Associate/Senior Associate - Employment (Education)

Mills & Reeve LLP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mills & Reeve LLP seeks an experienced Associate/Senior Associate in Employment Law to join their top-ranked Employment Team. The role involves advising 120+ educational institutions, managing complex employment cases, and delivering training. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in employment law and at least 3 years of PQE. The firm values collaboration, diversity, and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Wide range of benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Ideally 3+ years PQE with experience in employment law.
• Knowledge of Employment Tribunal procedures.
• Experience delivering training and seminars.

Responsibilities

• Support a large number of education clients with various employment law needs.
• Manage Employment Tribunal litigation and deliver training.
• Engage in business development and client relationship management.

Skills

Client service

Technical competence

Interpersonal skills

Business development

Research skills

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

Associate/Senior Associate - Employment (Education) (0268)

Join our top-ranked Employment Team, advising 120+ universities, colleges, and academies. Deliver complex, high-impact work across litigation, advisory, and training.

The role

Due to the continued growth of the work being done by the Employment Team for education clients, we are looking for an experienced employment solicitor to join our top-ranked team to support further growth and make a real difference in the education sector by supporting over 120 universities, colleges, academies, and educational institutions across the UK.

You will undertake a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious employment work, primarily supporting our education clients. The work is technically very interesting, arising from the size and complexity of many higher education institutions as public, private and charitable employers and the national and geopolitical context in which they sit.

As well as advisory and Employment Tribunal work, you will be involved in delivering our annual programme of training, seminars and legal updates to clients and targets and will assist with business development opportunities.

Training will be provided on sector-specific issues, so if you have not worked in the higher education sector before, all you need is an inquiring mind and an interest in working with these great clients.

The person

You will ideally be 3+ years PQE and be able to demonstrate good employment experience gained in a reputable firm which specialises in employment law.

At this level, you will be expected to perform as follows:

Client service

• Deliver outstanding client service to both internal and external clients to encourage client retention and referrals
• Have a sound understanding of clients' legal, commercial and service requirements
• Have effective client relationship and client service skills
• Demonstrate strong business development credentials in terms of growth from existing clients and bringing in new work

Technical excellence

• Have strong technical competence and legal knowledge in employment law
• Deliver high quality and commercially focused advice
• Experience in managing Employment Tribunal litigation
• Deliver training to clients and target clients
• Carry out supervision of junior lawyers

Experience of working with charities and other third sector organisations is desirable but not essential.

Skills and attributes needed

• Degree or equivalent with A levels or equivalent
• Clear enthusiasm for employment law
• Excellent presentational skills
• Common sense and initiative, and ability to work as a team-player on complex matters
• Very good time and documentation management skills
• Ability to lead on Employment Tribunal matters and advisory matters on a day-to-day basis with appropriate supervision for a senior associate
• Experience of delegating to junior team members
• Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and potential clients
• Strong research skills, including online information sources
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills, including influencing and persuading abilities
• High level of IT skills
• Marketing and business development skills
• Previous experience advising large employers
• Advocacy experience

The team

You will work with Siân Jackson, Employment Partner, and other members of our national employment education team. You will be part of the cross-office Employment, Pensions, and Immigration NSL team of 87+ lawyers, led by partner David Mills and supported by three professional support lawyers. You will have opportunities to develop your skills through our monthly cross-office NSL training sessions, sector-specific away days, and cross-office collaboration. You may also assist colleagues in other sectors and offices.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

The benefits

We offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits. Click here to learn more about our core benefits.

If offered a role, comprehensive pre-employment screening will be conducted, including a basic DBS check, right to work verification, employment history, and character assessment. Full details are available upon request.

The firm

Mills & Reeve is committed to achieving more for our clients, their businesses, and communities. We leverage our knowledge and offer personalized advice tailored to individual needs. Our 1,250+ staff and over 750 lawyers share a common vision: "Achieve more. Together." We are ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, recognized in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, and awarded Platinum Investors in People.

And finally

We value diverse perspectives and ideas, providing an inclusive and supportive environment. Flexible working arrangements are considered, and workplace adjustments are supported to help everyone thrive.

Associate/Senior Associate - Employment (Education)

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