Employment Solicitor

Vincere; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

PHI (Private Health Insurance)

Life Assurance (4x salary)

Enhanced workplace pension

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Electric car scheme

Subsidised gym membership

Job summary

Vincere in Chelmsford seeks an Employment Solicitor (NQ-6 PQE) to handle a diverse caseload with a leading regional practice. You will deliver strategic advice on contentious tribunal matters, non-contentious HR matters, and corporate support, while developing a sector-focused profile.

The role offers hybrid working, a structured progression pathway, and a generous remuneration package in the £46,000–£65,000 range with performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with NQ to 6 years PQE in employment law.
• Experience drafting service agreements, executive contracts, staff handbooks, and workplace policies.
• Experience in Employment Tribunal litigation and advisory matters.
• Proactive in BD and contributing to pitches/tenders.

Responsibilities

• Advise on contentious and non-contentious employment law matters for a varied client base.
• Handle tribunal proceedings and transactional HR issues.
• Develop sector profile and contribute to business development initiatives.

Skills

Employment Law

Business Development

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Employment Solicitor (NQ-6 PQE)

Location: Chelmsford, Essex

Salary: £46,000 - £65,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an ambitious Employment Solicitor seeking high-calibre advisory, corporate support, and Tribunal instructions with a leading regional practice in Chelmsford? Our client is a highly respected, rapidly expanding law firm known for delivering top-tier employment law advice across the South East and London. Experiencing sustained expansion across their employment practice, they are seeking a commercially minded Solicitor (0-6 years' PQE) to manage a varied contentious and non-contentious caseload, advise prestigious sector clients, and step into a structured progression pathway.

The Opportunity

In this dynamic fee-earning role, you will join an esteemed, collaborative employment law team advising a broad client base spanning education, financial services, construction, transport, agriculture, charities, and the public sector. Handling matters independently or alongside senior partners, you will deliver strategic advice across contentious tribunal proceedings, transactional corporate support, and complex HR issues. Designed for a proactive solicitor who values commerciality and team development, this position offers high operational autonomy, modern hybrid flexibility, and tailored support to build a sector-specific profile.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with NQ to 6 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) in employment law gained within a reputable regional, national, or City practice.

• Non-Contentious & Advisory Technicals: Expertise in drafting service agreements, executive contracts, staff handbooks, and workplace policies, alongside advising on general HR matters, maternity rights, TUPE transfers, and corporate transaction support.

• Contentious & Tribunal Practice: Proven capability handling Employment Tribunal litigation, wrongful/unfair dismissal, redundancy restructures, restrictive covenant disputes, boardroom exits, and professional conduct/fitness to practise panels.

• Commercial Acumen & BD: Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to business development, including attending networking events, contributing to pitches/tenders, and publishing sector articles.

• Market Insight: Prior knowledge of or connections within the Essex and London commercial legal market is advantageous.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £46,000 - £65,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus both an Individual Performance Bonus and a Staff Profit Share Scheme.

• Agile Working & Culture: Modern Agile/Hybrid Working Policy alongside a relaxed 'Dress for Your Day' culture.

• Comprehensive Healthcare & Protection: Private healthcare (post-probation), Permanent Health Insurance (PHI), Life Assurance (4x salary), and an enhanced workplace pension (5% employer / 5% employee).

• Work-Life & Family Perks: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with long-service increases), enhanced maternity/paternity leave, electric car scheme, and subsidised gym membership.

• Career Trajectory: Transparent, meritocratic career development framework offering clear routes to Senior Associate and Partner, with options to specialize in key industry sectors.