Job Description

Managing Associate – Employment Law

Location: Leeds

Salary: £60,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

If you’re a senior employment lawyer looking for a role with genuine breadth, strong client exposure and clear progression, this is an excellent opportunity to join a busy employment team in Leeds.

You’ll advise on a mix of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, build close client relationships, and play a key role in supporting and developing the wider team.

The Opportunity

This role offers varied work across advisory, projects and disputes, with the chance to take real ownership of matters and contribute to business development.

• Advise on the full range of employment law and HR support work (contentious and non-contentious)

• Handle complex tribunal litigation

• Advise on whistleblowing, business protection and sensitive HR issues

• Support on major projects such as outsourcing and restructuring exercises

• Build and maintain strong client relationships and act as a trusted adviser

• Contribute to business development and support the growth of client relationships

• Collaborate with colleagues across other practice areas on wider matters

• Mentor and support junior team members

• Use technology and process improvement to enhance client service

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE in employment law

• Strong technical knowledge across contentious and non-contentious employment matters

• Experience handling complex tribunal litigation

• Confident client relationship management skills and a commercial, pragmatic approach

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Able to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure

• Collaborative working style and interest in mentoring and developing others

Desirable

• Experience advising on whistleblowing and business protection issues

• Experience supporting major projects (for example, outsourcing and restructuring)

• Sector experience (for example, financial services, retail and consumer, energy or transport)

• Experience working in a large, multi-office practice environment

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

• Bonus scheme

• Hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)

• High-quality employment work with strong client exposure

• Supportive, collegiate team environment

• Clear progression pathway

• Training, mentoring and structured development support

• Opportunities to work collaboratively across practice areas

• Occasional travel to other UK offices as required

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong employment capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on a broad range of employment matters and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.