Managing Associate Employment Law

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm based in London is seeking a Managing Associate in Employment Law to join their team in Leeds. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years PQE, providing a blend of contentious and non-contentious experience in employment law. This role offers competitive salaries, a flexible hybrid working model, and the opportunity to manage high-profile client relationships. Mentoring junior lawyers and participating in firm-wide initiatives are essential aspects of the position.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus

Flexible hybrid working

Formal training programmes

Clear career progression pathway

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with minimum of 5 years PQE.
• Experience in both contentious and non-contentious employment law.

Responsibilities

• Advise on full range of employment law matters.
• Handle complex tribunal litigation and HR issues.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Mentor junior team members and support team development.

Skills

Strong technical knowledge of employment law

Excellent drafting skills

Strong client-relationship skills

Good problem-solving abilities

Organisational skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

Minimum of 5 years PQE in employment law

Job description

Job Description

Managing Associate Employment Law

Location: Leeds

PQE Level: 5 years PQE

Salary: £60 000 – £80 000 + Bonus (dependent on location and experience)

Join a Leading Employment Team as Managing Associate

Our client is a London‑headquartered, international full‑service law firm with a 250‑year heritage and a reputation for award‑winning innovation. They are seeking a talented Managing Associate with a combination of contentious and non‑contentious employment law experience to join their leading Employment & Immigration Group in Leeds.

The role offers the opportunity to develop close client relationships and undertake a major role in client work, exposing you to the highest quality work for some of the UK’s biggest name clients.

The firm runs on a flexible hybrid model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel across the firm’s UK offices may be required.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the full range of employment law and HR support matters, both contentious and non‑contentious.
• Handle complex tribunal litigation, whistleblowing and business protection issues.
• Provide advice on major projects such as outsourcing and restructuring exercises.
• Advising on significant HR issues for financial institutions, FTSE 100 companies and other prominent clients.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, fostering new opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within the team, other practice areas and industry groups.
• Mentor and support junior team members; contribute to team development.
• Maintain efficient diary and task management across a range of matters.
• Draft clear and legally effective documents reflecting client instructions.
• Adopt a consultative and thorough approach to tasks, delivering high‑quality service under pressure.
• Explore AI and other technology tools to improve client service.
• Continuously develop technical skills and undertake formal training programmes.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales.
• Minimum of 5 years post‑qualification experience in employment law.
• Strong technical knowledge of employment law with experience in both contentious and non‑contentious matters.
• Experience advising on tribunal litigation, whistleblowing, business protection and major projects.
• Ability to provide advice with quality imagination and impact.
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Strong client‑relationship skills and a consultative approach.
• Organisational and diary management skills.
• Commercially focused with good problem‑solving abilities.
• Self‑motivated, proactive and confident in under‑pressure situations.

Highly Desirable

• Experience working for FTSE 100 companies and other prominent clients.
• Experience in financial services retail, consumer energy, or transport sectors.
• Experience in a large international law firm environment with high‑value employment matters.
• Experience developing and growing client relationships.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues.
• Experience collaborating across multiple practice areas.
• Experience with AI or other tools to improve client service.
• Experience with hybrid working arrangements.

Attributes

• Client‑focused with commitment to exceptional service.
• Commercially astute and business‑oriented.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused and resilient under pressure.
• Strong team player, adaptable and flexible.
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Committed to continuous learning and development.
• Passionate about employment law and building a long‑term career.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £60 000 – £80 000 + Bonus.
• Bonus scheme.
• Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days in the office).
• Access to a full‑service firm with 50 areas of business law across 100 countries.
• Opportunity to work on high‑calibre matters with high‑character colleagues.
• Formal training programmes, mentoring, coaching and leadership development.
• Clear career progression pathway.
• Although the firm is London‑based, the role is based in Leeds, with excellent transport links and amenities.
• Occasional travel across UK offices for collaboration.

How to Apply

If you are a senior employment lawyer with 5 years PQE and a combination of contentious and non‑contentious experience ready to take your career to the next level, we would love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact us for more details.