Senior Associate – Employment (6-9 PQE)

Location: London

Role type: Permanent

Practice area: Employment

A highly regarded London law firm is seeking a Senior Associate (6-9 PQE) to join its established and well‑respected Employment Department. The practice advises both corporate clients and senior executives, offering a blend of high‑value contentious and non‑contentious work and supporting clients across a broad range of strategic employment matters.

The firm is known for its excellence in private client and family work, alongside strong commercial practices, and has long been recognised for delivering top‑tier legal services.

The Role

The successful candidate will take a lead role within the department, acting as a bridge between partners and more junior lawyers. Responsibilities include:

• Leading on complex contentious and non‑contentious employment matters.
• Drafting executive service agreements, employment policies and advising on reorganisations, redundancies and corporate transactions.
• Managing high‑value Employment Tribunal and court litigation.
• Advising corporate clients and senior individuals on strategic HR and workforce matters.
• Handling M&A‑related employment work, due diligence and wider transactional support.
• Supervising, mentoring and delegating work to junior associates and trainees.
• Contributing to the smooth operation of the team and ensuring high‑quality output across matters.

This is a senior, hands‑on role with substantial autonomy and client exposure.

Team Structure

The Employment team comprises partners, a legal director, senior associates, associates and dedicated legal support. The group advises on the full spectrum of UK employment law and is known for its high‑quality work, longstanding client relationships and collaborative culture.

Candidate Profile

The ideal individual will bring:

• 6-9 years’ PQE in employment law.
• Experience acting for both employers and senior employees.
• Strong contentious and non‑contentious experience, including tribunal work.
• A small client following (preferred).
• Strong academic background and high‑quality training.
• Confidence advising senior‑level clients with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven ability to mentor junior team members and oversee their work.
• A proactive, technically strong and commercially aware mindset.
• Strong communication skills, sociability and the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Drive, ambition and a commitment to exceptional service.

Personal Attributes

• Self‑motivated and highly organised.
• Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities to build the practice.
• Able to manage time targets and billing effectively.
• Broad client‑handling skills and the ability to engage with a diverse client base.
• Adaptability, resilience and high levels of professionalism.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive market‑rate salary.
• Life assurance, permanent health insurance and private medical cover.
• Dental scheme and health assessment benefits.
• Pension scheme and discretionary bonus schemes.
• Season ticket loan and cycle‑to‑work options.
• Wellbeing programme, gym initiatives and holiday purchase scheme.
• 28 days’ annual leave.

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

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