Senior Associate - Employment

DWF; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal services provider in Belfast is looking for a Senior Associate in their Employment team. The role involves managing diverse employment law matters, with responsibilities including caseload management, providing strategic advice, and mentoring junior lawyers. Candidates must be qualified solicitors in Northern Ireland with at least 5 years' experience in Employment Law. The position offers a hybrid working arrangement and emphasizes an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified as a solicitor in Northern Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland.
• A track record of providing practical, strategic advice to employer clients.
• 5+ years' PQE in Employment Law, in a well-regarded firm.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload, handling everything from day-to-day advisory work to litigation.
• Provide pragmatic advice on issues including TUPE, reorganisations, and senior exits.
• Work closely with corporate teams on high-value transactions.

Skills

Practical, strategic advice

Tribunal and/or WRC experience

TUPE and employment issues

Managing own caseload

Education

Qualified as a solicitor in Northern Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland

5+ years' PQE in Employment Law

Job description

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Why join us?

DWF are seeking a Senior Associate to join our nationally recognised Employment team and work with some of the most dynamic clients and colleagues in the industry.

We have large Employment Legal Services and Pension teams who work globally and act for a broad range of clients, from local SMEs to multinational conglomerates. We work closely with human resources teams, in-house lawyers, and senior business leaders.

Based in Belfast and working closely with an experienced Director, you will work across the full spectrum of employment law matters for clients with a presence in NI and/or Republic of Ireland.

We combine top-tier legal expertise with a refreshingly modern approach to client service and team collaboration.

As a Senior Associate in this team, you can expect to participate in high-quality work from and with clients operating across a variety of sectors. This work is underpinned by a supportive and collegiate working environment and team.

We are open to candidates based in Belfast, and offer a hybrid working arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload, handling everything from day-to-day advisory work to employment litigation.
• Provide pragmatic, business-focused advice on issues including TUPE, reorganisations, contracts, policies, and senior exits.
• Work closely with our corporate and commercial teams on high-value transactions.
• Take ownership of employment claims - from drafting pleadings to conducting advocacy and working with Counsel.
• Play a hands-on role in mentoring junior lawyers and supporting their development.
• Contribute to the team's growth through networking and business development.
• Be trusted to deliver the highest standard of service to a diverse and loyal client base.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Qualified as a solicitor in Northern Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland.
• A track record of providing practical, strategic advice to employer clients.
• Tribunal and/or WRC experience and comfortable managing cases end-to-end.
• Experience with TUPE and employment issues arising from M&A activity.
• 5+ years' PQE in Employment Law, in a well-regarded firm.
• Previous experience of managing your own caseload.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.