2025

Please tell us why you want to complete a vacation scheme at Burness Paull. (200 words)

Burness Paull’s strong presence across multiple Scottish practice areas, particularly in employment law, aligns with my career aspirations.  The firm’s international strategy as a member of Lex Mundi and TAGLaw also appeals to me. My experience as a sponsorship coordinator, negotiating cross-border contracts, has strengthened my ambition to work with a firm that has a strong domestic presence and global outlook. 

I also admire Burness Paull’s innovation strategy. The firm’s two-tier approach to legal-tech emphasises thoughtful adoption of new technologies. The annual APP CAFE fosters innovation from every part of the business and dedicated innovation and change champion groups reflect a firm-wide commitment to forward-thinking. This resonates with my own commitment to innovation as I am re-establishing my university's Legal Tech Society to educate students on tech-driven legal changes. 

As a first-generation ethnic Muslim woman, I appreciate Burness Paull’s celebration of individuality and openness. Programs like the NQ roadshow show genuine support for diverse candidates without traditional support networks. 

Additionally, conversations with Mateusz Pollack highlighted Burness Paull’s commitment to building strong client relationships in employment law through initiatives like the Employment Law Lab, mock tribunals, and targeted masterclasses. This approach aligns with my commitment and interest in fostering lasting connections. 

What attracts you to a career in commercial law, and which specific practice area(s) are you most interested in and why? (200 words)

My early experience at Nisa Local sparked my interest in how legal and political shifts impact business operations. This led me to pursue Law and Business Management. Shadowing at [Redacted] furthered my interest as I observed how legal advice is adapted to meet business challenges arising from external developments.  Additionally, volunteering at Citizens Advice strengthened my interest in client-focused work. Here, I build rapport with clients and write case reports. I find the holistic advisory role rewarding and enjoy collaborating as a team on complex cases.  

My interest in employment law grew after attending an event on employment tribunal disputes. This led me to becoming the Project Lead of the [Redacted] at [Redacted], where I educate the local community on employment rights. The dynamic nature of employment law, such as recent changed from the Labour Government and the impact of The Worker Protection Act, fuels my enthusiasm. Burness Paull’s top-tier employment practice offers an ideal learning environment. I’m inspired by experts like David Morgan, known for his tribunal advocacy, and Claire Scott, whose work in energy aligns with my interest in employment law’s role in supporting net-zero business goals.   

2025

Please tell us why you want to complete a vacation scheme at Burness Paull. (200 words)

Quality of work 

As an international student with experience across three continents, I’m eager to join a firm with high-quality, multi-jurisdictional work and a global outlook. Burness Paull’s (BP) leverage of networks like Lex-Mundi and TAGLaw enables leading cross-border work, such as Sony Interactive Entertainment’s acquisition of iSIZE. Its collaborative partnership structure fosters consistency and innovation across jurisdictions. This rooted yet forward-thinking approach motivates me to pursue a vacation scheme at BP, where my global perspective and passion for impactful work can thrive. 

Innovation

Interning at x, I used generative-AI to streamline disclosure in a personal injury case, highlighting legal tech’s potential to simplify tasks. Hence, BP’s innovative approach, including its partnership with StructureFlow, resonates with me. I’ve seen how leveraging technology enhances legal workflows. BP’s Change Champions initiative, supporting early-stage ideas, highlights its commitment to innovation, which excites me. A vacation scheme would help me build on this experience and contribute to BP’s tech-driven-environment.

Inclusivity

BP’s Insight Day inspired me with its inclusive culture. As a BAME male with vitiligo, I value firms prioritizing D&I. BP’s recognition at the Diversity Legal Awards and pioneering menopause policy, reinforce my desire to join a firm that truly embodies its values.

What attracts you to a career in commercial law, and which specific practice area(s) are you most interested in and why? (200 words)

Placing second among two-thousand competitors in the University of Bristol's 'Business of the Future' competition sparked my passion for commercial law. While developing a business plan for an AI/Machine Learning application to simplify terms and conditions, I became fascinated by the legal complexities surrounding jurisdictional issues and intellectual property protections. These legal considerations directly affect a business’s viability and long-term success, highlighting how black-letter law shapes real-world outcomes. The intersection of legal principles and commercial strategy, with its tangible impact, deepened my interest in commercial law.

Speaking of real-world impact, my interest in Corporate M&A is particularly strong due to its capacity to drive significant, tangible change. I’ve deepened my understanding of M&A by attending numerous open days and workshops with commercial law firms. In these settings, I was captivated by the high-stakes, large-scale deals handled by firms like BP, often involving millions. The intellectual challenge of these transactions, combined with their real-world influence, excites me. The prospect of contributing to such impactful deals and witnessing their effects on businesses and clients is what motivates me to pursue a career in M&A.