Senior Associate (Solicitor)

Forbes Solicitors LLP; Preston; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Company pension

Health care benefits

Profit share scheme

Long service awards

Annual Events

Job summary

Forbes Solicitors LLP in Preston is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join our Commercial Employment team at Gordon House. This full-time role offers a 36.25 hour week, Monday to Friday, with a mix of high-quality employment work and client engagement.

You will manage a varied caseload, advise on dismissals, discrimination, TUPE and redundancies, and work closely with Partners to shape strategy. The firm prizes collaboration, professional development and a commitment to delivering

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or CILEX with at least 5 years’ PQE.
• Experience in Employment law, including advocacy or tribunal attendance.
• Ability to manage deadlines, generate fees and deliver against targets.
• Excellent communication, organisation and attention to detail.
• Collaborative approach aligned with the Firm’s values.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of Employment matters.
• Advise and represent clients in areas such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE and redundancy.
• Build strong client relationships and deliver excellent client care.
• Support business development, departmental growth and people management.
• Work closely with Senior Associates and Partners on complex matters and strategic case planning.

Skills

Employment law

Advocacy/Court attendance

Client relationship management

Business development

Team collaboration

Education

Qualified Solicitor or CILEX with 5+ PQE

Job description

Forbes Solicitors are looking for an experienced Senior Associate to join our Commercial Employment team at our Gordon House office. This is a full-time role, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Based at Sceptre Way, Walton Summit, the office is easily accessible from Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Blackburn and Greater Manchester, with excellent links to the M6, M61 and M65.

This is a great opportunity for an Employment Solicitor who is ready to progress their career, take ownership of high-quality work and be part of a collaborative, award-winning team.

You will support a varied caseload of Employment matters, working closely with colleagues and clients to deliver practical, commercial advice and successful outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of Employment matters.
• Advise and represent clients in areas such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE and redundancy.
• Build strong client relationships and deliver excellent client care.
• Support business development, departmental growth and people management.
• Work closely with Senior Associates and Partners on complex matters and strategic case planning.

About You

We are looking for someone who can bring strong technical knowledge, confidence in managing their own caseload and a genuine commitment to client service.

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor or CILEX with at least 5 years’ PQE.
• Experience working within Employment law, including advocacy or tribunal/court attendance.
• Ability to manage deadlines, generate fees and deliver against agreed targets.
• Excellent communication, organisation and attention to detail.
• A collaborative approach and alignment with the Firm’s values.

Desirable

• Previous experience within supervising Paralegals / Solicitors.
• Previous experience with Business Development activities, with the ability to network with potential clients and introduce them to the Firm.

The Firm

At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm.

We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.

The Benefits

We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs)
• Celebration leave
• Ongoing professional development
• Progression opportunities
• Company pension
• Profit share scheme
• Long service awards
• Subsidised tuck shops
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services)
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents)
• Retailer and gym membership discounts
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs)
• Annual Events

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability-confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.