Projects Paralegal

We're looking for a Paralegal to join our Defence team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Burges Salmon is recognised as one of the UK's leading advisers to the defence sector, working with government bodies, defence organisations, prime contractors and suppliers on some of the sector's most significant programmes, projects and commercial arrangements.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting complex, high-profile work while developing your legal and commercial skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Working closely with lawyers across the team, you'll play an active role in client matters from day one and gain exposure to a broad range of defence sector issues.

What you'll be doing

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting lawyers on a variety of defence sector matters and projects
• Undertaking legal and sector research
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents and correspondence
• Preparing client reports, briefings and presentations
• Supporting due diligence and document management exercises
• Assisting with matter management and project delivery
• Working closely with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders

What we're looking for

We're interested in hearing from candidates who:

• Have strong academic credentials
• Demonstrate excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Are able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team
• Take a proactive approach and are keen to learn
• Have an interest in the defence sector and the legal and commercial issues affecting defence clients
• The successful candidate must be a British national, with no other nationalities (including dual-nationality). This is due to the level of security clearance required for the work.

Previous legal or paralegal experience would be advantageous, although we welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills and a genuine interest in developing a career in law.

A little bit about us

Our professional, progressive environment combines high-quality work with quality of life. You'll contribute from the outset, supported by approachable senior lawyers and Partners, with meaningful opportunities to develop your skills and experience.

We hold Investors in People Platinum accreditation, were voted RollOnFriday's "Best Law Firm to Work at 2026" for a fifth consecutive year, and were named "Law Firm of the Year" at the Legal Business Awards 2025.

You'll have a fair and transparent path to progression. We are open to flexible working and both full-time and part-time patterns.

It is important to us that our organisation represents the diverse communities 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.

Get in touch

To discuss the team, work or opportunity in more detail, contact Chris Jenkinson on 0117 307 2246 or [email protected] for an informal and confidential conversation.