Referendariat
During your Referendarstation (traineeship), you will experience the work of a lawyer firsthand, giving you a comprehensive and authentic insight into the way we work and the culture at Ashurst Perkins Coie. As a trainee lawyer, you will work in an inspiring, dynamic, team-oriented environment with an international network of offices and lawyers. You will be able to work on challenging and groundbreaking matters that help develop your legal knowledge and skills, supported by a culture of inclusion, diversity, and collaboration.
We are looking for trainee lawyers throughout the year, so, if you are interested, please feel free to apply.
What we can offer you
Welcoming culture
Our people make our culture! It's a culture of collaboration, communication, and equality at all levels, and we want to welcome you into that.
Challenging work
You will have the opportunity to work on complex and challenging global client projects that improve your practical skills and give you valuable experience in dealing with clients.
Global Wahlstation
If you perform well and demonstrate excellent teamwork during your Anwaltsstation, we can offer you the opportunity to undertake your Wahlstation in one of Ashurst Perkins Coie's global offices, where you will gain valuable international experience.
Learning & Development
Our training program includes a variety of regular in-house legal know-how events and training courses to further develop the legal knowledge you acquired at university. To ensure you are fully prepared for the Second State Examination, you will receive a training voucher giving you access to various German Repetitors.
Social events
In addition to our day-to-day client work, we hold various social events, such as a regular Stammtisch for trainees, giving you the opportunity to network.
New work
We cultivate a "Duz" (first-name) culture at all levels and foster a flat hierarchy where we encourage you to build your autonomy and your skills in a supportive environment. Our small national teams work closely with their global colleagues on large matters, and we provide you with the technology and support to work remotely and in the office. For us, remote working is standard, and we provide financial support to help you set up your workspace at home.
The recruitment process
We look for people who have:
- A desire to work in a global environment
- A team-focused attitude
- An understanding of the overall economy
- A good command of English
- Passed their first state examination
- Ideally, gained experience in a large law firm
You will need to submit a short application, including your CV, most recent academic transcripts, and a short cover letter to help us understand who you are and why you're interested in the role.
You are welcome to apply in English or German.
You will meet face-to-face with members of your future team for an interview designed to assess your personal and technical skills. It’s also an opportunity for you to find out more about us, so please prepare some questions.
Testimonials
"As a German Referendar, I received a very warm welcome in the London office and was immediately integrated into the daily work routine. I was assigned a supervising associate who provided me with a variety of tasks and took time to answer my technical questions. I was assigned to the construction arbitration team, which mainly advises on large arbitration proceedings in complex construction disputes. One mandate involved payment claims by a construction contractor in connection with the construction of several bio-power plants. I was involved in the preparation of the oral hearing and was able to assist my supervising associate in drafting written witness statements, which are usually prepared by the lawyers."
Maximilian W, former trainee lawyer and now associate at Ashurst Perkins Coie
Applicant Resource Hub
For answers to all of your FAQs and information on application and interview tips, the benefits we provide, life at Ashurst Perkins Coie, our L&D programs and our commitments to diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
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Diversity, Inclusion & Opportunity
We have deep and enduring commitments to diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
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If you can’t find answers to your questions on this page or on the Applicant Resource Hub then please contact our Early Careers team.
Agencies
Agency submissions and candidate introductions will only be accepted with prior approval from a member of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Talent Acquisition team. To submit or introduce a candidate, an agency must have valid agreed terms of business in place with Ashurst Perkins Coie. Any agency submissions or candidate introductions made without prior approval or without the agreed terms of business in place will be considered invalid.