Job Description

Partner / Head of Employment Department 

Salary: £120,000 to £190,000 + Equity Potential

Location: London | Lead a Top-Tier Practice

A Strategic Leadership Role at the Forefront of Employment Law

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected Employment Department within a top-tier, award-winning law firm. Our client is seeking an accomplished Employment Partner to drive growth, shape strategy, and lead on complex, high-profile matters across both contentious and non-contentious employment law.

Working with an exceptional client base—including commercial organisations, NGOs and high-profile individuals—you will play a central role in developing the department’s future while maintaining a strong personal practice.

The Opportunity

As Partner / Head of Department, you will take ownership of an established and successful team, with the autonomy to expand its offering and influence the firm’s wider strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Employment team
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture
• Supervise and support the progression of junior fee earners

Client Work & Technical Delivery

• Manage a diverse caseload across:
  • Contentious and non-contentious employment matters
  • Discrimination and complex litigation cases
  • Advisory work for both employers and employees
• Act on high-profile and sensitive matters of significant public interest

Business Development & Strategy

• Drive growth through strategic business development initiatives
• Build and maintain strong client and referrer relationships
• Enhance the department’s reputation and market presence

Financial & Operational Performance

• Maintain a strong billing and financial performance record
• Contribute to the firm’s overall commercial strategy

Requirements

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• Minimum 10+ years’ PQE with substantial UK employment law experience
• Proven experience at Senior Associate / Legal Director / Partner level

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience advising:
  • Employers and senior executives
  • Across contentious and non-contentious employment law
• Demonstrable expertise in:
  • Discrimination litigation
  • Employment Tribunal and High Court matters
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory frameworks

Skills & Attributes

• Proven leadership and team management capability
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic mindset
• Track record in business development and practice growth
• Established client following or referrer network (highly desirable)
• Excellent negotiation, communication and organisational skills

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £120,000 – £190,000 + equity/partnership structure
• Clear pathway to Equity Partnership (if not already attained)
• Access to high-quality, complex and high-profile work
• Hybrid working with flexibility
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Ongoing leadership and professional development
• Strong internal support and collaborative culture

Location & Working Arrangement

• London (central office location)
• Hybrid working model with flexibility depending on business needs

Apply Now

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.