The firm has also launched a review of its business support function, and has frozen salaries for support staff at 2008 levels.
Lawyer salaries are currently under a review with a decision expected to be made by September.
The Bristol, UK firm said that current trainees will not be affected, but 2009 and 2010 trainees have been asked to volunteer to defer their start date for 12 months, with the firm offering a cash incentive of £5,000, or $7,050.
Burges Salmon LLP is the 43rd largest law firm, by revenue, in the UK. It has offices in Bristol and London.