Employment Solicitor (Associate / Senior Associate)

Sanderson King; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Strong client exposure

Career progression

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Sanderson King in Manchester is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Employment team. The role offers exposure to a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious matters, with management of Tribunal proceedings and advisory work for insurer, corporate and business clients.

The successful candidate will handle complex matters, draft policies and settlement agreements, contribute to business development, and mentor junior lawyers within a collaborative, hybrid-working environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales).
• Strong experience across both contentious and non-contentious employment law.
• Confident handling Employment Tribunal litigation autonomously.
• Commercial and solutions-focused in approach.
• Strong communication and drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Advising on a broad mix of contentious and advisory employment matters.
• Managing Employment Tribunal matters from inception through to hearing.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, policies and settlement agreements.
• Advising on TUPE, restructuring and collective consultation matters.
• Mentoring and supporting junior team members.
• Supporting business development initiatives and wider team growth.

Skills

Communication skills

Drafting skills

Client relationship building

Mentoring junior lawyers

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales)

Job description

Associate / Senior Associate – Employment

Manchester City Centre | Hybrid Working

A highly regarded national law firm is continuing to invest heavily into its Manchester office and is now looking to appoint Associate & Senior Associates into its growing Employment team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced employment lawyer looking to join a modern, commercially minded firm that offers genuinely high-quality work, strong client exposure and a notably more collaborative culture than many traditional private practice environments.

The team advises a broad range of insurer, corporate and business clients across both contentious and non-contentious employment matters and has developed an excellent reputation within the market for its technical capability and client service.

The Opportunity

You will play a key role within a busy and growing Employment practice, handling a varied caseload whilst also supporting wider team growth, client development and mentoring junior lawyers.

Role will include:

• Advising on a broad mix of contentious and advisory employment matters
• Managing Employment Tribunal matters from inception through to hearing
• Advising on disciplinary, grievance and day-to-day HR issues
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, policies and settlement agreements
• Advising on TUPE, restructuring and collective consultation matters
• Managing ACAS early conciliation and settlement negotiations
• Drafting pleadings, witness statements and tribunal documentation
• Working closely with clients and developing long-term relationships
• Supporting business development initiatives and wider team growth
• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the team

About You

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales)
• Strong experience across both contentious and non-contentious employment law
• Confident handling Employment Tribunal litigation autonomously
• Commercial and solutions-focused in your approach
• Strong communication and drafting skills
• Comfortable working directly with clients and building relationships
• Keen to contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture

What’s on Offer

• Salary of c£40,000–£65,000 plus bonus
• Hybrid working (typically 3–4 days in the office)
• High-quality and varied work with excellent client exposure
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing team
• Supportive, flexible and modern working culture
• Strong benefits package and long-term career stability

This opportunity is likely to suit an employment lawyer currently within a regional, national or international firm who may be open to exploring a platform offering quality work without some of the hierarchy and politics often associated with more traditional environments.