Burges Salmon question

[D95]

One of the questions that Burges Salmon is asking this year is:

"As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon could face over the next five years?"

To be honest, I am somewhat struggling with this question - there are some "obvious" traces to follow such as Brexit, cybersecurity and advanced tech, however I have a hard time with relating it back to the firm.
Would really appreciate your thoughts on the above!

 

[Jaysen]

All of the above could fit. Brexit and tech are used a lot for these types of questions. It’s not the end of the word, but if you do decide to use one of them, you should be very specific about how/why it applies to Burges Salmon.

I’d say it’s much more about that side of things. When you explain how the issues are an opportunity/challenge for the firm, you’ve got to really show you understand what kind of firm Burges Salmon is, what market it’s in, how it runs its business, what types of clients it has etc.

Personally, I’d begin by researching the firm thoroughly before picking the issues. That way you know the issue you pick closely relates to the firm.

Finally, note the phrase 'UK independent firm' is in the question for a reason. That seems to be how Burges Salmon likes to brand itself.

 

[Abstruser]

there are some "obvious" traces to follow such as Brexit, cybersecurity and advanced tech, however I have a hard time with relating it back to the firm.

Most firms issue Brexit briefings for clients on their websites, which is quite useful when you’re trying to narrow down such a macro issue into a few specific sectors. The Burges Salmon updates are here - if you scroll to the bottom, there’s a section called “How can Burges Salmon help?” which might help you link Brexit more specifically to the firm. https://www.burges-salmon.com/brexit/

Other than that, I do find reading annual reports quite useful because they usually outline 1) Strategies that paid off for the firm in the past year, 2) Opportunities that the firm identifies for the year ahead, and 3) Salient deals which highlight the sectors that the firm specialises in. That should bring up plenty for you to write about for the question. https://www.burges-salmon.com/about-us/annual-review/

 

[nat237]

Hi,

Sorry for joining in later, I am completing my application for Burges now and was wondering is talking about environmental challenges a suitable idea? Like how change in regulation and moving towards a less carbon intensive economy could both challenge and benefit the law sector?

I know it may take longer than 5 years to hit the sector though, thats why I am having doubts about this topic. It is however, something I am very passionate about.

If not, can anyone suggest other challenges that the legal sector may encounter other than brexit?

Many thanks everyone x

 

[Jaysen]

Hi,

Sorry for joining in later, I am completing my application for Burges now and was wondering is talking about environmental challenges a suitable idea? Like how change in regulation and moving towards a less carbon intensive economy could both challenge and benefit the law sector?

I know it may take longer than 5 years to hit the sector though, thats why I am having doubts about this topic. It is however, something I am very passionate about.

If not, can anyone suggest other challenges that the legal sector may encounter other than brexit?

Many thanks everyone x

I get the impression you’re thinking of answering this question by first picking the challenge/opportunity. I would do the opposite: try to make sure you understand the firm first, so the issues you pick are well tailored to Burges Salmon. Once you better understand the firm, you’ll be better able to judge whether environmental challenges are a suitable answer to this question.