Employment Solicitor
Salary: £50,000 - £70,000
Location: Lancaster
Are you an experienced Employment Solicitor looking to join a collaborative team that challenges conventional law firm culture?
Our client, a market-leading commercial law firm with offices across the North West, has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the UK. This is your opportunity to manage a high-quality caseload whilst developing your career in a supportive environment that genuinely values work-life balance and professional development.
About Our Client
Our client is a progressive, multi-office law firm servicing both business and private clients across the North West. They pride themselves on their distinctive culture that focuses on delivering exceptional results for clients whilst attracting and developing brilliant legal talent. Their recent accolades speak volumes about their commitment to employee satisfaction and professional excellence.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a qualified Associate or Senior Associate Solicitor with 5-10 years PQE to join their collaborative and supportive Employment & HR team in Manchester. You'll manage an interesting and varied caseload consisting largely of Respondent work, whilst contributing to business development initiatives and supporting the wider team.
This role offers genuine autonomy, interesting work, and the chance to work alongside experienced practitioners who are committed to your professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Client Management & Case Handling:
- Manage your own caseload of Employment Tribunal matters, predominantly Respondent work
- Provide timely analysis and strategic advice to business clients on complex employment matters
- Attend Employment Tribunals and represent clients through to conclusion
- Liaise with Counsel and expert witnesses on complex cases
- Ensure precise communication with all parties and timely progression of client queries
Team Collaboration & Development:
- Support senior fee earners on larger, complex matters
- Delegate work appropriately to and supervise junior fee earners
- Share expertise and ideas within the team to enhance service delivery
- Provide approachable guidance to colleagues across the firm
- Contribute to business development and identify new opportunities
Client Development:
- Develop and nurture client relationships within your team
- Identify opportunities to refer work internally to other service lines
- Contribute to individual and team target achievement
Essential Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:
- Qualified Solicitor with 5-10 years PQE in Employment Law
- Proven experience in business client/Respondent work, preferably within a commercial law firm
- Strong track record of handling Employment Tribunal matters through to conclusion, acting for Respondents
- Experience advising owners, senior managers, and HR teams on day-to-day employment and HR matters
- Proven ability in drafting and reviewing contracts, handbooks, and documentation for senior staff, Directors, and self-employed individuals
- Experience providing Corporate support work
Skills & Attributes:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and case management abilities
- Client-focused approach with commercial awareness
- Ability to work collaboratively within teams and independently using own initiative
- Proven effective time management and organisational skills
Desirable Experience
- Active involvement in business development and marketing activities
- Experience supervising and mentoring junior fee earners
- Delivery of training on Employment Law and HR topics (in person or remotely)
- Experience with TUPE and restructuring matters
What's On Offer
Competitive Package:
- Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (dependent on experience)
- Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility to balance office and home working
- Genuine work-life balance in a firm that values employee wellbeing
Career Development:
- Clear progression pathway to Senior Associate and beyond
- Continuous professional development and training opportunities
- Mentoring and support from experienced practitioners
- Opportunity to develop your own client base and specialisms
Culture & Environment:
- Top 100 Best Company to Work For (5 consecutive years)
- Collaborative, supportive team environment
- Progressive culture that challenges conventional law firm approaches
- Modern offices across the North West
Location & Working Arrangements
Location: Lancaster
Working Pattern: Full-time with hybrid working options available
How to Apply
If you're an experienced Employment Solicitor looking for your next career move with a firm that genuinely invests in its people, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply in confidence, please contact:
Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you're interested in this opportunity.
Confidentiality Statement:
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We welcome applications from solicitors at all stages of their career who meet the experience requirements outlined above.
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to providing a professional, ethical, and transparent recruitment service. We will always obtain your explicit consent before submitting your details to any client.