Newly Qualified Solicitors (2026) in England

Newly Qualified Solicitors (2026) in England

England Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Burges Salmon LLP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Work on complex legal matters from day one and collaborate with industry leaders.
  • Company: Burges Salmon, a growing firm with a supportive and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and clear progression pathways.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Gain early responsibility and exposure to high-quality work in various practice areas.
  • Qualifications: Qualifying as a Solicitor in 2026 with relevant experience or strong interest.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Location: Bristol or Edinburgh

Terms: Permanent

Start date: September 2026

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2026 and deciding where to begin your legal career? At Burges Salmon, our Newly Qualified Solicitors work on complex, high‑profile matters from day one - supported by a collaborative culture, clear progression pathways and market‑leading expertise across our practice areas. We are looking to add to our cohort of internal qualifiers joining us in September 2026. As an ambitious and growing firm, we expect to recruit Newly Qualified Solicitors across a range of practice areas, subject to business need. While final vacancies are not yet confirmed, we anticipate opportunities in the following areas:

  • Dispute Resolution
  • Banking & Finance
  • Projects
  • Corporate
  • Funds

As part of your application, please indicate your preferred practice area(s). Selection processes and interviews are expected to commence from May onwards, with final allocations confirmed once internal qualification outcomes are known.

Why join Burges Salmon?

Our lawyers operate at the forefront of their specialist sectors, advising leading organisations on matters that shape industries, communities and the way people live and work. As a Newly Qualified Solicitor, you will gain early responsibility, high‑quality supervision and exposure to challenging and rewarding work from the outset.

Our values in action as an NQ

  • Ambition: Early involvement in complex matters, with structured development and regular feedback to support your progression.
  • Collaboration: Working closely with partners, associates and trainees across offices and practice areas.
  • Quality: Exposure to market‑leading work for prestigious UK and international clients.
  • Fairness & Respect: Transparent qualification processes and an inclusive approach to career development.

You will benefit from a clear and fair development and progression framework, working alongside industry leaders in a professional, friendly and supportive environment.

What We Offer

  • A supportive and collaborative working culture
  • Structured development and clear progression pathways for Newly Qualified Solicitors
  • Exposure to high‑quality, complex legal work across a range of sectors
  • A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and responsible business
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

What You’ll Need

  • To be qualifying as a Solicitor with the SRA or the Law Society of Scotland in 2026
  • Relevant experience or a strong interest in your chosen practice area(s)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach
  • The ability to manage a varied and demanding workload
  • A proactive mindset and a willingness to learn

We recognise that no two training contracts are the same. If you are qualifying in 2026 and can demonstrate strong potential and alignment with our values, we encourage you to apply.

Location and working arrangements

You will be based in either our Bristol or Edinburgh office, working closely with colleagues across both locations on UK‑wide and international matters.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer a fully accessible recruitment process and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.

Newly Qualified Solicitors (2026) in England employer: Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon is an exceptional employer for Newly Qualified Solicitors, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. With access to high-quality, complex legal work and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can expect a rewarding career path in either Bristol or Edinburgh, working alongside industry leaders in a friendly environment. The firm’s transparent qualification processes and structured progression pathways ensure that every solicitor has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact from day one.

Burges Salmon LLP

Contact Details:

Burges Salmon LLP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Newly Qualified Solicitors (2026) in England

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend events, join online forums, and reach out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

Ace the Interview

Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and practising common questions. Show your enthusiasm for the role and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their values. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but how you fit into their culture!

Tailor Your Approach

When applying, make sure to highlight your interest in specific practice areas. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in what they do. Use our website to find out more about each area and tailor your application accordingly.

Follow Up

After an interview or networking event, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to reinforce your interest and keep you on their radar. Plus, it shows you’re professional and courteous, which is always a plus in the legal world.

We think you need these skills to ace Newly Qualified Solicitors (2026) in England

Legal Knowledge
Interpersonal Skills
Collaboration
Workload Management
Proactive Mindset
Willingness to Learn
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Law:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the legal field. Share what drives you to become a solicitor and why you're excited about the specific practice areas you're interested in.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for Burges Salmon. Highlight your relevant experiences and skills that align with our values and the role of a Newly Qualified Solicitor. This shows us you’ve done your homework!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Burges Salmon LLP

Know Your Practice Areas

Before the interview, make sure you research the specific practice areas you're interested in. Understand the key issues and trends in those sectors, as well as how Burges Salmon operates within them. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

Burges Salmon values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Think of situations where you contributed to a group project or resolved conflicts, and highlight your interpersonal skills that align with their culture.

Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset

During the interview, share instances where you've taken initiative or gone above and beyond in your previous roles or studies. This could be through volunteering for extra responsibilities or seeking out learning opportunities. It’s all about showing that you’re eager to learn and grow.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that reflect your interest in the firm and its values. For example, you might ask about the mentorship opportunities available for Newly Qualified Solicitors or how the firm supports diversity and inclusion.