Senior Associate - Employment, Pensions & Immigration Location: Guildford (hybrid role office based 2-3 days per week) Practice Area: Employment, Pensions and Immigration Salary: c£78.5K plus profit share, bonuses and extensive benefits package Key Requirements We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Employment Associate with a strong background in contentious and non-contentious employment matters. This is an exciting opportunity to join our highly regarded Employment, Pensions & Immigration Team, consistently ranked among the best in the region. Ideal candidates will demonstrate: At least 5 years’ PQE (we may consider candidates slightly above or below this range in exceptional cases) A strong track record in advising employers on a wide variety of HR and employment law matters Experience of employment litigation, dispute resolution, and tribunal proceedings Experience advising senior executives on exits, terminations, and settlement agreements Familiarity with providing employment support on M&A and corporate transactions Excellent drafting skills, technical accuracy, and commercial awareness A high level of responsiveness, reliability, and interpersonal communication skills An interest in business development and the ability to nurture strong client relationships Strong academics and a commitment to delivering client service excellence Desirable (not essential): Experience advising on TUPE and drafting TUPE clauses Knowledge of employment agency regulations and agency worker compliance Exposure to business immigration and right to work compliance Familiarity with pensions issues or regulatory employment matters in the financial services sector Role & Responsibilities You will play a senior role within a growing and collaborative team of employment, pensions, and immigration professionals, working across a mix of complex employment work for predominantly employer clients, including household names and high-profile corporates. Your responsibilities will include: Advising on the full spectrum of employment law, including restructures, redundancy, disciplinary, grievances, and senior departures Supporting on corporate deals, providing commercial and pragmatic employment law advice in the context of M&A, joint ventures, and outsourcing Drafting and negotiating a range of employment documentation, including contracts, policies, and settlement agreements Representing clients in tribunals and court proceedings, and handling mediation or pre-action disputes Advising directors and senior individuals on their exit arrangements and post-termination obligations Collaborating with pensions and immigration specialists on cross-disciplinary matters Participating in business development, marketing initiatives, client seminars, and thought leadership Taking ownership of client relationships and contributing to team leadership and mentoring junior colleagues You’ll benefit from a flexible working model (typically 2–3 days in office per week) and the option of part-time working —many lawyers in the team currently work four-day weeks. Firm Overview You will join a firm that combines professional excellence with a truly supportive and inclusive culture. Recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2024, we offer a workplace where collaboration, inclusion, and progression are actively encouraged. Recent accolades include: Shortlisted – Women, Influence & Power in Law UK 2024 Highly Commended – Legal Business Awards 2023 & SLS Legal Awards 2023 Shortlisted – The British Legal Awards 2023 & The Lawyer Awards 2023 Office awarded RICS SKA Silver Certification and Fitwel 2 Star Accreditation We are committed to diversity and inclusion, with recognised initiatives that foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. Flexible Working We offer agile and hybrid working options, recognising the importance of flexibility for maintaining a positive work-life balance. Both full-time and part-time applications are welcome.