Senior Associate - Employment

JMC Legal Recruitment; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is assisting a Belfast-based Tier 1 Employment practice in recruiting a Senior Associate (5–8 PQE) with a strong Employment law background. The role offers high-calibre work, exposure to multinational clients and a clear pathway toward Partnership.

The successful candidate will manage a broad caseload, lead on significant tribunal and High Court matters, mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to client development within a collaborative, hybrid-working environment.

Qualifications

• UK-qualified Solicitor with 5–8 PQE in Employment law and a strong advisory and contentious background.
• Experience leading client relationships and mentoring junior team members.
• Commercial, solutions-focused approach with strong drafting and negotiation skills.

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.
• Managing High Court matters, including restrictive covenants and team move disputes.
• Supporting cross-border and multi-jurisdictional mandates and client growth initiatives.

Skills

Employment law

Client relationship management

Mentoring junior lawyers

Education

UK-qualified Solicitor (5–8 PQE)

Job description

Senior Associate - Employment (5-8 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 Senior Associate to join a Tier 1 ranked Employment practice in the heart of Belfast, known for its depth of expertise, global reach and high-profile client base. Acting for multinational corporates, household names and fast-growth businesses, the team is trusted on some of the most complex and business-critical workplace matters in the market.
You'll step into a role that offers both high-calibre work and real influence. Alongside managing your own caseload, you'll work closely with Hall of Fame and other L500 recognised Partners on strategic mandates, often with a cross-border element, while also playing a visible role in client relationships and the continued growth of the practice.
The culture is a genuine differentiator and renowned across their offices in the UK and the rest of the world. This is a firm where collaboration, approachability and high performance coexist and where Senior Associates are given the platform, trust and autonomy to develop their profile, deepen client relationships and progress 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 (5-8 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 top ranked 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