Employment Associate / Senior Associate (5-10 PQE)

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in Cheltenham is seeking an Employment Associate/Senior Associate with 5-10 years PQE. The successful candidate will provide expert advice on various employment issues, run tribunal litigation, and contribute to business development efforts. This role requires strong autonomy, excellent communication skills, and a track record in handling employment law matters.

Qualifications

• England and Wales qualified with minimum 5 PQE for Associate, 8 PQE for Senior Associate.
• Confident in both autonomous and team-based work.
• Excellent time management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Providing comprehensive advice on employment documentation and policies.
• Running employment tribunal litigation including drafting necessary documents.
• Managing a broad case load with a 'hands on' approach.

Skills

Employment tribunal proceedings

Data protection and privacy

Business development

TUPE expertise

Grievances and disciplinary matters

Regulatory issues

Education

Qualified in England and Wales or equivalent

Job description

Employment Associate / Senior Associate (5-10 PQE)

Roles and Responsibilities

• Providing all aspects of advice to clients on employment documentation, policies, disciplinary and grievances, family friendly issues, redundancy processes and GDPR.
• Running employment tribunal litigation including drafting Grounds of Resistance, Particulars of Claim, attending Preliminary Hearings and dealing with case management steps.
• Carrying out due diligence on transactions and advising on “red flag” issues, drafting warranties and indemnities and advising on TUPE.
• Advising Senior Executives on maximising their severance terms on exit.
• Advising on all aspects of employment and partnership disputes (knowledge of High Court CPR is valued but not a pre-requisite).
• Taking a ‘hands on’ approach to managing own files and a broad case load.
• Drafting more complex documents with minimum instruction and supervision, making use of appropriate precedents.
• Applying a commercial approach to research and evaluate relevance and accuracy in delivery of advice.
• Where appropriate, delegating, co-ordinating and supervising the work of more junior members of the team.
• Supporting Partners in client marketing and business development activities to develop the team’s client base, the individual’s contacts and the team’s network of referrers.
• Contributing to group knowledge and know-how initiatives.
• Complying with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.

Skills and Experience

• Ability to demonstrate conduct of employment tribunal proceedings on behalf of Respondents and Claimants.
• Familiar with employment data protection and privacy issues including Data Subject Access Requests.
• Ability to contribute to business development initiatives, such as through article writing and attendance at networking events.
• Experienced in giving advice on transactions both for buyer and seller and advising on all aspects of TUPE.
• Expertise in dealing with employment status issues including worker status and drafting contracts for services.
• Experienced on all aspects of grievances, performance issues and disciplinary matters.
• Experience of handling dismissals in the context of the financial services industry and an understanding of relevant regulatory issues (desirable but not a pre-requisite).
• Ability to present employment training to peers and clients alike.

Person Specification

• England and Wales qualified (or equivalent) minimum 5 PQE for Associate level or minimum 8 PQE for Senior Associate.
• Be confident to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Willing to contribute to a busy and successful team with growth ambitions.
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills and have the ability to work to (often short) deadlines.
• Have the ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels.
• Be confident in both verbal and written communication with a diverse range of clients.
• Have a flexible approach and willing to go the extra mile.
• Have a pragmatic and results-oriented approach.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Have a willingness to engage in business development activities to raise the profile of the team internally and externally.
• Balance both team and independent working practice.