth and quality of work of London firms, along with the opportunity to work with Partners and Lawyers with significant City experience, this is a great opportunity for you.

Who you are

With a proven track record of working for a successful corporate team, you will be a strong communicator with sound technical and organisational skills. With the desire to work for a first class team, you will be focused on delivering exceptional client service, with a sound understanding of M&A, venture capital and private equity.

Our relationships with clients sit at the heart of what we do. You will be able to demonstrate your ability to build strong, long‑lasting relationships and show a genuine commitment to understanding their commercial objectives. Self‑motivated and ambitious, you will have a strong interest in the corporate landscape, from M&A and private equity to venture capital and broader market trends, and the drive to help us continue to grow and develop our practice.

In a fast‑moving market, clients look to us to provide commercially informed, up‑to‑date advice. You will therefore bring a genuine enthusiasm for corporate law, an awareness of the latest legal and market developments, and an understanding of how these can impact the businesses we support.

In return, we will actively support your career progression and professional development, helping you to strengthen your sector knowledge, broaden your professional networks, and make the most of business development opportunities as you continue to build your profile.

At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work. When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.

With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career. Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way. Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.

Our offer

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

What’s next?

Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.

We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.

At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at talentattraction@ashfords.co.uk.

For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Toby Tompkins, Talent Attraction Manager - t.tompkins@ashfords.co.uk. Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.