Ashwin Rajan

Ashwin studied a combined Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) and Bachelor of Law at The University of Melbourne. He joined Linklaters in September 2008 and has already worked on groundbreaking, headline-making deals.

First impressions.

You can’t overstate the importance of first impressions. It’s undeniable that the people at Linklaters are impressive and completely engaging whatever their level. I still remember the energy, enthusiasm and expertise of the partners I met on the firm’s annual Australian recruitment drive. They really stood out and certainly added to the attraction of training at Linklaters.

Typically different.

Linklaters sets the bar high. We’re an ambitious firm – seeking to be the leading premium law firm across the globe, and the culture reflects that. The people are determined, yet all down to earth and very relaxed. And our international presence means there is no ‘typical’ Linklaters person. The resulting culture is an amazing mix of backgrounds and languages that leaves everyone feeling at home. The deals we’re involved in are also highly engaging.

Doing what’s never been done before.

I’d never experienced the thrill of a milestone transaction before and I’ll certainly never forget it. Rio Tinto is one of the world’s leading mining and exploration companies. We were to advise Rio Tinto on a $15.2 billion rights issue – a move intended to provide a comprehensive solution to financial concerns in a difficult economic climate. It was an extraordinary transaction because it was the largest ever rights issue outside of the financial services sector and the first rights issue by a dual-listed company anywhere in the world.

Being prepared for anything.

Just like the groundbreaking deals, the training and development at Linklaters never ceases either. In addition to the initial training and induction, including being a part of the firm’s inaugural ‘New Lawyer Global Orientation Programme’, I’ve also had exposure to practice group specific training. In our banking practice, this took the form of weekly training on topics affecting trainees, as well as ad hoc presentations on key issues. In the corporate practice, we have weekly group sessions, as well as monthly knowledge sharing lunches.

Going Far East.

I’ve expressed a strong interest in gaining exposure to our expanding Asian practice, and the firm has supported me in taking weekly Mandarin lessons with a private tutor to prepare me for a six-month secondment to Hong Kong. As the global economy struggles to its feet, I couldn’t think of a better place than Asia to witness firsthand how the emerging markets recover. And of course, there’s always the view of the Hong Kong skyline from the deck of the firm’s Junk in Hong Kong harbour!