Senior Associate - Employment

DWF; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive environment

Equal opportunities employer

Job summary

DWF in Belfast is seeking an experienced Employment lawyer to join our team, handling advisory, transactional and contentious employment work for clients with operations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

You’ll be part of DWF’s Employment and Pensions practice, working with colleagues who advise organisations from local SMEs to multinationals, with hybrid working available.

Qualifications

• Solicitor qualification in NI or ROI.
• Experience advising employer clients on complex matters.
• Experience with TUPE and M&A-related issues.
• Ability to manage own caseload and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload, handling advisory and litigation.
• Provide pragmatic, business-focused advice on TUPE, reorganisations, contracts, policies, and senior exits.
• Work with corporate and commercial teams on high-value transactions.
• Take ownership of employment claims — from drafting pleadings to advocacy.
• Mentor junior lawyers and support their development.
• Contribute to the team’s growth through networking and business development.
• Deliver the highest standard of service to a diverse and loyal client base.

Skills

Employment law

Client advisory

Tribunal experience

Caseload management

Mentoring juniors

Team collaboration

Education

Solicitor qualification (NI/ROI)

Job description

Why join us?

DWF is looking for an experienced Employment lawyer to join our Belfast team, offering the opportunity to work across the full spectrum of employment law for clients with operations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

You’ll become part of DWF’s wider Employment and Pensions practice, working with colleagues who advise organisations ranging from local SMEs to multinational businesses, as well as HR teams, in-house lawyers and business leaders. The wider team combines international capability with local jurisdictional expertise.

The role offers a varied mix of advisory, transactional and contentious work, alongside the opportunity to take ownership of client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.

You’ll also be joining DWF at a time of continued investment in Belfast. In 2026, the business announced seven promotions and 12 new hires in the Belfast office across its Commercial and Insurance Services divisions.

The role is based in Belfast, with hybrid working available.

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.
• Experience advising employer clients on complex employment matters.
• Tribunal and/or WRC experience, with the confidence to manage cases from beginning to end.
• Experience with TUPE and employment issues arising from M&A activity.
• Previous experience of managing your own caseload and client relationships.
• A collaborative approach, with an interest in supporting junior colleagues and contributing to the wider team.

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.

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.