We are looking for a Senior Associate specialising in employment law, with at least five years’ post-qualification experience. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, with a strong track record of advising employers on complex matters and handling Employment Tribunal claims. You will bring sound judgement, commercial awareness and a thoughtful approach to sensitive issues, alongside the confidence to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.
You will advise on a broad range of employment matters, from contracts, redundancy and discrimination to workplace grievances, performance and sickness absence. You will manage claims from early conciliation through to hearings and appeals, and represent clients in tribunals and other dispute resolution processes. The role also involves collaborating across practice areas, keeping clients and colleagues informed about legal developments, and contributing to the team’s client relationships and business development.
The Firm
Our client is an established law firm advising businesses and individuals on complex legal matters and periods of change. Its lawyers work collaboratively to develop practical, commercially minded solutions, with a focus on helping clients meet today’s challenges and prepare for what lies ahead.
The firm places importance on an inclusive, open and supportive working culture. Colleagues are encouraged to share ideas, build relationships across teams and develop their commercial understanding, as well as their legal expertise. The employment team works with organisations across a range of sectors, supporting them on sensitive workforce issues, complex disputes and organisational change. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with clients and colleagues on challenging matters, while contributing to a friendly, collaborative team. The position can be based in Exeter or Bristol.
Responsibilities
-
Advise clients on employment law matters, including employment status and rights, contracts and handbooks, redundancy and discrimination.
-
Provide clear, commercially focused and sensitive HR guidance to clients and in-house teams on grievances, performance concerns, sickness absence and disciplinary matters.
-
Manage Employment Tribunal claims from ACAS Early Conciliation through to hearings, appeals and costs applications.
-
Represent clients in Employment Tribunals, mediations and other dispute resolution proceedings.
-
Conduct legal research and analysis, and provide strategic advice on complex employment issues.
-
Work with colleagues across practice areas on matters such as corporate transactions, business planning, injunctions and defamation issues.
-
Monitor developments in employment law, share updates with colleagues, prepare related articles and advise clients on changes that may affect them.
-
Work with knowledge and paralegal colleagues to maintain and improve policies, contracts and templates.
-
Contribute to business development by building client and referrer relationships and participating in events, meetings and training.
Experience and Skills Sought
-
Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with at least five years’ PQE in employment law.
-
Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation, case law and practice, with experience handling complex matters, settlement negotiations and Tribunal claims.
-
Excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills, with a meticulous, organised and client-focused approach.
-
Confident managing a varied caseload, prioritising work and contributing to business development.
Hours and Benefits
-
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00
-
25 days annual leave + bank holidays + 1 extra day at Christmas + 1 extra day for your birthday
-
Flexible and agile working
-
Income Protection
-
Season Ticket Loans
-
Comprehensive Pension Scheme and financial education programme to help you plan for your retirement through workshops and 121 sessions.
-
Life Assurance
-
Long service recognition
-
Discounts and cashback schemes
-
Firmwide Bonus, On the Spot Awards and Individual performance related bonus scheme
-
A whole range of mental and wellbeing benefits
-
Sports and social clubs (cycle networks, netball, book club, to name a few)
-
Give as you Earn Charitable giving
-
Buying and Selling Holiday Scheme
-
Additional day off for your birthday and at Christmas
-
Volunteering days leave
-
Opportunities to build connections with the local communities through our pro-bono work and Momentum – the firm’s school partnership programme
-
Internal peer to peer networking groups and support groups
-
Enhanced parental leave pay for up to 26 weeks for all employees who meet the statutory requirements (shared parental leave, maternity and adoption leave)
-
Two weeks paid paternity leave
-
Paid time off for all employees to attend adoption and antenatal appointments
-
Structured programme of support for those going on, during and returning from family leave, including a Family Network and Family Buddy Scheme.
-
Up to 10 days paid time off for fertility treatment and for supporting a partner undergoing fertility treatment
-
Paid time off and support for new parents who have a premature baby in neonatal care
-
Support for those experiencing pregnancy loss, including paid time off, EAP support and phased return to work
Find Out More or Apply
To find out more about this role, or to have an informal, confidential and non-committal chat, please reach out to James (for Exeter) or Katie ( for Bristol) at Aspiria Legal