Newly Qualified Projects Solicitor

Newly Qualified Projects Solicitor

NQ Solicitor (Projects)

Here at Burges Salmon, we bring fresh thinking and a collaborative spirit to everything we do. We're committed to delivering exceptional work while creating an environment where people can thrive. Join us, and you'll have every opportunity to fulfil your potential as you help shape the future of our market‑leading Projects practice.

We are recruiting NQ Solicitors (qualifying this September) for our top tier Projects offering to supplement our internal qualifying cohort. You will work with high‑profile clients across a diverse range of sectors and contribute to some of the most innovative and nationally significant projects in the UK.

Why Projects at Burges Salmon?

Our Projects team is recognised as one of the leading practices outside London, advising on complex, high‑value matters across sectors including:

• Renewable energy
• Defence
• Sustainable transport and infrastructure
• Public sector procurement

You'll work alongside specialists who are widely regarded as leaders in their fields, gaining exposure to regulatory, commercial, procurement and due diligence work across highly regulated industries. The breadth and quality of our client base means you'll be involved in challenging, meaningful work from day one.

About Burges Salmon

We offer a professional yet progressive working environment where quality of work and quality of life go hand‑in‑hand. Our collaborative culture is one of the reasons we continue to attract exceptional talent and why our people choose to build long‑term careers with us.

• Investors in People – Platinum Accreditation
• Consistently voted a ‘Best Law Firm to Work At' in RollOnFriday's national survey
• A culture built on trust, flexibility, and genuine support

The Projects Team

Our Tier 1‑ranked team is one of the largest and most respected Projects practices outside London. Partners are recognised for their deep sector expertise and approachable, collaborative leadership.

Key Partners include:

• Brioney Thomas - Partner and Head of Department
• Ian Salter - Partner
• James Phillips - Partner and Head of Energy
• John Houlden - Partner and Head of Public Sector and Procurement
• Ross Fairley - Partner and Head of Renewable Energy
• Keith Beattie - Partner (Defence and Aviation)

What Others Say

The team is Tier 1 ranked in The Legal 500  and recognised across various sectors in Chambers.

‘The team at Burges Salmon are extremely personable and a pleasure to work with. We appreciate their experience of working with both public and private sector clients in the transport space and this helps the team to give excellent advice on our projects.'- The Legal 500 (2025)

‘Great range of skills provided as part of a team approach, offering the relevant support for our project. A lot of experience in the heat network sector and market understanding, which brings significant advantages.'- The Legal 500 (2025)

The Work

While responsibilities vary across sectors, the work typically includes:

• Commercial and regulatory advice

• Public procurement and subsidy control

• Due diligence on major transactions

• Supporting the delivery of complex infrastructure and energy projects

This role is well‑suited to those who enjoy intellectually challenging work, problem‑solving, and operating within fast‑moving, highly regulated environments.

What You Will Need

A Projects seat is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate interest in our core sectors and who have gained transferable skills from seats such as:

• Commercial
• Banking & Finance
• Corporate (M&A)
• Construction

You must be a qualified Solicitor in England & Wales by September 2026.

We also have opportunities for more experienced Projects lawyers — please see our current vacancies for details.

What We offer

You will benefit from:

• A collaborative, supportive culture
• City‑quality work with national impact
• A transparent, structured career pathway
• Guidance from market‑leading experts
• A firm consistently recognised as a top place to work

Click here to download our Career Guide for Lawyers.

As an Investors in People - Platinum Accreditation, we have been awarded the highest level recognition for the firm's commitment to our people.

Get in touch!

Our resourcing team can provide firm insight and an overview of the department to make sure this is the right next career for you.  For a confidential conversation call Chris Jenkinson on 0117 307 2246.

Applications

Please click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter.

Our commitments

It's important to us that our organisation represents the diverse community in which we operate and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.  As a Disability Confident employer, we will provide a fully accessible recruitment process.

We are committed to finding the right person for this role, and we are open to discussing flexible, full time or part time working patterns. We have a successful hybrid working model, which provides another way for our people to work with flexibility.

Burges Salmon is an Equal Opportunity employer.