2025

Why have you chosen to apply to Burges Salmon for a vacation scheme and what attracts you to our firm? (1,000 characters)

Participating in a vacation scheme at Burges Salmon presents a unique opportunity to immerse myself in an award-winning firm that stands out for its expertise across a range of practice areas. The firm’s Band 1 rankings in Transport Rail Franchising and Public Procurement underscore its market-leading capabilities across multiple fields. Attending the firm’s presentation evening gave me a sense of its commitment to technology, such as BScale, through in-house legal services that help clients develop innovative solutions. This subsequently fosters an entrepreneurial mindset in trainees while providing exposure to different sectors and the opportunity to work on cross-practice matters in contentious, transactional, and private client work. Training at a firm that both values and embraces diversity of thought is essential to me and creates a supportive and inspiring atmosphere in which to grow, making Burges Salmon an ideal place to undertake a vacation scheme.

What aspects of the solicitor role do you find most interesting? (1,500 characters) 

I find the intellectually stimulating nature of a solicitor’s role, particularly the problem-solving and client-focused aspects, most interesting. Working as a solicitor offers the perfect culmination of law, business, and economics. The role of a solicitor is very client-centric; understanding the needs and objectives of business growth allows solicitors to develop an entrepreneurial mindset to continuously untangle complex legal issues. Burges Salmon’s sector focus enables solicitors to refine their practice while having the opportunity to work cross-practice, further developing expertise. The continuously evolving nature of law ensures a trajectory of ongoing development and learning, which aligns with my personality.

I am especially drawn to transactional work, where solicitors manage negotiations, structure deals, and ensure all legal aspects align with clients’ goals. This tangible impact makes the role of a solicitor both enriching and rewarding. Burges Salmon’s collaborative approach to the legal industry resonates with my preference for working in cohesive teams to build on each other's strengths and deliver exceptional outcomes. Additionally, the variety within the role and exposure to different clients and industries allow me to build long-term relationships in a dynamic environment, which compliments well with my skill set.

Burges Salmon offers a six-seat training contract across a wide range of practice areas. Discuss 3 areas that you would be most interested in spending time in. (1,500 characters) 

After watching my father build a property management company, I am interested in the Real Estate Services industry. Divided into three areas, it offers tangible, impactful work that shapes infrastructure and communities. Burges Salmon’s reputation, especially in high-profile commercial developments and investments, appeals to me as it draws on both law and business. Working in this sector exposes me to diverse stakeholders, developers, investors, and public sector bodies, making it dynamic and rewarding. Its evolving nature also provides opportunities for continuous development. 

Additionally, Burges Salmon’s Corporate department offers the chance to work on transactional matters with both public and private companies, providing opportunities to identify and enhance business opportunities. The firm’s innovative in-house legal solutions enable solicitors to deliver tailored advice to clients. Working in the corporate department allows solicitors to assist companies at any stage of their business lifecycle. Burges Salmon’s expertise is evident in its annual aggregate deal value, which totalled over £3 billion in 2024. The firm's client-focused and collaborative approach to corporate law has piqued my interest in exploring this further.

Finally, I am particularly interested in working as part of the Projects team. This department's interdisciplinary approach would allow me to acquire skills applicable to a variety of legal fields. As one of the largest teams in the UK, the department provides real sector expertise to its clients. Working in this team would provide opportunities to manage and advise on complex projects while ensuring compliance throughout, as well as collaborating closely with clients. This was exemplified when the firm advised DEFRA on funding new grants and integrating them into existing systems, highlighting the opportunity to work on core advisory issues. The opportunity to contribute to such impactful work makes this an exciting area for me to pursue.

2024

Why are you applying to Burges Salmon for a vacation scheme? (Character Limit - 600)

I am drawn to Burges Salmon as the firm focuses on creating digital solutions ‘that really add value’ for its clients, as illustrated by initiatives such as the Employment Hub, designed to improve efficiency when working on employment matters – one of the firm’s key practice areas. Working as a podcast editor has required me to adapt and enhance my output and efficiency with the introduction of artificial intelligence. I am eager to join a firm like Burges Salmon that values and excels in using digital innovation in order to maintain excellence in an increasingly digitalised society.

As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon could face over the next five years?  (Character Limit - 1500)

Over the next five years, I believe that as an independent UK firm Burges Salmon will have to tackle two main challenges that are currently and will continue to affect the legal sector: the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal processes and changes to environmental enforcement.

As various artificial intelligence legal technology continues to be employed across city firms, it has become increasingly apparent that the use of AI is to become commonplace over the next five years. Indeed, last year the government announced funding to roll out AI across the NHS, with UK-specific HealthTech regulations also on the way. This presents a challenge for many UK firms, as it is crucial to use legal technology and its increasing capabilities to remain competitive, but also adhere with any new regulations.

Changes to environmental enforcement will continue to re-shape the legal sector, forcing UK firms such as Burges Salmon to constantly adapt and innovate to new government legislation. For example, the recent change to Variable Monetary Penalties, with the previous cap being scrapped, meaning the Environment Agency could now impose civil penalties without limits. However, what attracts me to Burges Salmon is the firm’s awareness to see this as an opportunity, not a challenge. The firm’s podcast ‘Environment Matters’, shows the firm's commitment to keeping up to date with the most pressing environmental developments and topics in UK law.

Burges Salmon operates in eight key sectors. Which of the sectors do you think will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year and why? (Character Limit - 2000)

Following the announcement of the Net Zero target, I think the Built Environment sector will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year. With industrial and logistics buildings underpinning the economy, balancing out the demands of occupiers for energy resilience in light of ambitious Net Zero targets has become an increasingly difficult task for the built environment sector. However, Burges Salmon’s expertise in this sector puts them in a position to retain and attract clients that are increasingly concerned with developing an on-site clean energy source in real estate projects.

The firm’s expertise in this sector is highlighted by the regeneration of the former Filton airfield, the birthplace of Concorde, to create a new community with 2,675 new homes and 62 acres of employment space, and more. YTL was advised at all stages of the acquisition by a cross-discipline team of experts from Burges Salmon, from real estate, planning, construction and environment teams. Indeed, Burges Salmon’s work was awarded the Property Deal of the Year in 2016 at the region’s annual major property awards ceremony. While YTL’s acquisition of Filton airfield was almost 7 years ago, the multi-disciplinary work of Burges Salmon to achieve success from a range of teams illustrates the firm’s strength in regeneration projects. In light of Net Zero targets, ensuring energy resilience for industrial and logistics is crucial for the development of the real estate market in the next financial year, and for years to come.

Work in this sector is also likely to be accelerated by the European energy crisis and the ongoing conflict in several Asian and Middle Eastern states, which highlights the UK's overreliance on fossil fuels and need for more renewable energy sources. By being forced to adopt a 'greener' approach to the real estate market, I think that developing, investing or maintaining the built environment will generate a lot of work for the firm.

2024

Why are you applying to Burges Salmon? (600 characters)

1. Burges Salmon’s reputation for supportive development, friendly working environment, and diverse sector areas.
2. Conversations with trainees at the [redacted] events and the Online Presentation Evening, the firm's dedicated approach to supporting new recruits. 
3. Driven by a passion for problem-solving, constructing compelling arguments, and working collaboratively, I am attracted to the rigour and variety of a commercial law firm 
4. As Employment Law Firm of the Year 2023, Burges Salmon meets my interest in training in employment law stemming from [redacted] and my Labour Law modules. 

As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon? (1,500 characters)

Smaller firms joining up and offering more one-stop-shop solutions to clients will increase competition for Burges Salmon. Competing with bigger firms will be a challenge and an opportunity for Burges Salmon to showcase its distinct value. It gives the firm drive to compete and improve its services. It offers clients a USP of a more personalised independent  service over the standardised larger firm service. Embracing a growth mindset, Burges Salmon can leverage the agility that independence gives, proactively seek development and learning opportunities. 

New technology also presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Burges Salmon. As the law undergoes rapid digitisation, the firm must adapt to new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and better serve clients, especially as clients' digital expectations are increasing. Challenges including internal resistance to change and external scepticism from clients, especially concerning the adoption of AI into legal business practices, could arise. Financial hurdles of upfront investments in licences, hardware upgrades, and employee training adds complexity to adopting new technology and concerns about data breaches and client confidentiality arise, necessitating a balance between innovation and security. Burges Salmon must address these challenges, and recognise the long-term benefits of new technological integration, hybrid working, and use it as a strategic advantage to gain more clients and improve firm operations.

Burges Salmon operates in seven key sectors. Which of the sectors do you think will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year and why? (2000 characters)

The energy sector will generate the most work because of the global enabling environment for renewables. The knock-on effect of the 2023 energy crisis and living prices will continue into the next financial year, as do desires for more renewable energy and climate conscious solutions. The legal sector continues to be placed under heightened scrutiny regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance practices. Factors such as ESG goals alignment, corporate liability, responsibility for carbon pollution, and the transition towards cleaner energy solutions to address societal climate concerns will contribute to an increased workload in this sector. Therefore, a continued demand for services related to renewable energy solutions. This will include navigating the implications of the Energy Act 2023, new commitments, and standards from international climate COP conferences, and assisting clients in meeting elevated expectations amid growing political pressures for businesses to adopt environmentally responsible practices globally.

As highlighted by Ross Fairley in a blog post, the significance of expanding green industries for economic growth resonates with 82% of UK voters. This widespread public interest indicates the continual expansion of this sector and its workload for the next financial year. Fairley also sheds light on the challenges hindering developments in the green energy sector, demonstrating industry nuances and Burges Salmon's capability to proactively address these challenges, which is attractive to clients.

Indeed, emerging AI and its increasing adoption is relevant to the energy sector via climate data tracking, AI determined power grid optimisation, and broader business operations, will contribute to the workload. AI introduces new regulatory considerations and necessitates heightened internal business monitoring, providing further reason for clients to seek guidance in navigating this evolving landscape.

2024

1. Why are you applying to Burges Salmon for a vacation scheme? (600 characters)

Having first been introduced to Burges Salmon through “Life as a projects lawyer”, I was drawn in by hearing about the firms’ culture. It’s important that Burges Salmon holds similar values which was clear through BBalanced and BCultured and hearing of open and supportive training. Preferable location to my hometown while also not sacrificing top-tier opportunities was a priority and Burges Salmon offers a uniquely perfect balance with training completed in Bristol but working on projects like Anglesey’s Energy Island programme or the purchase of submarines by the Ministry of Defence.

2. As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon could face over the next five years? (1,500 characters)     

Over the next five years, some of the challenges include economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, technology disruption and global competition. Economic volatility, especially post-pandemic and with unpredictable global economic and political conditions, can impact clients' businesses and legal requirements, affecting law firms' revenue streams. Ongoing changes in regulations may require firms to adapt quickly, invest in training, and stay ahead of legal developments. The legal industry is undergoing a digital transformation. Burges Salmon needs to invest in technology to stay competitive but adapting to new tools and platforms may pose a challenge as a business themselves and also how they interact with and advise their clients.There are also opportunities for Burges Salmon including technology integration, international expansion, specialisation and sustainability. Embracing legal technology and leveraging AI tools can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and provide innovative solutions for clients and Burges Salmon as a business, offering a competitive edge. With Net Zero as a priority across the world, focusing on specific industries within this global initiative can provide a competitive advantage. Firms that adopt environmentally friendly practices and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, as Burges Salmon does, may attract clients with similar values. This would keep Burges Salmon growing on a global scale with Net Zero and sustainability being a priority across the globe.

3. Burges Salmon operates in eight key sectors. Which of the sectors do you think will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year and why? (2,000 characters) 

If Burges Salmon continues its significant focus on the Net Zero sector, here are some reasons why the Net Zero sector might generate substantial work for the firm in the next financial year:

Global Emphasis on Sustainability: The world is increasingly focused on achieving net-zero emissions to combat climate change. Governments, businesses, and organisations are adopting sustainability goals, creating a surge in legal work related to renewable energy, carbon reduction, and environmental compliance.

Regulatory Changes: Governments worldwide are implementing new regulations and policies to achieve net-zero targets. Legal expertise will be crucial for businesses navigating these changes, ensuring compliance, and seizing opportunities in the evolving regulatory landscape.

Renewable Energy Projects: The transition to a net-zero economy involves a significant increase in renewable energy projects. Burges Salmon, if involved in the energy sector, may see a rise in work related to advising clients on the development, financing, and regulatory aspects of renewable energy initiatives.

Corporate Sustainability Strategies: Companies across industries are adopting sustainability strategies to align with global climate goals. This includes emissions reduction plans, sustainable supply chain practices, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Legal advice will be essential for firms implementing and navigating these strategies.

Green Finance and Investment: The finance sector is increasingly incorporating environmental considerations into investment decisions. Burges Salmon might find increased demand for legal services related to green finance, sustainable investment, and environmental due diligence.

Climate Litigation: With the growing awareness of climate-related risks, there is an uptick in climate litigation. Law firms specialising in environmental law may find increased demand for their services as clients seek legal guidance on climate-related disputes.

2023

As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon could face over the next five years? (1500 characters)

Clients expect more flexible, accessible methods of legal service delivery. Whilst larger, global firms have the resources to invest in new IT infrastructure, independent firms are unlikely to have the depth of resources necessary to build new technological solutions and products for their clients. Economic trends denote an increase in employees leaving their jobs in the UK. Consequently, there is a battle for legal talent, and the larger firms with bigger pockets are likely to win. Independent firms will need to offer more to attract and keep the best lawyers. There is also increased pressure from cyber-attacks targeted at smaller firms, which is exacerbated by increased homeworking. Lawyers demand a more flexible working practice and the transition to hybrid working will require careful management and reconfiguration. Independent firms face the additional challenge of competitors merging/acquiring other firms, creating stronger competition in a particular sector.

There is huge opportunity to promote firm growth by harnessing legal technology. By automating legal tasks, Artificial Intelligence can increase productivity in areas of transactional and lower-value legal work, leaving more time for business development and client care. Furthermore, as an independent firm, Burges Salmon is capable of being closer to clients than global firms. By drawing on unique specialist expertise, Burges Salmon will be able to meet the most specific demands and offer niche, tailored solutions.

After attending an Open Evening at Burges Salmon, I felt that the trainees I spoke with had a genuine enthusiasm and excitement for both the firm’s culture and their legal work, of a kind I had not seen elsewhere. [Redacted], the prospect of training at this leading independent Bristol firm excites me. I believe that a vacation scheme presents an invaluable opportunity to further familiarise myself with the firm and gain first-hand exposure to both the legal work and lifestyle that Burges Salmon can offer to trainees. 

Burges Salmon operates in seven key sectors. Which of the sectors do you think will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year and why?  (2000 characters)

Given the significant increase in low-carbon hydrogen activity within the UK, the energy, power and utilities sector will be profitable for Burges Salmon over the next financial year and beyond. 

As part of the government’s target to achieve Net Zero by 2050, low-carbon hydrogen production will grow significantly, and the UK is already experiencing increased investor appetite for these developments. 

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has recently updated the terms of the Agreement for the Low Carbon Hydrogen Production Business Model (LCHA): a contract for difference-style mechanism intended to stimulate hydrogen production in the UK by providing financial support to the sector. Looking ahead, stakeholders involved in hydrogen projects need to be familiar with the likely design of the model, which is expected to enable the first contracts to be allocated in 2023. In addition, a new Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard (LCHS) must be complied with to ensure hydrogen production is consistent with net zero. 

Through extensive experience in hydrogen projects and involvement in the BEIS Working Group for standards and regulation, Burges Salmon are equipped with specialist sector knowledge to guide clients in this space. The nascent nature of the hydrogen sector is characterised by the evolving regulatory requirements and government incentive schemes discussed above. As such, developers will require sensible regulatory advice; Burges Salmon can assist by actively considering the terms of the LCHA in drafting offtake agreements for projects and ensuring compliance with the LCHS. Moreover, hydrogen projects involve multiple different parties, necessitating contracts to allocate risk fairly amongst parties. Developers will also need to consider whether they need to carry out risk assessments under a wide range of new regulations. Burges Salmon can support clients in understanding risk and formulating risk allocation in hydrogen demand contracts.

2022

Why are you applying to Burges Salmon for a vacation scheme? (150 words max)*

My interactions with Burges Salmon, at events such as LawCareersNetLIVE and the firm’s ‘Food for Thought’ presentations, have highlighted to me that Burges Salmon is the best mix of high-quality work, culture and location that a law firm can offer. Completing the vacation scheme at Burges Salmon will offer me the opportunity to experience invaluable first-hand exposure to the firm’s high-profile client list, including companies such as the BBC and Starbucks. Additionally, I would be able to experience the firm’s collaborative culture, unique to Burges Salmon with it being an independent firm with the majority of its solicitors all in one office.

As Energy, Power and Utilities is one of Burges Salmon’s award-winning specialist sectors, the firm is aligned well with my practice area interests, and having the opportunity to explore the pioneering and ground-breaking energy deals Burges Salmon’s lawyers are known for would be an exciting and invaluable opportunity.

As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon could face over the next five years? (300 words max)*

Burges Salmon may come under pressure from the ‘more for less’ challenge that firms are facing, with clients expecting greater results for a lower price. This will lead to efforts to contain costs and improve efficiency. However, I believe that the coronavirus pandemic has presented an opportunity for law firms to deal with this challenge. As firms move towards a remote style of working this could result in the chance for firms to benefit from lower overhead costs due to a reduced need for office space moving forward, with resultant cost savings being used elsewhere in the firm to make them more competitive.

One such area to which cost savings could be diverted is a firm’s technological investment, presenting firms with an opportunity to offer cheaper and more efficient services to clients. The rise of legal technology will present firms with the challenge of undergoing a digital revolution to ensure that the firm is adapting, investing in technology, and transforming its processes in order to thrive in today’s legal market. Legal technology will result in innovation in a firm’s service delivery, but it will be important for independent firms to listen and understand their client’s needs and provide solutions that suit them.

Burges Salmon opened an Edinburgh office in 2019 and recently opened a wholly owned subsidiary office in Dublin. If in the future Burges Salmon continues to expand its offices, one of the challenges that Burges Salmon may be faced with is the retention of its collaborative culture that is achieved by all of Burges Salmon’s solicitors previously being based in one Bristol office. However, saying that, Burges Salmon retaining its culture as an independent law firm will be significantly easier than if the firm’s strategy for growth was to merge with another firm with a completely different culture.

Burges Salmon operates in seven key sectors. Which of the sectors do you think will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year and why? (300 words max)* 

As a result of the UK’s legally binding requirement to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, I think the Energy, Power and Utilities sector will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year. It is clear that the Net Zero target is becoming a driving force behind both changing public policy and business strategy, as a result of increasingly environmentally conscious investors and stakeholders. Furthermore, with the Government emphasising that the economic recovery from COVID-19 should be a ‘green recovery’ and the Energy White Paper released in December outlining an action plan for the achievement of Net Zero to help various industries in moving forwards towards the legally binding 2050 target, companies will be presented with a clearer idea of how net zero carbon emissions can be achieved.

Additionally, the previous carbon reporting regime in the UK has been replaced by the new Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regime. The change means that qualifying companies, which includes many of Burges Salmon’s clients, will be required to report publicly on their UK energy use and carbon emissions within their Directors’ Report.

As a result of the scrutiny and potential reputational impact of public disclosure of energy use and carbon emissions, the SECR regime will likely result in a shift in the urgency and importance of the need for action in regards to a company’s energy use and carbon footprint. There is also potential legal risks and the possibility of facing penalties if, for example, a company were to disclose inaccurate results. Therefore, it is likely that companies who are required to report under SECR will seek legal advice, and, as a result of Burges Salmon’s expertise in this sector, the firm will be well equipped to advise on such regulatory matters.

2022

Why are you applying to Burges Salmon for a vacation scheme? [Character Limit - 600] 150 words?

Through events such as ‘Food for Thought’, Burges Salmon stood out to me as a firm that attracts high-profile clients such as Eurostar and HSBC, whilst its small size enhances collaboration. Completing a vacation scheme at the firm would provide me with invaluable insight into the firm’s top-tier sector approach.

I am applying with an aim to secure a training contract with BS. I am particularly drawn to the firm’s six-seat training and its open-door policy. Through my range of work and voluntary experience, I learned to adjust to new roles quickly and to be proactive in my career development.

As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon could face over the next five years? [Character Limit – 1500]

The growth of legal technology and its increasing capabilities is the main challenge, but also an opportunity, for Burges Salmon over the next five years. With the rise of AI, legal technology capabilities have expanded to include traditionally time-consuming and low-value tasks such as due diligence, contract life cycle management and document review. This has also led to the increase in Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs), as well as an improvement in perceptions about the quality of work ALSPs produce due to their effective utilisation of legal technology. The low cost of ALSPs presents a challenge for traditional UK firms, as a significant proportion of billable work risks being offshored if firms fail to remain competitive.

However, the advancement of legal technology is also an opportunity for Burges Salmon to deepen its capabilities. By reducing time spent on low-value tasks, the firm can further amplify its sector expertise, and thus further deepen client relationships. By shifting focus towards complex, high-value work, trainees and associates at the firm will also receive a high quality of training that would help the firm stand out amongst City competitors. The launch of its new technology platform BScale and the BScale Document Generator shows that Burges Salmon has overcome the challenge of keeping up with rapid technological development. Thus, the firm is successful in seizing opportunities presented by legal technology and continues to be competitive.

Burges Salmon operates in seven key sectors. Which of the sectors do you think will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year and why? [Character Limit - 2000] 300-400 words?

Following the announcement of the UK Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, as well as the Net Zero target, I think the Energy, Power and Utilities sector will generate the most work for the firm in the next financial year. This legislation, combined with ESG targets driven by investors, is a key driving force behind businesses transitioning to sustainable practices. Burges Salmon’s clients will seek legal advice surrounding areas such as sourcing and investing in clean energy, developing an on-site clean energy source in real estate projects and incorporating biodiversity net gain into development plans.

Burges Salmon’s expertise in this sector is highlighted by recent work such as the firm’s Energy and Infrastructure Finance team advising Lloyds Bank on a £50m renewable energy investment. Furthermore, the firm stands out due to its focus on markets and specialist expertise, which is especially important in a rapidly developing sector such as Energy, Power and Utilities, which many clients may have been unfamiliar with prior to recent legal and regulatory developments. Furthermore, technological advances have greatly increased transparency, strengthening the enforcement mechanisms of legal and regulatory developments. Companies will seek out legal advice to ensure compliance and accurate reporting in line with regulations to avoid penalties.

Work in this sector is likely to be accelerated by the European energy crisis, which further highlights our overreliance on fossil fuels and the need for renewable energy. However, decarbonising the economy requires developments beyond off-shore wind and solar energy, as it is not possible to store wind and solar energy on the scale needed to decarbonise transport (particularly HGVs). Thus, I think hydrogen fuel projects will generate a lot of work for the firm as part of the UK’s ‘green recovery’.