Senior Associate

Sanderson King; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanderson King seeks experienced Employment lawyers in Manchester for roles from Associate to Legal Director or Partner-track. The firm offers a practical, politics-free environment with high‑quality work and real progression opportunities.

You’ll handle a mix of contentious and non‑contentious matters, mentor junior lawyers, and develop direct client relationships within a growing practice. Salary ranges from £45,000 to £100,000 depending on experience and level.

Job description

Employment Lawyers – Associate to Legal Director / Partner

Manchester | Up to £100,000 depending on experience

This isn't your typical law firm opportunity.

You won't find a culture built around internal politics, hierarchy or the idea that working the most insane hours somehow makes you the best lawyer.

Instead, you'll find high-quality work, plenty of it, and smart people who genuinely enjoy working with one another – within a collegiate, supportive environment where you're trusted to do a great job and recognised for the contribution you make.

We're supporting this progressive and growing law firm as they make a significant investment in their Employment practice in Manchester.

And this isn't a single replacement hire. The firm is looking to appoint up to five Employment lawyers, with flexibility around level and salary depending on experience.

We're particularly interested in speaking with:

• Experienced Associates ready to step up to Senior Associate
• Established Senior Associates looking for greater responsibility and progression
• Legal Directors looking for a growing platform and increased leadership opportunity
• Senior lawyers with the experience and ambition to progress towards Partnership

The opportunity

The team has an established client base and a strong volume of work across both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.

Depending on your experience, this could include:

• Managing Employment Tribunal proceedings from initial assessment through to final hearing
• Drafting claims, responses, witness statements and EAT applications/responses
• Conducting advocacy at preliminary and final hearings
• Advising clients across broader employment, disciplinary and grievance matters
• Developing direct client relationships and delivering employment law training and updates
• Mentoring and developing junior lawyers as your seniority increases
• Playing an active role in the continued growth and development of the Employment practice

Why consider it?

We've worked closely with the firm for some time and have successfully helped them appoint a number of lawyers and legal professionals.

The feedback we've consistently had – and what we've seen ourselves – is that the culture is genuinely different.

There's high-quality work and a strong pipeline of clients, but without some of the politics and unnecessary hierarchy associated with more traditional law firms. People collaborate, share work and enjoy working together.

It's also a firm that's investing and growing. These are additional appointments rather than simply replacing people, creating genuine opportunities for ambitious lawyers to take on greater responsibility and progress.

The business benefits from the backing and resources of a substantial international group, while retaining the accessibility and entrepreneurial feel of a progressive law firm.

Salary: From £45,000 and Up to £100,000 depending on experience and level

Location: Manchester

Positions: Up to five appointments

Levels: Associate / Senior Associate / Legal Director / Partner-track

If you're an experienced Employment lawyer who enjoys the work but wonders whether there might be a better environment in which to do it, this is worth a conversation.