Associate - Employment

Fieldfisher; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Matched pension contributions up to 7%

Job summary

Fieldfisher is seeking a technically strong, commercially minded Associate in Employment Law to contribute across casework and advisory duties within a collaborative, market-facing team. You will support complex matters, manage deadlines and develop client relationships across cross-border matters.

You will work with senior lawyers on high-profile matters and benefit from a structured training pathway, with opportunities to progress within international offices and practice groups.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 3–6 years PQE in respondent employment law.
• Experience handling restructuring, investigations and litigation.
• Proactive, organised with a commercial mindset and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist with employment litigation, including drafting schedules and ET3s and supporting advocacy preparations.
• Support workplace investigations and prepare investigation reports.
• Contribute to advisory matters such as disciplinary/grievance processes, redundancies and TUPE.
• Assist transformation projects including restructuring and change programmes.

Skills

Legal drafting

Client relationships

Communication

Team collaboration

Commercial judgement

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Fieldfisher's Employment team is recognised for delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice to a diverse client base ranging from multinational organisations and household brands to fast-growing businesses. Working closely with clients across a broad range of sectors, the team advises on the full spectrum of employment law matters, including complex workplace disputes, strategic people issues, business restructurings, cross-border employment matters, and employment aspects of corporate transactions. Known for its collaborative approach and strong client relationships, the team combines technical excellence with a practical understanding of the challenges facing modern employers. Joining the team offers the opportunity to work on high-profile matters alongside the opportunity to work with leading employment lawyers across out European network.

Role Purpose

Our career development drivers set out what professionals are expected to demonstrate at each level of development. In this role, the Associate will be expected to contribute across the following areas:

• Business & Financial Management e.g. Effectively manages billing process for some clients.
• Client Focus e.g. Participates in the preparation of knowledge updates and seminars for clients.
• Working with People & Teams e.g. Actively seeks professional development opportunities and more responsibility and delegates to more junior members of the team.
• Business Development e.g. Works with other fee earners to develop relationships with new business prospects and starts to use interaction to cross-sell and look for BD opportunities.
• Technical Skills e.g. Can identify the major sources of legal precedents for practice area, both in house and external.
• Knowledge & Innovation e.g. Shares knowledge and experience with colleagues in different ways e.g. training and has excellent presentation and networking skills.

Key Responsibilities

Casework & Advisory Support

• Assist with employment litigation, including preparing ET3s, drafting schedules/counter schedules of loss, undertaking legal research and supporting advocacy preparations.
• Support on workplace investigations, including fact-gathering, document review and drafting investigation reports.
• Contribute to advisory matters such as disciplinary/grievance processes, redundancies, TUPE, employment status and senior exits.
• Assist with transformation projects including restructuring, outsourcing and organisational change programmes, including preparing consultation materials and supporting project management.

Client Interaction & Communication

• Draft clear, commercially relevant advice under supervision.
• Attend client calls and meetings with senior lawyers, helping to prepare agendas, documents and follow up notes.

Business Development & Team Contribution

• Support the delivery of webinars, seminars and client training.
• Contribute to thought leadership and internal know how projects.
• Help build client relationships through responsive, professional communication.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support junior lawyers and trainees with their professional development.
• Assist with business development activities, including networking and marketing initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through excellent service delivery and responsiveness.
• Collaborate effectively across international offices and practice groups.
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing and support innovation, process improvement, and initiatives within the practice.
• Maintain accurate file management, time recording and compliance with professional standards, firm policies, and regulatory obligations.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a technically strong and commercially minded lawyer who thrives in a collaborative, market facing and high-performing environment. They will demonstrate excellent communication skills, consistent technical excellence and sound commercial judgement, along with the ability to manage complex matters while building trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.

Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction with strong relevant experience in respondent employment law.
• Significant post-qualification experience with 3-6 years PQE within a leading international law firm or comparable in-house environment.
• Good understanding of employment law fundamentals, with proven expertise in areas such as restructuring, investigations and litigation.
• A proactive, organised and commercially aware approach, with a willingness to learn and take on responsibility.
• Confident communicator and strong client‑facing confidence.
• Excellent drafting, case management, organisational and analytical skills.
• Delivers work efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrates ability to support junior team members and contribute to team development.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service and business development.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with the ability to contribute positively to team culture, promoting inclusion and collaboration effectively across global teams.

Who are we looking for?

• We don't have a type. We believe our differences are our strengths; varied cultures, approaches and experiences can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH? We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.
• Come for the WOW views: Riverbank House is in the City, just next to London Bridge with stunning views of The Shard and Tower Bridge. It's a short walk from Monument/Bank.
• Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You'll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you'd like to study more closely.
• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion at Fieldfisher

At Fieldfisher, inclusion is central to how we work. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to succeed.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or once you join us, we will work with you to put the right support in place. Examples include extra time for assessments, accessible document formats, alternative interview formats, quiet rooms, or physical and technological accessibility support. Please email [e-mail], and your enquiry will be treated with the strictest confidence.

For accessibility information on our London office, visit: Accessing Fieldfisher London ¦ Fieldfisher ¦ Fieldfisher

We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.