Managing Associate - Employment

JMC Legal Recruitment; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Excellent Benefits

Hybrid working

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is seeking a Managing Associate to join a Tier 1 Employment practice in Belfast, taking ownership of complex matters, guiding strategy and senior client engagements. The role emphasizes leadership, client management and cross-border collaboration.

You will contribute to team growth, mentor junior lawyers and help shape the practice's development while working in a hybrid setup with a high-profile client base.

Qualifications

• UK-qualified Solicitor with 8+ PQE in Employment law.
• Experience across advisory and contentious matters.
• Ability to manage complex matters and lead client relationships.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members.
• Commercially minded with a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Advising employer clients on the full spectrum of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious.
• Leading on Employment Tribunal litigation, including discrimination, whistleblowing and high-value claims.
• Handling High Court matters, including restrictive covenant and team move disputes.
• Advising on TUPE, restructures, redundancies and large-scale workforce projects.
• Supporting on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional mandates.
• Acting as a key contact for clients, delivering commercial, solutions-led advice.
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers within the team.
• Contributing to business development and client growth initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Mentoring junior lawyers

Education

UK Solicitor qualification

Job description

Managing Associate - Employment (8+ PQE)

Location: Belfast

Firm: Tier 1, Market-Leading Employment Practice

Salary: Highly Competitive + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

The Role

This is a rare opportunity for a Managing Associate to join a Tier 1 ranked Employment practice in the heart of Belfast, a team recognised for its depth of expertise, global reach and high-profile client base. Acting for multinational corporates, household names and fast-growth businesses, the group is trusted on some of the most complex and business-critical workplace matters in the market.

You’ll step into a position that goes beyond fee‑earning, offering real leadership, visibility and influence. As a Managing Associate, you’ll take ownership of complex matters, act as a senior point of contact for key clients and play a central role in shaping strategy on high‑value, often cross‑border mandates. Working closely with Hall of Fame and Legal 500 recognised Partners, you’ll be embedded in the decision‑making process while also helping to drive the continued growth and direction of the practice.

This role also carries a strong people and leadership dimension. You’ll support the development of junior lawyers, contribute to team management and play an active role in strengthening client relationships and business development initiatives.

The culture is a genuine differentiator and renowned across their UK and international offices. It’s a firm where collaboration, approachability and high performance coexist and where Managing Associates are given the platform, trust and autonomy to build their profile, deepen client relationships and take meaningful steps towards Partnership.

The Work

• Advising employer clients on the full spectrum of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious
• Leading on Employment Tribunal litigation, including discrimination, whistleblowing and high-value claims
• Handling High Court matters, including restrictive covenant and team move disputes
• Advising on TUPE, restructures, redundancies and large-scale workforce projects
• Supporting on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional mandates
• Acting as a key contact for clients, delivering commercial, solutions‑led advice
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers within the team
• Contributing to business development and client growth initiatives

Your Experience

• UK‑qualified Solicitor (8+ PQE) with a strong background in Employment law
• Broad experience across both advisory and contentious matters
• Confident managing complex matters and leading client relationships
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members
• Commercially minded with a proactive, solutions‑focused approach
• Strong communication, drafting and analytical skills
• Interest in business development and contributing to team growth

Why This Role?

• Join a Tier 1 Employment team with a leading UK and international presence
• Work alongside recognised leaders in the field on complex, high‑profile matters
• Exposure to multinational clients and cross‑border work
• Real autonomy and client ownership at Senior Associate level
• Clear and structured pathway to Partnership
• Collaborative, supportive culture with a strong focus on people and development
• Flexible and hybrid working with genuine work‑life balance
• Highly competitive salary, bonus and comprehensive benefits package