Burges Salmon early careers: how to get in
Last checked 2026-10-03 against Burges Salmon's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with Burges Salmon. How we check
At a glance
- Training Contracttraining contractNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: Some tracks8 stages
- Legal Apprenticeship, Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, six years (with BPP University)apprenticeshipNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: Not published
- Vacation Schemevacation schemeOpenVisa sponsorship: No9 stages
Training Contract
How Burges Salmon recruits
2029 training contract start (applications from October 2026). 8 stages, from Burges Salmon's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Burges Salmon names them.
Online application form
Application form
Online application form; the process can take several months.
“Our application process starts in October each year with an online application form and can take several months to complete.”
Emerging Talent Assessment
Immersive assessment
Untimed online scenario-based exercise, about 45 minutes, on workplace decisions plus behaviour and preference questions. Not a test of legal knowledge.
- about 45 minutes
“The first stage of our recruitment process is the Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment, an online exercise designed to give you a realistic insight into what it’s like to work with us. [...] The assessment is untimed, but we recommend setting aside around 45 minutes to complete it at your own pace.”
Critical Reasoning Assessment
Online tests
Online critical reasoning test on assumptions, evidence, arguments and conclusions. Provider not named. A feedback report follows the online tests.
“Once you have completed this stage, you will be directed to the Critical Reasoning Assessment, which is also completed online. This looks at critical thinking and reasoning in the workplace, measuring how efficiently you evaluate information and make evidence-based judgements.”
Application Question
Motivational questions
Short written question on motivation for the firm and steps taken to gain insight into law, reviewed by the team.
“The next stage of the process involves answering a short application question, which will be reviewed by the Burges Salmon team.”
Assessment Centre
Assessment centre
In-person assessment centre in Bristol or Edinburgh.
“Our assessment centres take place in person at our Bristol and Edinburgh offices.”
Group exercise
Group exercise
Group discussion on a fictional business scenario, assessing collaboration and commercial focus.
“You’ll take part in a group exercise based on a fictional business scenario.”
Written exercise
Written exercise
Written analysis of a fictional scenario.
“There will also be a written exercise based on a fictional scenario.”
Interview
Final interview
One-to-one interview with a lawyer, framed as a two-way conversation.
- a lawyer at the firm
“The final stage will be a one-to-one interview with a lawyer at the firm.”
Vacation Scheme
How Burges Salmon recruits
2026/27 vacation schemes (winter deadline 26 October 2026; spring and summer deadline 5 January 2027). 9 stages, from Burges Salmon's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Burges Salmon names them.
Online application form
Application form
Online application form; the process can take several months.
“Our application process starts in October each year with an online application form and can take several months to complete.”
Emerging Talent Assessment
Immersive assessment
Untimed online scenario-based exercise, about 45 minutes, on workplace decisions plus behaviour and preference questions. Not a test of legal knowledge.
- about 45 minutes
“The first stage of our recruitment process is the Burges Salmon Emerging Talent Assessment, an online exercise designed to give you a realistic insight into what it’s like to work with us. [...] The assessment is untimed, but we recommend setting aside around 45 minutes to complete it at your own pace.”
Critical Reasoning Assessment
Online tests
Online critical reasoning test on assumptions, evidence, arguments and conclusions. Provider not named. A feedback report follows the online tests.
“Once you have completed this stage, you will be directed to the Critical Reasoning Assessment, which is also completed online. This looks at critical thinking and reasoning in the workplace, measuring how efficiently you evaluate information and make evidence-based judgements.”
Application Question
Motivational questions
Short written question on motivation for the firm and steps taken to gain insight into law, reviewed by the team.
“The next stage of the process involves answering a short application question, which will be reviewed by the Burges Salmon team.”
Assessment Centre
Assessment centre
In-person assessment centre in Bristol or Edinburgh.
“Our assessment centres take place in person at our Bristol and Edinburgh offices.”
Group exercise
Group exercise
Group discussion on a fictional business scenario, assessing collaboration and commercial focus.
“You’ll take part in a group exercise based on a fictional business scenario.”
Written exercise
Written exercise
Written analysis of a fictional scenario.
“There will also be a written exercise based on a fictional scenario.”
Interview
Final interview
One-to-one interview with a lawyer, framed as a two-way conversation.
- a lawyer at the firm
“The final stage will be a one-to-one interview with a lawyer at the firm.”
Training contract interview after the scheme
Final interview
After the scheme, successful participants are invited back for a training contract interview. Interviewer seniority not stated.
“Successful applicants will be invited back for a training contract interview after the scheme has taken place.”
Visa sponsorship
Training Contract
Sponsors visas for confirmed Training Contract offers, explicitly does not sponsor vacation scheme or work experience placements
“Do you sponsor visas for international candidates? Yes, we offer sponsorship for international candidates who require a visa. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce, and we welcome applicants from around the world. However, please note that visa sponsorship is available only for candidates who have successfully secured an employment opportunity with our firm. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas for work experience placements.”
Legal Apprenticeship, Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship
Burges Salmon publishes academic entry requirements but says nothing about visa sponsorship or residency.
Vacation Scheme
Burges Salmon states it cannot sponsor visas for work experience placements, only for candidates who have already secured a job offer.
“visa sponsorship is available only for candidates who have successfully secured an employment opportunity with our firm”
Burges Salmon on the Home Office sponsor register
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.
Common questions
- What is the Burges Salmon training contract application process?
- Burges Salmon's own careers pages describe 8 stages: Online application form, then Emerging Talent Assessment, then Critical Reasoning Assessment, then Application Question, then Assessment Centre, then Group exercise, then Written exercise, then Interview.
- Does Burges Salmon sponsor visas for graduates?
- Sponsors visas for confirmed Training Contract offers, explicitly does not sponsor vacation scheme or work experience placements
Related guides
Other schemes we track
Deadlines, stages and tests for each scheme. Not affiliated with any firm.
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GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Burges Salmon. Names are used only to identify Burges Salmon's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check Burges Salmon's official careers site before applying.
Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we check this data.