Employment Associate (2–5 PQE) | Glasgow or Edinburgh
If you’re an Employment lawyer who enjoys the intellectual challenge of complex work but wants to do it in an environment that feels modern, well run and genuinely supportive, this opportunity is worth serious consideration.
A leading international firm is looking to add a 2–5 PQE Employment Associate to its Scottish team. The work is high profile, often cross-border, and consistently interesting, but what sets this role apart is how the team operates day to day.
The Team
This is a close knit, high performing Employment team with a strong reputation across both the UK and internationally. The client base is weighted towards large corporates, financial institutions and fast-moving sectors such as tech and energy.
The work goes well beyond the standard advisory diet. You will be involved in:
* Strategic, business-critical advice at senior stakeholder level
* Complex Employment Tribunal litigation
* Cross-border projects and global workforce issues
* Sensitive investigations and senior executive matters
There is a clear emphasis on delivering thoughtful, commercial advice rather than high-volume output. You will be trusted to think, not just process.
The Role
This is a role for someone who wants to deepen their expertise while being given genuine responsibility.
You will:
* Run your own matters while being supported on more complex, high-stakes work
* Work directly with clients, often acting as a day-to-day contact
* Be involved in the employment aspects of corporate transactions and restructurings
* Collaborate with colleagues across the firm’s international network
* Have the space to develop a particular interest or specialism within Employment law
The team is busy, but not in a way that feels chaotic or unsustainable. There is a clear focus on quality of work and long-term client relationships.
What makes this different
* International work without layers of hierarchy, with early exposure to cross-border matters
* A genuinely modern working culture where flexibility is embedded and widely used
* Strong Partner access and visibility, with senior lawyers invested in your development
* A quality-driven approach with less churn and more interesting work
* A clear and achievable path for progression without needing to move firms
Who this will suit
You are likely a 2–5 PQE Employment lawyer who:
* Has trained or is currently working in a recognised commercial firm
* Enjoys the advisory side of Employment law as much as the contentious
* Is comfortable dealing directly with clients and taking ownership of work
* Wants to build real expertise rather than simply broaden experience
* Values a collaborative environment over a purely transactional one
What’s on offer
* Salary at the top end of the Scottish market
* Bonus and a well-rounded benefits package
* Hybrid working that is actively encouraged
* High-quality work with international exposure
* A team where you are known, supported and given room to develop
Apply now for immediate consideration or reach out to Jules Grieve for a confidential chat (0131 460 7747/).