Employment Partner

JMC Legal Recruitment; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected regional legal firm in Ipswich is seeking a Senior Employment Partner with 10+ years' PQE. The role involves delivering strategic employment law advice, managing contentious matters, and mentoring junior lawyers. You will join a team praised for its clear, strategic advice supporting businesses across diverse sectors. This position offers the unique opportunity to shape the team direction and take on high-stakes employer work. Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in managing tribunal matters are essential.

Benefits

High-quality employer work

Supportive culture with professional standards

Opportunities for mentorship and team leadership

Qualifications

• Significant experience advising employers across contentious and non-contentious matters.
• Confident handling of restructures and TUPE processes.
• Natural relationship builder with strong business development skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic, commercially grounded advice on employment law matters.
• Lead client training sessions, seminars, and compliance initiatives.
• Manage and represent contentious matters at tribunal.

Skills

Strategic advisory work

Contentious matters handling

Relationship building

Public speaking

Mentoring junior lawyers

Education

10+ years' PQE

Job description

Employment Partner | 10+ PQE | Ipswich

A senior leadership opportunity within a well-regarded employment practice. This role offers the chance to shape the future of the team, lead on high-value employer work and contribute to a growing, commercially focused offering with strong regional recognition.

What You'll Be Doing

You will take a strategic role at the heart of the employment team, combining advisory work, disputes, training and practice leadership.

• Delivering clear, commercially grounded advice to employers on the full range of employment law matters
• Working closely with HR consultancy colleagues to provide integrated, end-to-end support for clients
• Drafting and negotiating key employment documents including service agreements, settlement agreements and employment provisions in transactional work
• Managing contentious matters, including representation at tribunal where appropriate
• Leading seminars, webinars and client training sessions that support compliance and risk management
• Supporting tender processes, proposals and business development opportunities
• Building strong relationships with owner‑managed businesses, national employers and public sector bodies
• Mentoring and developing junior lawyers and contributing to team‑wide development initiatives

About You

You will be a senior employment specialist with the depth, presence and commercial understanding expected of a partner‑level lawyer.

• 10+ years’ PQE with significant experience advising employers
• Strong track record across both contentious and non‑contentious matters
• Confident handling restructures, TUPE, performance management, discrimination issues and complex dismissals
• Experience representing clients at tribunal and working alongside counsel
• Comfortable presenting to clients and delivering training sessions
• Natural relationship builder with the ability to generate and grow work
• Enthusiastic about leading a team, mentoring others and contributing to wider strategic goals

What's on Offer

You will join an employment practice that is widely recognised for supporting businesses across a broad regional and national client base.

• High‑quality employer work ranging from TUPE and restructures to high‑stakes tribunal litigation
• A unique integrated advisory model, working alongside HR consultants to provide practical, preventative and commercially relevant solutions
• Exposure to diverse clients including family businesses, public sector organisations and national companies
• A pragmatic, client‑first approach known for transparent, commercially attuned advice
• Opportunities to lead on seminars, retainers, training programmes and proactive compliance initiatives
• A supportive culture with clear expectations and strong professional standards
• Scope to shape the direction of the team and build your own profile within a growing regional practice

The Firm

You will be joining a respected regional firm with a well‑established employment offering, recognised for its employer‑focused approach, strong advisory capability and integrated HR‑legal model. The team consistently receives positive feedback for clear, strategic advice that supports businesses in managing risk, navigating change and resolving disputes efficiently. With experienced lawyers across multiple offices, the firm offers both breadth of expertise and a collaborative environment where senior lawyers can make a meaningful impact.

Apply now or contact Harrison for a confidential conversation.