The Bristol head office of law firm Burges Salmon was transformed into a colourful ballroom last night as it staged its flagship charity fundraising event Strictly Legal.
The dazzling display of lawyers and staff jiving, tangoing and rhumba-ing in the atrium and restaurant/café areas raised around £40,000 for the firm’s charity of the year, homeless support organisation Julian House. 
With the theme of ‘movie night’, five twinkle-toed couples and four sure-footed groups from across the firm competed to be crowned the kings and queens of the dance floor.
Julian House area funding manager Alexis Woodward said: “Congratulations to Burges Salmon on organising such a mind-blowing event.
“I have seen some fantastic events staged by companies, but it’s safe to say this blew them out the water last night!
“The time the dancers took in practicing to perform at such a high standard, the decorations on the night, the hair/make up, judging, auction and raffle…the whole evening was brilliant fun. I’ve never been to an event so well supported across the whole company, it really was truly amazing.”
Chair of Burges Salmon’s charity of the year committee, Will Woodall, added: “We are thrilled to have held this fantastic fundraising initiative for our charity of the year, Julian House.
“The dancers were all amazing and everyone involved has helped to raise such a significant amount for the wonderful work that Julian House undertakes across the South West.”
The firm’s trainees turned on the style with a medley of breakdance, ballroom, disco – and cheese – while the secretaries sparkled with their Charleston. Operations performed a modern dance routine while the firm’s Scottish real estate lawyers, pictured right, cut the rug with, fittingly, some Scottish dancing. 
The winning couple and group were Sharon Herniman and James Phillips for their cha-cha-cha and the Tartan Troupe for their Scottish dancing.
Julian House operates more than 20 different projects, accommodation sites and social enterprises in Bath, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Devon. These include a range of homeless services, support for those suffering domestic violence, addiction recovery support – as well as work experience and training.
In total Julian House manages 106 bed spaces for clients with a wide spectrum of needs.
The charity’s vision is a just society where socially excluded people are supported and empowered to build sustainable, independent lives.
The full list of couples and their chosen dance styles were:
· John Smith and Helen Scott Lawler – Rhumba & Argentine Tango
· Ann Metherall and Justin Briggs – American Smooth
· Kerry James and Andy Eaton – Paso Doble
· Sharon Herniman and James Phillips – Cha cha cha
· Richard Leeming and Christine Chard – Jive
· Jim Aveline and Sian Edmunds – Tango
