Burges Salmon
- Founded
- 1841-01-01 in Bristol, England
- Headquarters
- One Glass Wharf, Bristol, BS2 0ZX, United Kingdom
- Phone
- +44 20-7685-1200
Burges Salmon LLP is an independent UK law firm with a strong national and international client base. Founded in Bristol in 1841 by Edward Burges, the firm has grown into a modern, full-service practice operating from offices in Bristol, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. With over 600 lawyers and more than 1,000 employees, it serves clients ranging from large corporates (John Lewis Partnership, HSBC, FirstGroup) and public sector bodies to entrepreneurial businesses and private individuals. The firm focuses on key sectors including energy, transport, food and farming, real estate, financial services, and infrastructure. It is recognized for its collaborative culture and people-first approach, having been named RollonFriday’s “Best Law Firm to Work At” for four consecutive years (2022–2025). Burges Salmon also invests heavily in innovation, launching a Digital Enablement Programme in 2024 that integrates generative AI, data, and process automation to enhance client service. Its commitment to sustainability and inclusion is reflected in its status as a founding member of the Legal Sector Alliance and its pioneering diversity mentoring scheme with the University of Bristol Law School. With a 2025 fee income of £110 million, Burges Salmon continues to position itself as a market-leading independent firm, distinguished by deep sector expertise, a culture of fairness, and a focus on long-term client relationships.
Detailed Review
History and Evolution
Burges Salmon traces its roots to 1841 when Edward Burges, grandson of a solicitor, began practising as a sole practitioner in Bristol. After his death in 1890, the firm became Burges & Sloan under his son W.E. Parry Burges. In 1947, it merged with Salmon, Cumberland and Evans, and the name was shortened to Burges Salmon in 1982 when the firm moved to Narrow Quay House. In 2010, it relocated to its current head office, One Glass Wharf, in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. London offices moved from Chancery Exchange to New Street Square in 2012.
Services and Expertise
The firm advises on the full spectrum of legal matters, with particular strength in banking and finance, corporate, dispute resolution, employment and pensions, and real estate. Sector specialisms include energy, transport, food and farming, real estate, financial services, and infrastructure. Examples of client work include advising on a £130m funding package for a Scottish wind farm and representing the UK Crown Commercial Service.
Innovation and Technology
Burges Salmon has adopted modern legal technology to improve efficiency and client value. In 2024, it launched its Digital Enablement Programme, leveraging generative AI (Harvey), iManage Cloud for document management, and Lexsoft T3 for knowledge management. In 2021, it introduced BScale, a document automation platform tailored for startups. The firm was invited to speak at Microsoft Ignite Global Conference in 2024, highlighting its human-first approach to tech.
Culture and Sustainability
The firm holds platinum Investors in People accreditation and is a founding member of the Legal Sector Alliance. It has been Ranked No.1 in the RollonFriday Best Law Firm survey for four consecutive years. Its Diversity Taskforce and Ethnic Diversity Action Plan focus on attracting and retaining talent from underrepresented groups. The firm also pioneered legal apprenticeships, with eight solicitors qualified through that route as of 2025.
Recent Developments
In 2025, Ross Fairley succeeded as Senior Partner, and several leadership changes were announced across sectors and departments. In 2026, four new partners were appointed, including specialists in dispute resolution, planning, and corporate tax. The firm continues to grow its international reach, with a Dublin office and a network of trusted independent law firms globally.
Key Products
BScale
A document automation platform launched in 2021 for startups, enabling quick generation of legal documents.
Harvey AI
Generative AI platform adopted in 2024 to assist with legal research, document drafting, and due diligence.
iManage Cloud
Cloud-based document and email management system implemented to improve collaboration, mobility, and compliance (GDPR).
Lexsoft T3 / iManage Knowledge Unlocked
Knowledge management system modernized in 2023 to surface 'gold standard' legal know-how across the firm.
Legal Services (Practice Areas)
Full-service law offering across Banking & Finance, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment & Pensions, Real Estate, and sector-specific teams (Energy, Transport, Food & Farming, Financial Services, Infrastructure).
Offices & Headcount
1000 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Ross Fairley
Senior Partner
- Roger Bull
Managing Partner