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Burges Salmon

Commercial law firm consistently ranked among the UK's most successful, with the highest market pay outside London. Voted RollOnFriday's "Best Law Firm to Work At" three years running.

Bristol, United KingdomUK rank #42Official website (opens in new tab)

Firm overview

At a glance

A clear starting point for understanding the firm, its opportunities and the information students should check before applying.

Head office Bristol, United Kingdom
Locations 6 office records
Practice areas 6 listed

Available routes

How can students join?

Student opportunities

Opportunities

Vacation schemes, training contracts, apprenticeships, insight programmes, work experience and other application routes.

United Kingdom - Spring Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Applications open: 2026-09-28
  • Programme dates: 12–23 April 2027
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-28
  • Programme: 12–23 April 2027
  • Who can apply: Anyone eligible to apply for the linked Training Contract, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Training Contract interview.
  • Expenses: No general scheme-expense amount was published on the checked official page.
  • Right to work: Burges Salmon does not sponsor work-experience placements. work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Spring Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Student information days

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol, Edinburgh

  • Programme dates: Bristol and Edinburgh Student Information Days for 2027; exact dates will be published by the firm.
  • Status: unknown

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Bristol and Edinburgh Student Information Days for 2027; exact dates will be published by the firm.
  • Who can apply: Years 10–13 or S4–S6 students.
  • Progression: Future applications.
  • Expenses: Travel expenses reimbursed up to £100; hotel accommodation support up to £80 may be available for eligible attendees travelling from farther away.
  • Travel support: Up to £100 travel reimbursement and up to £80 hotel support, subject to the firm’s published conditions.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Student information days official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Edinburgh Summer Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh

  • Applications open: 2026-09-28
  • Programme dates: 14–25 June 2027
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-28
  • Programme: 14–25 June 2027
  • Who can apply: Anyone eligible to apply for the linked Training Contract, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Training Contract interview.
  • Expenses: No general scheme-expense amount was published on the checked official page.
  • Right to work: Burges Salmon does not sponsor work-experience placements. work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Edinburgh Summer Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Bright Sparks work experience

Type: Work Experience

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Applications open: 2026-09-14
  • Closing date: 2027-01-04
  • Programme dates: 22–26 March 2027
  • Duration: 1 week
  • Places: Part of 48 annual Bristol places
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-14; Close 2027-01-04
  • Programme: 22–26 March 2027
  • Programme: 5–9 July 2027
  • Programme: 12–16 July 2027
  • Who can apply: Years 10–12 students in England or S4–S6 students in Scotland.
  • Eligibility: england years 10 to 12: true scotland s4 to s6: true
  • Application process: Online application
  • Progression: Future education, apprenticeship or graduate applications.
  • Expenses: Travel expenses reimbursed up to £100; hotel accommodation support up to £80 may be available for eligible attendees travelling from farther away.
  • Travel support: Up to £100 travel reimbursement and up to £80 hotel support, subject to the firm’s published conditions.
  • Accommodation support: Up to £80 hotel accommodation where appropriate.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Bright Sparks work experience official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Bristol Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Closing date: 2026-06-22
  • Programme dates: September 2028 start; six four-month seats.
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Places: Not separately published.
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Close 2026-06-22
  • Programme: September 2028 start; six four-month seats.
  • Who can apply: Penultimate and final-year law students, final-year non-law students, graduates and career changers.
  • Eligibility: career changers: true graduates: true law and non law: true
  • Academic requirements: No current official minimum degree or A-level threshold was located on the checked pages.
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Qualification as an England and Wales solicitor and consideration for available NQ roles.
  • Funding: PGDL and SQE Plus support through the University of Law, with a £9,000 maintenance grant for each funded course. maintenance grant per course gbp: 9000 pgdl supported for non law: true sqe exam support: true sqe plus supported: true university provider: University of Law
  • Right to work: Employment visa sponsorship may be available to successful candidates. Work-experience placements are not sponsored. employment sponsorship available: true work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Bristol Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Applications open: 2026-09-01
  • Closing date: 2026-11-09
  • Programme dates: 2027 intake; exact start date not published.
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Places: 4 per year
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-01; Close 2026-11-09
  • Programme: 2027 intake; exact start date not published.
  • Who can apply: School leavers meeting the published academic criteria.
  • Eligibility: four days work one day study: true school leaver route: true
  • Academic requirements: Published page describes the academic requirements; exact wording should be preserved from the live application page when the vacancy opens.
  • Application process: Online application Online assessments Assessment centre Interview
  • Assessments: Online assessments Assessment centre exercises Interview
  • Progression: Solicitor qualification.
  • Funding: Degree and professional qualification funded through the apprenticeship. salary paid: true tuition funded: true
  • Right to work: Apprenticeship funding and right-to-work eligibility apply.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Summer Vacation Scheme 2

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Applications open: 2026-09-28
  • Programme dates: 14–25 June 2027
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-28
  • Programme: 14–25 June 2027
  • Who can apply: Anyone eligible to apply for the linked Training Contract, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Training Contract interview.
  • Expenses: No general scheme-expense amount was published on the checked official page.
  • Right to work: Burges Salmon does not sponsor work-experience placements. work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Summer Vacation Scheme 2 official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Direct trainee solicitor application

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Status: variable
  • Who can apply: Eligible law and non-law students, graduates and career changers.
  • Eligibility: one training contract leading process per year: true
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Trainee Solicitor Programme.
  • Funding: PGDL and SQE Plus support, with £9,000 maintenance grant for each funded course. maintenance grant per course gbp: 9000 pgdl supported for non law: true sqe exam support: true sqe plus supported: true university provider: University of Law
  • Right to work: Employment sponsorship may be available for successful candidates. employment sponsorship available: true
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Direct trainee solicitor application official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - London Trainee Solicitor Programme

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Status: unknown
  • Who can apply: Eligible law and non-law students, graduates and career changers.
  • Funding: PGDL and SQE Plus support is available for eligible future trainees, with a £9,000 maintenance grant for each funded course.
  • Right to work: No London-specific wording published.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - London Trainee Solicitor Programme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Edinburgh Spring Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh

  • Applications open: 2026-09-28
  • Programme dates: 12–23 April 2027
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-28
  • Programme: 12–23 April 2027
  • Who can apply: Anyone eligible to apply for the linked Training Contract, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Training Contract interview.
  • Expenses: No general scheme-expense amount was published on the checked official page.
  • Right to work: Burges Salmon does not sponsor work-experience placements. work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Edinburgh Spring Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Summer Vacation Scheme 1

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Applications open: 2026-09-28
  • Programme dates: 31 May–11 June 2027
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-28
  • Programme: 31 May–11 June 2027
  • Who can apply: Anyone eligible to apply for the linked Training Contract, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Training Contract interview.
  • Expenses: No general scheme-expense amount was published on the checked official page.
  • Right to work: Burges Salmon does not sponsor work-experience placements. work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Summer Vacation Scheme 1 official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Bright Sparks work experience

Type: Work Experience

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh

  • Applications open: 2026-09-14
  • Closing date: 2027-01-04
  • Programme dates: 2027-06-07 to 2027-06-11
  • Duration: 1 week
  • Places: 10
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-14; Close 2027-01-04
  • Programme: 2027-06-07 to 2027-06-11
  • Who can apply: Years 10–12 students in England or S4–S6 students in Scotland.
  • Eligibility: england years 10 to 12: true scotland s4 to s6: true
  • Application process: Online application
  • Progression: Future education, apprenticeship or graduate applications.
  • Expenses: Travel expenses reimbursed up to £100; hotel accommodation support up to £80 may be available for eligible attendees travelling from farther away.
  • Travel support: Up to £100 travel reimbursement and up to £80 hotel support, subject to the firm’s published conditions.
  • Accommodation support: Up to £80 hotel accommodation where appropriate.
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Bright Sparks work experience official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Edinburgh Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh

  • Applications open: 2026-09-28
  • Programme dates: 2029 intake; exact date not published.
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-28
  • Programme: 2029 intake; exact date not published.
  • Who can apply: Candidates following or able to complete the Scottish qualification route.
  • Eligibility: scottish qualification route: true
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Qualification as a Scottish solicitor.
  • Funding: Support for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice is published; the precise maintenance amount should be confirmed against the offer. diploma support: true maintenance amount: Not separately confirmed
  • Right to work: Employment sponsorship may be available; Vacation Scheme placements are not sponsored. employment sponsorship available: true work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Edinburgh Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Winter Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Applications open: 2026-09-28
  • Closing date: 2026-10-26
  • Programme dates: 30 November–4 December 2026
  • Duration: 1 week
  • Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications open 2026-09-28; Close 2026-10-26
  • Programme: 30 November–4 December 2026
  • Who can apply: Anyone eligible to apply for the linked Training Contract, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
  • Application process: Online application form Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Assessments: Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment Critical Reasoning Assessment Initial blind review In-person assessment centre Group exercise Written exercise One-to-one lawyer interview
  • Progression: Training Contract interview.
  • Expenses: No general scheme-expense amount was published on the checked official page.
  • Right to work: Burges Salmon does not sponsor work-experience placements. work experience sponsorship: false
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Winter Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Business professional apprenticeships

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom: Bristol

  • Duration: 2–4 years
  • Status: variable
  • Who can apply: School leavers and other eligible applicants.
  • Progression: Department-specific qualification and continued employment.
  • Funding: Qualification funded through the apprenticeship; salary is vacancy-specific. qualification funded: true salary paid: true
  • Disability support: Reasonable adjustments are available for online assessments, interviews and assessment centres. Disabled candidates may also be supported through the Enabled Candidate Scheme and specialist WECIL support.
View United Kingdom - Business professional apprenticeships official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom support

UK Visa and Funding

UK qualification funding, maintenance support and published visa-sponsorship or right-to-work information for joining the firm in the United Kingdom.

Areas of work

Practice areas

The legal services and capabilities listed by the firm.

Banking and Finance

Commercial

Dispute Resolution

Second-biggest department at the firm, including real estate disputes, IP litigation, private client

Employment and Pensions

Real Estate

Corporate

Offices

Locations

Office locations and the student opportunities available in each location where confirmed.

United Kingdom, Bristol

Headquarters

United Kingdom, Edinburgh

Office

United Kingdom, London

Office

Career paths

Roles

Early-career routes, legal careers, knowledge and innovation roles, legal support and specialist leadership titles.

Partner

Trainee Solicitor

Two-year training contract, unusual six-seat structure (rather than the standard four)

Director

Confirmed via multiple named promotions in a single announcement

Solicitor

Access and inclusion

EDI

Recruitment adjustments, disability support, disability-specific programmes, mentoring, networks, partnerships and wider inclusion work.

Community and legal access

Pro bono

The firm’s published pro bono work, community projects, access-to-justice programmes and official partnerships.

Verified information for this section is being checked.

Firm research

Firm highlights

Published awards, sectors, notable work, clients and other information that helps students understand the firm.

Verified information for this section is being checked.