Employment Law Senior Associate

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Altrincham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Hybrid / flexible working

Higher-level pension contributions

Healthcare support

Gym membership

Death-in-service

Bike-to-work

Staff socials

CSR activities

Structured training and development

Modern working environment

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions in Altrincham seeks an experienced Employment Associate/Senior Associate to support growth in a leading Employment team.

7-10 PQE and a strong employment law background are essential. The role offers a broad mix of matters, with opportunities to take ownership of files, mentor juniors, and contribute to business development within a collaborative firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 7-10 years' PQE (or equivalent experience).
• Strong technical employment law knowledge across a broad range of matters.
• Experience within a national or leading regional firm preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advising across the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including equality and discrimination, reorganisations and redundancies, restrictive covenants, TUPE, corporate support, and employment tribunal claims.
• Acting for employers (including SMEs and owner-managed businesses) and senior employees; supporting partners on complex matters and strategic client advice.
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships and delivering client training; mentoring and supervising junior team members; contributing to business development and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Strong employment law knowledge

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales)

Job description

Employment Associate / Senior Associate

Location: Altrincham

Salary: £70,000 to £90,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 7-10 years' PQE

If you are an experienced Employment Solicitor who enjoys complex advisory work, trusted client relationships, and helping to develop junior lawyers, this is a strong opportunity within a leading Employment team in Altrincham.

Our client is looking to recruit an Associate/Senior Associate (7-10 PQE) to support continued growth in work from its client base. The team advises a wide range of commercial clients, from owner-managed businesses through to larger corporates, as well as senior executives and individuals who need support with complex employment issues. You will also work closely with corporate, commercial and dispute resolution colleagues where matters overlap.

This role offers a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, with real scope to take ownership of files, support partners on higher-value work, and contribute to the team’s ongoing development. You will be encouraged to build your profile through client training, knowledge sharing and business development, while working in a genuinely collaborative environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Advising across the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including:
  • Equality and discrimination
  • Reorganisations and redundancies
  • Restrictive covenants
  • TUPE
  • Corporate support
  • Employment Tribunal claims
  • Acting for employers (including SMEs and owner-managed businesses) and senior employees
  • Supporting partners and senior colleagues on complex matters and strategic client advice
  • Working closely with corporate, commercial and dispute resolution teams where cross-disciplinary input is required
  • Providing prompt, clear and pragmatic advice focused on achieving client objectives
  • Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
  • Delivering client training and contributing to the team’s knowledge programme
  • Mentoring and supervising junior team members where appropriate
  • Supporting marketing and business development activity for the employment team and wider firm
  • Ensuring strong file management, accurate time recording and timely billing
  • Maintaining confidentiality in line with firm policies and procedures

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 7-10 years' PQE (or equivalent experience)
• Strong technical employment law knowledge across a broad range of matters
• Experience gained within a national or leading regional firm (preferred)
• Confident managing matters and client relationships with a practical, solutions-led approach
• Comfortable supervising and mentoring junior colleagues
• Interest in contributing to business development, client training and knowledge sharing

What's On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £90,000 (depending on experience)
• Generous annual leave, plus an additional half day holiday for your birthday
• Hybrid and flexible working (where the role allows)
• Higher-level pension contributions
• Healthcare support
• Gym membership
• Death-in-service scheme
• Bike-to-work scheme
• Staff socials and regular team events
• CSR activities and firmwide fundraising initiatives
• Strong commitment to training and development, including structured plans and soft-skill training
• Modern working environment designed to support collaboration and wellbeing

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Altrincham, with hybrid working available.