Job Description Senior Employment Lawyer Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 Excellent Benefits Location: Keighley Area, Yorkshire Are you ready to take the lead on developing an employment law practice within an established, respected law firm? This is your opportunity to build something significant. Our client, a well-established Yorkshire-based law firm with a rich heritage and diverse client portfolio spanning Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors, is seeking an ambitious Senior Employment Lawyer to develop and lead their employment law offering. This isn't just another senior role – it's a genuine opportunity to shape a practice area, bring your clients, and build a team around you. Why This Role Stands Out Build Your Own Practice – Take ownership of developing the employment law offering from a strong foundation, with full support from firm leadership and existing infrastructure. Bring Your Book – The firm actively welcomes and supports portable caseloads and client followings, providing you with the platform to grow your own practice. Genuine Flexibility – Based in Keighley with the option to work with the firm to establish a new satellite office in your preferred location. Leadership & Mentorship – Guide and develop an NQ solicitor and apprentice who currently handle employment matters, building the team you need for growth. The Role: What You'll Be Doing As Senior Employment Lawyer, you will take the lead on all employment law matters whilst developing this practice area into a significant revenue generator for the firm. Day-to-Day Responsibilities Managing your own caseload of non-contentious employment law matters independently, including contracts, policies, TUPE, restructures, settlement agreements, and tribunal representation Developing and expanding the firm's employment law offering through strategic business development Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers (NQ solicitor and apprentice) who currently handle employment work alongside corporate matters Building strong client relationships across Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors Contributing to practice growth through networking, client development, and thought leadership Bringing and developing your own portable caseload or client following (highly desirable) Being office-based 3 days per week to provide hands-on mentorship and team development What We're Looking For Essential Requirements Qualified Solicitor with 5 years PQE in Employment Law Strong technical expertise in non-contentious employment law matters (contracts, policies, TUPE, restructures, settlement agreements, disciplinary and grievance procedures) Proven track record of managing an employment law caseload independently with minimal supervision Experience mentoring and developing junior lawyers or trainees Excellent client relationship management and communication skills Commercial awareness and pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to client advice Commitment to hybrid working (3 days office-based, 2 days flexible) Based in or willing to relocate to Keighley or surrounding Yorkshire areas Highly Desirable Portable caseload or client following ready to transfer Demonstrated business development success in employment law Experience growing or developing an employment law practice or department Sector experience working with Industry, Manufacturing, or Commercial clients Tribunal representation experience (Employment Tribunal) CIPD qualification or employment law specialism What's on Offer: Your Benefits Package Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 (dependent on experience, PQE, and portable caseload) Career Development: Genuine opportunity to shape and lead the employment law practice Clear pathway to Head of Employment as the practice grows Full support for business development and client acquisition Autonomy to build your own team as the practice expands Working Arrangements: Hybrid working model – 3 days office-based, 2 days flexible (home or alternative location) Flexible office location – based in Keighley with option to establish a satellite office Modern working environment with supportive infrastructure Professional Benefits: Bring your own clients – full support for portable caseloads and client transfers Junior team support – NQ solicitor and apprentice to assist with your caseload Established firm reputation – leverage the firm's strong brand and client relationships Diverse client base – work with Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sector clients CPD and training support – ongoing professional development opportunities Additional Benefits: Competitive salary with scope for performance-based increases Pension scheme 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays Professional subscriptions covered Supportive, collaborative culture within an established firm About Our Client Our client is a well-established Yorkshire law firm with a history spanning many years and a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services. They work with a diverse portfolio of clients across Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors, providing bespoke legal solutions with a personal touch. The firm is at an exciting stage of strategic growth and is committed to developing their employment law offering as a key practice area. They offer genuine flexibility, autonomy, and support for the right candidate to build something significant. Location & Working Arrangements Office Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire Satellite Office Option: The firm is open to establishing a new satellite office in a location that suits the right candidate, providing genuine flexibility for your work-life balance. Hybrid Working: 3 days office-based (for team mentorship and client meetings), 2 days flexible working from home or alternative location. Parking: Available at office location. Commutable From: Bradford, Skipton, Halifax, Leeds, Shipley, Bingley, and surrounding West Yorkshire areas. How to Apply If you're an experienced Employment Lawyer with 5 years PQE looking for a senior role where you can genuinely shape a practice area, bring your own clients, and build a team around you, we want to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to join an established firm with genuine autonomy, flexibility, and growth potential. Take the Next Step For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact: Lee Hawthorne-Finch Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com Phone: 0333 996 2882 All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We provide full transparency throughout the recruitment process, and all candidates are contacted only with written consent. About Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions We are an independent recruitment agency specialising in legal and accountancy recruitment across the UK. We pride ourselves on our ethical practices, transparency, and personalised service. We provide comprehensive support including CV reviews, interview preparation, and career coaching throughout the recruitment process. Our commitment: We prioritise candidate alignment over quick placements, ensuring the right fit for both candidate and client.