Employment Lawyer 2-8 PQE
Employment Lawyer - General Advisory & Employment Litigation
Location: London (Hybrid Working)
PQE Level: 2-8 PQE
Contract: Permanent - Private Practice
Overview
We are partnering with several leading private‑practice law firms in London seeking Employment Lawyers to join their expanding teams. These opportunities span both junior (c.2-4 PQE) and senior (5-8 PQE) levels, with roles split across both general employment advisory work and employment litigation/tribunal advocacy.
Two of the recruiting firms are highly ranked (Band 1-3) by major legal directories for Employment, and another is a well‑regarded US firm known for market‑leading compensation coupled with notably low billable‑hour expectations relative to peer US practices in London.
These positions offer excellent career development, exposure to high‑value and profile matters, and the opportunity to work with recognised experts in the field.
Key Responsibilities
General Employment (Advisory)
- Advising employer clients on day‑to‑day HR and workforce matters, including disciplinary processes, grievances, performance management and absence issues.
- Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies, handbooks, and consultancy agreements.
- Supporting corporate teams with employment aspects of transactions, including due diligence and advising on TUPE, redundancies, and harmonisation.
- Advising on senior executive hires, terminations, settlement agreements, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality issues.
Employment Litigation & Disputes
- Running or assisting on contentious matters including Employment Tribunal, High Court, and occasionally appellate‑level cases.
- Handling discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, breach of contract, equal pay, and wage‑related claims.
- Drafting pleadings, witness statements, and tribunal documentation.
- Assisting partners with complex strategic disputes for major corporate clients.
Candidate Requirements
- UK‑qualified Solicitor, or equivalent common‑law qualified lawyer with strong UK employment experience.
- Currently an Employment Lawyer/Associate or Senior Associate at a recognised private‑practice law firm.
- 2-8 PQE with demonstrable experience in both general advisory and contentious employment matters (exact balance varies by firm).
- Strong technical understanding of UK employment law, with the ability to provide clear, commercial advice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence managing clients and contributing to business development where appropriate.
- Ability to work collaboratively within high‑performing teams and manage a varied workload in a hybrid working environment.
Why Apply?
- Opportunities across a range of firm types: top-ranked UK firms, mid-tier UK practices, and a highly respected US firm.
- Exposure to top‑tier employment work and high‑profile clients.
- Hybrid working as standard across all roles.
- Competitive salary packages, with one firm offering US‑level compensation with reduced billable‑hour targets.
- Clear progression pathways and strong partner access/mentorship.
FAQs
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