Bristol Winter Vacation Scheme
Winter Vacation Scheme 2026 (Bristol)
Are you ready to dive into the life of an award-winning law firm voted as RollOnFriday 'Best Law Firm to Work at 2026' for the fifth year in a row?
Our Winter Vacation Scheme offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what sets Burges Salmon apart , a firm built on the pillars of exceptional client work, deep sector expertise, a genuinely collaborative culture, and a real commitment to your personal and professional development.
Whether you're still studying, fresh out of university, or changing careers, our vacation scheme is open to all eligible applicants, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
Gain Real Sector-Specific Knowledge
At Burges Salmon, we are recognised for our strength across key sectors including energy and utilities, financial services, housing, infrastructure, transport, and technology. During the scheme, you won't just observe, you'll be embedded within our practice groups and gain high-level, sector-specific knowledge by working on live matters alongside specialists who advise some of the UK's most significant organisations. You'll develop an understanding of how commercial, regulatory, and legal issues intersect within specific industries, giving you a genuine head start in building the kind of sectoral insight that defines the best lawyers.
What You'll Experience
During the week-long scheme, you'll engage in meaningful, hands-on work and have the opportunity to:
-
Attend client meetings and departmental briefings to see how we deliver advice at the highest level.
-
Participate in tailored skills sessions designed to develop your legal and professional capabilities.
-
Gain exposure to our cross-sector approach, understanding how our teams collaborate to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
-
Build connections across the firm through social and sports events, immersing yourself in our inclusive and supportive culture — one where people genuinely enjoy working together.
A Culture That Supports You
Burges Salmon is a firm where wellbeing, balance, and belonging are not just words, they shape how we work. We invest in our people from day one, and our vacation scheme reflects that. You'll see a firm where high-quality work goes hand in hand with a culture of respect, flexibility, and support.
Your Path to a Training Contract
If you impress us during your vacation scheme, you could be invited back for a training contract interview on the final day of the scheme, a significant step towards your legal career with us. If we decide we're right for each other, you'll be offered a training contract commencing in September 2029.
Application Process
Winter Vacation Scheme: 30 November – 4 December 2026
Important Information
-
All applications must be made via the Burges Salmon website by clicking the pink 'Apply Now' icon.
-
Please ensure you submit your application before midnight on Monday 26 October 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 9th or 12th November 2026 — candidates select their places on a first come, first served basis.
-
If you are successful in reaching the final stage, you will need to be able to commit to attending the vacation scheme week from 30 November – 4 December 2026 at our Bristol office. As a firm, we are committed to providing an equal experience for all. Therefore, £450 would be paid to cover expenses.
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 Elliott at grace.elliott@burges-salmon.com.
Key Dates
-
Applications open — 28 September 2026
-
Vacation Scheme application deadline — 26 October 2026
-
Assessment Centres at our Bristol office — 9th and 12th November 2026
-
Vacation Scheme — 30 November – 4 December 2026
The scheme takes place in person at the Bristol office on the above dates only — we are unable to be flexible with this.
What We Offer You
If you are successful in reaching the final stage, you will need to be able to commit to attending the vacation scheme . As a firm, we are committed to providing an equal experience for all. Therefore, £450 would be paid to cover expenses.
Wishing you the best of luck with your application!
For further information on what to expect throughout the application process, please visit our website here: How to apply for a training contract | Application timeline | Burges Salmon (burges-salmon.com).
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.
Application Eligibility
Please be advised that you are eligible to apply for only one training contract process at a time within a recruitment cycle.
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.
Sectors
Locations
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Sectors
Locations
Winter Vacation Scheme 2026 (Bristol)
Are you ready to dive into the life of an award-winning law firm voted as RollOnFriday 'Best Law Firm to Work at 2026' for the fifth year in a row?
Our Winter Vacation Scheme offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what sets Burges Salmon apart , a firm built on the pillars of exceptional client work, deep sector expertise, a genuinely collaborative culture, and a real commitment to your personal and professional development.
Whether you're still studying, fresh out of university, or changing careers, our vacation scheme is open to all eligible applicants, regardless of degree discipline or time since graduation.
Gain Real Sector-Specific Knowledge
At Burges Salmon, we are recognised for our strength across key sectors including energy and utilities, financial services, housing, infrastructure, transport, and technology. During the scheme, you won't just observe, you'll be embedded within our practice groups and gain high-level, sector-specific knowledge by working on live matters alongside specialists who advise some of the UK's most significant organisations. You'll develop an understanding of how commercial, regulatory, and legal issues intersect within specific industries, giving you a genuine head start in building the kind of sectoral insight that defines the best lawyers.
What You'll Experience
During the week-long scheme, you'll engage in meaningful, hands-on work and have the opportunity to:
-
Attend client meetings and departmental briefings to see how we deliver advice at the highest level.
-
Participate in tailored skills sessions designed to develop your legal and professional capabilities.
-
Gain exposure to our cross-sector approach, understanding how our teams collaborate to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
-
Build connections across the firm through social and sports events, immersing yourself in our inclusive and supportive culture — one where people genuinely enjoy working together.
A Culture That Supports You
Burges Salmon is a firm where wellbeing, balance, and belonging are not just words, they shape how we work. We invest in our people from day one, and our vacation scheme reflects that. You'll see a firm where high-quality work goes hand in hand with a culture of respect, flexibility, and support.
Your Path to a Training Contract
If you impress us during your vacation scheme, you could be invited back for a training contract interview on the final day of the scheme, a significant step towards your legal career with us. If we decide we're right for each other, you'll be offered a training contract commencing in September 2029.
Application Process
Winter Vacation Scheme: 30 November – 4 December 2026
Important Information
-
All applications must be made via the Burges Salmon website by clicking the pink 'Apply Now' icon.
-
Please ensure you submit your application before midnight on Monday 26 October 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 9th or 12th November 2026 — candidates select their places on a first come, first served basis.
-
If you are successful in reaching the final stage, you will need to be able to commit to attending the vacation scheme week from 30 November – 4 December 2026 at our Bristol office. As a firm, we are committed to providing an equal experience for all. Therefore, £450 would be paid to cover expenses.
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 Elliott at grace.elliott@burges-salmon.com.
Key Dates
-
Applications open — 28 September 2026
-
Vacation Scheme application deadline — 26 October 2026
-
Assessment Centres at our Bristol office — 9th and 12th November 2026
-
Vacation Scheme — 30 November – 4 December 2026
The scheme takes place in person at the Bristol office on the above dates only — we are unable to be flexible with this.
What We Offer You
If you are successful in reaching the final stage, you will need to be able to commit to attending the vacation scheme . As a firm, we are committed to providing an equal experience for all. Therefore, £450 would be paid to cover expenses.
Wishing you the best of luck with your application!
For further information on what to expect throughout the application process, please visit our website here: How to apply for a training contract | Application timeline | Burges Salmon (burges-salmon.com).
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.
Application Eligibility
Please be advised that you are eligible to apply for only one training contract process at a time within a recruitment cycle.
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.
