Training Contract at Burges Salmon
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
About Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon is one of the UK's top regional law firms, operating from a single Bristol base with exceptional quality across corporate, real estate, and projects work. The firm is regularly ranked alongside national firms despite its regional focus.
Burges Salmon consistently tops trainee satisfaction surveys. The firm has a genuinely collaborative culture with low turnover and high retention on qualification. Partners are accessible and trainees are given real responsibility. The quality of work is comparable to national firms.
Training contract at a glance
Burges Salmon funds SQE preparation - Burges Salmon funds SQE preparation for all trainees in full, covering course fees and SRA exam fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover personally.
Preferred provider: University of Law
What Burges Salmon looks for
Academics
2:1 or above. A commitment to staying in Bristol is genuinely important to the firm.
Core values they screen for
Experience
Any commercial experience is valued. The firm actively seeks candidates who want to build a career in Bristol, not use it as a stepping stone.
Application timeline
Small intake - apply early.
Telephone screening followed by an in-person interview.
Case study, group exercise, partner interview.
Most offers made by end of Q2.
Application tips for Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon is strongly attached to Bristol - explain your genuine connection to or commitment to the city.
The firm regularly wins 'best firm to train at' awards - do not treat it as a fallback to London firms.
Note on the SQE: Some firms view positively candidates who have already passed or are actively preparing for SQE1. It signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →
Interview & assessment format
Process stages
- 1Telephone screening
- 2First-round interview
- 3Assessment centre (case study, partner interview)
Interview tips
- •Show genuine passion for Bristol and the South West.
- •Demonstrate awareness of the firm's particular strength in agriculture, rural, and projects work.
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
Retention on qualification is exceptionally high.
The quality of work rivals London firms in corporate and real estate.
SQE funding at Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon funds SQE preparation for all trainees in full, covering course fees and SRA exam fees. A maintenance grant is provided during the study period prior to the TC. The firm's SQE provider arrangement is confirmed in your training contract offer.
Preferred SQE provider: University of Law
The full qualification journey
TC + SQE - here's the complete path from application to the roll.
SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →
Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.
Your firm covers a lot - but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.
Ready to apply?
Applications are submitted directly via Burges Salmon's official graduate recruitment portal.
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