Employment Solicitor

Trades Workforce Solutions; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm looking for an experienced Employment Solicitor to manage a high-quality caseload while fostering a collaborative team environment. You will provide strategic advice to business clients, attend Employment Tribunals, and contribute to business development efforts. The firm promotes a genuine work-life balance and offers competitive compensation ranging from £50,000 to £70,000, along with hybrid working options. Clear progression and support for professional development are also integral to the role.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business client/Respondent work.
• Ability to provide timely analysis on complex employment matters.
• Experience advising on employment and HR matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of Employment Tribunal matters.
• Attend Employment Tribunals and represent clients.
• Support senior fee earners on larger, complex matters.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Client-focused approach

Strong case management abilities

Effective time management

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 5-10 years PQE in Employment Law

Tools

Employment Tribunal procedures

Job description

Employment Solicitor

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000

Location: Preston

Are you an experienced Employment Solicitor looking to join a collaborative team that challenges conventional law firm culture?

Our client, a market‑leading commercial law firm with offices across the North West, has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the UK. This is your opportunity to manage a high‑quality caseload whilst developing your career in a supportive environment that genuinely values work‑life balance and professional development.

About Our Client

Our client is a progressive, multi‑office law firm servicing both business and private clients across the North West. They pride themselves on their distinctive culture that focuses on delivering exceptional results for clients whilst attracting and developing brilliant legal talent. Their recent accolades speak volumes about their commitment to employee satisfaction and professional excellence.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a qualified Associate or Senior Associate Solicitor with 5-10 years PQE to join their collaborative and supportive Employment & HR team in Manchester. You'll manage an interesting and varied caseload consisting largely of Respondent work, whilst contributing to business development initiatives and supporting the wider team.

This role offers genuine autonomy, interesting work, and the chance to work alongside experienced practitioners who are committed to your professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Client Management & Case Handling:

• Manage your own caseload of Employment Tribunal matters, predominantly Respondent work
• Provide timely analysis and strategic advice to business clients on complex employment matters
• Attend Employment Tribunals and represent clients through to conclusion
• Liaise with Counsel and expert witnesses on complex cases
• Ensure precise communication with all parties and timely progression of client queries

Team Collaboration & Development:

• Support senior fee earners on larger, complex matters
• Delegate work appropriately to and supervise junior fee earners
• Share expertise and ideas within the team to enhance service delivery
• Provide approachable guidance to colleagues across the firm
• Contribute to business development and identify new opportunities

Client Development:

• Develop and nurture client relationships within your team
• Identify opportunities to refer work internally to other service lines
• Contribute to individual and team target achievement

Essential Requirements

Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified Solicitor with 5-10 years PQE in Employment Law
• Proven experience in business client/Respondent work, preferably within a commercial law firm
• Strong track record of handling Employment Tribunal mattersthrough to conclusion, acting for Respondents
• Experience advising owners, senior managers, and HR teams on day‑to‑day employment and HR matters
• Proven ability in drafting and reviewing contracts, handbooks, and documentation for senior staff, Directors, and self‑employed individuals
• Experience providing Corporate support work

Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and case management abilities
• Client‑focused approach with commercial awareness
• Ability to work collaboratively within teams and independently using own initiative
• Proven effective time management and organisational skills

Desirable Experience

• Active involvement in business development and marketing activities
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior fee earners
• Delivery of training on Employment Law and HR topics (in person or remotely)
• Experience with TUPE and restructuring matters

What's On Offer

Competitive Package:

• Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (dependent on experience)
• Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility to balance office and home working
• Genuine work‑life balance in a firm that values employee wellbeing

Career Development:

• Clear progression pathway to Senior Associate and beyond
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities
• Mentoring and support from experienced practitioners
• Opportunity to develop your own client base and specialisms

Culture & Environment:

• Top 100 Best Company to Work For (5 consecutive years)
• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Progressive culture that challenges conventional law firm approaches
• Modern offices across the North West

Location & Working Arrangements

Location: Preston

Working Pattern: Full‑time with hybrid working options available

How to Apply

If you're an experienced Employment Solicitor looking for your next career move with a firm that genuinely invests in its people, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply in confidence, please contact:

Lee Hawthorne‑Finch

Email: [e-mail]

Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you're interested in this opportunity.

Confidentiality Statement:

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We welcome applications from solicitors at all stages of their career who meet the experience requirements outlined above.

Hawthorne‑Finch Talent Solutions is committed to providing a professional, ethical, and transparent recruitment service. We will always obtain your explicit consent before submitting your details to any client.