Associate - Employment

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in Reading seeks a 5–8 year PQE Employment Associate to advise on contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including TUPE, whistleblowing, and senior executive issues. The role supports partners across offices with a hybrid working policy and potential involvement in business development.

The successful candidate will have experience in employment tribunal litigation, settlements, and trade union law, with high-visibility work and client development

Qualifications

• Admitted to the roll of solicitors or a member of the bar, FILEX.
• Specialist knowledge of relevant area of employment law.
• 5+ years of post-qualification experience.
• Business development experience.

Responsibilities

• Deal with employer advice and senior executive matters with a strong track record.
• Support education sector issues including parent complaints, disputes, regulatory matters and SEND Tribunal matters.
• Undertake fee-earning work and contribute to the Employment Team's profitability.
• Contribute to the firm’s development in line with business plans and core purpose.
• Deliver a high-quality commercial legal service adhering to quality standards and ethics.
• Act as an ambassador for the firm and promote it positively.

Skills

Employer advisory

Senior executive matters

Business development

TUPE knowledge

Education

Qualified solicitor (UK)

Job description

Our Employment team in Reading are looking to recruit a 5-8 year PQE Associate to join the team. The successful candidate will be based in and support the partners in Reading and across all offices when needed. The successful candidate will ideally have both contentious and non contentious experience across capability and conduct concerns, redundancy, TUPE, and whistleblowing. They will also have experience in bringing and defending employment tribunal litigation, negotiating settlements and advising on trade union law. As well as Employer, HR support and Senior Executive experience. With high visibility (both within and outside the firm), including a key role in business development and full partner support, this position offers a fantastic platform for career development and would suit someone with drive and ambition. Our Reading office works for a number of well known employers and has a significant proportion of clients in the tech and education sectors.

Responsibilities

• Strong track record of dealing with employer advice and senior executive matters.
• Experience in the education sector including assisting independent schools on issues ranging from parent complaints and dis putes, regulatory and SEND Tribunal matters.
• To undertake fee-earning work and provide a profitable contribution to the work of the Employment Team and Business Services Division.
• To contribute to the successful development of the firm in line with the business plan and firm’s commonality of purpose.
• To deliver a high quality commercial legal service ensuring personal compliance with quality standards and professional ethics.
• To be an ambassador for the firm at all times and always promote it in a positive light.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• Admitted to the roll of solicitors or a member of the bar, FILEX.
• Specialist knowledge of relevant area of law.
• To have achieved all competency levels relevant to an Associate (mid)
• 5+ years of post qualification experience
• Business development experience

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for at least 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment.

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 committees 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]