Attend client meetings and departmental briefings to see how we deliver advice at the highest level.
Participate in tailored skills sessions designed to develop your legal and professional capabilities.
Gain exposure to our cross‑sector approach, understanding how our teams collaborate to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
Build connections across the firm through social and sports events, immersing yourself in our inclusive and supportive culture - one where people genuinely enjoy working together.
A Culture That Supports You
Burgess Salmon is a firm where wellbeing, balance, and belonging are not just words - they shape how we work. We invest in our people from day one, and our vacation scheme reflects that. You'll see a firm where high-quality work goes hand in hand with a culture of respect, flexibility, and support.
Your Path to a Training Contract
If you impress us during your vacation scheme, you could be invited back for a training contract interview - a significant step towards your legal career with us. If we decide we're right for each other, you'll be offered a training contract commencing in September 2029.
Application Windows
- Spring Vacation Scheme: 12 - 23 April 2027
- Summer 1 Vacation Scheme: 31 May - 11 June 2027
- Summer 2 Vacation Scheme: 14 - 25 June 2027
… If you are successful in reaching the final stage, you will need to be able to commit to attending the vacation scheme at our Bristol office. As a firm, we are committed to providing an equal experience for all. Therefore, £450 would be paid to cover expenses.
Assessment Stages
Stage 1: Emerging Talent Assessment
- Online and untimed (approx. 45 minutes).
- Simulates realistic workplace scenarios.
- Assesses decision‑making, behaviours, and preferences.
- No legal knowledge required.
Stage 2: Critical Reasoning Assessment
- Timed online test (approx. 45 minutes), completed after Stage 1.
- Measures critical thinking and evidence‑based judgment.
- Focuses on evaluating arguments, assumptions, and conclusions.
- Based on reasoning ability, not prior knowledge.
Eligibility and Support
We recruit two years in advance so you can apply for a training contract from the second (or penultimate if you are studying a four-year course) year of a qualifying law degree or the final year of a non-law degree. We also welcome applicants that have graduated or are changing careers.
We invite you to disclose any disability, long‑term health condition, or impairment so that we can provide tailored support during your application. We can make bespoke adjustments to assessments, interviews, and other stages to ensure you have an equal opportunity to excel in our recruitment process. Applicants with a disability who meet our minimum scoring criteria will be offered a place at one of our assessment centres.
Spring & Summer Vacation Schemes 2027 (Bristol)
Are you ready to dive into the life of an award‑winning law firm voted as RollOnFriday 'Best Law Firm to Work at 2026' for the fifth year in a row? Our Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes offer a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what sets Burges Salmon apart, affirm built on the pillars of exceptional client work, deep sector expertise, a genuinely collaborative culture, and a real commitment to your personal and professional development. Whether you're still studying, fresh out of university, or changing careers, our vacation schemes are open to all eligible applicants, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
Gain Real Sector‑Specific Knowledge. At Burges Salmon, we are recognised for our strength across key sectors including energy and utilities, financial services, housing, infrastructure, transport, and technology. During the scheme, you won't just observe, you'll be embedded within our practice groups and gain high‑level, sector‑specific knowledge by working on live matters alongside specialists who advise some of the UK's most significant organisations. You'll develop an understanding of how commercial, regulatory, and legal issues intersect within specific industries, giving you a genuine head start in building the kind of sectoral insight that defines the best lawyers.
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Disability Confident Leader employer: Burges Salmon
Join a leading corporate tax team in a dynamic and inclusive environment that values both professional excellence and personal well-being. With a strong commitment to employee growth, our hybrid working model offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your career with your lifestyle. Located in vibrant Bristol or London, you'll have the chance to work on high-profile projects while being part of a diverse community that champions creativity and collaboration.
