Job Description
Senior Associate – Employment Law
Manchester (City Centre)
Full-time, Permanent
£50,000–£66,000 + bonus
Hybrid working (3–4 days per week in the office)
A highly regarded, national legal practice is looking to appoint a Senior Associate into its Employment Law team, based in central Manchester.
This role offers the opportunity to work at the heart of a busy, specialist employment practice advising a broad client base that includes insurers, insured businesses, and private clients. The team is well known for handling technically complex and often high-volume matters, while maintaining a strong client service ethos.
You will be trusted with significant responsibility from day one, with genuine scope to influence client relationships, support business development, and mentor junior lawyers.
The role will include:
* Advising on a full range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters
* Managing ACAS early conciliation, settlement negotiations, and drafting settlement agreements
* Providing clear opinions on prospects and risk
* Advising employers on day-to-day HR issues, including grievance and disciplinary procedures
* Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies, and handbooks
* Advising on more complex projects such as TUPE and collective consultation
* Running Employment Tribunal and EAT matters end-to-end, including:
* Drafting ET claims and responses
* Case management and compliance with tribunal directions
* Preparing witness statements
* Briefing counsel and attending hearings where appropriate
* Delivering employment law updates and practical training to clients and colleagues
* Supporting the supervision and development of junior team members
* Maintaining accurate time recording and assisting with billing where required
About you:
* Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales)
* Strong experience handling both contentious and advisory employment work
* Confident managing tribunal litigation alongside advisory matters
* Commercial, solutions-focused approach to client advice
* Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
* Comfortable working directly with clients and building trusted relationships
* Able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
* Interest in mentoring and contributing to a collaborative team culture
What’s on offer:
* Salary of £50,000–£60,000 plus bonus
* Hybrid working with a Manchester city-centre base
* High-quality, varied work with real client exposure
* Clear progression and development opportunities
* Supportive, inclusive culture with flexible working considered
* Strong benefits package and long-term career stability