Job Description
Employment Solicitor (NQ–6 PQE)
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Salary: £46,000 – £65,000+ DOE/PQE
Are you an ambitious Employment Solicitor seeking high-calibre advisory, corporate support, and Tribunal instructions with a leading regional practice in Chelmsford? Our client is a highly respected, rapidly expanding law firm known for delivering top-tier employment law advice across the South East and London. Experiencing sustained expansion across their employment practice, they are seeking a commercially minded Solicitor (0–6 years’ PQE) to manage a varied contentious and non-contentious caseload, advise prestigious sector clients, and step into a structured progression pathway.
The Opportunity
In this dynamic fee-earning role, you will join an esteemed, collaborative employment law team advising a broad client base spanning education, financial services, construction, transport, agriculture, charities, and the public sector. Handling matters independently or alongside senior partners, you will deliver strategic advice across contentious tribunal proceedings, transactional corporate support, and complex HR issues. Designed for a proactive solicitor who values commerciality and team development, this position offers high operational autonomy, modern hybrid flexibility, and tailored support to build a sector-specific profile.
Key Responsibilities & Requirements
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Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with NQ to 6 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in employment law gained within a reputable regional, national, or City practice.
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Non-Contentious & Advisory Technicals: Expertise in drafting service agreements, executive contracts, staff handbooks, and workplace policies, alongside advising on general HR matters, maternity rights, TUPE transfers, and corporate transaction support.
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Contentious & Tribunal Practice: Proven capability handling Employment Tribunal litigation, wrongful/unfair dismissal, redundancy restructures, restrictive covenant disputes, boardroom exits, and professional conduct/fitness to practise panels.
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Commercial Acumen & BD: Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to business development, including attending networking events, contributing to pitches/tenders, and publishing sector articles.
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Market Insight: Prior knowledge of or connections within the Essex and London commercial legal market is advantageous.
Package & Working Structure
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Competitive Remuneration: £46,000 – £65,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus both an Individual Performance Bonus and a Staff Profit Share Scheme.
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Agile Working & Culture: Modern Agile/Hybrid Working Policy alongside a relaxed 'Dress for Your Day' culture.
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Comprehensive Healthcare & Protection: Private healthcare (post-probation), Permanent Health Insurance (PHI), Life Assurance (4x salary), and an enhanced workplace pension (5% employer / 5% employee).
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Work-Life & Family Perks: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with long-service increases), enhanced maternity/paternity leave, electric car scheme, and subsidised gym membership.
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Career Trajectory: Transparent, meritocratic career development framework offering clear routes to Senior Associate and Partner, with options to specialize in key industry sectors.
How to Apply
To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:
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Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.