Associate/Managing Associate (5+ PQE) - Employment Innovate, Cambridge

Mishcon de Reya; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Cambridge seeks an Associate or Managing Associate to join its Employment Innovate practice. The role involves advising entrepreneurial businesses on talent-related issues in employment law. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of PQE and an eagerness to expand their legal expertise while working closely with clients in technology and life sciences sectors. This position offers significant career progression opportunities and client exposure.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with entrepreneurial businesses and advisors.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Join the Employment Innovate practice to support startup organizations.
• Assist in developing and growing the practice with client relationships.
• Provide employment law support on fundraising and related matters.

Skills

Experience advising on international HR matters

Excellent attention to detail

Solid transactional, advisory, and litigation experience

Strong writing and drafting skills

Ability to manage workload and undertake client-facing roles

Effective communication skills

Education

5+ years PQE in employment law from a reputable practice

Strong academic record

Job description

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Location:

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

63f4536d20dc

Job Views:

13

Posted:

13.08.2025

Expiry Date:

27.09.2025

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Job Description:

The Employment team at Mishcon de Reya works across complex, high-profile, and high-stake situations, acting at the highest level for both employers and senior executives.

Acting at the forefront of employment law, we are regularly instructed on cases that raise the most important legal questions of the day, from diversity and gender pay to employment status and the implications of the "gig" economy, to the interplay between data, transparency, and privacy. The team is renowned for its strategic approach and litigation expertise, regularly appearing in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. The team also has a strong depth of experience supporting emerging and fast-growth organizations on global talent-related issues.

Our work covers the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law, and we work seamlessly across our dedicated incentives, and innovate teams.

This opportunity is to join our fast-growing Employment Innovate practice within the Employment team. Employment Innovate focuses on supporting startup and scale-up organizations within innovation sectors, including technology and life sciences, with talent and employment law issues across the UK and globally. The practice operates across the innovation hubs of Cambridge, London, and Oxford.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are looking for an Associate or a Managing Associate to join our highly regarded Employment Innovate practice. You should have experience working with and advising entrepreneurial businesses (and those who invest in them) on global talent-related issues and providing employment law support on early-stage seed and venture capital fundraising and related matters. You will assist the existing team with the development and growth of the practice, taking increasing responsibility for growth-stage clients and building client relationships.

You should be eager to expand your legal knowledge and experience working closely with entrepreneurial businesses, with opportunities for autonomy and career progression. We emphasize developing our lawyers to operate independently, providing significant client exposure, and enabling Associates and Managing Associates to become first points of contact for many clients.

Skills/Experience

• 5+ years PQE in employment law from a reputable practice.
• Experience with technology or life sciences organizations is helpful.
• Strong academic record.
• Solid transactional, advisory, and litigation experience desirable.
• Experience representing early-stage corporates and working with intermediaries such as VCs.
• Experience advising on international HR matters is desirable.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong writing and drafting skills.
• Ability to manage workload and undertake client-facing roles.
• Effective communication skills at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Personable, confident, and capable of building relationships.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Willingness to travel between Cambridge, London, and Oxford as needed.
• Proactive and takes initiative.
• Willingness to develop the Cambridge Employment practice and office.

Please note that this job profile is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned.

About The Mishcon de Reya Group

The Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its core, employing over 1400 people including 650 lawyers. It includes Mishcon de Reya LLP and various consultancy businesses that complement the firm's legal services.

Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The firm services an international client base with cross-border, multi-jurisdictional, and complex work across six core practice areas.

The Group also includes consultancy businesses, investments in legaltech companies, and the Mishcon Academy for learning and thought leadership.

In 2024, the Group made its first strategic acquisition in the legal resourcing market with Flex Legal and acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions management business.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and support flexible working arrangements.