Employment Law Fee Earner

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days’ holiday

Private healthcare

Pension (matched contribution)

Hybrid working

Life insurance

Income protection

24/7 employee care helpline

Discounted gym membership

Cycle to work scheme

Technology benefit scheme

Travel loan

Employee-funded dental scheme

Offers and discounts platform

Annual wellbeing programme

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking an Employment Fee Earner in Preston. This full-time role focuses on a mix of contentious and advisory employment work, with an emphasis on settlement agreements and client-focused outcomes.

You will handle a broad caseload, including tribunals and negotiations, while contributing to business development and knowledge sharing within the team.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive (England and Wales) or equivalent employment law experience.
• Experience drafting and advising on settlement agreements.
• Experience handling both Claimant and Respondent work.
• Strong negotiation and client advocacy skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a client-focused approach.
• Strong organisation and case management skills.
• Able to work independently while collaborating within a team.
• Proactive attitude and commitment to high service standards.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies and settlement agreements.
• Advising clients on employment rights, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and settlement agreement strategy.
• Managing a varied caseload of contentious and non-contentious matters including tribunals and mediations.
• Negotiating settlements and resolving disputes in a commercial, client-focused way.
• Representing clients at tribunals, mediations and hearings where appropriate.
• Building strong client relationships by understanding needs and delivering practical advice.
• Keeping up to date with employment law developments and contributing to knowledge sharing.
• Supporting business development and helping to grow the employment offering.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Client communication

Case management

Independent working with team

Education

2+ years PQE or equivalent employment law experience

Job description

Employment Fee Earner

Location: Preston

Salary: £40,000 to £55,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 2+ years’ PQE (or equivalent employment law experience)

If you’re an Employment Solicitor or experienced Employment Fee Earner who enjoys variety, likes getting close to clients, and wants a role where you can genuinely build something, this is a great opportunity to join a growing employment team.

You’ll handle a broad spread of contentious and advisory employment work, with a particular focus on settlement agreements. The team is looking for someone who can run matters with confidence, communicate clearly, and take a practical approach to helping clients navigate day-to-day people issues.

This role offers a mix of employer and employee work, including tribunal matters, mediations and negotiations. You’ll also have the chance to support the wider department through knowledge-sharing and to get involved in business development, helping to grow the employment offering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies and settlement agreements
• Advising clients on employment rights, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and settlement agreement strategy
• Managing a varied caseload of contentious and non-contentious employment matters (including unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination and contractual disputes)
• Negotiating settlements and resolving disputes in a commercial, client-focused way
• Representing clients at tribunals, mediations and other hearings where appropriate
• Building strong client relationships by understanding needs and delivering clear, practical advice
• Keeping up to date with employment law developments and contributing to the team’s knowledge base
• Supporting business development activity, including networking and helping to market the department

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive (England and Wales) or equivalent relevant experience in employment law
• Strong experience drafting and advising on settlement agreements
• Experience handling both Claimant and Respondent work
• Confident negotiation skills and the ability to advocate effectively for clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a client-focused approach
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and case management skills
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating closely within a team
• Proactive attitude and genuine interest in delivering a high standard of service

What’s On Offer

• 28 days’ holiday
• Private healthcare (with the option to add family at employee cost)
• Pension (matched contribution)
• Hybrid working where the role allows
• Life insurance
• Income protection
• 24/7 employee care helpline
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Technology benefit scheme
• Travel loan
• Employee-funded dental scheme
• Offers and discounts platform
• Annual wellbeing programme

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Preston, with hybrid working available where the role allows.