At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain practical legal experience while earning and learning from top professionals.
- Company: Join Burges Salmon, a leading law firm with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Earn from day one, with salary increases as you grow.
- Other info: In-person role based in Bristol, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Build a rewarding legal career with hands-on training and expert guidance.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and A Levels required; must be 16+ by summer 2027.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Want to earn while you learn from the best team in law? Our Legal Apprenticeship will give you practical insight into a career in the legal sector and help develop transferable skills that will be valued in any profession. If you're ready to build your future in law, you'll find the support, opportunities and community to help you thrive.
The programme at Burges Salmon is designed to support you every step of the way as you build a rewarding legal career. Our Legal Apprenticeship allows you to qualify as a solicitor by completing the Level 7 Solicitor apprenticeship over a period of six years. You will spend 4 days a week working at the firm under the supervision of qualified lawyers and 1 day studying towards formal legal qualifications. Our training provider is BPP University.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to spend time in several of our legal departments. All positions will be based at One Glass Wharf, our Bristol HQ, only five minutes' walk from Temple Meads station. As this is an in-person role, we'd love to hear from candidates who are excited about being part of our Bristol community.
We are taking on 4 legal apprentices to start with the firm in September 2027.
Entry requirements:
- GCSEs: grades 4 and above are essential. You will need to have achieved at least a 6 in Maths and English.
- A Levels / Level 3 qualifications: equivalent to BBB / 120 UCAS points.
- You must be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays 2027, have lived in England or Wales for at least 3 years and completed full-time education before the start of the apprenticeship.
- Unfortunately, we do not currently offer a graduate solicitor apprenticeship and therefore are not able to accept Law graduates onto our apprenticeship programme.
The application:
Once you submit your application form, you'll receive an email inviting you to complete two online assessments. Your application will not be considered until both assessments are completed.
- 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 judgement.
If you require any adjustments or have any accessibility requirements to complete these, please get in touch with the team.
Key dates:
- Apprenticeship application deadline – 9 November 2026
- Selection event at our Bristol office – 8 & 10 December 2026
- Vacation scheme (work experience week) – 15–19 February 2027
- Offers made – February/March 2027
- A-level and Level 3 qualification results – August 2027
- Apprenticeship start date – September 2027
Please note that selection events and the vacation scheme take place in person at the Bristol office on the above dates only.
What we offer you:
You will be earning from day one. Your salary will increase each year as you become more experienced.
Why Burges Salmon?
At Burges Salmon, brilliance belongs. We know that talented people thrive when they're supported, encouraged and given opportunities to grow. As a legal apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience, learn from expert lawyers and build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed for a successful career.
Legal Apprenticeship 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Apprenticeship
✨Get Yourself Involved with Local Law Firms
Jumping into your local legal scene can be a game-changer. Attend law-related events, lectures, and workshops in your area — these are perfect places to meet solicitors and barristers who might be looking for apprentices. Don't be shy! A friendly chat can turn into a potential opportunity.
✨Join Legal Societies or Clubs
Many universities and colleges have legal societies or clubs that host networking events and forums. Getting involved can greatly boost your visibility and connections in the legal field. Plus, you can learn a ton from fellow aspiring legal minds, which is a win-win!
✨Create a Strong Online Presence
Having a professional online presence is key — showcase your passion for law through platforms like LinkedIn. Share posts about legal topics that interest you, engage with law firms, and connect with professionals in the field to get your name out there.
✨Apply Directly through Us!
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for legal apprenticeships like the one with Burges Salmon. We’ve got loads of opportunities listed that can help you kickstart your career in law. Just make sure to tailor your application to each specific role!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:We're keen to see your understanding of legal principles in your application. Consider mentioning any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or projects that demonstrate your grasp of legal concepts, particularly any specific areas of law you're passionate about.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:As an aspiring legal apprentice, showcasing your analytical skills is key. Make sure your CV reflects any experiences where you've tackled complex problems or engaged in critical thinking. This could be through debate clubs, mock trials, or even relevant assignments – anything that shows you can dissect legal issues!
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Why Us?:In your cover letter, it's super important to convey your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship. Include why you're interested in this opportunity with Burges Salmon and how it fits into your career path. Show us that you’ve done your research on our firm and what excites you most about the work we do!
Keep it Professional, but be Yourself:Even though we’re in the legal sector, we appreciate genuine personality! While your application should maintain professionalism, don’t hesitate to let your individuality shine through. Use a tone that feels authentic to you, so we get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burges Salmon
✨Know Your Legal Fundamentals
Brush up on key legal principles and recent cases that are relevant to the role you’re applying for at Burges Salmon. We want to demonstrate not just knowledge, but also your passion for the law. It could be a smart move to highlight any coursework or projects during your apprenticeship that relate directly to the firm's focus areas.
✨Prepare for Hypothetical Scenarios
Expect to tackle hypothetical legal scenarios during the interview. Be ready to walk through your thought process on solving these problems. Practising articulating how you would approach a case can make a big difference. It shows your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet, which are crucial in law!
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Learning
As this is an apprenticeship, interviewers at Burges Salmon will be keen to see your motivation and eagerness to learn. Share examples of how you've taken the initiative in your studies or any related work experiences. Highlighting what you’ve learned so far will show that you’re ready to grow in the legal field.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools and Resources
Get to know the legal research tools and resources that are commonly used in the field. Familiarity with platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis could give you an edge. Being able to discuss how you would use these tools to support cases during your apprenticeship can impress your interviewers at Burges Salmon.
