Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLP is an independent UK law firm with offices in Bristol, Edinburgh, London, and Dublin. The firm advises a wide range of clients, including large corporates, public sector bodies, entrepreneurial businesses, and private individuals, providing support across the full spectrum of legal needs. Its client base includes organisations such as The John Lewis Partnership, The Financial Services Compensation Scheme, FirstGroup, HSBC Bank plc, Virgin, Costain Group, The Crown Commercial Service, Babcock International Group, and Highways England.

The firm is qualified to practise across all three UK legal jurisdictions—England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—and works internationally through a network of independent law firms. Burges Salmon LLP is recognised for its expertise, service, and value, positioning itself as a market-leading independent UK law firm.

The firm fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, recognised by RollOnFriday as the “Best Law Firm to Work At” for four consecutive years to 2025. Its commitment to innovation includes the launch of a Digital Enablement Programme in 2024, integrating generative AI, data, and technology to enhance client service delivery. Burges Salmon LLP was also invited to present its human-first innovation approach at the Microsoft Ignite Global Conference.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy. Initiatives include an Ethnic Diversity Action Plan, a Diversity Mentoring Scheme with the University of Bristol Law School, legal apprenticeships, and active participation in diversity and equality charters. Burges Salmon is a Disability Confident Committed employer, an accredited Living Wage Employer, and has supported social mobility with pioneering apprenticeship routes.

As part of its responsible business strategy, the firm pursues science-based carbon reduction targets, efficiency initiatives, and high-quality carbon offsetting projects. In 2024, Burges Salmon was recognised in the Lamp House Annual Report for its sustainability efforts. The firm invested £424,000 in communities, partnered with over 60 charities, achieved a 52% volunteering rate, and retained its Platinum “We invest in people” accreditation, placing it in the top 5% of assessed organisations.

Headcount
Senior Partner: Ross Fairley
Managing Partner: Roger Bull
Partners: 126
Other Fee-Earners: 453
Total Staff: 1,200

Sectors
Agriculture and estates; Built environment; Defence; Energy and utilities; Financial services; Health, care and life sciences; Hotels and leisure; Infrastructure; Private wealth; Public sector; Technology; Transport.

Services
Banking and finance; Commercial and technology; Construction and engineering; Corporate and M&A; Corporate crime, investigations and inquiries; Dispute resolution; Employment; Environment; ESG and Net Zero; Intellectual property and media; Pensions and lifetime savings; Planning and compulsory purchase; Private client and family law; Public procurement advisory and disputes; Real estate; Restructuring and insolvency; Tax.