Bristol Training Contract 2028 - Direct Process

Training contract 2028 (Direct process - Bristol)

Discover an exceptional opportunity with our training contract in Bristol!

Our training program offers six seat rotations, providing you with a broad range of experience across different legal practices. You'll work with high-profile clients, gain invaluable insights into our sector approach, and be part of a supportive, collaborative and award-winning culture. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, known for its high quality of life and dynamic professional scene, this is your chance to kickstart a successful legal career. Apply now and join us in one of the UK's top places to live and work!

Application process

Important information

• All applications must be made via the Burges Salmon website by clicking the pink 'Apply Now' icon.

• Please ensure to submit your application before midnight on 22 July 2026 to be considered.

• If you are invited to an Assessment Centre you will need to be available to attend the Bristol office on either 22nd or 23rd July 2026 - candidates select their places on a first come, first serve basis. The assessment centres take place in person at the Bristol office on the above dates only - we are unable to be flexible with this. We recommend that you keep these dates free in the event that you are invited to attend an assessment centre. If you can't attend on these dates, we won't be able to progress your application.

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, so please allow enough time before the deadline.

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.

• Focuses on evaluating arguments, assumptions, and conclusions.

• Based on reasoning ability, not prior knowledge.

If you require any adjustments or have any accessibility requirements to complete these, please get in touch with Jess McGee at jess.mcgee@burges-salmon.com. or Grace Elliot at grace.elliott@burges-salmon.com.

What we offer you

• You will be earning from day one. Your salary will increase each year as you become more experienced:

  Bristol Salary

  Trainee Solicitor

  Year 1

  £49,500

  Year 2

  £51,500

  Newly Qualified Solicitor

  £76,000

  *As of September 2025

Wishing you the best of luck with your application!

Training contract interviews:

• Successful applicants after the assessment centres will be invited back for a training contract interview in August 2026 (dates to be confirmed).

• If we decide we're right for each other, you'll be offered a training contract based in our Bristol office commencing in September 2028.

Disability Confident Leader

As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or impairments to apply for our roles. We regularly implement adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all candidates effectively.

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.

For further discussion on potential adjustments, please contact Grace Elliott at grace.elliott@burges-salmon.com.

An example of an adjustment we can provide at an assessment centre is additional time to complete the written exercise.

Application eligibility

Please be advised that you are eligible to apply for only one training contract process at a time within a recruitment cycle. For instance, if you apply to our Winter vacation scheme 2025 and your application is unsuccessful, you will not be eligible to apply for our Spring/Summer vacation schemes or the direct training contract 2028.

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.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please reach out to Grace Elliott at grace.elliott@burges-salmon.com.

Deadline to apply: 6pm (BST) 22 June 2026.

Ready to make the leap? Start your application today.