The benefits of a six-seat training contract

In this article, one of our current trainee solicitors, Lowri Scott, reflects on the benefits of completing a six-seat training contract at the firm.

One of the clearest differentiators of Burges Salmon when applying for training contracts is its six-seat model. In a market where most firms offer four six-month seats, this model is relatively unusual and was a key factor in my decision to train at the firm.

When applying, I was keen to keep an open mind. I was not set on a particular practice area and wanted the opportunity to explore a broad range of work before making any long-term decisions about qualification. The six-seat model stood out as offering exactly that: greater variety, wider exposure, and a more informed basis on which to decide the trajectory of my legal career.

What is a “seat”?

A “seat” is a placement within a specific department during the training contract. At Burges Salmon, trainees complete six four-month seats, each with a dedicated supervisor and structured feedback. Every rotation brings new work, teams, and perspectives, allowing trainees to continuously develop their skills and build relationships across the firm.

The traditional model

At many commercial law firms, trainees complete four six-month seats. While this approach allows more time to settle into a team and develop deeper expertise, it can limit breadth of experience. With fewer opportunities to explore different areas, deciding where to qualify may be more challenging.

The six-seat model

The six-seat structure offers a broader and more varied training experience within the same two-year period. By working across more practice areas, trainees can:

• identify the work they enjoy most;
• understand different team dynamics and working styles; and
• gain insight into a range of sectors and their commercial drivers.

As a result, qualification decisions are grounded in experience rather than assumption.

How the six-seat model has benefitted me

For me, the model has delivered exactly what initially attracted me: variety and meaningful exposure. Having completed seats in Projects and Dispute Resolution, and currently sitting in Corporate M&A, I have already experienced three distinct areas of legal practice. This has provided insight into transactional, advisory and contentious work, helping me to better understand my preferences as I move into the second year of my training contract.

Each seat has offered something different. In Projects, I was introduced to transactional and advisory work and tasks such as research, drafting, and monitoring regulatory developments. In Dispute Resolution, I developed an understanding of litigation procedure, drafted client correspondence and observed strategic decision-making. My current Corporate M&A seat has provided a fast-paced transactional environment, with involvement in live deals through drafting ancillary documents and coordinating workstreams.

Being able to compare these experiences directly has been valuable. Rather than relying on assumptions, I have been able to refine my interests through practical experience, often in ways that have challenged my initial expectations.

Beyond the legal work itself, each seat has exposed me to different team structures, working styles and paces. This has helped me approach my career decisions with greater confidence and clarity.

For anyone who is curious, open-minded and keen to experience a wide range of legal practice areas, the six-seat model provides a unique and valuable opportunity to do so.