Key Points
- Legal firm Burges Salmon, based out of Bristol, is marking 10 years of its legal apprenticeship programme.
- The apprenticeship programme was introduced in 2016 as a new idea and one of the first to implement it and develop new apprenticeship standards.
- At present, the legal firm has 26 apprentices in its organization, with eight apprentices qualifying as solicitors.
- Burges Salmon stands out as the first law firm in Bristol to launch a Legal Apprenticeship Vacation Scheme.
- As quoted by Roger Bull, the managing partner, highly skilled people have joined directly from school, gained practical experience through work and study, and have established a career in their company.
Bristol (Bristol Express News) September 15, 2026 – A prominent law firm headquartered in Bristol has officially marked ten years of championing alternative routes into the legal profession through its milestone legal apprenticeship programme, as reported by Milan Perera of Bristol24/7.
How Has Burges Salmon Shaped the Legal Apprenticeship Landscape Over the Last Decade?
Since its inception in 2016, when the concept was largely an untested model within the legal sector, Burges Salmon positioned itself as a pioneer. As detailed by Milan Perera of Bristol24/7, the firm was among the very first legal practices to adopt the scheme. Furthermore, the company played an active role in developing the original apprenticeship standards designed to widen access to a profession traditionally dominated by university graduates.
Over the past ten years, the initiative has evolved into an essential talent pipeline for the firm’s early careers offerings. Today, Burges Salmon maintains a cohort of 26 legal apprentices embedded across various departments within the business, with eight individuals having already completed the journey to qualify as solicitors.
What Impact Have Alternative Pathways Had on Aspiring Lawyers?
Legal apprenticeships nationally have transformed career progression by removing the traditional reliance on university education, creating viable opportunities for young people who might otherwise have overlooked a career in law. Reinforcing this commitment to alternative routes, Burges Salmon also became the first law firm in Bristol to introduce a dedicated Legal Apprenticeship Vacation Scheme.
Reflecting on the milestone, Roger Bull, managing partner at Burges Salmon, stated as reported by Milan Perera of Bristol24/7:
“We have seen talented individuals join us straight from school, develop their skills while working and studying, qualify as solicitors and go on to build successful careers with the firm.”
He further added, as reported by Milan Perera of Bristol24/7:
“Their achievements demonstrate the value of creating alternative pathways into the profession and investing in talent from a wide range of backgrounds.”
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Background of the Particular Development
The expansion of legal apprenticeships in the United Kingdom has accelerated significantly over the past decade following regulatory changes introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, alongside government-backed Trailblazer apprenticeship standards, enabled firms to design earn-while-you-learn models. Law firms across England and Wales have increasingly looked to diversify their recruitment pipelines away from traditional university law degrees and the Legal Practice Course (LPC), aiming to improve social mobility and attract non-traditional candidates into the legal sector.
Future Impact
This ongoing evolution in legal training is expected to significantly affect aspiring solicitors, school leavers, and regional legal employers. By proving that alternative pathways can yield fully qualified solicitors capable of high-level practice, firms like Burges Salmon normalise non-university entry routes. This development will likely encourage more young people in the South West and beyond to pursue legal careers without incurring substantial student debt. For regional employers, expanding apprenticeship models deepens the local talent pool, fostering a more inclusive workforce while meeting modern demands for practical, hands-on legal expertise.
