Associate - Claimant & Union

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's Employment Team in Birmingham is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to advise claimants, unions and staff associations on contentious employment matters, and on regulatory and pension issues. The role involves tribunal work and civil court advocacy, with opportunities to handle high‑profile cases.

The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years PQE, excellent drafting and advocacy skills, and the ability to manage a demanding caseload while delivering outstanding

Qualifications

• SRA qualified with 5–8 years post-qualification experience.
• Current experience in a recognised Employment team or in-house department with claimant work.
• Ability to handle a caseload of employment tribunal claims to final trial.
• Strong communication and client care skills.
• Independent worker who can also collaborate in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on contentious employment matters, regulatory and pension issues for union clients.
• Manage employment tribunal and pension cases from intake to final judgment.
• Conduct advocacy at preliminary tribunal hearings.
• Draft and review pleadings, submissions and legal documents.
• Provide training to clients and attend networking/marketing events.
• Assist other team members as required.

Skills

Employment law

Advocacy

Client management

Legal drafting

Education

SRA Qualified

Job description

Overview

The Penningtons Manches Cooper Employment Team provides fast, proactive and practical legal support. The role will ideally be based in our expanding Birmingham office, but applications for our other offices will also be considered.

We keep clients up to date with the raft of new employment law regulations, highlighting how these could impact on their overall strategy and safeguarding against the potentially huge costs of non‑compliance.

Although we are experienced litigators, and frequently represent organisations at employment tribunals and in court, we also offer specialist employment law advice in resolving conflict through alternative dispute resolution.

We are recognised as market leaders in advising employees, trade unions and staff associations on a range of issues, including industrial disputes, severance agreements, regulatory matters and claims in the Employment tribunal, High Court and appellate courts, with particular expertise in whistleblowing and discrimination claims.

Responsibilities

The team is looking to recruit at Associate or Senior Associate level, ideally with 5-8 years’ post qualification experience. The role will ideally be based in our expanding Birmingham office.

The role is focused on working with claimants and our trade union/staff association clients and referrers. The work will involve providing advice on contentious employment matters, as well as regulatory and pension issues for members of our trade unions and staff association clients, as well as providing advice and representation in claims in the Employment Tribunal and civil courts.

Employment legal knowledge is needed, and experience in regulatory and/or pension matters is desirable but not essential. A solid understanding of the various IT platforms used to assist in litigation, case management and marketing is also required.

The role will suit a confident and enthusiastic individual who is committed to claimant work, and is committed to providing the best and most efficient possible service to clients. The work for this team offers the chance to be involved in test cases, group actions and appellate litigation, with the opportunity to be involved in ground breaking cases.

Duties will include, but is not limited to:

• Providing advice and assessments on the merits of potential tribunal, regulatory, pension and other claims;
• Managing employment tribunal and pension cases;
• Conducting advocacy at some preliminary employment tribunal hearings;
• Providing day‑to‑day legal advice to clients;
• Drafting and reviewing pleadings, submissions and legal documents;
• Assisting other members of the team;
• Providing training to clients; and
• Attending networking and marketing events.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• SRA Qualified
• 5-8 years post qualified experience
• Current experience in a recognised Employment team or in-house department, with an in-depth knowledge of employment law, including experience of claimant work;
• The ability to handle a caseload of employment tribunal claims to final trial;
• Interest in and commitment to claimant work;
• A pragmatic and research based approach;
• Good communication and written skills;
• Outstanding client care;
• Strong organisational skills; and
• An ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

• Understanding of and experience in working under the Civil Procedure Rules;
• Experience in regulatory and pension work;
• Business development experience;

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committee here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact [e-mail]