Employment Law Partner

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Health and wellbeing support

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Flexible hybrid working

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is recruiting a senior Employment Partner/Director to lead a national employment team from Leeds or other UK offices. The role requires a strong client following, strategic leadership, and a track record in BD and team growth.

The position offers flexible/hybrid working with market-rate or fee-share remuneration dependent on following and experience.

Qualifications

• Senior employment solicitor/partner/director with an established client following or referral network.
• Experience across contentious and non-contentious employment law.
• Track record in business development and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a thriving employment team within a national full-service firm.
• Deliver specialist employment law and HR advisory services to a diverse client base.
• Advise on disciplinary, grievance, unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, whistleblowing, redundancy, restructures.
• Contribute to business development, team strategy, and mentoring of colleagues.
• Utilise cutting-edge legal tech and in-house support to drive client outcomes.

Skills

Employment law

Client relationship management

Business development

Leadership

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Employment Law Partner/Director

Salary: Fee-share/Market-Rate (dependent on following and experience)

Location: Leeds (other national offices considered

Experience: Senior Employment Solicitor/Partner/Director (significant client following or referral network)

A rare opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Employment Partner or Director to join our client’s nationally recognised employment team, based from any of their 13 UK offices. This is an ideal role for a senior employment specialist with an established client following or referral network, seeking to play a key part in the ongoing growth and strategic direction of a leading national firm.

The Opportunity:

• Lead and develop a thriving employment team within a national full-service law firm

• Deliver specialist employment law and HR advisory services to a diverse client base (PLCs, SMEs, senior executives)

• Advise on disciplinary, grievance, unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, whistleblowing, redundancy, restructures, and strategic matters

• Contribute to business development, team strategy, and mentoring of colleagues

• Benefit from access to cutting-edge legal tech, a dedicated Professional Skills Employment Lawyer, and in-house Counsel support

What We’re Looking For:

• Senior employment solicitor/partner/director with an established client following or referral network

• Expertise across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law

• Track record of business development and strategic leadership

• Excellent client care, communication, and teamworking skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative approach

• Commitment to high standards, integrity, and inclusion

What’s On Offer:

• Fee-share or market-rate remuneration (depending on following and experience)

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Supportive, inclusive leadership and firm-wide culture

• Modern offices in 13 UK locations with advanced legal technology

• Genuine opportunities for strategic input and team growth

• Comprehensive professional development and training

• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (UK Diversity Legal Awards, Investors in People Silver)

• Regular firm-wide and team social events

• Range of benefits including pension, health and wellbeing support, and enhanced family-friendly policies

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national law firm, widely recognised for its inclusive culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. With over 1,000 colleagues and 13 offices across the UK, the firm offers a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. The employment team is highly ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, providing expert advice to a diverse client base. The firm invests in its people through flexible working, advanced legal technology, and a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

Location & Working Arrangements: Any UK office (e.g., Derby Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, London, Bristol). Flexible/hybrid working available.