In August 2022, I started my training contract with Burges Salmon, keen to begin my career after years of studying. Since then, I have gained experience in four different departments (as I repeated one for my last seat) and completed a client secondment with BP. During the client secondment, I supported BP’s joint venture with EnBW to develop three offshore wind farms in the UK.
The six-seat model gave me exposure to the various departments of the firm and into areas of legal practice I might not have otherwise considered. Having studied Biology as an undergraduate, I came into law hoping to work on matters with an environmental or sustainable angle. The firm’s expertise in these sectors allowed me to mould my training contract to these interests, spanning multiple practice areas.
My seats included:
- Planning and Compulsory Purchase
- Projects
- Corporate and M&A with Incentives
- Secondment to bp
- Dispute Resolution (intellectual property team)
- Projects (again!) where I am now qualified.
Though the four-month seats fly by, and you often feel like you’re leaving just as you’re getting the hang of it, they helped me grow my skillset and meet a range of people throughout the firm. I am grateful to have returned to Projects for my sixth seat, as this has allowed me to hit the ground running as an NQ.
I chose to qualify into Projects, where I am now working on a range of matters for both public and private sector clients. By making my interests within the department known, I have (so far) been able to get involved in a number of environment matters and work on various energy projects, along with procurement, subsidy and transport matters.
Over the past two years, I’ve also been able to participate in firm initiatives supporting my interests. For example, I have volunteered within the BSustainable group for a number of events and I’ve been part of the internal team promoting the Chancery Lane Project, a sustainable contract initiative.
I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed trainee life: my highlights include trainee socials, volunteering days, playing in the corporate netball league, being a vacation scheme buddy and generally being part of a supportive cohort of fellow trainees.
A career in law was not one I always knew I wanted but I am extremely glad I ended up here. I am able to balance my interpersonal and analytical skills daily, working for high-profile clients on interesting matters.
I originally applied to Burges Salmon as I thought that the firm’s values aligned with my personal values, from the clients to the strategy. Now, I am staying with the firm, confident in my choice.
This blog was written by Sasha Anisman.