Last updated:
Burges Salmon
An independent commercial law firm offering a six-seat training programme, with particular strengths in corporate transactions, energy, infrastructure and public sector work.
About Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon is a single-office firm based in Bristol, founded in 1841. It competes at the top of its practice areas from outside London: in the 2026 edition of Chambers UK it holds 39 ranked practice areas and 17 of those are Band 1.
Its strongest sectors are energy and utilities, transport and infrastructure, agriculture and rural business, and private wealth, with a full commercial practice alongside them.
The firm was named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2025, and all of its training is based in Bristol, with no London office to move to.
The two-year training programme comprises six seat rotations, providing exposure to a range of departments. The final seat is usually spent in the intended qualification team, helping trainees prepare for the transition to associate.
Trainees work alongside associates, senior associates and partners, with departmental training and supervision supporting practical experience. Client secondments can provide an opportunity to understand how legal advice is used within a business or organisation.
For England and Wales qualification, the firm supports future trainees through the PGDL where required and SQE Plus preparation at the University of Law. Its official programme page currently lists a £9,000 maintenance grant for each course. Edinburgh trainees need a Scots law degree and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice before their two-year traineeship.
Practice areas & rankings
Burges Salmon has 39 ranked departments in Chambers UK 2026. Band 1 practices in the South West include corporate M&A, banking and finance, construction, employment, litigation, real estate and planning and environment. These rankings reflect the breadth of its commercial practice alongside its sector specialisms.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 1 for Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above in the South West in Chambers UK 2026, the practice advises national and international clients on acquisitions, private equity, public takeovers and reorganisations. Its sector experience includes energy, healthcare, leisure, transport and food and beverages. A recent example is advising Fasadgruppen on its £119.9 million acquisition of Clear Line Holdings.
Ranked Band 3 for Energy & Natural Resources: Power, Renewables & Alternative Energy, UK-wide, in Chambers UK 2026, the practice advises on renewable generation, nuclear power, storage and emerging technologies. Its work combines regulatory advice with property, environmental and financing issues. The team advised Progressive Energy and ENI on hydrogen production and carbon capture matters within the HyNet North West project.
Ranked Band 1 in the South West in Chambers UK 2026, the practice advises public and private sector clients on complex development and infrastructure projects. Work includes consenting strategies, compulsory purchase, regeneration and legal challenges. Energy projects are a particular feature, including wind farms, nuclear developments and pipelines.
The public procurement practice advises contracting authorities, utilities and suppliers on significant procurement projects and disputes. Its work involves helping organisations structure purchasing processes, manage risk and respond to challenges. This connects commercial decision-making with the requirements governing public spending and major public projects.
Awards
Law Firm of the YearLegal Business Awards 2025
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Apply online for either a vacation scheme or the direct training contract process. Candidates can apply to only one training contract recruitment route per cycle.
Winter vacation scheme applications close on 26 October 2026, with the Bristol scheme running from 30 November to 4 December. Applications for the spring and summer schemes close on 5 January 2027. The Bristol and Edinburgh spring schemes run from 12–23 April; Bristol summer schemes run from 31 May–11 June and 14–25 June.
The Bristol direct training contract deadline is 6pm BST on 21 June 2027, for a September 2029 start.
The process includes online assessments followed by a short application question exploring your interest in the firm and the steps you have taken to understand a legal career.
Explain why the firm’s work and training structure suit you. Connect your interests to a particular sector or matter, then show what you have done to investigate that interest. Avoid simply listing departments or repeating the firm’s values.
Use examples that demonstrate your decisions and contribution. Explain how you approached a challenge, responded to feedback or adapted when circumstances changed.
Burges Salmon: quick answers
How much does Burges Salmon pay trainees?
Burges Salmon pays first-year trainees £51,500, rising to £53,500 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Burges Salmon earn £78,000.
When is the Burges Salmon vacation scheme deadline?
Winter scheme opens 28 Sep 2026 and closes 26 Oct 2026 at midnight · assessment centres 9 or 12 Nov 2026 · scheme runs 30 Nov to 4 Dec 2026 · training contract starts Sep 2029 Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Burges Salmon take on?
Burges Salmon takes on around 30 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Burges Salmon use in its applications?
Applicants complete two online assessments: an untimed Emerging Talent Assessment, taking approximately 45 minutes, followed by a timed Critical Reasoning Assessment of approximately 45 minutes. The first explores workplace decisions, behaviours and preferences. The second assesses reasoning, including assumptions, evidence, arguments and conclusions. Neither requires prior legal knowledge. For the workplace assessment, consider the information supplied and the practical consequences of each response. Answer behavioural questions honestly. For critical reasoning, practise separating what a passage establishes from what merely seems plausible. Check the strength of the evidence and avoid introducing outside assumptions. Allow enough time to complete both assessments before the application deadline.
What grades do you need to apply to Burges Salmon?
To apply to Burges Salmon you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
Get the tools and support you need to succeed.