Labor & Employment Partner

William James Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Strong operational support

Competitive compensation

Job summary

A premium US law firm is seeking a highly experienced Employment Partner / Head of Practice to lead their new London office, focusing on establishing a successful disputes practice. This role offers exceptional opportunities for growth and development, with a competitive compensation structure that includes base draw and client origination fees. The firm boasts a strong international client base and offers significant support for business development. An entrepreneurial mindset and proven track record in law are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a Partner role or as a Senior Associate.
• Strong client relationship management skills.
• Ability to develop new business in a competitive market.

Responsibilities

• Shape the offering and culture of the new London office.
• Grow and manage a successful disputes practice.
• Collaborate with international teams for cross-referrals.

Skills

Business Development

Cross-border legal expertise

Practice management

Job description

William James Recruitment is instructed on a confidential Partner-level opportunity with a highly regarded US law firm as they establish and scale their London office as the cornerstone of their European expansion.

With an established footprint across key US markets – the firm is now bringing its distinctive offering to London to serve their UK and European clients directly, expanding cross-border capabilities.

This is a practice that combines contentious, advisory, and transactional elements for a blue chip international client base. The platform is deliberately open to a range of employment specialisms and is open to niche or specialist practices that complement the existing offering.

The team has already attracted impressive talent from International, US and Magic Circle firms. The focus now is on hiring an exceptional Employment Partner / Head of Practice to play a key role in shaping both the offering and the culture.

Revenue Upside & Growth Narrative

• London office is in active growth mode, with clear headcount and revenue expansion plans
• Significant cross-referral opportunities from US offices and international client base
• Ability to grow beyond existing book quickly, supported by firm-wide BD, marketing and infrastructure
• Realistic scope to materially increase personal billings and profit share over the medium term
• Platform designed to support Partners who want to build a meaningful, long-term disputes practice in London

Compensation Structure

• Base compensation: Healthy, competitive draw, typically aligned with what the Partner was earning at Senior Associate level
• Client origination fees: percentage of revenue from work originated by the Partner, paid for the lifetime of the client relationship, regardless of whether you ultimately work on the matter
• Discretionary bonus: Reflects individual and team performance, with ambition to reward Partners at the top of the market

Why This Opportunity

• Partner role within a premium US-firm platform in London
• Genuine revenue upside and long-term growth potential
• Opportunity to help shape and scale a growing London office
• High-quality international work with reduced conflicts
• Competitive Partner remuneration with base draw, lifetime origination fees, and discretionary bonus

Benefits

• Highly competitive Partner compensation structure
• Flexible working arrangements
• Entrepreneurial, growth-focused environment
• Strong operational, BD and marketing support