From policy to legal practice: Lessons from my Burges Salmon Vacation Scheme

Introduction

My route into law has been anything but linear, but my recent Vacation Scheme at Burges Salmon hooked me back in. After moving from the US to the UK in 2014 to study my LLB, I undertook a breadth of commercial experience, from shipping to in-house corporate roles, to explore different practice areas. Rather than rushing straight into practice, after my Legal Practice Course, I chose to deepen my expertise through further academic study and professional work, building a strong foundation in legal analysis, research and policy.

Following my PhD in Law and work alongside lawyers in the UK, US and international contexts, one thing became increasingly clear: I wanted to move from advising on regulation and legal strategy to client-facing work delivering outcomes as a practising solicitor. Undertaking a Training Contract was not a change of direction, but the natural progression of my career.

The Vacation Scheme experience

After working as a Senior Policy Officer for several years, I decided to finally take my next step into a training contract. Although I considered myself ‘legal adjacent’, having worked on policy and regulatory issues across several of Burges Salmon’s practice areas, a Vacation Scheme was crucial for reintroducing myself to commercial law and ensuring this firm was the right fit for me.

I spent a week in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase team. I took notes at a hearing, conducted legal research and wrote blog on a planning appeal, and drafted a deed of variation for a client. Throughout the week, I networked with colleagues of all levels within the team and across other practice areas. I strongly encourage others to have a range of conversations, as the conversations I had were immensely valuable to me as a career changer with a disability. It was insightful to hear from a range of people directly about the firm’s culture and its implementation of commitments to sustainability, diversity and inclusion.

We also had introductory presentations organised across the scheme, from talks on Projects to the International Business. These presentations gave me a more holistic understanding of the firm’s different practice areas and business development priorities

Takeaways

My non-linear journey back into law should reassure aspiring solicitors that Burges Salmon values transferrable professional skills. However, you must learn to apply them in a legal context and demonstrate how they make you unique alongside a passion for commercial law.

I also recommend that you use your time to explore whether you and the firm are a mutually beneficial fit. Take every opportunity you can to build relationships during the scheme – but make sure you prioritise your time and tasks effectively!

Overall, I am so glad I did a Vacation Scheme with Burges Salmon. The experience confirmed that the firm was the best place for me to develop professionally while delivering quality work. I look forward to building on these skills and relationships during my Training Contract.

This blog was written by Hannah Blitzer, future Trainee Solicitor.