Want to earn while you learn from the best team in law? Our Legal Apprenticeship will give you practical insight into a career in the legal sector and help develop transferable skills that will be valued in any profession. If you're ready to build your future in law, you'll find the support, opportunities and community to help you thrive.
"An apprenticeship is a really great way to go into law because you're learning from the ground up, you get to work with professionals every day and you get to apply what you're learning in class straight into practice." Jasmine, Solicitor who qualified via the Legal Apprenticeship route
The programme
At Burges Salmon, we believe in helping you grow with us. Our Legal Apprenticeship is designed to support you every step of the way as you build a rewarding legal career.
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Our programme allows you to qualify as a solicitor by completing the Level 7 Solicitor apprenticeship over a period of six years.
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You will spend 4 days a week working at the firm under the supervision of qualified lawyers and 1 day studying towards formal legal qualifications. Our training provider is BPP University.
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Throughout the apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to spend time in several of our legal departments.
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All positions will be based at One Glass Wharf, our Bristol HQ, only five minutes' walk from Temple Meads station.
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As this is an in-person role, we'd love to hear from candidates who are excited about being part of our Bristol community - your enthusiasm for working and growing in Bristol is something we'll take into account during the selection process.
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We are taking on 4 legal apprentices to start with the firm in September 2027.
Entry requirements
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GCSEs: grades 4 and above are essential. (A to C under the old scoring system). You will need to have achieved at least a 6 in Maths and English (B).
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A Levels / Level 3 qualifications: equivalent to BBB / 120 UCAS points.
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You must be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays 2027, have lived in England or Wales for at least 3 years and completed full-time education before the start of the apprenticeship.
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Unfortunately, we do not currently offer a graduate solicitor apprenticeship and therefore are not able to accept Law graduates onto our apprenticeship programme.
Important information
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All applications must be made via the Burges Salmon website by clicking the pink 'Apply Now' icon.
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Please ensure to submit your application before midnight on Sunday 9 November 2026 to be considered for this apprenticeship.
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If you are invited to a selection event (assessment centre) you will need to be available to attend the Bristol office on either 8th or 10th December 2026 - candidates select their places on a first come, first serve basis.
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If you are successful in reaching the final selection stage, you will need to be able to commit to attending a work experience week from 15-19 February 2027 at our Bristol office. As a firm, we are committed to providing an equal experience for all. Therefore, travel, (if necessary) accommodation and other subsidiary expenses would be covered for this.
The application
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Once you submit your application form, you'll receive an email inviting you to complete two online assessments.
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Your application will not be considered until both assessments are completed, so please allow enough time before the deadline.
Stage 1: Emerging Talent Assessment
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Online and untimed (approx. 45 minutes).
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Simulates realistic workplace scenarios.
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Assesses decision-making, behaviours, and preferences.
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No legal knowledge required.
Stage 2: Critical Reasoning Assessment
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Timed online test (approx. 45 minutes), completed after Stage 1.
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Measures critical thinking and evidence-based judgement.
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Focuses on evaluating arguments, assumptions, and conclusions.
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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 the team at [email protected].
Key dates
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Apprenticeship application deadline - 9 November 2026
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Selection event at our Bristol office - 8 & 10 December 2026
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Vacation scheme (work experience week) - 15-19 February 2027
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Offers made - February/March 2027
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A-level and Level 3 qualification results - August 2027
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Apprenticeship start date - September 2027
Please note that selection events and the vacation scheme take place in person at the Bristol office on the above dates only - we are unable to be flexible with this.
What we offer you
We want you to own it together with us from the very start. That means investing in you and your future.
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You will be earning from day one. Your salary will increase each year as you become more experienced.
Why Burges Salmon?
At Burges Salmon, brilliance belongs. We know that talented people thrive when they're supported, encouraged and given opportunities to grow. As a legal apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience, learn from expert lawyers and build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. From day one, you'll be part of a collaborative community that is invested in your development and success.
